Tag Archives: Automotive Highway

2013 Canadian International Auto Show

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This year’s Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto brought with it huge crowds, gorgeous vehicles and exciting exhibits from the manufacturers.  Here at AutoHwy, we aren’t afraid to admit that this year brought some thrilling models.

Among some of this year’s most exciting were the concept vehicles.  Stealing everyone’s attention was the Honda Urban Small SUV concept.  Striking in its appearance, it glistened under the lights on display and stopped everyone in its tracks. This “concept” is soon to become a reality since it is set to be released in the United States later next year.563447_10101024808083761_243069825_n

Another popular favourite was the Chevrolet concept cars – Tru 140 S and Code 130R .  At their exhibit, Chevrolet actually engaged visitors by creating a voting booth of sorts, allowing individuals to vote on which concept car they would like to see become a reality!602242_10101024806536861_379935614_n

Perhaps one of the most exciting models at the show was the Canadian debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Stingray Corvette. This 450 horsepower vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than 4 seconds!  Now for the good and the bad…it can be yours for approximately $115,000.

If you didn’t have an opportunity to make it to the show this year, feel free to browse our Facebook album and see what General Motors and Honda had to offer!48122_10101024806706521_489055165_n

If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle in one of our award winning line-ups, please visit us today at www.imagehonda.com or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

The 2013 Honda Accord named Canadian Car of the Year

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Earlier this morning at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the winner of the Canadian Car of the Year was awarded by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The top honour went to none other than the 2013 Honda Accord sedan, and deservedly so. The Honda Accord beat out the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and the 2013 Porsche Boxster.7964949

AJAC’s annual test in October had about 80 leading auto journalists from across Canada gathered to test drive and evaluate over one hundred 2013 vehicles.

“We are extremely proud to see the Accord recognized by so many of Canada’s top journalists as Canadian Car of the Year and we thank AJAC for this great honour,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, President and CEO, Honda Canada who was there to accept the award. “The Accord is one of our most important vehicles, so we’re thrilled to receive the great feedback that we’re continuing to raise the bar in the family car category.”image

Congratulations to Honda Canada and Honda worldwide for this great achievement. For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take a 2013 Honda Accord out on the road, it is definitely one to put on your list.

For more information on booking a test drive, any additional information and videos on the 2013 Honda Accord be sure to visit our Image Honda YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/imagehonda and our main page at http://www.imagehonda.com

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: Canada Newswire

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

Chevrolet Youth Concepts Canadian Debut

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Making their introduction at last year’s 2012 North American International Auto Show, were the Chevrolet Youth Concepts – Tru 140S and Code 130R. Designed by Nicholas David and Joe Baker at GM North Hollywood Design, these concepts were based on input from people in the United States under the age of 30, regarding what features and styling they would like to see in their vehicle.

Over the last year, GM gathered feedback from close to 16,000 interested individuals and a similar consensus will be conducted throughout the 2013 Canadian Auto Shows, as well as, a pole that is to be conducted on the Chevrolet Canada Facebook Page.

Tru 140S is a front wheel-drive, 4-seated Coupe that was designed to be attractive, yet affordable.  Because it is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, it leaves the car open to the possibility of designing one with electric range technology.

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The Code 130R takes a different approach to its styling, offering a boxier appearance.  This 4-seated coupe is rear wheel-drive and resembles the Camaro.

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Both the Tru 140S and Code 130R will be making their Canadian debut at the Montreal International Auto Show, which started on Friday and will run through to the 27th of January.  GM Canada has yet to announce whether the Youth Concepts will be making an appearance at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto running February 15-24th.  If you would like more information on these vehicles and the upcoming Auto Show in Toronto – please follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog and AutoHwy.com for the latest updates.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada

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