There are certain institutions so engrained in the American consciousness that can we forget how they even began. GMC has become so synonymous with American automotive power that it’s easy to forget the company – like so many other twentieth century success stories – began with nothing more than a dream. In this case, the dream was shared by two brothers, who aimed to manufacture commercial trucks that could traverse every corner of the country.
At Rick Bokman Inc., we have a deep respect for and fascination with the historic building blocks that led us to GMC’s prestigious present. Today, we examine the early years of GMC, including their formation, acquisition, and wartime efforts.
The Formative Years: 1900 – 1912
GMC is currently a division of General Motors, and has been under the Detroit-based automotive manufacturing company’s umbrella for the duration of our lifetimes. From 1911 to 1943, GMC was the General Motors Truck Company, and later operated as the GMC Truck & Coach Division from 1943 to 1998. But there was a brief window when GMC wasn’t associated with General Motors at all. When the company was founded in 1900 by brothers Max and Morris Grabowsky, the acronym stood for the “Grabowsky Motor Company.”
However, the Grabowsky name wouldn’t stay attached to the company for long. In 1902, the brothers built the Rapid: the first commercial truck operated in Detroit. Accordingly, the company was renamed the “Rapid Motor Vehicle Company.” Despite its rudimentary design, the Rapid caught the attention of Durant-Dort Carriage Company owner William Durant, who had previously overseen Buick’s ascension. Though the country didn’t realize it yet, Durant was constructing the architecture for what would become General Motors.
Durant purchased RMVC in 1909. Two years later, he also bought the Reliance Motor Car Company – another early commercial vehicle manufacturer. The two companies merged under Durant’s General Motors banner and changed their name to “General Motors Truck Company,” consolidating all GM truck production in Pontiac, Michigan. By the time GMC made its debut at the New York Auto Show in 1912, auto enthusiasts were craning their necks to witness the rise of America’s next great company.
Pressing on Through Wartime: 1914 – 1945
GMC’s momentum continued rolling into 1916, when commercial truck driver William Warwick loaded his wife and daughter into their 1.5-ton GMC truck to drive a shipment of Carnation Evaporated Milk from New York to Seattle and back. In doing so, GMC became the first truck to cross the country in under 32 days. Suddenly, GMC was in pole position to take control of the American trucking market.
Unfortunately, World War I was well underway by then, and it had other plans for the burgeoning company. Like Buick, Ford, and the majority of American manufacturers, GMC put its domestic plans on hold and began shifting its focus towards producing military vehicles. By 1918, nearly 90% of GMC truck production was dedicated to military vehicles. In all, GMC provided the U.S. Army with over 8,500 vehicles throughout World War I – comprised mainly of troop carriers, aviation support vehicles, and ambulances.
The decades between wars proved fruitful for the enterprising company. In 1923, GMC trucks were sent overseas to Japan to aid the recovery and reconstruction effort following the Great Kanto earthquake. In 1926, General Motors began branching out into other modes of transportation, acquiring bus and taxicab manufacturer Yellow Coach and starting production on GMC buses. Yellow coach was rebranded as Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Company, and all General Motors manufacturing operations were placed under it. In 1943, after purchasing the remaining interest in YT&CMC, GM renamed the company GMC Truck and Coach Division – which it would continue to be known as throughout the greater part of the century, until it was officially shortened to GMC in 1998.
When the United States entered World War II, GMC once more turned their attention to military vehicles. As if to illustrate their growth over the preceding two decades, GMC would produce over 600,000 military trucks throughout World War II – a stark contrast to the 8,500 vehicles they supplied to U.S. Armed Forces during World War I.
Following the war, GMC continued their work on expanded truck design they had begun in the 1930’s, which resulted in the company’s earliest SUVs: the GMC Suburban and GMC Yukon.
Become Part of the GMC Legacy Today
There’s so much more to GMC’s rich story that we’ll dive into another day: the introduction of the Sierra and the shift from commercial to personal use trucks in the 1960’s, GM’s rounded line truck series of the 1970’s, the sales explosion of the 1980’s, the Acadia’s arrival in 2007… the list goes on.
For the time being, you can become a part of GMC’s history when you shop at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac. From the 2024 GMC Terrain crossover to the all-new Hummer EV, our inventory is loaded with the latest in new and pre-owned GMC trucks and SUVs. See for yourself how these vehicles pay homage to GMC’s past, while guiding it towards a future of limitless possibility.
At long last, Old Man Winter’s icy grip on Olean and its surrounding areas has begun to melt. As it does, you’re feeling a familiar urge return whenever you drive: the temptation to crank up the speakers, roll down the window and let the spring breeze drift in. No need to hesitate! We’re all ready to breathe our fill of natural air after this long winter. That makes the start of spring the ideal time to switch out your car’s cabin air filter.
As pollen, dust, and other allergens take to the sky at spring’s start, you’ll need a constant flow of fresh air in your cabin. The air filter that’s been collecting dust in your filter box all winter long probably isn’t up to the task. Thankfully, the process of swapping out your air filter is both simple and affordable. Courtesy of Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, here’s a guide detailing what you need to know.
What Does Your Air Filter Do?
Cabin air filters work to purify the air streaming into the cabin via your vehicle’s HVAC systems. These filters eradicate dust, pollen, mold particles, and additional airborne debris, leaving you with clean, healthy air. Air filters enhance air purity, and thereby help create a more breathable, allergen-free driving environment. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, monitoring the condition of your cabin air filter is a must. Additionally, air filters help keep your HVAC components functioning properly, while optimizing HVAC system performance.
Having fresh, clean air at your disposal is the most basic but crucial component to safe and healthy driving, and it’s your air filter’s job to maintain that constant airflow. If you’ve been breathing stale or acrid air lately behind the wheel, a change of filters is most likely needed. Keep an eye on your windshield as well; if you find it’s having a hard time maintaining visibility amidst humidity, this could be another sign you need a new filter.
When it does come time to replace your air filter, you’ll discover there are multiple options at your disposal. Filter types include:
Standard Air Filters: The most common type of cabin air filter. Provides basic filtration for dust, pollen, and other particles. These filters generally cost between $20-$25, though they can be even cheaper – such as this Pureflow filter, compatible with recent GMC Sierra 1500 models.
Activated Carbon Filters: Excels at absorbing gases and other unpleasant odors. Recommended if you’re focusing on eliminating odors and trapping airborne pollutants.
HEPA Filters: Or, “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filters. For advanced filtration, captures smaller particles and allergens. Recommended for those with bad allergies, sensitive respiratory conditions, or who simply enjoy the highest level of air purity.
How Do I Replace My Air Filter?
Once you’ve selected the filter type that best suits your situation, the replacement process is even simpler than you could have imagined. First, locate your air filter box (or “filter housing”) and open it. Be aware that doing so may require a screwdriver or another tool. Once the box is open, the ensuing job should take but a moment.
Remove your old air filter slowly, noting the placement of how it was initially installed. Take a picture with your phone if that helps you recall the configuration, because you’ll want to mirror it when inserting the new filter. Also, take this brief opportunity to wipe away any stray dust or debris in the air filter box that may have blown off the old filter.
Next, simply replicate the placement of the old filter with the new one. Secure the air filter box once again, tightening its bolts if you had to unscrew them. Flip on the HVAC, and before you know it, your cabin will be flooded with crystal-clean air once again.
Filter Happier
If you’ve noticed reduced airflow, unpleasant odors, noises from your vents, or your windshield fogging up quickly in dense humidity, these could all be signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement. Fortunately, you now know that replacing your cabin air filter is a simple, affordable process.
If you encounter any other issues with your HVAC systems this spring, Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac is the place to take your vehicle. Our experienced Service Department will handle all your car’s maintenance needs, from oil changes to tires, brakes to batteries. This season, kick off spring cleaning by tending to your vehicle; you’ll find it provides a breath of fresh air.
The stage is set for Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIIII (58, for the Roman numerically challenged). The Kansas City Chiefs search for their second straight championship and their third in the last five years, which would cement them as a modern-day dynasty. On the other side, the San Francisco 49ers look to avenge their loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV and lift the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in nearly 30 years.
And as usual, to fill the time between gridiron heroics, we have the commercials.
Super Bowl commercials have always occupied their own place in our pop culture landscape. Many viewers claim they look forward to the commercials more than the game itself, though that mentality has perhaps dissipated in recent years; the games have grown more competitive, and the commercials are largely available for consumption well before kickoff. If you want to see this year’s crop of Super Bowl commercials, chances are you can hop online now and knock them out a week in advance.
For the first three or four decades of the Super Bowl, car brands admittedly didn’t leave the hugest impressions with their ads. From “Mean Joe Greene” (Coke) to “1984” (Apple), the most iconic commercials came courtesy of other industries. But as the century flipped and our cars became capable of much more, their corresponding commercials became more ambitious and cinematic.
We’ve rounded up a handful of worthy finalists for the title of best Super Bowl car ad of the century. Before declaring the winner, here are some contenders we considered.
Disqualified: Honda – “Yearbook” (2017), Toyota – “Jessica Long” (2021)
In 2017, Honda busted out their celebrity Rolodex, enlisting everyone from Steve Carrell to Robert Redford to offer viewers life advice straight from the pages of their high school yearbooks. It’s a fine concept, even if it follows the recent trend of Super Bowl ads being overly reliant on famous faces. The bigger problem is that it has little, if anything, to do with Honda, or cars in general. The same goes for Toyota’s 2021’s submission, which charted swimmer Jessica Long’s journey from adoption to the Olympic games.
We appreciate when auto brands flex their creative muscles by thinking outside the box. But to qualify for a spot on a list of best car commercials, you’re kind of required to include, you know, at least one car.
The Nominees:
Audi – “The Chase” (2009) / Kia – “The Truth” (2014)
Hollywood and the auto industry share a rich history, dating back to the days of Steve McQueen racing his Ford Mustang through the streets of San Francisco in 1969’s Bullit. Audi’s 2009 ad celebrated the art of the car chase by placing rising action star Jason Statham behind the wheel of an Audi and letting him rip through a montage of action-packed chase sequences.
Speaking of the movies, 2014 was the sweet spot for Matrix nostalgia. After all, we were just over a decade removed from the generally disappointing, trilogy-capping Matrix Revolutions and nearly that far away from the more divisive comeback Matrix Resurrections. Kia correctly predicted that audiences were ready to dig up the dark shades and leather from storage. They enlisted Laurence Fisburne for their 2014 Super Bowl commercial, in which his Morpheus character reveals the hidden world of luxury cars to a couple. Physics-bending visuals (and opera music) ensue.
Ultimately, Kia and Audi both arrived at the same conclusion: it’s hard to go wrong with the combination of cars and cinema.
Hyundai – “First Date” (2016)
Is it that much of a stretch to call this Kevin Hart’s most convincing performance? The comedian is endearingly determined as an overprotective father in this 2016 ad. When his daughter is picked up for date night, Hart utilizes Hyundai’s Car Finder technology to essentially stalk the young couple throughout the evening. (Not to worry: its escalating absurdity puts it firmly in the realm of Dad Fantasy). It’s not our winner, but it does raise intriguing questions about the state of privacy in a tech-first society. Maybe they could have expanded on the idea more – if each 30-second block of Super Bowl ad time didn’t cost an average of seven-million dollars.
Hyundai – “Smaht Pahk” (2020)
Is making fun of Boston accents low-hanging fruit? Of course. Is it also an entirely justifiable American tradition? Absolutely. In this Hyundai spot, native Bostonians Chris Evans and Rachel Dratch break out their best bad Massachusetts dialects. John Krasinski then joins the party to show off the Sonata’s new Remote Smart Parking Assist feature. David Ortiz pops up at the end – because of course he does – and even Big Papi finds himself impressed by the Sonata’s ability to self-pahk.
Kia – “Robo Dog” (2022)
Kia’s spot for its all-electric EV6, centered around a robot dog, deserves consideration for being a commercial centered around a robot dog. That said, couldn’t the music department could have chosen something more inspired than “Total Eclipse of the Heart” for the umpteenth time?
Honorable Mention: Walmart – “Famous Cars” (2019)
This 2019 ad brings iconic cars from pop culture together in a Walmart parking lot, from the Batmobile to that monstrosity the Ghostbusters drive. It’s a cute tribute to the legacy these vehicles have accumulated over the years, and it all comes courtesy of… not a car manufacturer, but Walmart. Given that our IP-driven culture is so oversaturated with these types of multiversal crossovers at the moment, we’re leaving the winner’s spot open for a more creative (though still IP-based) selection.
The Winner: Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)
For better or worse, Volkswagen’s famous 2011 commercial changed the way we interact with Super Bowl commercials. A week before the big game, VW made the then-uncommon decision to post their Star Wars-inspired spot online. It became a viral hit well before kickoff, racking up millions of views. Since then, nearly every Super Bowl advertiser has followed the same, online-first model.
But the marketing strategy shouldn’t distract from the commercial itself, which – given our Star Wars fatigue today – is even more endearing 13 years later. Entirely devoid of dialogue, it stars a child in a pint-sized Darth Vader costume, determined to make household items move with the power of The Force. It ends with Little Vader managing to influence the 2012 Passat sitting in the driveway… with maybe just a little help from Dad’s key fob.
Driven by John Williams’ iconic score, the commercial reaches classic status when the kid, just as surprised as anyone, processes what he’s just accomplished. In an era when advanced technology was starting to become more intertwined with our automobiles, Volkswagen proposed that the cars we drive are capable of legitimate magic.
We Are the Champions
Regardless of whether or not you have skin in Sunday’s game – or are just tuning in to see if Taylor Swift can make it back from Tokyo in time for kickoff – know that Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac is constantly drawing up winning plays. This winter, go long with a new or pre-owned vehicle, such as the all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ or the 2024 Buick Envista. Let the winning quarterback have Disney World; this winter, you’re going to Bokman of Wellsville.
A Guide to Caring For Your EV During the Winter
Cattaraugus County is in the middle of a challenging winter, forcing us to make the usual adjustments: heaters are cranked up, sidewalk salt is spread, and cold weather clothing has taken up their seasonal residency in your wardrobe. In the meantime, perhaps you’ve noticed your electric vehicle isn’t humming quite as harmoniously as it was during the summer and fall.
Considering that regular car batteries already encounter difficulties in cold weather, it’s no wonder electric vehicles need extra care during the winter season. Your EV’s range and performance might experience a slight reduction until the temperature improves, but by following these tips, you can confidently navigate the season until it transitions to spring.
Don’t Let Your Battery Dip Below 20%
During the winter, EV owners may experience a 20-30% reduction in range due to lower battery performance and increased energy consumption. This is completely normal, as the lithium ions in electric batteries tend to slow down in colder temperatures. Ultimately, EV batteries aren’t that different form the human body: they prefer warmer weather, with optimal temperatures of 59-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
When winter rolls around, there are a few precautions you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s crucial to ensure that your battery doesn’t dip below a 20% charge. Cold weather can significantly affect the performance of your battery, so it’s best not to risk letting the charge drop too low. Think of it like charging your phone or any other electronic gadget – make sure to plug in your electric vehicle when it’s not being used.
Park Indoors When Possible
If you have access to a garage or storage unit, it’s a good idea to park your car inside during the winter months. However, if street parking is your only option, consider starting the engine at least once a day instead of leaving it parked for long periods. And if you find yourself in a position where you have no choice but to leave your car idle, make sure the battery has at least a 70% charge to avoid any potential deterioration.
It’s also important to steer clear of rapid (or DC) charging. While it may not be the most convenient option, charging at slower speeds during colder weather proves more advantageous for the battery’s well-being. Opting for Level 1 charging, known for being the slowest alternative, is actually the recommended choice when facing chilly temperatures. Moreover, if you’re operating a hybrid or plug-in vehicle, remember to activate ECO mode for optimal efficiency.
Monitor Heat Levels
When preparing to go out for work or errands, heat up your electric vehicle beforehand. By gradually increasing the temperature, you can minimize the strain on the battery when you begin driving. If possible, continue to charge your car while heating it, as the heater will absorb power from the charger instead of the battery, maximizing your daily range.
Once you’ve warmed up your car, it’s crucial to be conscious of the heat you’re using. Instead of solely relying on the heater, give some thought to utilizing the heated seats to keep yourself warm. It’s important to remember that excessive heat can affect your car’s range. Finding a balance between your comfort and not overusing the heater is vital. Keep in mind, your car’s heater dislikes winter just as much as you do.
Remember That We’re Always Here to Help
If your vehicle is still feeling the effects of winter, make a trip to Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac today. From battery replacements to oil changes, our team of service professionals is here to get you to the spring. Remember that your tires also play a huge factor in extending your range – so make sure you equip your EV with a proper set of winter tires.
Visit us today and explore the most exciting EVs out there, including the new, all-electric 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ SUV, or GMC’s latest Hummer EV. After all, the future is bright; reserve your spot in it today.
The Hummer EV Demands Attention
On paper, the Hummer EV sounds like the most egregious of oxymorons. How could the Hummer, the gas-guzzling behemoth of the road, possibly adapt to a domesticated life of charging stations and EPA-estimated range?
It’s true that the Hummer EV doesn’t measure up with more traditional EVs and hybrids when it comes to fuel efficiency. (Though when have you ever bought a Hummer for its efficiency?) But by supersizing its EV intangibles, the Hummer EV emerges as the Hulked-up power option of the electric market. Thanks to its titanic Ultium battery and lightning-fast charging speeds, the Hummer EV is a deceptively capable electric vehicle that goes so big, it demands your attention.
If you’re looking to make the switch to electric in 2024 but don’t want to leave the experience of driving a gas titan behind, the 2024 Hummer EV may be your perfect stepping-on point.
A Larger Battery
GMC debuted the Hummer EV, its first electric endeavor, with the 2022 model. It was offered in two variants: a pickup truck and SUV. With a weight of nearly 10,000 pounds, it instantly became one of the heaviest consumer vehicles on the road. Then, the 2023 Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup became the first GM vehicle equipped with an Ultium battery.
The Ultium represents a huge step forward from the hardware General Motors used on vehicles like the Chevy Bolt. Two layers of pouch cells are stacked vertically, creating a 24-module battery pack with 205-kWh capacity. By that metric, the Hummer EV towers over its competitors. According to MotorTrend, of the 41 EVs they tested in 2023, the next-closest to the Hummer EV was the Rivian R1T at 135 kWh.
The 2024 Hummer EV also includes a new, onboard 19.2-kWh Level 2 charger that’s actually capable of charging other EVs. The onboard charger – available with the 2X trim and higher – can also power other equipment up to 3 kW, turning your EV Hummer into a mobile generator.
Supercharged
The most remarkable aspect of the Hummer EV is that it charges more efficiently than most conventional EVs. When you picture plugging a charger into a vehicle the size of a Hummer, you’re probably envisioning an epic, overnight ordeal. But the Hummer EV is capable of recharging its entire, massive battery in as little as 75 minutes.
The Hummer EV supports DC fast-charging at 400 or 800 volts at a rate up to 350 kW. Impressively, the Hummer EV maintains high charging rates, staying well above 100 kW for most of your charge, and often rising over 200kW. If convenient home charging is your preference, the Hummer EV also supports Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
Range Life
The 2024 Hummer EV 2X comes with an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles, while the 3X and Edition 1 boast up to 314 miles of EPA-estimated range. It’s a range that handily exceeds what competitors like the Rivian R1T can offer, and it’s made possible by the supersized Ultium battery.
The trade-off in all this is the extra heft of the Ultium, which reduces the Hummer’s overall aero-efficiency. Still, by essentially attempting to muscle its way to enhanced EV performance, the Hummer EV found exceptional success.
Rattle and Hum
GMC’s Hummer EV is paving a new path forward for EVs – one based on big batteries and bigger results. By maximizing the size of everything, from the vehicle’s frame to the Ultium battery at its core, the Hummer stands unmatched amongst other EV trucks in charging speed and range.
Here at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, going big is what we do best. If you’re ready to take ownership of your own GMC vehicle, check out our flagship SUV the Yukon or the ruggedly strong Sierra 1500. We’re also here to take care of all your battery needs – regardless of its size – in addition to oil changes and brake service. Make 2024 the year you switch to electric with the new king of EV trucks, the Hummer EV.
The calendar is set to turn to 2024, and your vehicle officially becomes one model year older. But even if a new vehicle isn’t in your 2024 plans, that doesn’t mean your current car can’t smell brand-new.
Courtesy of Rick Bokman, here are five steps you can take to avoid complacency and keep your car smelling fresh year-round.
Clean the Upholstery
Let’s start with the essentials. Dirt, debris, and pet hair accumulate quickly within your car’s interior, and without constant upkeep, you could find yourself looking at a layer of grime. Vacuuming regularly not only eliminates this material, but it also reduces odors that get trapped in the upholstery. You should utilize the vacuums at the car wash whenever you take your car to be cleaned, but it also might help to keep a hand vacuum in the car for more regular maintenance.
In addition, as we prepare our New Year’s resolutions, make 2024 the year you quit smoking in the car. Not only is it a rotten habit in its own right – the smoke contributes a long-lasting, ashy scent to your interior and can potentially ruin the car’s upholstery.
Don’t Let Garbage Linger
Not only do most drivers not keep a waste receptacle in their car – for many drivers, the car is their garbage can. Get in the habit of treating your car’s interior as you would your living room, and don’t let trash linger.
Consider purchasing a car trash can if your vehicle is spacious enough to allow it. You can find most of them for under twenty dollars. Stick it next to your seat and properly dispose of snack wrappers, ATM receipts and beverage containers rather than letting them join the collection amassing on your floor mats. (Also make sure you shake out those mats every week or so.)
Leave Baking Soda Out Overnight
Baking soda: the secret ingredient of the cleaning world. When odors overwhelm or won’t depart easily, simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda around your vehicle’s mats and carpets. Let it sit overnight, and vacuum everything the following morning. You’ll find that the baking soda was able to absorb several of the odors in your car, leaving a comparatively fresh scent behind.
Baking soda is great when you’re on a crunch and don’t have the time for a deep clean or thorough detailing. If odors persist, leave the open baking soda box resting in your driver’s door pocket for a couple of days.
Use an Air Freshener
They may be passé, but air fresheners are still effective. Make sure you’re picking out an air conditioner that neutralizes odors rather than merely covering up the scent. Although there’s little harm in putting a band-aid over an issue every now and then, there’s little reason to do so with so many highly effective air fresheners on the market.
You can also invest in an oil diffuser. In addition to masking unwanted odors and replacing them with a rich fragrance, essential oils have been known to reduce stress and keep you alert while you drive.
Know the Difference Between Cleaning and Detailing
Detailing your car involves thoroughly cleaning and restoring your car’s interior. Unlike a surface cleaning or routine vacuuming, detailing addresses, well, the details. Areas that often get neglected during regular maintenance, such as air vents and spaces between seats, are rigorously tended to.
Detailing is a deep cleaning process that requires hours of your time and several cleaning materials. You can go as far as shampooing the upholstery or providing a coat of wax. Remember that every extra step you take helps eliminate the spread of odors.
So Fresh and So Clean
Head into the new year with that New Car Smell with an assist from Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac. While you handle the interior of your vehicle, we’ll make sure everything’s running smoothly under the hood. From brakes to batteries to oil changes, we’ll have your car humming like brand new in 2024.
Rarely has a truck’s interior cabin been mistaken for the log variety you’d find out in the woods. That the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate invites the comparison is impressive in itself.
The Denali and Ultimate are the Sierra’s top shelf trim types, so it should come as no surprise that the Denali Ultimate excels when it comes to handling and performance. What may be surprising is just how comfortable the interior is, to the point where it comes close to simulating a cozy night spent indoors. Did we mention that it has a bed?
Courtesy of Rick Bokman Buick Cadillac GMC, here’s a deeper look at GMC’s newest must-have pickup truck.
Good Vibes Inside
If you’re think we’re being bullish in comparing the Denali Ultimate’s interior to a log cabin, the truck itself seems to take the comparison to heart, if somewhat inadvertently. To wit, its interior is composed of open-pore wood, and brown coloring is plentiful.
Still, you won’t be reaching for a guitar to keep your passengers entertained. The infotainment screen is smoothly integrated into dashboard, offering a bevy of apps including a natively running Google Maps.
But the Denali Ultimate’s greatest feature lies in its comfort. To call its interior spacious would be an understatement: leg room is abundant, and the storage space offered is without equal. It even achieves a fireplace vibe thanks to its heated seats.
Throw in a front-seat massage function and two gloveboxes and you might find yourself unwilling to remove yourself from the Denali Ultimate’s cozy embrace.
Hardwired with Hardware
Lest you think we’re being overly effusive in all the Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate offers, it does indeed include all of the following:
- 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Bose 12-speaker sound system
- 15-inch head-up display
- Digital rearview mirror
- Wireless charging
This is in addition to 16-way powered front massage seats, ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate is fully aware of its spaciousness, and utilizes every inch of that space.
Roll Into the New Year with a GMC
As we await the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac is your home for new and pre-owned GMCs. Whenever you’re in need of parts or service, we’re here to keep you on the road and moving forward towards whatever next awaits you.
Eight Gift Ideas for Car Lovers This Holiday Season
With Thanksgiving now behind us, the holiday shopping season officially begins in earnest. While it can be challenging to come away with the perfect gift, narrowing someone’s interests down to a single field can open a whole world of options. For example, if someone in your family is an avid car lover, adding some gear to their garage is a surefire way to make it onto their nice list this year.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of car accessories, tools, and cosmetic upgrades available – each one a potential stocking stuffer for the gearhead in your life. Courtesy of Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, here are eight great auto-themed gifts in 2023 worth exploring.
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
Your vehicle deserves better than a cursory vacuum at the car wash every other month. With this handy, lightweight accessory, which comes with a 16-foot power cord, you can reach every cranny and crevice of your car, keeping the interior fresh for yourself and your passengers year-round. It utilizes cyclonic force and strong suction to completely clear dust and debris, and comes with three unique attachments: flathead, extendable, and brush nozzle.
Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator
Your tires are at greater risk of losing air during the winter months, when every 10 degree drop outside could mean a loss of at least one PSI for your tires. It may not be enough to wait until your low pressure light flashes; instead, your tires require routine monitoring and maintenance. Rather than waiting behind a line of cars at the gas station’s lone air pump, ask for this top-of-the-line portable tire inflator. With its 20V rechargeable Li-ion battery pack power supply, you won’t have to worry about deflated tires slowing down your holiday travels.
The Sno Brum
The easiest, most effective way to clear heavy snow and ice from your windshield this winter is with an assist from the Sno Brum. With its push-broom design, the 28-to-63-inch extended reach handle allows you to reach every inch of your vehicle. And thanks to its Polyethylene, non-abrasive foam head, designed to clear delicate surfaces without leaving scratches, the Sno Brum guarantees safe snow removal. This winter, ensure that your morning commute doesn’t get highjacked by the elements by keeping a Sno Brum in your car’s storage space.
ZMoon OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool
Though our Service Department is always open, sometimes you want the ability to diagnose minor vehicle issues yourself before hauling it over to a garage for a professional opinion. This convenient, entry-level diagnostic tool, which is directly powered by your car, allows you to calculate battery voltage, EVAP, engine coolant temperature, and much more. You’ll be able to keep the pulse of your vehicle and, when something goes wrong, quickly identify the issue.
Jump-N-Carry JNC325 Jump Starter
These portable jumper cables are some of the best you’ll find on the market. Featuring only two buttons – power and override – the Jump-N-Carry JNC325 effortlessly charges virtually any consumer vehicle. With a 24-inch cable length, it’s compact enough to store in your trunk, ensuring that you won’t be caught dead on the side of the road this winter.
Chemical Guys HOL169 Car Wash Kit
A home car wash kit is a guaranteed hit for any auto obsessive, but finding a kit that’s both comprehensive and reasonably priced can be challenging. This 16-piece set from Chemical Guys offers quantity without sacrificing quality. it includes a detailing bucket, wheel gel, glass cleaner, shine protectant, wet wax, a foam cannon, and much more. Add a shiny swagger to your Buick Enclave with help from this detailing kit.
Forza Motorsport
The latest entry in the acclaimed racing series Forza, Motorsport features over 500 cars and 20 new tracks. The Forza games have long been renowned for their dedication to realism and technical acumen, and this 13th edition in the series is no exception. Exclusive to XBox and PC, Forza Motorsport was recently named a Game Awards nominee for best sports/racing game of 2023.
Riparo Motorsports Men’s Half Mesh Leather Driving Gloves
With the recent surge in Formula One’s popularity, stylish driving is becoming the only way to drive in America. These genuine leather, vintage driving gloves are perfect for any would-be or prospective racer in your family. The wrist straps snap comfortably into place, and they come in over a half-dozen color options. You can donate your old gloves to a Salvation Army red bucket this Christmas, because once you strap these babies on, you won’t want to take them off.
’Tis The Season
We’re always in a giving spirit here at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, thanks to our great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, including the new 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ. You may have checked every name off your shopping list, but don’t neglect yourself! Treat yourself to the gift of a new or used Buick, GMC, or Cadillac, and head into the New Year feeling very merry indeed.
The GMC Acadia Goes Big in 2024
Set for an early 2024 launch, GMC has big goals in mind for its upcoming Acadia – with an emphasis on “big.” The luxury mid-size SUV has been fully redesigned to provide unparalleled spaciousness and comfort, with an enlarged third-row cargo area and extra legroom in the front row. The 2024 Acadia, enhanced with state-of-the-art technology and a sophisticated interior design, promises a luxurious SUV journey that serves to accommodate the entire family.
Space – The Final Frontier
With the evolution of technology, it seems like the scope of the world is constantly expanding. This can be stressful, making the necessity for ample operational space all the more crucial. That’s precisely why the 2024 Acadia, with its most generous cabin space to date, has been designed to provide you with as much space as possible.
The Acadia 2024 surpasses its predecessor with an added length of 10.6 inches and an increased height of 3.2 inches. It boasts three rows of seating, with ample room to comfortably seat eight people. The storage capacity has received a substantial upgrade, with an 80% increase in space available behind the third row and a 36% enhancement behind the second row.
If the 2024 Acadia is more grandiose than prior models, it’s also more audacious. Fortified with an upgraded 2.5L turbo engine, the new Acadia boasts a formidable 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft of torque, outdoing the towing and power capabilities of the 2023 Acadia.
Room to Geek Out
This extensive space has opened numerous doors for GMC to explore and innovate. The 2024 Acadia fully utilizes this latitude, ensuring every available inch of the SUV is equipped with cutting-edge technology. The high-tech features incorporated into the 2024 Acadia include:
- Nine Available Cameras: Using the central infotainment display, you can switch between nine available camera views, ensuring maximum visibility.
- Safety and Driver Assistant features: Including Forward Collision Alert, Rear Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and over a dozen more quality-of-life programs.
- Acadia AT4: Advanced off-road driving features, including Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system and terrain-based drive modes.
- Super Cruise: Drive hands-free, letting the system take over the steering and lane changing.
Each trim comes equipped with the interior’s central feature; a 15-inch diagonal premium GMC infotainment system display, coupled with an 11-inch diagonal driver information center. These systems include:
- Customizable touchscreen displays
- Google built-in compatibility with available apps
- Available high-contrast display
In addition, every trim also comes with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an available panoramic sunroof.
(GM)C It For Yourself
The spacious and luxurious 2024 Acadia is a truly all-purpose mid-size SUV, perfect for family use while epitomizing performance and power. While we await the vehicle’s arrival, Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac invites you to explore our comprehensive selection of both new Acadias and pre-owned GMCs. We remain your reliable partner for all GMC-related needs, be it brake servicing, battery replacement, tire maintenance, or oil changes, as we stride ahead into the new year.
The History of Buick, America’s Oldest Auto Brand
The holidays are fast approaching, a time during which we toast the upcoming year and celebrate all the hard work that went into the previous one. As we do every year at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, we’re celebrating another year of servicing the best customers in Olean – though we may need save the top-shelf champagne for next winter. That’s when Buick will be commemorating its 125th anniversary.
Buick was founded in December of 1899 by the Scottish-born American inventor David Dunbar Buick. Following the dissolution of Oldsmobile in 2004, Buick took over the title of oldest surviving carmaker in America. (Although Henry Ford produced his first car in 1896, he didn’t officially found the Ford Motor Company until 1903). Throughout that time, Buick transformed from a small operation – one only marginally interested in producing automobiles – into one of the most respected and renowned auto makers on the planet.
Let’s take a brief trip through the history of Buick, a company whose accomplishments span three centuries.
Humble Beginnings & Fast Growth: 1899-1908
When David Buick founded the company in in Jackson, Michigan in 1899, he dubbed it the “Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company.” Initially, Buick intended to continue his production of stationary and marine engines. It was Walter Marr, Buick’s chief engineer at the time, who created Buick’s first automobile. Frustrated with David’s reluctance to fully embrace automobile production, Marr left Buick in 1901 to start his own company. (He would be rehired by Buick in 1904).
Marr’s replacement was Eugene Richard, who in 1902 filed a patent for a revolutionary overhead valve engine. With Richard in tow, David Buick slowly but surely became a convert to the potential of the automobile market. 37 automobiles were produced during Buick’s first year – a number that would rise to 750 by 1905.
In 1903, just as its cars were starting to gain widespread notice, Buick was incorporated as the Buick Motor Company. In 1904, the patent was approved for Eugene Richard’s overhead valve engine, whose innovative design is still used to this day. Still, as with any young company, Buick faced its share of financial hardships.
To help remedy this, David Buick recruited William Durant, owner of Durant-Dort Carriage Co., the country’s leading producer in horse-drawn vehicle production. When demand for Buick’s vehicles eventually outpaced the amount of cars the company was able to manufacture, Durant helped move the company to Flint, Michigan – the base of operations for James H. Whiting, chief Buick financier.
Thanks to the relocation, Buick was able to accommodate the ever-growing demand. By 1908, the Buick’s production numbers ballooned from 750 in 1905 to over 8,800. Buick had begun outpacing big-name rival competitors Oldsmobile and Ford, who were no doubt startled by their remarkably swift rise. Buick added to their growing legend in 1906, when they became the only car brand to complete a thousand-mile relay race from Chicago to New York. Meanwhile, that same year, William Durant would create a modest holding company by the name of General Motors.
Highs & Lows During Great Depression & World War II: 1926 – 1945
In the decades that followed, Buicks became the preferred vehicle of world leaders and other prominent figures across the globe. It became known as a prestige brand within the Republic of China, its vehicles ordered and driven by high-level politicians and even the Emperor himself. Buick opened its first international sales office in Shanghai in 1929, and to this day, Buick sells 80% of its production in China.
Buick production would fluctuate throughout the uncertain days of the 1930’s and 40’s. By the end of 1926, Buick was building a record 260,000 units a year. But by 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, only 40,000 total cars were produced. Like so much of the country, Buick was forced to become crafty to survive. They proceeded to roll out the Series 40, the most affordable Buick to date at just $865 (about $18,000 today, adjusted for inflation). Its runaway success paved the way for other popular models like the Century and Limited, and by 1936, annual production had already returned to the 200,000-unit mark.
Buick would turn its primary focus towards aircraft engine production during World War II, but they’d continue innovating their auto designs. In 1939 Buick became the first company to include turn signals on their cars (which rivals wouldn’t replicate for another decade), and the famous grille introduced in 1942 replaced the thin vertical bars with substantially thicker three-dimensional bars set behind the bumper.
A Refined Journey: The 1950’s to Today
When another economic recession arrived in the late 1950’s, Buick was prepared. Once again, they were able to withstand a lull in production numbers and released several exciting new models. Some of the most iconic Buick models were introduced during the 50’s and 60’s, including the Skylark and Riviera.
By the time the ‘70s rolled around, Buick had established itself as a brand intrinsically recognized for style and performance design. Perhaps it was Edward VIII purchasing a Buick to escort British royalty back in 1939, but Buick had successfully positioned itself as American royalty – and they were showcasing it at every available opportunity.
Today, we still associate the name Buick with luxury and sophistication. Buick has only honed its designs in recent years, outfitting each of their vehicles with the latest in modern comfort: leather seating, chrome trim, and the latest technologies. The result of this commitment to refinement? In 2015, Buick sold a company record one million cars.
As Buick’s 125th anniversary approaches, there’s never been a better time to visit Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac. Whether your vehicle needs an oil change, battery diagnosis, or brake service, our Service Department has you covered. Check out our full inventory of new and pre-owned Buicks, and get yourself behind the wheel of one today. Drive into the future with the auto maker who has, for 124 years running, reliably navigated through our country’s past.
Connect with us
