Latest news with #Blazer
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Chevrolet Launches Blazing 2025 Trailblazer Lease Deal For July
The 2025 Trailblazer is a reimagined model that borrows its name from the larger Trailblazer SUV from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This time around, it's a subcompact lifestyle SUV as opposed to its larger family hauler predecessor. The Chevy Trailblazer goes high on stylish design, comfort, and affordability. Slotting in between the Trax and the Blazer, the Trailblazer offers a good balance of practicality and tech-forward features, making it a solid choice. It also earned a five-star rating from the federal government's crash testing. Its main competitors in the subcompact crossover space are the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, and Chevrolet's own Trax. Thankfully, the Trailblazer provides more powerful engine options than the Trax, and is available with all-wheel drive and underbody skidplates for mild off-roading capability. It also provides great second-row legroom that sets it apart in the segment. For July, Chevy is offering the Trailblazer with an attractive lease deal. Chevrolet's National Lease Deal for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD LT is $319/month for 36 months with $0 security deposit and $3,969 due at signing for well-qualified lessees. It's even better for eligible current lessees, requiring $0 security deposit and $2,469 due at signing. Tax, title, license, and dealer fees are extra. Must take delivery by August 4, 2025. Learn more here. The 2025 Chevy Trailblazer FWD LT is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that generates 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive Trailblazer with the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The LT trim comes standard with 17" gloss black aluminum wheels with a machined face, automatic LED headlights, automatic high beams, active noise cancellation, remote start, an 8-inch driver information display, an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, tire pressure monitoring, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking. The cabin's main focus is the large 11-inch central touchscreen that houses many of the Trailblazer's in-car functions. It's big for a vehicle at this price, and the vivid graphics and quick responsiveness make operation a cinch. There is a fair amount of plastic in lower trims, but there are solid physical controls for climate and audio, as well as a convenient traditional shift knob. The Chevrolet Trailblazer offers a solid amount of cargo space for its class, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. A unique feature is the Trailblazer's ability to fold the front passenger seat flat. When doing so, items measuring up to 8.5 feet long can be stored inside. Rear passenger legroom is a generous 39.4 inches, making it one of the roomiest in its class. The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a strong contender in the subcompact crossover segment thanks to its strong styling statement, roomy interior, impressive in-car tech, and excellent safety scores. While the LT trimmed model might not have a potent engine, its ride is comfortable, and the cabin is nicely accommodating for small families. For a low monthly lease price this month, it's a great time to get into one. Before signing the lease agreement, make sure to review costs, including taxes and registration fees, and the total amount due at lease. Read the lease agreement carefully and inquire about potential additional costs at the dealership. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM recalls 42K Blazer EVs for parking brake wiring issues
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. General Motors has recalled over 42,000 Blazer EVs for a condition where the rear parking brake wiring harness may become damaged or corroded, resulting in unintended activation of the parking brake or loss of function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2024-2025 Blazer EVs built prior to Jan. 31, 2025, before GM introduced an updated wiring harness. Gas-powered Blazer models are not included in the recall. Dealers will inspect the parking brake wiring on the vehicles and reroute them or install anti-abrasive tape as needed, but any wiring harnesses showing signs of damage will be replaced for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Aug. 11. Any unintended application of the rear electronic parking brake can increase the risk of a crash, and loss of function could result in vehicle rollaway while parked, according to the recall report. GM discovered the problem on March 18, after a brand quality manager submitted the issue to the automaker's 'Speak Up For Safety' program where employees can report any safety concerns they encounter. The manager flagged the issue after reviewing four customer complaints alleging a 'service parking brake' warning message on the instrument cluster or an inability to shift the vehicle out of park. GM opened a product investigation on May 6, which included a review of dealer photographs that showed damage to parking brake wires. The images revealed the wires were subjected to flexing during normal use at the bend in the harness. In some of the photographs, the wires were completely severed while others had damaged insulation, making them more susceptible to corrosion. A further review of field data completed by GM on May 21 uncovered 97 customer complaints potentially related to damaged parking brake wiring on Blazer EV models received between Aug. 15, 2023, and May 15, 2025. One complaint alleged rear wheel lock-up while driving and another described loss of parking brake function. As a result of the findings, GM's Safety Field Action Decision Authority decided to conduct a safety recall on June 18. However, the automaker is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect. GM sourced the wiring harnesses from Tier 1 supplier Lear Electrical Systems de Mexico, a division of Lear Corp. The parts were manufactured at a Lear facility in Mexico. The Blazer EV is also built at GM's Ramos Arizpe assembly plant in Mexico. The battery-powered Blazer is one of GM's best-selling EVs. The automaker reported sales of 6,187 units in Q1, a year-over-year increase of 931%. For comparison, GM sold 14,510 gas-powered Blazer models during the same period. Recommended Reading GM recalls over 41K Cadillac Lyriq EVs for blank instrument displays while driving
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NorthWestern Energy ‘not as in touch with Montanans' as rate case unfolds
The Montana Public Service Commission is hearing NorthWestern Energy's rate case this week and next. (Photo by fhm | Getty Images) Even before the Public Service Commission approved a settlement that meant a 28% rate increase for NorthWestern Energy customers, Chris Blazer's friend struggled. Blazer, of Helena, said her friend lives on just $2,000 a month. 'Even five years ago, before the big rate increases, she was living in darkness and cold so that she could feed herself and her horses,' Blazer said. Blazer made her comments Wednesday to the Public Service Commission during a hearing on the monopoly utility's rate case. She said some people do not realize the impact so-called 'minor increases' have on customers' lives. In August 2022, NorthWestern Energy's electric customers paid $91.27 a month, according to its own records. On July 1, likely before the PSC issues an order in the current case, those same customers could be paying $127.24, a 39.4% increase in three years. NorthWestern Energy said rates could drop compared to the current rate if the PSC approves a settlement in the case — the PSC put June rates at $118.20 for the average electric customer. But a couple of other adjustments are pending in the meantime, and a group of organizations intervening in the case are asking commissioners to take a closer look at costs. At the hearing this week, a lawyer representing the group also quizzed a NorthWestern Energy vice president about the utility's response to an earlier order requiring the utility to assess its programs to help people with lower incomes. In a discussion about rate increases nationally, PSC President Brad Molnar said NorthWestern customers pay the 12th lowest electric rates in the U.S. 'So we're actually living pretty well,' Molnar said. *** On the witness stand earlier in the week, NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird agreed with Commissioner Annie Bukacek's perspective that the utility's rates are reasonable in comparison to other expenses people pay. Bird said coffee can be $5 and a Big Mac meal can be $9.99. By comparison, he said, NorthWestern Energy powers all appliances in a person's home and supplies all of its natural gas for $6 a day. 'I think people don't really appreciate that when we can do that as affordably as we have,' Bird said. Customer Jocelyn Leroux, however, said NorthWestern Energy executives don't appreciate the financial pressures Montanans face — for some, an extra $20 on a bill is money that used to pay for groceries. 'Imagine having to choose between sweating through the night to save on electricity, or turning on the air conditioning, and going light on food for the week,' said Leroux, with the Montana chapter of the Sierra Club. 'These are the kinds of calculations that many people are forced to make.' She said the reason customers are forced into these choices is NorthWestern executives 'seem to be prioritizing their own financial status' over more affordable and cleaner energy sources — despite all the wind and solar potential in Montana. A NorthWestern Energy shareholder report on the utility's website outlined compensation for executive officers in 2024, including salary, stocks, deferred compensation and other pay: Brian Bird, CEO: $4.81 million Crystal Lail, CFO: $1.74 million Shannon Heim, general counsel: $1.00 million Bobbi Schroeppel, VP customer care, communications, HR: $892,457 John Hines, VP, supply/MT government affairs: $929,887 In an introduction to the report, Bird encouraged shareholders to review the information in preparation for an April 30th meeting. The executive pay section describes its aim. 'Our executive pay program is designed to align the long-term interests of our executives, shareholders, and customers,' the report said. But some Montanans still need help paying the bills. Tuesday, lawyer Jenny Harbine asked if NorthWestern Vice President Schroeppel had reviewed data that showed 20% to 50% of Montana households with incomes of less than $75,000 said they needed to reduce or forego spending on basic necessities to pay their utility bills. Harbine represents a group of organizations that are asking the PSC to reject a settlement in the case. They argue NorthWestern is falling short when it comes to responsibly planning for the future, taking climate change into account and ensuring reasonable bills, especially for customers with lower incomes. When it comes to household budgets, though, Schroeppel said the reverse is true at times, and some households forgo paying their electric bills to afford other items. Harbine also wanted to confirm some of those families might not be buying daily lattes and burgers. 'Can we agree that Mr. Bird's testimony about the cost of a daily soda or Big Mac or coffee may overlook the experience of these families?' Harbine asked. 'I can't speak to that,' said Schroeppel, vice president of customer care, communications and human resources. Harbine asked if Schroeppel was aware the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program reached only 15% of the eligible population in Montana in 2024. Schroeppel said she's seen numbers as high as 20% across the state. However, she said the figure includes customers served by other utilities. In response to Harbine, however, she conceded the majority of that population is made up of NorthWestern customers, although she also said LIHEAP is a program run through the state health department, not the utility. In an order in January 2024, the Public Service Commission directed NorthWestern Energy to evaluate the efficacy of low-income energy assistance programs. The PSC ordered the utility to, 'at a minimum,' address information gaps about trends in affordability for low-income customers, barriers to programs, and the most effective outreach. Harbine wanted to know if NorthWestern had made any changes since the order. The group Harbine represents is comprised of the Montana Environmental Information Center, the Human Resource Council District XI, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the NW Energy Coalition. Schroeppel said the utility had not made changes, 'but I don't read the commission order to indicate that that's what they were looking for.' Rather, she said, the directive was to pull a stakeholder group together to understand why customers don't participate in programs and determine the best way to reduce barriers and communicate. To that end, she said NorthWestern is evaluating significant customer research that's 'hot off the press' and includes national data as well as information from its own customers. After reviewing the research, Schroeppel said, the utility will talk to the stakeholder group, start 'strategizing around (the PSC's) objectives,' and likely hire a consultant to 'further facilitate the stakeholder group' and look at data to understand what needs to change. Harbine wanted to know if the group had produced any recommendations based on the PSC order. Schroeppel said the group is at that point right now, saying it has 'a whole host of recommendations,' including, for example, to allow 'categorical eligibility.' That would mean a customer could be automatically eligible for utility assistance if the person already qualifies for, say, Medicaid. Harbine wanted to know if the group would make a proposal that addressed the PSC's order before its next rate case, but Schroeppel said she anticipated it would issue findings and an update instead. 'The proposal would come more along the lines if we were going to come in and ask to change something,' Schroeppel said. 'And you don't anticipate asking to change something?' Harbine said. Schroeppel said NorthWestern does not anticipate changing anything yet because it needs to do more work around analytics and the cost of different ideas. 'I think some of the barriers can probably be just worked on between the various agencies and the stakeholder group,' Schroeppel said. Harbine wanted to know if Schroeppel believed NorthWestern was committing enough resources to address affordability concerns, and Schroeppel said she does. But Schroeppel said the consultant will help, and she anticipates that work will extend 'beyond the scope of what this initial commission order was' and look at 'future programs,' including ideas from other utilities. The hearing is expected to continue through June 20.
The Hill
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hill
GM investing $4B in production shift to US
General Motors (GM) announced plans on Tuesday to invest approximately $4 billion in domestic manufacturing plants, shifting some of its production from Mexico to the U.S. as the company navigates President Trump's tariffs. The investment, which will be made over the next two years, will support increased production of the company's gas and electric vehicles, the company said in a news release. GM said it will add domestic production of the popular gas-powered vehicles, Chevrolet Blazer and Chevrolet Equinox, both of which are now manufactured in Mexico. The GM manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., will add production of the Blazer starting in 2027. The Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, will begin production of the Equinox beginning in mid-2027. The GM press release noted that sales of the redesigned vehicle were up more than 30 percent, year-over-year, in the first quarter of 2025. The Kansas plant also 'remains on track' to start manufacturing the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV by the end of 2025, according to the press release, which noted that, in the future, the company expects to make new investments in the Kansas plant 'for GM's next generation of affordable EVs.' GM also announced that the Orion Assembly plant in Orion Township, Mich., will start production for gas-powered full-size SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks in early 2027 'to help meet continued strong demand.' GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra said the investments in domestic production reflects the company's commitment to supporting Americans workers. 'We believe the future of transportation will be driven by American innovation and manufacturing expertise,' Barra said in a statement. 'Today's announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to build vehicles in the U.S and to support American jobs. We're focused on giving customers choice and offering a broad range of vehicles they love.' 'Today's news goes well beyond the investment numbers — this is about hardworking Americans making vehicles they are proud to build and that customers are proud to own,' GM President Mark Reuss said in a statement. 'As you travel the country, you can see firsthand the scale of our manufacturing footprint and the positive economic impact on our communities and our country,' Reuss added. The company said this latest investment will allow it to assemble more than 2 million vehicles each year in the U.S. The announcement also comes after the company revealed plans to invest $888 million in the Tonawanda Propulsion plant near Buffalo, N.Y.
Toronto Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
GM to invest $4 billion to shift some production from Mexico to the U.S.
Published Jun 11, 2025 • 2 minute read This Feb. 12, 2008 file photo shows the main entrance to the General Motors assembly plant in Silao, Mexico. Photo by Mario Armas / AP Shares of General Motors rose before the opening bell after announcing plans to invest $4 billion to shift some production from Mexico to U.S. manufacturing plants as the automaker navigates tariffs that could drive prices higher. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account President Trump signed executive orders in April, relaxing some of his 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, a significant reversal as the import taxes threatened to hurt domestic manufacturers. Automakers and independent analyses say the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make U.S. production less competitive worldwide. Trump portrayed the changes as a bridge toward automakers moving more production into the United States. GM said late Tuesday that the investment will be made over the next two years and is for its gas and electric vehicles. The company will add production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer and Chevrolet Equinox, which are made in Mexico, to two American plants starting in 2027. The Blazer will be produced at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, while the Equinox will be made at its Kansas City, Kansas facility. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. GM will also begin making gas-powered full-size SUVs and light duty pickup trucks at its Orion Township, Michigan plant, which was previously being reconfigured to make electric vehicles until demand for such cars weakened. The new investment will give GM the ability to assemble more than 2 million vehicles per year in the U.S. CEO Mary Barra said in a statement on Tuesday that GM is committed to building vehicles in the U.S. and supporting American jobs. GM has 50 U.S. manufacturing plants and parts facilities in 19 states, including 11 vehicle assembly plants. The company says that almost 1 million people in the U.S. depend on it for their livelihood, including employees, suppliers, and dealers. Last month GM lowered its profit expectations for the year as it braces for a potential impact from auto tariffs as high as $5 billion in 2025. The automaker now foresees full-year adjusted earnings before interest and taxes in a range of $10 billion to $12.5 billion. The guidance includes a current tariff exposure of $4 billion to $5 billion. GM previously predicted 2025 adjusted EBIT between $13.7 billion and $15.7 billion. Shares of General Motors Co. rose almost 1% before the opening bell Wednesday. NHL Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Editorial Cartoons Columnists
