#Idrivefor

Join Gamblin Motors in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed, now is time to join together in the fight against breast cancer. Gamblin Motors has created an #IDriveFor team and is participating in Chevrolet’s annual fundraising event. Joining us is easy. Tweet out, retweet, or post to Instagram your support by using the hashtags #IDriveFor and #TeamEnumclaw. For every tweet or Instagram post with the #IDriveFor hashtag, Chevrolet will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. Chevrolet has partnered with the ACS for seven years and raised $7.8 million dollars in the battle against this life threatening disease. These funds are used for breast cancer screening, patient care, and research. Help contribute to the cause by joining #TeamEnumclaw and tweet, retweet, and post your support with the #IDriveFor hashtag.

Perhaps a picture of a tweet, or instagram post, so they see how easy this is. I think people think they need a sign that says I drive for, etc. So if we post on our twitter and post a pic of the tweet and one from our instagram account too. My account is private. I’m assuming the account needs to be public?

http://www.chevrolet.com/breast-cancer-awareness

Third Annual Corvette Show

From the classic generations to Stingrays, we love Corvettes at Gamblin Motors.  To see some of these models in person, join us on Saturday, September 9 for our third annual Corvette show. We are teaming up with the Tacoma Corvette Club to bring an array of Corvette models to the Plateau community.

Come down to our main store (1047 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw) to view these beauties and vote for the People’s Choice award winners. We will open at 10:00 a.m. for the public to begin viewing and voting.  Voting closes at noon, but the Corvettes will remain on display until 2:00.  While we are counting the ballots, enjoy music, giveaways, and a great lunch.  Awards will be handed out at 1:30.

Interested in bringing home one of the trophies? Enter your Corvette through the Tacoma Corvette Club for a $20 entry free. We hope to see you Saturday.

Meet the New President

Alan Gamblin was named 2017/2018 President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) at the organization’s annual convention last month. WASADA is an organization that develops and promotes legislation to help dealer franchises, eliminate regular increases in the cost of doing business in Washington, and trying to protect costs for consumers. They also support dealers in their commitment to operate their dealerships in a fair and honest manner. Gamblin Motors has been involved with WASADA for years.

“When I succeeded my father as the Chevrolet dealer in Enumclaw, he told me to get involved and support the Washington State Auto Dealers Association because they do so much for our business,” Alan said. “Over the years whenever I’ve been asked by the Association to help, I’ve remembered my father’s counsel and done it. As the new WSADA President, my goal is to help connect more dealers with their elected officials in Olympia, especially the many new legislators. It is important that local and state officials understand our business so they can make informed decisions when it comes to regulation and taxation that affect our customers, community, and business.”

One of WASADA’s purposes is to help our elected officials understand the role auto dealers play in their communities around the state. Founded in 1920, the Association’s 294 dealer members serve 70 cities and towns across Washington and are responsible for annual sales volume totaling $15 billion. Together, they employ over 21,000 people with a combined payroll of more than $1.08 billion. An average dealership creates 69 local jobs, each paying on average over $54,000 per year plus benefits. Their dealership sales total 14.2% of the state’s retail sales, generating hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue for state and local governments through sales, corporate, and payroll tax revenue.

“It is also important to help the new generation coming into our industry,” he continued. “My father, like many former dealers before me, served in World War II when cars and business were not as complex. I’ve watched the automobile industry dramatically change over the last four decades, and it’s important to help the rising generation continue to be successful.”

 

2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year

Introducing Motor Trend’s 2017 Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt is being hailed as a game changer in the industry. Chevrolet has been experimenting with electric vehicles since the 1960’s. With the new Chevrolet Bolt, they have hit their stride and are shaking up the electric car market. According to one judge, the Bolt is simply “twice the car for half the price of a BMW i3.” Motor Trend and Car and Driver are both putting Tesla on notice as this new Chevrolet has set the standard of performance but is coming in at a reasonable price. It is not just a top of the market electric car; it is a remarkable car, period. Motor Trend asserts that “perhaps the most impressive thing about the Bolt EV is there are no caveats, no ‘for an electric car’ qualifiers needed in any discussion. It is, simply, a world-class small car.” What happens when you have a long-range electric vehicle in a world-class package? You get the Motor Trend 2017 Car of the Year.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV runs an EPA=certified range of 238 miles. This long-range charge is set to cover a commute, errands, quick getaway, or any other unexpected tasks that pop up in your day. The Bolt EV’s tall hatchback design lends a comfortable experience for all passengers and does not fail to provide entertainment for those along for the ride with its seven device capable 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi hot spot. Don’t worry drivers, you won’t be left out. Motor Trend judges report the Bolt is “fast, fun, and genuinely entertaining to drive.”

How much will the car of year cost you? This is where the Chevrolet Bolt EV truly shines. Coming in well below other electric vehicles on the market, the Bolt starts at $37,495 in LT trim, but with available tax credits, consumers can drive this vehicle home for under $30,000. This affordable, cutting edge technology housed in a world class vehicle is revolutionary for the industry. As Car and Driver affirms, the Bolt is “the most important vehicle for battery-electric technology to date.” To see the Motor Trend Car of the Year for yourself, come in for a test drive today http://bit.ly/2rdnvLC.

Mr. Gamblin Goes to Olympia

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Dealer Day in our state’s capitol. As Vice President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association, Alan Gamblin oversaw the day’s events in Olympia. Dealer Day is an opportunity for car dealers to meet with their local representatives and discuss legislation affecting their consumers and the industry at large. This event opens important lines of communication between representatives and their local business owners and constituents. Washington car dealers help local communities thrive by providing 20,980 family wage jobs resulting in a combined payroll of over $1.3 billion dollars. Gamblin Motors participates in Dealer Day to help relay the hopes and concerns of these workers and their communities.

During this year’s event, Alan, Jeri, and Tyson Gamblin personally met with the Washington Republican Caucus leader, Representative Dan Kristiansen, and the greater Plateau’s district representatives, Senator Phil Fortunato and House Representatives Drew Stokesbary and Morgan Irwin.  These constructive sessions allow dealers and representatives to discuss progressive legislation aimed at strengthening local businesses and protecting consumers from increased costs. Gamblin Motors believes these meetings are critical in helping our workforce and local communities. We look forward to working with our local representatives in making the Plateau a safe and prosperous place to call home.

2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2

Chevy is proud of its new 2017 Colorado ZR2. The truck is ready for any off road fun, but offers the smooth ride in the city. This truck has everyone excited. The off-road ZR2 trim level will be available this spring. It will start at $40,995 MSRP.

2017 ColoradoThe new Colorado ZR2 is loaded with exclusive features. Off-Road Mode Technology is an amazing feature that lets you pick between Desert, Mud, or Mountain. Plus, the Colorado ZR2 offers a brand new advanced 3.6L V6 engine with eight-speed transmission, in addition to the segment-exclusive Duramax® 2.8L Turbo-Diesel.  But it’s the shocks that has everyone talking. Suspension technology has been revolutionized by the Colorado’s new Multimatic shocks. The engineers at Multimatic were commissioned to build the new shock absorbers for the ZR2. Multimatic were the first to design the Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) damper. They replaced the piston and shims with a spoon valve. Chevy first used the DSSV technology in the 2014 Camaro Z/28. The engineers were excited to design shocks with their DSSV technology on a pickup. The shocks on the ZR2 make for the most comfortable ride on and off road

“ZR2 is truly a segment of one and does everything well — from traversing heavy two-track trails to high-speed desert running and full-on rock crawling. We’re thrilled to be able to offer it for more than $2,500 less than the next closest comparable vehicles.,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director.  Check out the available features on the ZR2.

Available options on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will include:

  • Class-exclusive 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively)
  • 7-speaker Bose premium audio system
  • Dealer-installed, bed-mounted spare tire carrier
  • Full-length black vinyl floor (no additional cost — standard interior features leather seats and carpet)

The ZR2’s starting MSRP includes a number of key standard features unique to the trim level, such as:

  • Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials
  • Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) dampers
  • Off-road rocker protection
  • Modified front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance
  • Exclusive ZR2 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires
  • New cast-iron control arms
  • An aluminum skidplate that protects the radiator and engine oil pan
  • Autotrac transfer case
  • Transfer case shield
  • Aggressive grille and hood combo unique to ZR2
  • Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio
  • Front and rear tracks widened 3.5 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Suspension lifted 2 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Off-Road Mode Technology
  • 4-wheel disc brakes

 

Other standard features include:

  • Tow/haul mode
  • Trailering Package, including trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • Heated driver and passenger front seats
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Rear sliding window
  • EZ Lift and Lower tailgate
  • Locking tailgate
  • Recovery hooks
  • A six-speaker audio system with Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Navigation and an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and a digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as an auxiliary jack
  • All-terrain spare tire with unique ZR2 wheel
  • Four USB ports: one on the instrument panel, one in the center console and two in the rear of the center console
  • Electronic automatic cruise control
  • Rear window electric defogger
  • OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Remote vehicle starter system
  • 4-way power front driver and passenger seat adjuster with power driver lumbar control
  • Rear seats with underseat storage

 

 

25 Years in the Business

Alan Gamblin 25 year award2016 marked Alan Gamblin’s 25th year as a Chevrolet and Buick dealer. Alan starting working at Gamblin Motors in 1969 and spent his formative years at the Gamblin dealership washing cars and making sure the original Gamblin location on Griffin looked its very best. Every now and again his hard work would pay off in the form of moving one of the shiny new Corvettes for sale. After high school, Alan went off to college and returned home in 1978 with his new wife, Jeri, and an eagerness to learn all of the different aspects of the car business. For the next 13 years, Alan moved through the ranks of the dealership. He began as a salesman and eventually graduated to sales manager. He continued to learn and study the important roles of the varying departments including finance, parts, service, and the body shop. In 1985 Alan became a full partner in the dealership. During his time as a partner, Alan took the primary role of building and managing the main Gamblin location on Hwy 410. He officially took the dealership reins from his father, Art Gamblin, and purchased the business in 1991. This past November Alan was honored by General Motors for his 25 years as a Chevrolet and Buick dealer.

Since Alan became the managing dealer and owner in 1991, Gamblin Motors has continued to expand and grow under his guidance. The community of Enumclaw’s rugged and beautiful terrain called for a location focused on tough working vehicles. To better service hometown customers, Gamblin Motors opened one of General Motor’s few GM approved truck showrooms in the United States. The Gamblin Truck Center opened its doors in 2000. In addition to the construction of an additional dealership location, Alan also completed a significant remodel to the main store in 2012. These two award winning dealerships are a testament to the hard work and effort put in by the Gamblin family with Alan at the helm. Alan’s knowledge of the car industry is well known throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has twice been named President of the Northwest Chevrolet Dealer’s advertising association and served on a national Chevrolet advertising committee. He is currently the Washington State Auto Dealer’s Vice President and will be named president of the association this coming May. Alan hopes to pass his training and success on to the next generation of Gamblins. Just like Alan, Tyson and Andrew Gamblin began washing cars and sweeping floors as young boys. With the completion of their college degrees, both have come home to learn the business and continue the Gamblin legacy of honest and professional service.

Community Coat Drive

When the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to open up the coat closets. It is important to Gamblin Motors that everyone in our community has a nice warm coat to combat the chilly weather. Each fall we host a community coat drive and invite our employees, customers, and community members to go through their closets and donate their gently used coats, clothing, shoes, and socks. This is our fourth year of giving, and we are proud to have collected almost 100 coats for donation to the Enumclaw Clothing Bank.

The Enumclaw Clothing Bank is a non-profit organization that offers donated clothing items free of charge to community members in need. This wonderful organization provides necessities for many Enumclaw families who need a little extra help. A clean set of clothing provides both safety from the winter cold and confidence to face the day in comfort. We thank all those who donated. We thank Works-Sports and Outdoors for hosting one of our donation trucks. If you were unable to donate during the clothing drive, the Enumclaw Clothing Bank is located at JJ Smith School and is open for drop off and pick up on Tuesdays.resized_20161121_150833

It’s Rodeo Time

Enumclaw Pro Rodeo

It’s not uncommon to be driving down the roads of Enumclaw only to be stopped by a herd of cows crossing the street. Livestock and farming are an integral part of our community. One way we continue this legacy and celebrate our heritage is through the local 4-H clubs and community events like the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo. At Gamblin Motors we are proud to support our community and 4-H clubs through sponsorship of the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo.Gamblin_SMI_FB_Rodeo

The rodeo has been an Enumclaw event since the 1950’s when it was formerly part of the Naches Trail Days celebration. At one point the rodeo was the largest in the state, but in more recent years, Enumclaw has not been a stop on the rodeo circuit. A group of local business leaders banded together to bring the rodeo back to Enumclaw and created the 15 member Board of Directors of the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo, Inc. This local non-profit group resurrected an important community event and continues to host and organize the newly returned rodeo. The rodeo proceeds help to support local 4-H clubs, and this year’s 2015 Enumclaw Pro Rodeo also donated proceeds to Support Beau and the Twist Firefighter Fund.Gamblin_SMI_FB_Rodeo1

The rodeo’s support of local 4-H clubs and community members is yet another reason why Gamblin Motors continues to sponsor the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo. Gamblin Motors even has its own former bull and bronco riding cowboy, Rick Josie, tirelessly volunteering every year to make sure the rodeo is an Enumclaw tradition that continues for years to come. The rodeo represents the heritage of Enumclaw, and we at Gamblin Motors are proud of our community and our cowboys. If you weren’t able to attend the rodeo this year, be sure to follow Gamblin Motors on Facebook for upcoming information on next year’s rodeo.

Rick Josie the Cowboy

Rick JosieNo one knows a truck better than a cowboy. Just ask Rick Josie, Gamblin Motors’ very own former bull and bronco riding cowboy. Rick has been with Gamblin Motors for twelve years, and when he’s not delivering the best trucks to customers on the Plateau, he’s working behind the scenes organizing the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo.

Rodeos have been a part of Rick’s life since he was young. Before the car business, Rick rode professionally on the rodeo circuit. He and his brother traveled the country riding bulls and broncos. While riding down in Florida, Rick was injured and forced into an early retirement. But not even a serious injury could keep him away from the rodeo. He returned to the Northwest and continued to participate in roping events. It’s this love of rodeos that led Rick to join forces with other Enumclaw residents to bring the rodeo back to town.

Thanks to this group of community members, the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo is once again a highlight of the summer. As a non-profit event, the rodeo relies on volunteers like Rick to work year round to bring this fun filled weekend to our community. The rodeo is able to donate its proceeds to help fund local 4-H clubs due to the tireless efforts of Rick and other volunteers. We are proud to have Rick on the Gamblin Motors team and proud to be a continued sponsor of the Enumclaw Pro Rodeo.