This goes for car manufacturers as well. So far few automakers have really captured that market but GM and Chevy think they have some clues. In fact, they have gone so far as to test drive and research at universities and high schools.

One of the biggest surprises is that unlike decades pass, the Millennial shoppers are sticking mainly with used cars. With today’s economy few want to start making car payments. Those that do want new cars, have come up with some interesting ideas. The usual smaller cars and hatchback are out. The 20’s crowd wants a car with style, room in the back seat and some pep to it. Come to used vehicles for a great deal today.

This has emerged into a couple of different designs. For one, coupe type cars are in. Think similar to the Mini or the newly released Fiats. They are small, affordable and efficient yet stylish. Another option is a design that is a little boxier in the back with a front that faintly resembles a Camaro, Dodge Charger or similar “tough” cars. There were the prototype concept cars that Chevy and GM displayed recently in the famous Detroit Auto Show. They will be priced around 19k – 24 and GM hopes to start producing them within the year.

The Millenials are an interesting crowd. In the past, most people, especially the under 30 crowd, were really into cars to one degree or another.  Cars were seen as a sign of independence, adulthood and freedom. As soon as young adults turned 16 they would race out to get their driver licenses.

Gen Y has proven otherwise. Only 30 percent of them are getting their drivers’ licenses right when they turn 16 and many are waiting until later. Not only that, but they have little interest in owning their own new, fancy car and are far more likely to share a car with friends or family.

A large part of this is because Gen Y is much more into technological gadgets instead of cars. They would much rather have smartphones and Apple products then a car. In fact, one recent survey showed that they preferred not to drive because it meant less time online or texting. Japan’s youth culture began this trend a couple of years ago so it should be no surprise that it has spread over here. Still, for whatever market there may be for Gen Y and cars, GM and Chevy are determined to be a major player in it, both domestically and internationally.

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The Chevy Volt has been embraced by the automotive industry as one of the most advanced and innovative cars to look out for in 2011 and named North American Car of the Year. The concept of electric cars is a good one, however many are not practical due to their driving range limitations.

For example, the Leaf needs to be charged every 100 miles and hence would not suffice for long road trips or work for people who have long commutes. The Volt however, is a different story.

The Chevrolet Volt powered initially by an electric power train which switches over to traditional gasoline mode after around forty miles. The electric powertrain provides 149 hp and 273 lb feet of torque while the traditional engine is a 1.4 Liter four cylinder. Acceleration is smooth and instantaneous while the Volt provides a driver oriented and athletic drive. Charging the car is quite simple; you just plug it into a regular 120 volt outlet. When compared with a hybrid, the Volt is pretty fast; it can zoom from zero to sixty in just 9.2 seconds.  It’s suggested to purchase a separate home charging station for quicker charges. Eau Claire Chevy has a large selection of Volt cars in stock.

This is a truly a car of the future and the cabin of the Volt definitely proves that. When you step inside you will be amazed at the futuristic design and innovative center console which is actually touch screen instead of making use of traditional buttons.  A LCD touch screen is in place which controls the radio, Bluetooth system and a hard drive for music storage. Another LCD screen showcases information such as mileage and fuel consumption.

Safety has been thorough addressed by Chevrolet with the inclusion of many advanced precautionary systems. Safety features include ABS brakes and traction and stability control. Air bags are in place and the vehicle comes with OnStar Service, a system which automatically contacts emergency responders if you get in an accident. An innovative feature allows the Volt to make noise whenever it’s near a pedestrian since the motor can be impossible to hear when in  the electric mode.

The Volt features a lot of amenities such as an audio system with a hard drive for music storage, USB and music player compatibility and a voice command system. XM radio is also standard and includes three months of free service to get you started. The Bose audio system offers superior sound while still being energy efficient. Chevy Eau Claire has a large stock of Chevrolet cars.

The Volt is a truly impressive and unique car that will change the landscape of the automotive market forever. A tax credit of $7500 is available which can be applied towards the original retail price of around $40k. All things considered, the Volt is the most user-friendly and practical electric car due to its versatile power train. It’s the only electric car you can take out for long road trips due to its gasoline engine.  For great prices on used cars check out Used Chevy Eau Clair and for new cars visit GMC Terrain Eau Claire.

The new Camaro comes with a retro look that has been updated with some sharp body lines and some great new technology.  You can get an LS, LT, or the high performance SS model from anywhere between $22k and $33k which is not too shabby considering all the stuff you get!

Performance

This is number one on almost everybody’s list and the new Camaro does not disappoint.  The Camaro has one of the most powerful V-6 Engines on the market putting out 304-hp while still being able to get 29 MPG!  Excellent for a base model offering.  To put that into perspective, the 2009 Mustang V-6 puts down a Honda Civic like 210-HP!  Hilarious…and the GT version only puts out 300-HP.  Pretty darn weak in my book!  So we have established the base model V-6 is stong enough, but what about the SS?  The SS will get an all aluminum 426-hp 6.2 liter V-8 engine that still gets a great 24 MPG rating due the the six-speed transmission.  The weight distribution is 52% for the front and 48% for the rear; which is about as near perfect as you can get from a front-engine car.

Safety

Continuing off the performance theme we must have a look at the brakes.  What is most important to know is that the Brakes are quite solid.  You get huge 4-wheel anti-lock Brembo brakes.  Electronic Stability and Traction Control helps maintain traction after those big V-8 tire smoking power slides.  A ton of air-bags come standard, and of course the Safety and Security you get via ONSTAR will also be included.

Technology

On the tech side the Camaro will have an excellent sound system with an I-Pod docking station.  HID headlights with a halo (no doubt lifted from BMW).  The interior is also bathed in a luxurious ambient light.  One thing that may be a bit overkill is the heated rear view mirrors and auto dimming driver side rear view.

Looks

Besides the gorgeous body, the Camaro comes with some nice shoes.  Gigantic 21-inch rims are available, which will no doubt put the bling back in bling-bling.  Oh and one more thing for those who are want to reminisce; there will be a couple of racing-stripe packages! And the Interior gets some nice gauges, and some great seats wrapped in leather.

Source: http://microsite.chevrolet.com/allnewcamaro

What make this car different from the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid or the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is that this car can runs on electricity only for up to 40 miles. This will satisfy the daily commute for the majority of Americans. For longer hauls; the Volt has a regular gas engine that will kick in and power the car.

Of course regenerative breaking is a feature that will recharge the batteries to a predetermined level. Once the batteries are charged, the electric engine will turn back on. As you can guess the Volt will have get outstanding MPG on long trips and will emit hardly any emissions. As is stands the Volt produces no emissions what so ever with the electric motor running! My only question is too little too late? I mean the big U.S. automakers have been in jeopardy as of late. Why not get a hybrid out to the public when we wanted it 5 years ago?