Tag Archives: Auto Blogs

The 25th Annual 2012 Sales Awards Banquet for the Hamilton Burlington Automotive Dealers Association

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The 25th Annual 2012 Sales Awards Banquet for the Hamilton Burlington Automotive Dealers Association was held yesterday, February 12, 2013.  The event is held annually to bring together dealers and industry partners, as well as recognize Hamilton and Burlington’s top sales producers.

This year we are proud to announce the recipients of this award for our three locations – Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

Image Honda proudly recognizes Rob Cahunek as this year’s HBADA sales winner for the 4th year in a row.  Rob has been a sales expert at Image Honda since 2006 and has also been a “Sales Leader” with Honda Canada Sales Council in 2009/2010. Rob Cahunek The runner up for the HBADA Sales award is Andy Hewitt.  Andy has been serving Image Honda’s sales department since 2010, and has been in the automotive industry since 2007.Andy Hewitt

Queenston on the Mountain is proud to announce Chris Hopf as this year’s HBADA Sales Award Winner.  Chris has been a member of the Queenston on the Mountain sales team since 2009.  His goal is to ensure that every customer knows that he is there for them, especially for the long haul.Chris Hopf  We are also pleased to announce Brian Lamb as this year’s HBADA sales winner runner-up. Brian has been a member of the Queenston family since 2012, bringing with him over 22 years of experience selling GM vehicles. His no pressure approach helps you feel at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that you are working with someone who understands your wants and needs.Brian Lamb

Queenston on Centennial’s HBADA Sales winner is Billy Zych, who has been with Queenston on Centennial since 1984.  Billy has been in the car business for over 36 years, and has been a Gold GM Sales Marketing Guild member for more than 35 years.  His passions are the car business, his historic Chevy Nova and his family.Billy Zych  The runner up for the 2011 HBADA sales award is Marty Muis. Marty has been with Queenston on Centennial since 1987 and in the automotive industry for 26 years. Marty has won the Bronze and Silver Sales Marketing Guild award for 18 years. When he is not selling cars, he enjoys golfing and boating.Marty Muis

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients and runner-ups and thank you to our loyal customers!

Understanding Ontario’s New Drive Clean Test

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drive_cleanOn January 1, 2013, Ontario’s Drive Clean program initiated a new test that reads your car’s computer history to ensure your vehicle meets Ontario’s emission standards and detects problems that often lead to poor performance or poor fuel economy.  Performed on cars, trucks, SUV’s and mini-vans from the model year 1998 or newer, the Government states this new test is 20% more effective in reducing pollutants then the previous one.

About Drive Clean:

Drive Clean is Ontario’s mandatory vehicle emissions inspection program.

Before taking the new Drive Clean test, there is some important information you need to know in order to ensure your vehicle is ready.  If your battery has recently been disconnected or your vehicle has been repaired, you could fail the test, as your vehicles built-in computer may not be readable. You can typically reset your vehicle’s computer with a day or two of normal highway driving to ensure it is ready for the Drive Clean test.  To learn more about the Drive Clean test visit www.driveclean.com

The Government also suggest taking your vehicle through a ‘generic drive-cycle’:

Step 1: Make sure the vehicle has been parked for eight hours without a start.

Step 2: Start the engine and let it idle in Drive for two-and-a-half minutes with the Air Conditioning (A/C) and rear defroster on.

Step 3: Turn the A/C and rear defroster off. Drive the vehicle for 10 minutes at highway speeds.

Step 4: Drive the vehicle for 20 minutes in stop- and-go traffic.

Step 5: Your drive cycle is complete. You can now go in for your test.

The cost for the test is a standard $35 – you must pass the emissions test in order to renew your license sticker, so it is important to not leave it to the last minute.  If you fail, you will receive a reduced price if you return to our dealership within 120 days of having your first one completed with us.  Our certified technicians will go over your test with you and explain the results, as well as discuss any necessary repairs you may need in order to pass on the re-test.

Conditional Pass:

In some instances, we may give what is called a conditional pass.  This is given to individuals whose vehicle requires extensive emissions-related repairs.  In order to receive this, you must have had your emissions related repairs done at an accredited Drive Clean facility and you must have spent up to the Repair Cost Limit of $450.  This pass can only be used to renew your license plates and cannot be used to transfer ownership.  If you have any questions concerning a conditional pass, please speak with our service advisors.

If you would like to schedule a Drive Clean appointment with us or if you have any questions, please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Ontario Drive Clean www.driveclean.com

The Chevrolet Volt At Queenston!

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If you are considering an electric vehicle, the Volt is the car for you! Come in to one of our 2 Dealerships and test drive the Volt today! www.queenstonchev.com

P.S. Did you know that electric vehicle owners in Ontario are eligible for a Government incentive ranging from $5000 to $8500?  If you were would like more information, Click here!  If you already own an electric vehicle, stop by our free charging stations at  Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING WHEN YOU NAMED YOUR CAR?!

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Last night was a rough night for Sophia – she hates driving in the snow! Every time we came to a stop she would skid to a halt, but that’s because she hasn’t gotten her snow boots, I mean snow tires put on yet.  We’re planning to get that done ASAP.   In case you are wondering who Sophia is, that would be my car.  YES, I named my car…well actually, my girlfriend named my car when I bought her in September.  For as long as I have known my friend, we have been calling her car “Heidi the Hyundai”.  So naturally, when my other friend purchased her Rogue only a couple weeks before me, she was called “Rosie the Rogue”, followed by my beloved “Sophia the Sonic”.

 

Now, you’re probably doing one of two things – either you’re laughing at the fact I have named my car or you’re relating to me because you, too, have named your vehicle.  Here at the dealership, everyone knows who Sophia is.  I frequently get asked, “How is Sophia?”  In fact, my boss even texted me a couple weeks ago after a major storm, to ask if “Sophia made it safely to work”, sparking some laughs amongst my co-workers who drive SUVs!

Your car is a big investment – you spend hours in it every week, typically have it for many years and you invest a lot of money maintaining it.  Your car is even there for some of the biggest moments in your life!  Maybe it got you to the hospital for the birth of your child or took you on the best road trip of your life.  Whatever the reason may be, naming your car is not uncommon.  In fact, I know just as many people who name their car as those that don’t.  So for all of you people who are ashamed to admit that you have named your car, I say embrace it!  At the end of the day, it always sparks some laughs and you will be surprised how many people will call your car by its name!

If you would like to show your car some love, visit our service departments at www.queenstonchev.com or www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Leave Your Worries Behind with Added Protection!

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Buying a new car is always an exciting experience.  Nothing is more satisfying then driving a new vehicle.  As we know, those first few months we would do anything to keep it looking like new.  You wash it once a week; make sure people wipe their feet before they get in your vehicle.  You probably even park at the back of the lot so you don’t get anyone opening their door and scratching yours.  What if we told you, we could offer you additional protection to keep your car looking and feeling like new?

At our dealerships we offer a wide variety of additional protection for your car.

Paint Protection:

Just because your car is new, doesn’t mean that your paint is protected.  Over time your vehicle will experience fading, oxidation, pollution, tree sap, bird droppings, road salt and rain.  These factors are destructive to your paint finish.  Through Diamond Kote we offer you paint protections that will bond to the vehicle’s surface and protect it from the elements. In addition, our dealerships offer protection against paint bubbling.  With paint protection, you will never have to wax your vehicle again!

Fabric & Leather/Vinyl Protection:

No matter how much you love your vehicle, we all know that over time we will experience spills, stains, discoloration – perhaps even odor from having a pet.  You can protect your car from all of the above with the Diamond Kote Fabric & Leather/Vinyl Protection. Our dealerships also exclusively offer protection against, rips, tears or burns.

Rust Protection:

Fact – Rust shortens the life of your vehicle and reduces its re-sale value. The Diamond Kote rust protection penetrates to where the corrosion begins and even protects against surface rust. In addition to the great packages we offer, the products we use are safe for the environment.

If you are interested in purchasing some or all of our protection packages, please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

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The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

The North American International auto show in Detroit is almost one week away and Chevrolet fans, Corvette fans and car enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Since the first teasers and renderings were released, there have been a lot of questions surrounding the C7. Will the new installment of v8 engines live up to expectations? Will it be as light on its feet as previous versions? Will it maintain its ‘affordable sports car’ reputation? All of these questions and more will be answered next weekend in Detroit.

In collaboration with Polyphony Digital and their acclaimed racing video game, Gran Turismo 5, Chevrolet allowed for a first time privilege to give their gamers the opportunity to test drive the 2014 Corvette  in the Gran Turismo 5 game.  What has been seen of the C7 in the game is about as much as Chevrolet has released.

The iconic American sports car will make its debut on January 13th, 2013 in Detroit. We know it will be everything the world is anticipating, and more.

Chevrolet has released a series of dramatic teaser trailers that give us a brief look at the conception, calibration, and interior of the 2014 Corvette. Take a look at the initial trailer here, and be sure to visit Queenston on the Mountain or Queenston on Centennial at www.queenstonchev.com for more information on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Distracted Driving: How you can prevent it!

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We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, but are we aware how dangerous it truly is?  Ontarians have now had a couple years to get used to the “new” law, banning hand held devices while driving, yet we continually see people texting, using their mp3 players, GPS units and the like.  The law, which was put in place on October 26, 2009, makes it illegal for drivers to talk, dial, email or text using hand held devices.  Additionally, it prohibits drivers from viewing display screens that are not related to operation of the vehicle.

Do you know your crash odds?
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely.
People talking on a cell while driving are 4 to 5 times more likely.
People who read while driving are 3 times more likely.
Individuals applying makeup while operating a vehicle are 3 times more likely.
Individuals reaching for a moving object while driving makes you 9 times more likely.
Dialing on a mobile device makes you 3 times more likely.

What is alarming given these statistics is how many people don’t take this offence seriously.  According to a study completed at the University of Utah, distraction caused by cell phones or mobile devices delay someone’s reaction time the same as an individual driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08.  Furthermore, driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle accidents in North America each year.

In recent years we have seen a great improvement with in vehicle technology. Most new vehicles are now equipped with devices such as; Bluetooth, OnStar and HondaLink.  These are all programs that can help drivers embrace the new distracted driving laws. There are also new smartphone applications that have been made available to drivers.  One such app is called “Text Ya Later,” (Android only) which allows you to create a message letting others know that you are driving and will text them later.  This message can be set so that it is automatically delivered when activated.  Another application, more suited to parents, is “Mobile Tattletale”. (For a list of supported devices, click here)  When installed on a mobile device and the driver is moving, Tattletale will generate a warning message to the parent’s phone, giving them the ability to temporarily disable their child’s mobile device until the vehicle has come to a stop.  Keep in mind that while these new technologies are helpful, for your safety and those around you, it is best to keep your eyes on the road and save the distractions for later.

If you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle or would like more information on OnStar or HondaLink, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com and www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:

CAA http://distracteddriving.caa.ca/education/index.php
MTO http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index
Ontario Provincial Police http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=545
go.drive www.godrivemag.com
http://mobiletattletale.com/supported-devices