The Pontiac G8 has arrived!

The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT sports sedan"The best Pontiac since the GTO!"

The wait is now over for perhaps the most anticipated sports sedan from Pontiac in more than two decades! Our first G8 sedan is here and more are on the way! If you haven't heard the buzz about the new G8, we're not sure where you've been. If you haven't seen the innovative ads on television (remember the '80s arcade game "Spy Hunter"? Or how the G8 stacks up against the BMW 5-Series, ala "Book of Car"), we figure you must not watch television either. But most importantly, if you're not impressed by Pontiac's new flagship sedan, then we're not sure you have a pulse.

This full-size sedan will knock your socks off. It's a stunner in the looks department with its clean, sophisticated lines and sharp European styling cues to be sure. But it'll pack a major wallop in the performance discussion with the GT's 6.0L V8 that churns out 361 hp! Oh, did we mention it's rear-wheel-drive like a serious performance car should be?

For 2008, there are two versions: a standard G8 and the G8 GT. Both look almost the same and even run on the same suspension package. The G8 comes with GM's impressive new 3.6L V6 that powers the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year Cadillac CTS, among many other GM vehicles. The V6 is no slouch offering 256-horsepower and a 5-speed automatic with a sport shift mode and a manual shift mode and a 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway rating.

But to be honest, the G8 GT is getting all the limelight. The 361-hp V-8 and 6-speed automatic with manual mode and a 15/25 rating is the model that everyone is talking about.

Hurry up, our first G8 -- a V6 powered version with leather and more -- was one of the first 888 off the Australian assembly line and sold in a week to probably the best owner you can imagine (more on that later).

But in early April we got our first first Bright Red GT, and a gorgeous Black GT too -- another 888 car, no. #180 to be exact. Only 30,000 G8s are to be built this model year. Dave Gill Pontiac GMC is happy to get six G8s. That's right six. As is our way, we are not selling them for more than MSRP like many other dealers do and have done with the GTO and the Solstice.

There's tons of information online about this exciting new car.

Here's a few links to some resources we've found online. Watch this space for more links.

Dave Gill Pontiac GMC G8 inventory

Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV vs. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT (MotorTrend.com, May 2008)

FIRST PLACE: PONTIAC G8 GT : Fast, smooth, roomy, athletic. You can't beat the rear-drive layout-or the window sticker. One of the great driver's-car values on the road today.

Pontiac's Great G8 (BusinessWeek, May 12, 2008)

"General Motors' new Pontiac G8 GT surprised me as much as any car I've ever reviewed. I was expecting a mundane family vehicle. What I experienced was a tight, well-built, rear-wheel drive sport sedan with speed and handling."

Edmunds.com Inside Line: 2008 Pontiac G8 Buzz Station (Edmunds.com, January 2008)
Home to oodles of info about the G8 -- photos, comparos, reviews, videos.

"Rattle off the specs of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT and you'd swear you're talking about BMW's new M3 sedan."

2008 Pontiac G8 Full Road Test: Pontiac Reinvents Itself (Edmunds.com InsideLine, Feb. 21, 2008)

"The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is the best Pontiac since John Z. invented the GTO. No, not that GTO. The first GTO in 1964. You know, the one Ronny and the Daytonas immortalized in song. The one that started the whole muscle car thing. No, we're not kidding.

Pontiac G8 is a rompin', stompin' good time (USAToday.com, February 2008)

"It seems far-fetched to aver that the G8 is the equal of BMW's 5 Series. But it's far enough down that road that you could argue yourself into one. Especially if you like interior space, of which the G8 has gobs."

7 QUICK TIPS for stretching your gas tank

We know that everyone is feeling the crunch of rising gas costs, but here are seven quick tips that you CAN do to improve your vehicle's gas mileage.

1 - Go Easy on the Pedals - Jackrabbit driving is a killer when it comes to burning fuel. Remember that slow and steady wins the race in more ways than one.

2 - Avoid Long Idles - The bottom line is idling burns more gas than restarting an engine.

3 - Drive the Speed Limit - The higher the speed, the more gas your car will use. Reduce your driving speed just a little bit and you'll save money at the pump!

4 - No Junk in the Trunk - Clean out your trunk and the rest of your car for that matter. Excess weight bogs down your vehicle, causing it to burn more fuel.

5 - Use Overdrive and Cruise Control - Most automatic transmissions have these features. If you drive a stick, consult your owner's manual about the recommended RPMs when shifting.

6 - Keep Tires Inflated and Aligned - Believe it or not, frequent alignments and keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount will save you gas.

7 - Honor the Scheduled Maintenance - Scheduled maintenance is designed to help your car run as efficiently as possible. See how you can save $5 on your next Dave Gill Service visit!

In Memory of our Friend George W. Anderson

We were deeply saddened by George’s passing on April 28 at the age of 71. As a dedicated shuttle driver, George loved interacting with our service customers and driving them to and from home and work. He will be missed.

The best GMC has to offer for families: GMC Acadia

One of GM's (and ours for that matter) hottest selling vehicles continues to be the GMC Acadia. Largely unchanged from its first year in 2007, the 2009 model year offers up some nice new upgrades. This year, the V6 engine receives Direct Injection that allows for more efficient fuel flow, adding to horsepower and throttle response.

Horsepower is up to 288 and torque at 270. But fuel economy is still the same as in last year's model!

Bluetooth is also an option for the 2009 model! As is XM Nav Traffic, which alerts you to upcoming traffic problems BEFORE you get to them. The Acadia is a great family vehicle. A lot of our customers who buy Acadias have small children. New for 2009 is a back-up camera right in the inside rear view mirror!

Follow this link to see our current inventory of new Acadias.

Bottom line: If you need to carry people and stuff, there is no equal in terms of space, comfort, power, fuel economy and value. They look pretty darn nice too. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what others are saying:

Giant leap for GM: Acadia crossover shows Detroit can compete on style, fit, and finish (Boston Globe, June 30, 2007)

"The Acadia's sleek exterior breaks the boxy-look that still defines the 2007 versions of Highlander and Pilot, and its interior makes a large leap in function, style, and quality for GM."

Goodbye, minivan ... Hello, Acadia (Chicago Sun-Times, May 16, 2007)

"If you're looking for a basic seven- or eight-passenger vehicle, the Outlook is a great place to start. If you want something with a little more, step up to Acadia."

How much Acadia do you get for under $30,000? (GMInsideNews review from ByTheLake, May 14, 2007)

"My week with the base GMC Acadia SLE taught me two things. First, I learned that I don’t have to spend $45,000 to get a great, well-equipped 7-passenger cross-over."

2007 GMC Acadia AWD Road Test (Automobile.com, April 2007)

"It's an excellent large crossover that offers a lot of vehicle for the money. (It). . .is a better buy than the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Pilot."

Ditch dullsville with GMC Acadia (King5.com, March 2007)

"With loads of style, space and refinement, GMC moves up to the front of the pack with Acadia."

2007 GMC Acadia - The Forest for the Trees: GM finally cuts through the overgrowth (Motor Trend, January 2007)

"With a single movement of the Smart Slide handle, the third row becomes one of the easiest to get into."

GMC Acadia cruises to top of market for crossovers (USA Today, December 2006)

"Acadia. . .is a splendid vehicle that fills an empty spot in the market, at least briefly, and deserves a spot high on many shopping lists."

First Drive: GMC Acadia - GM's truck division crosses over (Edmunds.com, December 2006)

"In the ever-exploding world of crossover sales, the 2007 GMC Acadia represents a compelling combination of functionality, luxury and value."

Minivans Are Dead. Long Live the Tall Wagons (Washington Post, December 2006)

"And here. . .along roads winding through the vineyards and agricultural fields of central California, I had the opportunity to drive what arguably is one of the best of the new breed -- the 2007 GMC Acadia."

Prices start just under $30,000 for a front wheel drive version, all the way up to the mid-$40,000 range for a fully-loaded AWD model. For more detailed information on the all-new Acadia, visit its section on GMC.com.

GM recognizes Dave Gill for 25 years of selling

25 years and still going. That's the mantra from Dave Gill, who was honored in October 2007 by General Motors for 25 years of selling Pontiacs here at the corner of East Broad Street and Hamilton Road in Whitehall.

It all started in April 1982, when a 34-year-old Dave Gill acquired the store from Avery Pontiac, which was the nation's oldest automobile dealership at the time. Since then the store has sold everything from Tempests to Torrents. In 1987, the GMC brand was added to the new vehicle line-up.

"Our mission statement backs up what we have always done and do every day, 'we try to build lifelong relationships with our customers,'" says Dave Gill. "I would like to thank all of you who have made Dave Gill Pontiac GMC what it is today. If it weren't for our very loyal sales, service and collision center customer base, we wouldn't be here!"

(Photo: Southern Ohio Buick-Pontiac-GMC Zone Manager Ron Meier congratulates Dave Gill with a marble plaque for 25 years of service to General Motors.)

Nationwide is on your side, and now inside, the Dave Gill Collision Center

This month Nationwide Insurance officially opened a new office for its adjusters inside the Dave Gill Pontiac GMC Service Department. This new office provides Nationwide customers with a central location to handle their estimating needs and in return shorten the time it takes to get its customers' vehicles back on the road after collision repairs.

"We like the partnership, it is beneficial for both of us," says Mike Sayre, a Nationwide Claims Manager on site for the opening. "This benefits our customers because it reduces the repair process cycle time and gets them back in their car and on the road faster."

According to Sayre, this partnership between an insurer and a collision center is the first of its kind in the country. Why did the Columbus-based Nationwide Insurance choose the Dave Gill Collision Center for this prototype program?

"We liked the facility because of its large size, cleanliness and professionalism of its staff," says Sayre.

The Dave Gill Collision Center, a Nationwide Direct Repair Facility since 2006, also has direct repair relationships with USAA.

"We're very excited about this opportunity to serve our collision center customers better than we have before," says Heath Schotts, Dave Gill Pontiac GMC Collision Center Manager. "We work on many Nationwide customers cars already that it makes perfect sense for them to work right out of our location."

To help take advantage of this new relationship, the Dave Gill Collision Center has expanded its hours to include Saturdays. The Collision Center is now open on Saturdays from 8 - 1 pm like the Service Department.

The new office, located in the dealership's service drive, used to be home to the customer lounge. To accommodate the Nationwide moves, a new customer lounge was created on the sales floor of the showroom. The new customer lounge features a large flat screen HD television, more comfortable seating, desktop work areas and a children's play area.

"The Kids" are back!

Popular Dave Gill advertising campaign is reborn on TV

By now you may have seen the new Dave Gill Pontiac GMC Truck television advertising campaign. It features Dave Gill and a bunch of cute kids talking about cars and trucks.

Here's a few ads that have run. More will be created. Stay tuned! This is the first spot that aired for the first time in June 2006:

For those of you out there who haven't lived in the area since the 1980s, the new commercials hopefully create a fresh take on the dealership and what we stand for -- openness, fun, and a family friendly way of doing business.

But for those of you who can remember, the ads are also designed to capture the essence of the very successful and catchy 1980s radio campaign with "the kids" trying to hopelessly pronounce Dave Gill (think Shave Dill, Cave Will, etc.). In fact, we have customers who still like to sing the jingle "It's Dave Gill, that means Pontiac, Pontiac GMC!"

We knew we had a good thing going with the original ads, so we thought we would try to resurrect that success for this decade. This time around though, television is the medium of choice, and to create these spots for the visual medium that is TV, we had our work cut out for us.

And yes, a few of those kids in the commercials are Dave Gill's grandkids -- they're cute aren't they!

If you've seen the commercials, drop us a line and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you. If your comments are good, we might just post them right here on http://www.davegill.com/!