Wednesday, October 15, 2008

IDEAS: 10 WAYS TO SAVE FUEL


Even though the price of gasoline has leveled off, iti is much higher than a year ago. We all need to save every gallon, so we listed ways to save your money:

1. Keep your tires properly inflated to the maximum air pressure located on your driver's side door sill.

2. Keep your vehicle tuned up. Regular inspections can keep your vehicle running at its peak.

3. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly from a dead stop.

4. Drive safely, but keep you speed at or below the recommended speed.

5. Avoid rough roads whenever possible. These surfaces can rob you of up to 25% of your gas mileage.

6. Remove excess weight from your vehicle.

7. Try and make a preset list of errands.

8. Don't needlessley idle your engine when you are not driving.

9. Pick the proper grade of gas recommended for your vehicle.

10. Car pool whenever possible.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Preview: Chevrolet Cruze

Lordstown, OHIO – General Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner announced that the company will invest more than $500 million in the U.S. to build the Chevrolet Cruze, an all-new global compact car.

The vehicle will be built at its Lordstown, Ohio plant. In a surprise move, the investment announcement was accompanied by a glimpse of the Cruze life-size show property.

The investment in Lordstown is one of several that have been announced at U.S. plants in the past five years, adding up to over $2 billion total investment in Ohio and more than $20 billion in the United States. “One of the key reasons for the success of the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 is the Lordstown workforce and the strong partnerships with the UAW and localand state officials,” Wagoner said. “Based on the quality of work and these strong partnerships, we are pleased to announce our plans to invest another $500 million in the Chevy Cruze product program in the U.S., including more than $350 million in Lordstown.”

Ed Peper, GMNA vice president of Chevrolet, spoke to GM’s strong position in delivering fuel-efficient vehicles that consumers want to buy. “The Cruze will build on the already successful Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt XFE and Cobalt SS, all of which are nearly sold out in dealer showrooms,” Peper said. “Our dealers are asking for many more Cobalts than we can build.”

Chevrolet Cobalt sales are up 16 percent, year-to-date through July 2008,with an impressive 33 miles-per-gallon highway. The new Cobalt XFE model jumps to 37 miles-per-gallon and is selling almost as soon as it’s unloaded from the delivery trucks to dealerships.

The Chevrolet Cruze epitomizes the global nature of the automobile industry and General Motors’ commitment to deliver fuel efficient, high-quality products. Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM’s global design and engineering expertise. It is the first of a new family of compact Chevrolets that will continue the attention to quality, fuel efficiency, and strong value promise of the highly successful Malibu and all other vehicles under the Chevrolet brand.

“The Chevrolet Cruze was designed and engineered by our global teams in Europe and Asia Pacific and will be manufactured in those regions in addition to the assembly plant here in Lordstown, Ohio,” Wagoner said. “Our goal for the Chevrolet Cruze is to lead in fuel economy in this very competitive car segment.”

The new Cruze will be launched in Europe and Asia Pacific next year. It’s scheduled to make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Edmunds.com: Jeep Patriot is Least Expensive Sport Utility Vehicle to Own

Despite high gas prices and general economic uncertainty, many consumers are still in need of sport utility vehicles and are looking for the best values in the marketplace. A study by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, reveals that the Jeep Patriot is the least expensive sport utility vehicle to own. The results are based on Edmunds.com's True Cost to OwnSM data, which incorporates projected model-specific average vehicle ownership costs, consisting of depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs. Edmunds.com's True Cost to OwnSM data accounts for total vehicle costs over a five-year period.

"Even though gas prices are high, some consumers are still in search of a sport utility vehicle to meet their needs,"said Jesse Toprak, Executive Director of Industry Analysis, Edmunds.com. "For those consumers, vehicles like the Jeep Patriot and Nissan Rogue are relative bargains in their segments."

The following True Cost to OwnSM data is based on a price of $4.09 per gallon for regular gasoline (the national average on July 15):

Compact Sport Utility Vehicles


Make Model Style Cost-Per-Mile
Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) $0.486
Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M) $0.494
Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) $0.505
Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A) $0.514
Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) $0.524


Midsize Sport Utility Vehicles


Make Model Style Cost-Per-Mile
Nissan Rogue S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) $0.536
Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) $0.548
Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) $0.549
Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M) $0.593
Suzuki XL7 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 5A) $0.603


"One of the most telling aspects of TCOSM is how vehicles with similar initial costs can have very different total ownership costs, primarily as a result of dissimilar depreciation rates," said Joe Spina, Senior Remarketing Manager, Edmunds.com. "Almost counter-intuitively, large SUV's are now being discounted so heavily that ownership costs have dropped to the point that they are actually a good buy for the right consumer — someone who needs an SUV and plans on keeping it for several years."













Edmunds.com's True Cost to OwnSM calculations make the following assumptions:
+ Ownership expenses are for a five-year time span
+ Vehicles are driven 15,000 miles per year
+ Vehicles are financed using traditional financing and not leased
+ Buyers pay 10 percent down on the vehicle
+ Buyers are in the "Gold" credit tier for the purpose of determining the finance rate
+ The loan term is 60 months
+ Buyers represent the average demographic in their state for insurance rates

Edmunds.com True Cost to OwnSM is available at no charge to Web site visitors, and provides ownership costs regionally for both new and used vehicles. The True Cost to OwnSM tool is available at http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController.

About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/)
Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site. AutoObserver.com launched in 2007 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Surf City, Here She Comes!

We love posting about our customers, as you can see, and how satisfied they are about their new vehicles and we are especially happy to post a video featuring Whitney!



She is a local grade school teacher who contacted us via the Costco Auto Program and purchased a new Kia Spectra5!

It sounds like she is ready to hit some waves since the Spectra5 is roomy enough to hold her surfboard and more. It's worth mentioning the fuel efficiency of 24 city / 32 hwy (mpg) that the Spectra5 will get when goes beach to beach.

We thank her for giving us an opportunity to earn her business!

Friday, July 25, 2008

New Luxury: 2009 Kia Borrego

We are happy to announce the arrival of Kia's newest Luxury SUV to the Kia family, the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego! Kia has decided to make a SUV that not only comes with style, power and best-in-class fuel economy, but at a price a lot less than what you would expect to pay.

In a tough economy with growing families, the highlights is that the V8-2WD Borrego gets 22 mpg on the highway while starting under $27,000. With 6 standard airbags, your friends and family can feel extra safe.

The new-to-Kia Six-Speed Automatic Transmission mated to the V8 engine, the mid-size SUV is able to achieve best-in-class fuel economy for an engine of its kind with an EPA rating of 15/22 city/highway for the V8 with 2WD and 15/20 city/highway for the 4WD. When the V6 is under the hood, Borrego is able to achieve competitive fuel economy of 17/21 city/highway (2WD) and 16/21 city/highway (4WD).



Available in LX and EX trims, Borrego’s spacious cabin comes well equipped with a slew of standard convenience features, including: air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system to keep its passengers entertained and comfortable. Complementing the audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB and auxiliary input jack and is the first Kia vehicle to offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months of complimentary service for hours of uninterrupted amusement³.

Adding even more refinement and upgrades, the EX trim level includes an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink® with compass, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The new midsize SUV also offers Kia’s first voice-activated navigation system, with a Rear Seat Entertainment Package that includes an eight-inch widescreen television (EX models) for passenger entertainment during long car rides or around-town adventures.

With the EX trim level, consumers also are optioned with the Luxury and Premium Packages. The Luxury Package includes: nicely appointed leather seats; heated front seats; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and memory settings for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel. Progressing to the Premium Package includes everything in the Luxury Package in addition to a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air conditioning with controls, running boards and a rear camera display for enhanced visual assistance.

In the fall, Borrego will offer the top-of-the-line, Limited trim level in addition to the LX and EX trims, which will come only in a black monotone exterior with black interior trim. Exclusive features to the Limited edition include push button start/smart key, Supervision™ meter cluster, power adjustable pedals, chrome accents on outside door handles and rear garnish, heated second row seats, Bluetooth®, Limited exterior badging and floor mats. Limited trim also includes the Luxury and Premium package content, less the running boards.

Borrego ups the ante in safety, offering the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including additional features exclusive to the midsize SUV. Standard equipment includes front advanced airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver’s knee airbag (V8 models only), four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS) including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego’s technologies all work together to provide a technically sophisticated safety package for the driver and passengers.

Working with the standard ABS with ESC, EBD and TCS, the system can apply individual brakes selectively to control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.

The TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle’s speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.

A standard back-up warning system provides an audible warning using ultrasonic sensors to detect and help prevent hitting hard-to-see objects. Borrego also includes Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, as well as Downhill Brake Control (DBC), which helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades. Both functions are new to Kia.

Like all Kia models, Borrego is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

To see the new Borrego, Please visit us at MY Kia at 222 Auto Center Circle, Salinas, Ca or Bruce Liscomb or Jim Davis at 831-444-4097.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Debra loves her 2005 Kia Optima!

Thanks to Debra for giving us the opportunity to help her find a nice pre-owned vehicle for her recently. Debra got a 2005 Kia Optima and below is a video testimony from her about her experience at MY Cars.



Debra is a local resident and a nurse. We appreciate her supporting local businesses.

The gentleman with her is her father, Bill. He is a Monterey/Salinas Transit Bus Driver. He was kind enough to share his support in encouraging future car buyers to consider us!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Meet Jessica Simpson or Randy Travis!


We are proud sponsors of the upcoming country music concerts by Jessica Simpson and Randy Travis coming to the Monterey Fairgrounds, presented David Drew Productions, on August 15th and 16th. To celebrate, we are offer an exclusive giveaway where you will have the opportunity to win a chance to go backstage with a guest to meet either Jessica Simpson or Randy Travis.

What do you need to do to enter? Just drop by MY Chevrolet Jeep (if you want to meet Randy Travis on August 16th) or MY Nissan Kia (if you want to meet Jessica Simpson on August 15th) and register to win. Deadline for registration is August 6th. Valid audition entries must contain all information requested. Winners name will be drawn on August 7.

And don't forget to see Jessica Simpson on August 15th and Randy Travis on August 16th at the Monterey Fairgrounds and support our local concert promoters!

No Purchase Necessary

Employees and Family members of MY Automotive are not eligible to win.

Prizes are not transferable, redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other prize. If a winner cannot be contacted or is disqualified, Chidlaw Marketing and MY Chevrolet reserve the right to determine and alternate winner or not to award that winners prize, in its sole discretion.


Eligibility and Limiations; Participants and winners must be U.S. residents. A parent or guardian of any participant who is a minor must sign a realease on behalf of the minor.