Chevy celebrates 100 years with cutting edge designs, new technology and a nod to the past

Every time a Chevy vehicle goes zooming down the freeway or stops at a red light, a piece of history is set in motion. For the past 100 years, Chevy has been designing and building cars and trucks that go the distance in the United States and around the world. Chevy staked its claim in a Detroit garage, and over the years has produced more than 209 million cars and trucks for drivers everywhere.

The first vehicle Chevy rolled out was the 1912 Classic Six, a car built by racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. The engine was a large, liquid-cooled, 299-cubic-inch, six-cylinder cast-iron block that featured a T-head configuration, produced 40 horsepower and could go an impressive 65 miles an hour.

Flash forward 100 years and cars such as the Chevy Volt are setting the standard for the car company, with features such as a battery and a gas tank. The 2011 Volt was honored by many, including AUTOMOBILE Magazine's Automobile of the Year, North American Car of the Year and Green Car Journal's Car of the Year.

Not only are Chevy designers and engineers broadening the vision of their products, but they are also extending their reach from the United States to points around the world. Drivers in China, Russia, Uzbekistan and India can be found behind the wheels of Chevy cars and trucks, and 60 percent of its vehicles are sold outside the United States.

Not bad for a company that started in a garage.

And even though Chevy has a worldwide presence, its influence on American culture can be found not only on the roads, but also streaming through the speakers of the company’s cars, since more than 700 popular songs include Chevrolet in some way.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Chevy has introduced Chevy100, an online destination for all things Chevrolet. Car fans can trace Chevy’s history, send birthday greetings and connect with other Chevy car owners and those who simply love the brand.

Weekly Webisodes are part of “The Road We’re On” experience, which tells the history of Chevrolet through the eyes of owners, dealers and their communities. Beginning Nov. 3, owners, dealers and other fans can share their Chevy experiences by pinning them to the map connected to the series.

Chevy also takes full advantage of online technology with “The Ride of Your Life,” allowing consumers to virtually sit behind the wheel of a Chevy and taking them through an immersive digital experience. Through Facebook, visitors grant permission for the program to read their profile for addresses, affiliations, hometowns, schools attended and friends. The visitor then selects one of six classic or current Chevys for their ride, and a personalized video experience is created using Google Streetview images mixed with detailed car close-ups and relevant footage. Visitors can add their own music and animation to make it as personalized as possible.

Celebrations aren’t limited to just online activities. The Houston Area Chevy Dealers are throwing their own parties too. Visit the Chevy Facebook page for a list of dealers and events near you.

It’s said time flies when you are having fun, and by the looks of Chevrolet, the past 100 years have zipped by. Here’s betting the next 100 will be equally as amazing.