Get a Preview of Ford's Plans for the Upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

Get a preview of Ford's plans at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

At the same time Ford revealed the specs on the Electric Focus they showed us the 2013 C-Max that will be built at the same plant just outside of Dearborn. It will be introduced to the U.S. market as only a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The two models will be badged Hybrid and Energi (the Plug-in model).

Driving the C-max are the front wheels via a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and hybrid drive system. The combined output is expected to be about 185 horsepower. The entire drive package is an evolution of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and likely to be shared with the next generation of Fusion. It contains an as yet unspecified lithium-ion battery pack. The Energi will carry about 300 lb. more battery and be capable of traveling in pure electric mode for a reasonable distance at a reasonable speed. Don’t ask us what these are; we don’t know yet.

Following in the lines of the Fusion, the C-Max will use SmartGauges whose digital display provides what some may see as excess information. For instance, there’s now a driving-coach feature that claims to help you be more efficient behind the wheel. Of course, there is the plethora of electronic wizardry that talks to your smart phone and lets you monitor the car’s charge progress. To me, one of the coolest features is the automated rear hatch that opens when you wave a foot under the rear bumper. No more fumbling with arms full; just give it a kick.

Ford hasn’t said when these models will be on sale, but it’ll be late this year at best. Expect them to be the least expensive hybrids in Ford’s lineup and competitive with Toyota’s Prius v.

Read more: http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/detroit/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-and-energi

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Laurel Auto Group!

Enter to win tickets to the North American International Auto Show in January to see the reveal of the 2013 Dodge Dart!

Go here  to enter to win a trip to the North American International Auto Show to see the reveal of the Dodge Dart!

Dodge.com describes the new model as:

Dodge Dart Blends Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's Passion for Performance Resulting in a Groundbreaking Car with the Ultimate Blend of Power, Fuel Economy, Handling and Style

• The Dodge brand is back in the U.S. compact sedan segment – in a big way – as the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will make its world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Jan. 9, 2012
• Built on a world-class architecture, Dodge Dart offers three technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and powerful engines including the 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo
• The Dart will come with three engine choices: 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder options and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four.
• The Dart will be built in a Belvidere, Ill., plant

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Great tips especially in Western PA!

 

There's no getting around winter. Instead of dreading it, prepare for it. The changing of the seasons is a great time to check out what your car needs to gear up for cold, wet, winter driving conditions. Do this before the first flake falls because small problems you ignored during warmer months could grow worse, leaving you stranded when the temperature plummets. A few simple tips could keep your car running all winter long.

• Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following: battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
• Check to make sure your tires have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace them. Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.
• Make a visual inspection of your vehicle's lights. Make sure the front and rear lights are operational, especially the car's flashing hazard lights.
• Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Instead of toughing it out until spring, exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions.
• Similarly, purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year.
• Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.
• Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car's paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter1.htm

Introducing the Toyota Dealer Match Program!

The Toyota Dealer Match Program provides a dollar for dollar match of dealer charitable contributions of up to $10,000 to approved nonprofit organizations. Ultimately, the matching funds from Toyota Motor Sales USA enable dealers to have greater impact on the communities in which they do business. 2011 marks the first year of the program. But rather than support just one organization, Laurel selected four deserving recipients.

“By supporting four organizations with different missions, Laurel Toyota can reach a much broader group of people who need help,” explained Matt Smith, Vice President, Laurel Auto Group. “Whether it is bringing together children and parents for special programs, feeding the homeless, helping to protect victims of abuse, or engaging children with the support they need to succeed in school, these are all organizations that we have worked with in the past, and they do a tremendous job.”

Laurel Toyota will present a $2,500 check to each of the following organizations in the Johnstown area: Beginnings, Inc., The Learning Lamp, Salvation Army and the Women’s Help Center. These donations will then be matched by Toyota Motor Sales USA for a total contribution of $5,000 per organization. Since 1991, Toyota USA has contributed more than $500 million to nonprofit organizations nationwide. To learn more, please visit http://www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/. For information about Laurel Toyota and local recipients of the 2011 Toyota Dealer Match Program, call (814) 269-3400.