Monday, April 26, 2010

BMW Billboard Placed Above Audi Hong Kong Dealership

A huge BMW billboard has been placed above Audi of Hong Kong just recently. If you remember, BMW and Audi battled it out with a “billboard-war” about a year ago ending with a BMW M3 “checkmate” billboard and Audi’s “check your luxury badge” response. Now after a year, the games seem to have sparked again making it a Hong Kong Audi dealership.

Friday, April 23, 2010

The BMW Gran Coupe Concept

BMW presents the concept of a new 4-door coupe. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé underscores the outstanding design expertise of the German premium automobile manufacturer.

With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer’s innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW’s philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.
Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.
Read the entire story here.

Source: BMWBlog

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

China auto show: Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept previews new CLS

Mercedes-Benz gives us a look at the wagon version of the second-generation CLS at this week's Beijing motor show with the debut of the Shooting Break concept car.

The four-door sporting wagon, outlined in detail by AutoWeek earlier this year, is among a series of new niche models Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche is pursuing as part of an image-building strategy based around the German carmaker's striking new design lineage.

Inspired by the traditional custom-made two-door shooting brake--a genre of car made popular during the 1960s by a number of British-based carmakers--the Shooting Break closely previews the look of Mercedes-Benz's new CLS sedan to be unveiled the Paris motor show in September. It also provides clues to how Mercedes plans to compete against rivals such as the soon-to-be-revealed Audi A7 and recently introduced BMW 5-series GT.

"The Shooting Break is based on a tradition of cultivated sportiness," explains Gordon Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it points the way toward the further development of the design idiom of Mercedes-Benz."

While Mercedes-Benz remains tightlipped on production plans, official documentation cited by AutoWeek reveals it has already been given the internal codename X218--a clear signal that the Shooting Break is closer to production readiness than its concept car billing reveals.

As one Stuttgart insider commented: "We don't traditionally provide cars with codenames until they have been granted an official production go-ahead."

Form before function

At 195.3 inches long, 76.8 inches wide and 56.9 inches tall, the concept has the same dimensions as the upcoming second-generation CLS sedan. That makes it 1.8 inches longer, 3 inches wider and 0.6 inch taller than the first-generation CLS. It also rides on a wheelbase that is longer by 0.75 inch at 113.2 inches.

In attempting to go beyond the current CLS--a car credited with breaking the design mold at Mercedes-Benz by boldly placing form before function--Wagoner and his design team have created a bullish looking car that, like its predecessor, is sure to stir controversy and divide opinion.

The most striking element of the new CLS is its gaping grille--a styling feature adopted from the new SLS. Marked by a single-slat chrome insert and large three-pointed-star reminiscent of the look of the classic 190 SL, the so-called soft-nose treatment is set to become common across the Mercedes-Benz line-up in coming years.

The concept's grille is flanked by headlamps with light-emitting diodes for low and high beams, daytime running lamps and turn signals. Set to become an option on the new CLS, they are aimed at providing the car with a differing visual character between day and night.

Read more here.

Friday, April 16, 2010

We're bringing the test drive to you, smart fans!

To help celebrate Earth day The smart Center of Latham, a Keeler Motor Car Company, will be be at Crossgates Mall Thur April 22nd and Fri April 23, from 11AM-6PM. We will be located at the upper lot near the food court entrance. We are bringing the test drive to you! Look for the smart RV and make sure to stop by and take a spin behind the wheel of a smart fortwo!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Keeler Motor Car presents "High Fives for Fans" to benefit the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center

Keeler Motor Car Company wants to donate money in your name to the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center!

During the month of April, for every new "fan" that Keeler Motor Car receives on its Facebook page, we will donate $5 to the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center. When this promotion began we started with 151 fans - we had just put up our Keeler Motor Car Facebook page in March. We were trying to think of a "win/win" situation to get more fans for our page and came up with "High Fives for Fans" The win/win became a no brainer, more fans for us and a substantial donation for the Children's Hospital at Alb Med. Center!

Please take 5 minutes to become a fan of Keeler Motor Car here. You can also click here to see the amazing and wonderful things they do at The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center. It is such a worthwhile institution and one that we hope to provide a BIG donation for!
For additional information please contact Wendy Lawrence @ Keeler Motor Car Co., wlawrence@keeler.com

Report: Smart fortwo Electric Car Announced for 2012

Daimler AG has announced that the second generation Smart fortwo electric drive will go into series production starting in 2012. The announcement was made during the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to the facility where the electric Smart cars will be built in Hambach, France.

A small number of vehicles will begin production in November of this year as Daimler continues to test the product durability and battery capability. Using a more compact lithium-ion battery pack sourced from U.S. electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc., the second generation of the Smart fortwo electric drive doesn’t compromise space and has adequate room for two adults. Power is rated at 30 kW (40-hp) and 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs) of torque, with a range of 135 km (84 miles). The initial vehicles will begin testing this year in cities across Europe and the U.S.
Smart claims the cars can hit 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds (the same as the gasoline models) and are speed-limited to 100 km/h (60 mph).

Click here for the official press release.

Source: Autoguide.com

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Proper Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance
Written by Rick Walker
Keeler Motor Car Co.
Mercedes-Benz Service Manager

Many people think vehicle maintenance is simply changing the engine oil and filter at regular intervals and “you’re good to go”. I am aware of a few folks who don’t even do that, but I digress. While changing your engine oil and filter is a major part of proper vehicle maintenance it is just a “part” of it. There is a lot to keeping your car running properly and again there is more to vehicle maintenance than simply “keeping it running.” While changing the engine oil and filter will generally keep the internally lubricated engine parts maintained, what about the rest of the vehicle? Not everyone is spending much time thinking about tire maintenance, monitoring pressures and adjusting when necessary, consistent tire rotations, replacing tires when nearing the wear indicators and generally monitoring their physical condition, cracking, sidewall damage etc.

We all know enough to get to the service shop to have the brakes checked out when the warning light comes on but are we giving enough thought to what type of parts we are going to use or are we going to shop for the “cheapest” price? Using parts other than what was designed and engineered for your vehicle can have adverse effects such as extended stopping distance, increased squealing, shortened service life, vibration, and increased pedal effort to name a few.

What about the things that are not “wear items” and do not have regular inspection or replacement intervals? What are we doing to maintain the thousands of parts that make up the dozens of systems that work together to create this machine that is responsible to carry you and your loved ones from place to place, safely and comfortably in all kinds of weather? What about the suspension springs, drive shaft, control arms, differential, half shafts, heating and cooling system, exhaust system, etc. etc?

Simply changing the oil won’t cut it. You must have professionals inspect your car at regular intervals. Professionals who know what they are looking at and what to look for. Recognizing a minor problem and correcting it before it becomes a big one has tremendous value. No one knows your vehicle better than the people who made it. Following the manufacturer recommended service schedule will guarantee you will not suffer a break down due to your neglect and many times will head off potential break downs and unnecessary added expense.

At times there may be open service campaigns generated by the manufacturer for issues you couldn’t possibly be aware of and while all warranties eventually come to an end, having a strong service history can possibly earn you some compensation on a break down or repair even after your warranty has expired. I promise you will never receive this anywhere other than the manufacturer.

Vehicle maintenance is “looking after” your car, not just changing the oil. It is having it inspected by experts who know what they are doing with guidance and training from the manufacturer. It is not only replacing worn out “wear items” but keeping up with minor issues along the way to help avoid the major ones. It is using the correct manufacturer parts, many of which carry at least one year nationwide parts and labor warranty when installed at your dealer, to keep it performing to the level it was intended.

“Look after your vehicle, it will look after you”

Monday, April 12, 2010

New York Auto Show: A Smart iPhone App, Literally


How do you make a Smart car even smarter? You guessed it: Create an app for that.

Smart has developed an iPhone app that acts as a infotainment system for the Fortwo.Smart’s new Smart Drive App for the Lilliputian Smart Fortwo is more ingenious than most. Developed by Mercedes-Benz software engineers, the coming application for the iPhone not only adds features like navigation to the car, but also does something the iPhone usually can’t do on its own: multitask.

Demonstrated at the New York auto show, the software is part of a package that will include a cradle than needs to be installed by dealers. The application divides the iPhone screen into larger, legible quadrants, rather than using tiny icons that might tend to distract the driver (or distract the driver even more). The four on-screen buttons cover media, phone, map and assist functions.

The phone button takes drivers to the usual hands-free calling functions, while the quadrant entitled maps takes drivers to a full, turn-by-turn navigation program based on Navteq’s maps. Like built-in nav systems, it will mute a call in favor of spoken instructions, and it’s here where the multitasking function comes in handy. Unlike other nav-only applications for the iPhone, you don’t have to choose between chatting on the phone or following the nav system. It can run both simultaneously because the developers built both functions into a single application. In other words, the iPhone doesn’t know it’s multitasking.

Also tapping into the iPhone’s abilities, the Smart app can play music from the phone or tune in countless Internet radio stations from around the world using the vTuner service (sorry, no Pandora yet). Again, because it can trick the iPhone into multitasking, the program will automatically mute the music for instructions from the navigation part of the program.

Lastly, the car assistance section includes Google 411 for free searches of local points of interest via voice instructions, and it will find and call a local dealer should your Fortwo break down. Best, however, is the automatic car finder feature. Like the coming iTag software for Android phones, the Smart software automatically marks your car’s location when you remove the iPhone from the car’s cradle. So if you forget where you parked the car (or just can’t find it in a sea of S.U.V.’s) the phone will lead you back to your wheels. No more marking the spot before you leave.

The company says the software will be available by June for $9.99, but a price for the cradle and professional installation hasn’t been set yet.


Source: NY Times, Wheels Blog

Keeler Honda Certified Pre-Owned Commercial

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Why service your Honda at Keeler Honda?

Why is Keeler Honda Service best for both you and your dealership ?

When you have a legal problem, you go to a lawyer . When you’re sick, you go to a doctor. And when you need your vehicle repaired, you should come to Keeler Honda for service.
Here is why.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
With the cost of vehicles rising every year, consumers can ill afford to rely on anyone other than professionals to keep those vehicles in shape. Keeler Honda offers the highest level of technical training, equipment and parts.

TRAINING
To keep technicians up to date on today’s increasingly complex and sophisticated vehicles, dealers are spending a lot of money on continuous training . Technicians need to pass rigorous training; on line computer training and at the American Honda Training facility.

EQUIPMENT
Over the years, advancements in computers and electronics have turned Keeler Honda into a high–tech center for repairs and maintenance. To maintain the level of commitment that our customers are accustomed to, we utilize state-of-the-art tools and diagnostic equipment in our shop. We also have the ability to link with American Honda factory service experts, should the need arise.

PARTS
Keeler Honda utilizes Honda replacement parts specifically manufactured for your vehicle. You will always be assured of the correct look, fit and original equipment quality that came with your vehicle.

WARRANTY PROTECTION
All new Hondas carry manufacturer’s warranties that specify maintenance schedules and repair procedures. Service from a franchised dealer eliminates the possibilities of voiding the warranty or having warranty repairs denied for failure to meet manufacturer requirements. It’s also worth considering the purchase of an Extended Warranty, in the event you keep your Honda past the original manufacturer’s warranty. Although we never expect any major repairs, it’s good to have a cushion for an unexpected bump in the road.

CONVENIENCE
Keeler Honda is always striving to maintain your business by making it convenient to get service. We now offer Express Service and Express Service Lanes for routine maintenance, oil changes, New York State Inspections and simple repairs while you wait. Traditional appointments can also be made by calling 785-7823 extension 284, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. ,Monday through Friday.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Keeler Honda's number 1 goal is to satisfy all our customers . The only way to achieve this is to do good work at a fair price. We know that repeat and referral business in both service and sales depend on it. Without this philosophy, Keeler Honda would not have achieved the prestigious Honda President’s Award . We are extremely proud to consider ourselves the premier Honda franchised dealer in the capital region. Keeler Honda has now received the American Honda President's Award for the 14th time being only one of two dealers in the country to have done this. AND we are the ONLY dealership in the country to have won this award 11 consecutive years.

Should you have any comments ,suggestions or questions please feel free to contact me @ 785-7823 extension 261 or my E-Mail address, gguadagnino@keeler.com.

This post was written by our Keeler Honda Service Manager Guy Guadagnino - one of the BEST in the business. Thank you Guy for all you do for Keeler Honda and Keeler Motor Car Company.

Keeler Motor Car presents "High Fives for Fans" to benefit the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center

Keeler Motor Car Company wants to donate money in your name to the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center!

During the month of April, for every new "fan" that Keeler Motor Car receives on its Facebook page, we will donate $5 to the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center. When this promotion began we started with 151 fans - we had just put up our Keeler Motor Car Facebook page in March. We were trying to think of a "win/win" situation to get more fans for our page and came up with "High Fives for Fans" The win/win became a no brainer, more fans for us and a substantial donation for the Children's Hospital at Alb Med. Center!

Please take 5 minutes to become a fan of Keeler Motor Car here. You can also click here to see the amazing and wonderful things they do at The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center. It is such a worthwhile institution and one that we hope to provide a BIG donation for!

For additional information please contact Wendy Lawrence @ Keeler Motor Car Co., wlawrence@keeler.com