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By now, just about everyone is aware that the new administration of the United States government implemented a tariff on new vehicles built outside the U.S., starting April 2nd of this year. What seems to be causing some confusion is how it all plays out and what it does to the cost of vehicles today. To add to that confusion, some vehicles that are assembled here have parts made in other countries—and those parts are subject to the tariff, even though the vehicle was built in the U.S. I believe the biggest misconception is that tariffs only apply to import car brands sold in the U.S., and not domestic car brands. While there are import car companies assembling vehicles right here on U.S. soil, there are also domestic car companies with assembly plants in Mexico, Canada, and other countries around the world. Many of those domestic cars may be sold here in the U.S. but were built in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere. Another misconception is that on April 2nd, all new vehicles subject to tariffs immediately went up in price. That is not the case. In fact, not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached to it from that date. The best news—and I can only speak for General Motors and Volkswagen—is that neither of them has raised prices. So, even the vehicles being shipped to us now have no tariff costs passed along to consumers. Both General Motors and Volkswagen have chosen to absorb the tariff themselves. We understand there is some confusion, and as a dealer body across the country, we are somewhat playing the waiting game as well. What we do know is that today, it’s business as usual. Prices have never been better, the deals are HOT, and NOW is the time to buy. Not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached. We hope to see you soon! John Chauvin – General Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet, Buick Inc.

When most people hear “Fleet and Commercial Sales,” they often think of large companies managing dozens—or even hundreds—of vehicles. But at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick Inc., our Fleet and Commercial Sales Department is built to serve businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business owner in need of just one vehicle—be it a compact SUV, an EV, a light-duty truck, or even a specialized Class 7 truck—our experienced team is ready to assist. You don’t need a massive fleet of white trucks to benefit from our commercial expertise. We also offer one-stop shopping through our in-house accessories department. Need window tint, toolboxes, custom lighting, or graphics? We can help outfit your new commercial vehicle and have it road-ready from day one. Our clients span a wide range of industries, including real estate, janitorial services, landscaping, window washing, small moving companies, insurance adjusting, bakeries, construction, farming, ranching, and many more. No matter your profession or vehicle needs, our Fleet and Commercial experts are here to simplify the buying process and deliver a solution that works for you. Let us help keep your business moving forward. Robert Cardosi Fleet Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, Inc.

By John Chauvin, General Manager It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our founders, Don and Patti Hewlett. While it’s been several years since they fully retired, there are still a few of us here at the dealership who worked alongside of our founders, including me. If one were to look up “All-American Couple”, Don and Patti’s photo would be there. The two of them met very early in life, dated in high school and got married shortly after. The love they had for one another was second to none and it was obvious to everyone - even some 70+ years later. Over the years while Don and Patti were raising their own family, they were also building a business together. The love and passion for each other and their own children was also a true partnership and blessing. Their beliefs and values carried over, even all the years later, to their extended family of nearly 400 employees. As time passed and the family and business both grew, Don and Patti simply grew with it. Not once did they ever change or waiver from their original values and beginnings. For me personally, it is hard to find a more loving, wholesome, kindhearted and genuine couple. To Don and Patti, your love, passion and caring for others – and certainly your legacy, will live on forever, we will make sure of it. You are truly loved and will be greatly missed by the entire Don Hewlett organization.

Holy Smokes! Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick has opened a Thanksgiving Buffet of deals for the month of November. There are several HUGE sales events happening now. Red Tag Event! This annual national Chevy sales promotion offers deals on the purchase or lease of certain Chevy models. Some models offer a Red Tag bonus plus a cash allowance offering the customer additional savings. Dealer discounts plus Red Tags equal exceptional savings! 0.9% APR on Select Buicks: With NO monthly payment for 90 days, your first payment will not be due until 2025. Trade in your ride, skip the payment, and have extra Christmas cash! Custom Accessory Package Giveaway: Don Hewlett Chevrolet and Texas Tough Accessories are excited to announce that customers that purchase a new Silverado 1500 Custom will get to select an accessories package valued at over $1,000 at NO additional charge. Choose from 3 different packages to make your Custom, truly custom! Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick continues to receive new inventory making our selection better than we’ve seen in many months. Obviously with deals like these out there, the best will go first. We’re out to break records for the month of November and with these deals, the timing to get that new Chevrolet Buick you’ve always wanted could not be better. Come test drive your next vehicle today, we look forward to seeing you! John Weldon, General Sales Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, Inc.

By: Mike Hewlett Since regularly being installed in the majority of production vehicles in the U.S., we’ve fielded numerous questions regarding Automatic Stop/Start Vehicle Systems from our guests. Please find below the answers to the most asked questions: What is an Automatic Stop/Start vehicle system? The auto restart (Stop/Start) technology feature that is found on our newer vehicles automatically shuts down the internal combustion engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then restarts the engine promptly after the gas pedal is pushed. Why do we now have Stop/Start technology in our vehicles? In response to the air pollution reduction guidelines found within the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), vehicle manufacturers were forced to develop ways to both improve fuel efficiencies for their vehicles as well as reduce tail pipe emissions. Auto Stop/Start vehicle systems are one piece of this complicated emissions puzzle. (Some studies claim up to a 10% increase in fuel efficiencies.) Do these Start/Stop systems use traditional wet cell battery technology? No. Due to increased demands, Stop/Start systems use an Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) battery. AGM batteries offer near-zero maintenance because of their design. They never need watering, can be positioned on their side, work well in low temperatures, and are vibration resistant. How many AGM batteries does my vehicle have? Most of our newer models (2020+) will still just have one AGM battery. However, this one battery is now responsible for both the initial vehicle start and the Start/Stop functionality. If you have an older vehicle, you may have a dual battery system that was designed to ensure that restarting capability would not be compromised during a stop event. In these dual battery systems, the primary battery is dedicated to the starting function, while a secondary battery manages power demand during stops. Not sure? Please see a friendly Hewlett Service Advisor to identify your vehicle’s specific set up. Why are Start/Stop Batteries more expensive? Start/Stop car batteries are generally more expensive than normal car batteries due to their advanced construction and technology. However, the higher price is offset by their longer lifespan and durability (average AGM battery life = 6 Years). Can I put a traditional wet cell battery in a Stop/Start car? Never install a conventional wet-cell battery in a vehicle with a Start/Stop function that is equipped with an AGM battery as a factory standard. Do you need a special battery charger for a Stop/Start battery? Check what kind of battery your vehicle has: If your car has start/stop technology, you'll have an AGM battery. A conventional charger isn't suitable for these types of batteries, and you'll need a 'smart' charger instead. Can I jump start my AGM battery from a traditional battery vehicle or using a jump box? Yes. Since you’re not trying to ‘charge’ the battery, a temporary ‘jump’ is OK. (Fun fact: most portable jump boxes use an AGM battery as the power source.) Is auto Start/Stop bad for starter motor? The easy answer is, “No.” Starters in vehicles equipped with this new tech are made differently. These starters are optimized to turn the motor more slowly, which increases its longevity. Can’t I just ‘Delete’ the Start/Stop functionality on my vehicle? Dealerships cannot help you modify your vehicle in this way, and with all the integrated technologies running through the various vehicle data computers it’s just not worth the potential damage risk to your vehicle or your wallet. (Any modifications or aftermarket reprogramming that causes damage to your vehicle or its systems will not be covered by any warranty.) GM has provided the means to easily deactivate this feature after vehicle startup, but this action will need to be repeated after each new key cycle. We hope after reading this article you now have a better understanding of the Auto Stop/Start System found in your vehicle. While a lot of us may have a Love/Hate relationship for this tech the potential fuel savings and improved emissions should help to lessen any brief daily inconvenience experienced. Thanks for your business and please call on our amazing team the next time we can provide friendly, professional vehicle support for you, your family or place of business!

John Chauvin General Manager, Don Hewlett Chevrolet/Buick, Inc. I think the initial answer to that question, if posed to the public is likely “no, never thought of it”. Why? Many reasons come to mind, maybe starting with the brand’s reputation from yesteryear. Yes, Buick has been around for many years and through those years, the appeal has moved from one generation to another and sometimes generations in between. Today’s Buick falls in what I would call an “all generations appeal”. Buick has totally transformed their offerings to SUVs only. They no longer produce passenger cars. The SUV lineup for Buick consists of four different models and each of those models has their own appeal that covers all generations and demographics. Today you can say, Buick has something for everyone. What you may not know is that Buick borrows some of their technology, insulation, suspension, etc. from the Cadillac brand making it a very solid, quiet, ergonomically correct, and fun to drive vehicle. Not to mention the interior and exterior styling is very sleek and sexy. At Don Hewlett Chevrolet/Buick, we have one of the largest Buick inventories in the state. We stock and sell so many, that we’ve also become the largest volume Buick dealer in the state. How, might you ask? Surprisingly, we’ve found that leasing a Buick is often a more affordable payment option than other SUV’s that may even have a lower price point. The leasing programs are so good for Buick, that leasing accounts for about 50% of our total Buick sales. Customers frequently say, “I had no idea, I’ve never driven one and frankly, I never even thought of one”. Once they test drive a Buick and see how affordable they can be, the purchase decision becomes easy. We hear it all the time: “this is the nicest and best equipped vehicle for the money than any other SUV we’ve test driven”. Come by and see for yourself. Buick may not be on your shopping list today but once you test drive one, I bet you’ll have a whole new brand to add to that list of considerations. We look forward to seeing you!

Texas summers continue long past Labor Day, often lingering into October. Long summers mean hot temperatures and after a while, hot temperatures can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s performance. 1. Check all vehicle fluids. Hot temperatures can cause added strain on your car’s systems so be sure to check the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid in your car regularly to be sure they are at the proper levels. 2. Check your car’s temperature gauge. If the light comes on, or the thermometer enters the red zone, you should safely pull over. Driving even a short distance with an overheated engine can cause damage, and possibly lead to expensive repairs. If you find yourself in this situation, wait for the engine to cool completely before driving. Do not try and cool the engine with water. A quick change in temperature can cause damage. 3. Do not remove the radiator cap (when the engine is hot). Doing so can cause hot steam and coolant to spray out, possibly causing injury. Wait for the engine to cool completely before adding coolant and water. 4. Check tire pressures. As the temperature fluctuates, so will the air in your tires. This can lead to possible problems if your tires become over or under-inflated. 5. Don’t forget about our complimentary Pit Stop service. We will happily check and top off your car’s under hood fluids and check your tire pressure on the service drive, anytime our service department is open. Just pull up and let one of our attendants know you are here for a FREE Pit Stop. Remember, NEVER leave children or pets alone in a car. A parked vehicle can reach dangerous temperatures in just a few minutes. Pro Tip: Try leaving your wallet or purse in the second row with your child or pet to help you remember to check that back seat! These helpful tips together with regular vehicle maintenance from our Xpress Oil Change Plus vehicle maintenance center should help you avoid untimely heat-related breakdowns. Enjoy the rest of the summer, drive safely, and stay cool! Give us a call at 512-371-6014 when we can next be of service to you, your family or place of business.

What a whirlwind these past couple of years have been. Microchip shortages, global supply chain disturbances, trucking industry hiccups, you name it, we’ve all faced it. The auto industry did not escape either. The car shortage was real, supply and demand drove prices to unheard of values, used vehicles cost more than new ones and the list goes on. Yes, there were multiple obstacles that presented themselves over the past few years and some days it seemed as though we were facing them all at once. I am happy to say that it seems we’ve turned the corner and new car inventory is rolling in DAILY. Yes, Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick has inventory. Not just a few here and there, LOTS of inventory! Our Buick inventory is robust with over 100 in stock and the selection is so good, that in January, Don Hewlett was the largest volume Buick dealer in the entire state of Texas. Chevrolet is the same but different, much different… Don Hewlett now has over 400 new Chevrolet’s either in stock here at the dealership or built and inbound destined for Georgetown, Texas! What you may not know is that our (finally substantial) inventory level is a direct result of you! By purchasing vehicles from us over these past two years, you’ve helped us turn what little inventory GM provided at such a fast rate that GM has awarded us additional allocation. Our plan… keep it rolling! What does this mean to you? The deals are HOT! We at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick are so motivated to keep the sales rate high, that we’re selling vehicles below MSRP and that hasn’t happened in what seems like years. Don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself. The time has never been better. The deals are hot, trade-ins are needed and financing is available for just about every situation. We hope to see you soon!

These days, it’s safe to say buying a new or pre-owned vehicle has become considerably easier with the invention of the Internet. Just like we all do with almost every other product we buy, the Internet seems to be the go-to place to do your research for just about everything, cars included. The great thing about Internet shopping is it never closes. You can shop at night, early morning, Sunday, or any other time you feel the desire. Online car shopping can be fun too, especially since most auto dealers and manufacturers post multiple photos from every angle imaginable. You literally can see yourself sitting in the driver’s seat of that new or pre-owned vehicle right from your computer screen and the images are so good, you can almost get that new car smell, ok, maybe that’s a stretch. Of course, if this is how you’ve selected your next vehicle, the financing part may not be so simple online. We all see billboards up and down the freeways with banks and credit unions advertising a very attractive interest rate. The fine print or disclaimer also says “as low as” in small print which is hard to read going 70 mph. Obviously, that rate is available to some, or they couldn’t advertise it. Let’s face it, just as we’re in the business to buy and sell cars and grocery stores are in the business to buy and sell groceries, banks are no different - they’re in the business to buy and sell money. Financing a vehicle is simple in concept. The difficult part is the question we get asked daily, “what is your interest rate?” It’s difficult for a car dealer to respond to that question initially as we simply do not have enough information in the early stages to give a correct answer. Banks grade customers on several levels. The obvious one is your credit score, but it goes deeper than that. Banks consider how much you’re borrowing in relation to what you’re buying. Some people carry negative equity from their previous vehicle and ask to borrow say, 120% of what they’re buying. Others may borrow 80% or less with a down payment or trade equity. All of which are finance(able), some just require other considerations to be in place. Things like debt-to-income ratio, time on the job, time at residence, etc. can all play a part in answering the question “what is your interest rate?”. The finance team at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick are trained professionals. Their job is to find the best financing package for you and your family. Sometimes that requires getting multiple lenders to compete for your business. Once you’ve agreed to purchase a vehicle, the finance team goes to work. Our lenders (and we have many) may very well be the bank or credit union you use personally. We are what’s called an “indirect lender” for that bank or credit union. Basically, this means we’ll sign you up on their contract and the loan will be yours from them, through us (if that makes sense). One stop shop concept. Yes, we know your time is valuable and we respect that. Our finance team is there for you to help speed the process up. Your only question might be “should I use my personal bank or finance through the dealership?” With us being an indirect lender, chances are pretty good that you’ll save time and money financing through us. We invite you to come see our HUGE selection of vehicles and when you’re ready, our financing packages are very attractive.

Personalization. Think about that for a minute. In today’s highly competitive automotive market, sometimes it may seem like most cars look a lot alike, same for trucks, same for SUV’s. What does one normally do to combat that to make it their own? Accessorize. Yep, just like jewelry, a snazzy belt, a pocket square for your jacket or a Louis Vuitton purse, accessories are a part of our lives. Some people even put them on their pets. Your vehicle is no different.At Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, our accessory department can make your vehicle seem more like… well, yours! Not only do we sell Genuine GM Accessories for all types of cars, trucks and SUV’s, we offer a wide array of other cool stuff that will make your vehicle become whatever you want. If a simple window tint is all you need, our Llumar® window tint comes with a limited lifetime warranty that will block 99% of damaging UV rays and keep you cool while looking good at the same time and we do it in house. You want to beef up your truck? Replacement bumpers and grill guards, winches, side steps (both solid mount and power slide in/out), spray on bedliners, gooseneck hitches, larger tires, leveling kits, lift kits, YOU NAME IT, we can do it. If I were to write about everything we had to offer in our accessories department, no matter what type of vehicle you have, this newsletter would be so long you’d fall asleep reading it.  Not sure what you want? Call (512-681-3194) or come by today. Our accessories professionals are accustomed to offering ideas and suggestions. They know what goes with your vehicle. They know what looks good and they have the knowledge and experience to make your accessory purchase easy, smooth and fun.  Need a great birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or “our first date anniversary” gift idea? Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick’s accessories department can solve those pesky “hard to buy a gift for” people in your life. We look forward to seeing you!John Chauvin – General ManagerDon Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, Inc.

1992 was an eventful year in both world and local history. Hurricane Andrew hit Southern Florida causing $35 billion dollars in damage, Bill Clinton was elected our 42nd President and the U.S. men’s basketball team – ‘The Dream Team’ - swept all competitors to take the gold medal in Barcelona. Big things were also happening in downtown Georgetown, Texas as well. Don Hewlett, Sr. took a chance on a skinny local kid who had recently graduated from Wyoming Tech as a transmission specialist. Technicians are always in high demand, and the chance to hire this impressive young man was just too good to pass up. Turns out this was a good decision. Luis Rodriguez’ quiet, analytical approach over the next 30 years has helped him become the ‘go to’ guy in Central Texas for transmission diagnosis and repair. So much so that General Motors asks Luis to look at vehicles that other dealerships can’t seem to fix. Since 1992, Luis’ tremendously consistent work ethic has been a significant contributing factor in the growth and success of the Hewlett brand. Please join us in celebrating and honoring – Luis Rodriguez – for his 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to our customers and this dealership. Luis and his wife of 28 years (Rocío) live in Georgetown and are the proud parents of three grown children: Luis, Lily & David.