CRUZE ACROSS AMERICA: JOURNALIST DRIVES FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEW JERSEY ON LESS THAN 73 GALLONS OF GAS

Schumacher Chevrolet Welcomes Cross-Country Traveler in General Motors Sponsored 3,000 Mile Road Trip Challenge in NEW CHEVY CRUZE ECO
Little Falls, N.J., May 11, 2011

Richard Truesdell, editorial director of Automotive Traveler Magazine and AutomotiveTraveler.com put the New Chevy Cruze ECO to the ultimate test.  On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 he arrived in Little Falls, New Jersey at 10:00 a.m., ending a 3,000 mile road trip challenge which originated from Riverside, California. The final gas mileage was tabulated when he arrived at Schumacher Chevrolet, located at 8 Main Street in Little Falls, New Jersey.

The trip was supported by General Motors who supplied the Chevy Cruze ECO, which is among the most fuel efficient cars in America, with an estimated EPA highway rating of 42 m.p.g. Truesdell left California on Friday, April 29 with the goal of reaching his final destination (3000 miles away) using just 75 gallons of gas or less. 

He traveled through rain, ice and sleet as he made his way from California.  Driving cross country in real-life road conditions, he mapped the trip through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska , Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and finally arriving in New Jersey.

The official fuel mileage calculation was recorded as 40.35/MPG consuming 72.53 gallons of gas for the coast to coast drive.

The CRUZE ECO met the challenge and made the trip across America on less than $300 (even with gas prices at an all time high).

"I felt like I was driving a much more expensive car, said Truesdell.  It really  is a fantastic car with a sticker price of under $20,000 and with gas prices sky rocketing, driving a vehicle with great fuel efficiency is paramount."

According to Chevrolet's website, the Cruze Eco is equipped with a powerful, efficient 1.4L turbocharged engine, to which engineers added new components to help reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
 
Truesdell, made the cross country trip with his golden retriever Savannah, who sat comfortably in the passenger side foot well.

He was greeted with a reception party hosted by Judith Schumacher-Tilton, dealer principal of Schumacher Chevrolet as well as members of the media who came to witness the outcome of the challenge.

Details of Truesdell's road trip and his cross-country journal can be found on the Automotive Traveler website, automotivetraveler.com.  Videos from the trip can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/automotivetraveler.

"We were honored to be the destination dealership and we were not worried for one minute about putting the Cruze to the test.  We were certain that it would perform as expected and it did surpass everyone's expectations" said Schumacher-Tilton.

For more information about the Chevy Cruze Eco contact Schumacher Chevrolet at 973-256-1065 or visit schumacherchevrolet.com.

Jets' Linebacker Tackles Poverty with "Give the Kids Hope Foundation"

LITTLE FALLS, NJ - 10/7/10

David Harris, starting linebacker for the New York Jets, has tackled the toughest of opponents on his team's stunning winning streak. Now the football star is tackling an even tougher opponent: the poverty that holds back thousands of New Jersey's youngsters.

Harris will help represent and support Give the Kids Hope Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization established to help impoverished children in New Jersey. It was launched earlier this year by Stephen Tilton, Jr., CFO of Tilton Automotive Group, the second largest Chevrolet dealership in New Jersey, which owns Schumacher Chevrolet in Little Falls and Gearhart Chevrolet in Denville. 

On November 4, from 6:30-8 pm., Harris will chat with fans and sign autographs as renowned designer Perry Ellis debuts his latest fashion line at Macy's in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY.  On behalf of David Harris, the designer has arranged to donate 10% of net proceeds from all Perry Ellis sales during the event to Give The Kids Hope Foundation.

Tilton said the Foundation's first goal is to help Passaic County's Camp Hope, a free summer getaway for inner-city, under privileged New Jersey children. Despite the county and camp executive's efforts, economic realities have caused the facilities to deteriorate, a situation Tilton is determined to reverse. "We're going to turn it into a five-star resort for these kids," Tilton said. "We want the campers to feel inspired, to see what is possible in life."

Give the Kids Hope has already raised funds to replace a much-needed pool heater at Camp Hope, and generated more than $20,000 at a golf fund-raiser last month at Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell. That money will allow for 700 additional campers for the 2011 summer season, bringing the total number of children enjoying Camp Hope to 3,000.

The Foundation's ability to make such a powerful impact touches Harris deeply. Growing up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Michigan, Harris couldn't afford to attend camp; now he can help other children have that opportunity. "Camp Hope offers kids the chance to get away from the streets and just have a lot of fun," the football star said. "It shows them that there are so many goals in life worth working for."

The modest, generally reserved linebacker let his emotions flow as he spoke about why he joined Give the Kids Hope Foundation. "I'm hoping I can help draw a lot more attention to the Foundation," said Harris, who now lives in Morris Plains. His hard-working parents instilled in him the idea that they could achieve anything if they kept striving for their goals. And that, he says, is part of what Give the Kids Hope is all about for him."I'm so excited to be a part of the Foundation," he said. "I want these kids to feel that they are loved and cared about."

To spread that message, Tilton plans to add bright logos across its camp buses next summer with the cheery logo, "The Hope Express." 

The concept for Give the Kids Hope took shape as Tilton was recovering from life-threatening complications of an illness. "I had this powerful feeling that I had to become more involved in helping those less fortunate," he recalled. "And I realized that there are so many children living in poverty right here in our own backyard. That's why Give the Kids Hope is focused on helping children in New Jersey. I want it to make an immediate and profound difference for them."

Harris was deeply moved by that goal. "I think the message is that no matter what situation you're in," he said, "there is always hope."

For more information about Give the Kids Hope Foundation, Inc. and the upcoming Perry Ellis event at Macy's, please visit GiveTheKidsHope.org  or call 973-256-1065 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting   

It felt like Deja Vu here at Schumacher when identical twins Arlene and Marilyn purchased their new Malibus a week apart. Congratulations and thanks to both of you!