The Keeler Chronicle

Keeler Private Sale!

2012-02-01T10:55:00.001-05:00

Shhhh - for your eyes only!!

Keeler Motor Car Company is holding it's first Keeler Private Sale. Have you registered yet?? Click here to register for amazing discounts and have the chance to win great giveaways and prizes!

2013 BMW X6 - Now Even More Exceptional

2012-01-31T15:24:00.001-05:00

When we Keeler BMW received it's first BMW X6 I remember thinking, "now that is one awesome car!" Well the feeling hasn't changed with the new 2013 BMW X6. It is sporty and, like mentioned in the below press release, it is unmatched in character. Enjoy the press release after the jump and go ahead and ogle over the pic!!!

2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe Still unique – now even more exceptional

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 25, 2012… BMW today revealed the first images and information about the newly updated 2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe which arrives in US BMW Centers this spring. The world's first ever Sports Activity Coupe stills offers a unique combination of sporty dynamics, versatility and unmatched character. Select design updates and innovative features further hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, which combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the unique character of a BMW X model, and the outstanding driving experience provided by two powerful engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and xDrive, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X6 continues to offer Dynamic Performance Control which gives the Sports Activity Coupe unparalleled agility for a vehicle in this segment. Since its market launch, more than 150,000 Sports Activity Coupes have been sold globally in the last three years with over 20,000 sold here in the US. This has far exceeded the original expectations. The continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on worldwide markets is affirmation of the ground-breaking vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupe. Striking design features front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps a new option. The new X6 has been modified with precision appearance characteristics that define its athletic style while continuing with the unique trend setting silhouette that created a whole new segment. The standard fog lights are now set in matte finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasizes the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modeling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out conspicuously in the vehicle’s front end. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and road-holding prowess of the new BMW X6.

As an alternative to the standard Xenon headlights, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be available with adaptive LED headlights. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlights are strikingly leveled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper
edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its center, feeding their light into the reflectors in front. With its newly designed taillights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear of the new BMW X6 also features more intense styling. The taillights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasizes both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the rear quarter and the tail-end. Attractive new paint finishes, light alloy wheel and leather trim further enhance the new look. The program of external paint finishes for the new BMW X6 consists of two non-metallic and nine metallic colors, including Marrakesh Brown metallic, Orion Silver metallic and Midnight Blue metallic. The standard equipment range of the new BMW X6 also includes a new 19-inch light alloy wheel style for the X6 xDrive50i. The standard Nevada leather upholstery is now also available in Vermilion Red. Also available is a new Nappa Leather upholstery in Ivory White. The new BMW X6 comes standard as a four-seat model. A three-seat rear bench is available as an option. The luggage compartment volume of the Sports Activity Coupe is 25.6 cubic feet (570 liters) and can be extended to up to nearly 60 cu.-ft. (1,450 liters) by folding down the rear backrests. The new BMW X6: dynamic, unparalled, efficient, innovative. The BMW X6 will again be offered in two models in the US, the X6 xDrive50i which features BMW’s 4.4-liter 400 hp TwinPower Turbo V8 and the X6 xDrive35i with BMW’s award-winning 300 hp TwinPower Turbo inline-6. Both are mated to BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission for a unique blend of responsiveness and efficiency. The new M Performance Package. As an additional option, the M Performance Package is available in the US. This attractive equipment package is not just cosmetic. It includes an engine upgrade of +15hp and +30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive35i giving it 315 hp and 330 lb-ft. The increase is +40 hp +30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive50i for total peak output of 440 hp and 480 lb-ft. In addition, the M Performance Package includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

The X6 M: The Ultimate Sports Activity Coupe. As an additional product offer from BMW M GmbH, the specialists for high-performance sports cars, the BMW X6M with its V8 engine delivering 555 bhp also benefits from detailed refinements in the area of design and equipment. The BMW X6 M is fitted with a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission, also highlighting its individual status with such features as separately developed suspension technology. The new BMW X6: Unmatched character – refined. The BMW X6 remains unique in the industry for its blend of style, performance and versatility. The updated 2013 model refines that character ensuring the continued success of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe. The 2013 BMW X6 arrives in US showrooms in the spring of 2012.

2012 Detroit: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, 2013 E-Class Hybrids and Smart For-Us Concept Debut

2012-01-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

We always look forward to the Detroit Auto Show. It's usually the show that the manufacturers bring out the big guns and show us what we have to look forward to in the next couple of years. This year was no exception. Mercedes-Benz was smoking hot with the debut of the 2013 SL-Class, 2013 E-Class Hybrids and smart concept. Read the article after the jump!

(source: MotorTrend.com)

Mercedes-Benz chief Dieter Zetsche oversaw the debut of three new Mercedes models and a new Smart concept today at the Detroit Auto Show.

The debut was kicked off by comedian Jon Lovitz introducing the Smart For-Us pickup truck concept. Not only was the Smart a cool little pickup, but it’s an electric vehicle too. Following the green theme, Mercedes next debuted the E400 and E300 Bluetec Hybrids, both of which go on sale at the end of the year, though the conventional gas-electric hybrid is the only one we’re getting in the U.S. Last but not least, the 2013 SL-Class made its auto show debut too, alongside a gorgeous sounding (and beautiful looking) 300SL.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, which can trace its lineage to the vaunted gullwinged 300SL replaces the previous model which debuted way back in 2003 – almost 10 years ago.

By all accounts, the new SL-Class improves in just about every conceivable way over the outgoing model. Power for Mercedes’ ‘other’ flagship ‘vert is up to 429-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque out of a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8, up from 382-hp and 391 lb-ft. While physically bigger than the outgoing model, Mercedes said that the new SL is actually 275 lbs lighter, making it a hair over 3900 lbs, thanks to new construction techniques and liberal use of aluminum. Mercedes estimates that the new SL is good for a (conservative) 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.

The 2013 SL-Class not only makes more power than the old one, but it’s also more efficient at the pump, thanks in part to a revised seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes is still mum on an EPA estimate but the outgoing model gets 14-15/20-24 mpg city/highway depending on trim.

Many of the changes Mercedes made to the 2013 SL were aesthetic. While the SL-Class sticks with its traditional long-hood, short-deck proportions, much has been changed – particularly the car’s nose and tail. While we still can’t say we’re full-fledged fans of the big and awkward-looking front-end as a whole, the new SLS-style headlights and fiber-optic accents look stunning.

The profile and the rear of the new SL are much easier to like; the sides of the car feature accents that visually link this car with the SLS AMG, as well as link it to their common 300SL predecessor. Around back the taillights clearly link the new model with the old, staying triangular but stretching about a bit and gaining LEDs in the process.

The interior is just as you’d expect in Mercedes’ second most-expensive convertible. It’s filled to the brim with leather and brushed aluminum accents straight out of the SLS AMG – the crosshair HVAC vents, gear shifter, and the metallic instrument panel backings are all straight from the SLS. Who said parts sharing is bad?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is set to hit dealers in the spring. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced but it’ll most certainly start north of $100,000.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 and E300 Bluetec Hybrids

Mercedes brought two examples of the E-Series hybrids to Cobo Hall – a gas-powered version, the 2013 E400 Hybrid, and a diesel-powered version, the 2013 E300 Bluetec Hybrid. We’ll let you guess which one we’re getting in America…

The E400 Hybrid that we will be getting in the U.S. is powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the base E350 producing 306-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and an electric motor good for 27-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes expects the E400 Hybrid to achieve 24/31 mpg city/highway, or 27 mpg combined – .5 mpg better than the E350 Bluetec’s combined rating.

The Euro-only E300 Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a four-pot diesel producing 204-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, mated to the same 27-hp and 184 lb-ft electric motor as its gas-powered sibling.

Mercedes says that the hybrids are capable of driving on electricity up to an undisclosed speed, and that they’re capable of ‘sailing’ by disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain during coasting, improving fuel economy.

Mercedes said that the 2013 E400 Hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. during the second half of this year. The 2013 E300 Bluetec Hybrid will go on sale in Europe (and Europe only) sometime this year. While it saddens us to not be getting the diesel in the U.S., we’re hopeful Mercedes will reconsider due to its rising diesel sales.

Smart For-Us Concept

The Smart For-Us Concept is one concept that left us scratching our heads a bit – a Smart pickup? Who would’ve thought?

The Smart For-Us is essentially the Frankenstein creation you get when you combine the ForTwo convertible with the drivetrain of the ForTwo eD. Smart started with the ForTwo convertible, stretched the wheel base 24 inches, and the body by 33.5 inches, and then tacked on a 35.4 inch bed behind the B-pillars.

Next, Smart ripped out the boat-anchor three-pot from its rear engine compartment and dropped in a 74-hp electric motor and 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in its place. Smart says the electric powertrain is good for 75 mph and seeing it has the same powertrain as the ForTwo eD, probably has a range of 87 miles. Will the For-Us Concept make it into production? Smart money says not, and that this concept will remain just that.

Bueller? Bueller? Ferris that is!

2012-01-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

Yes it's official. After teasing us Honda has released their Superbowl commercial. A take on the 1980's iconic movie, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" We here at Keeler Honda thinks it's a classic and will go down in the books as one of the best Automotive Superbowls ads! Have you seen it yet? We've watched it like 10 times today - can't get enough.
And if you're looking for the all new 2012 Honda CR-V there's no better place to purchase it than Keeler Honda. Give us a call at 518-785-4197 to schedule your test drive or better yet just stop in. Keeler Honda, Route 7, Latham, NY. Click here for our current CR-V specials!

Virtual Road Trip

2012-01-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

Take a virtual road trip in the new 2012 Honda CR-V! We love the bucket list concept.

Introducing the newly designed 2013 Honda Accord

2012-01-10T15:31:00.000-05:00

Honda Motor Co. today unveiled an Accord Coupe Concept that foreshadows the styling of the production car set to arrive this year against stiffening competition.
The concept, shown at the Detroit auto show, sports a creased beltline, muscular rear fender and aggressive lower fog lights. Powertrain improvements will be a key selling point for the 2013 Accord, Honda says.
After the Accord's 17 percent drop in U.S. sales last year, Honda is counting on the next Accord to take on freshly redesigned mid-sized rivals, including the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.
The coupe will be the same size as the current model. But the sedan will have a smaller footprint than today's version, with a shorter wheelbase and lower curb weight for better handling and enhanced fuel economy.
Interior space will stay the same, Honda pledges.
The timing of the sedan's U.S. launch hasn't been released.
The Accord's U.S. sales decline last year, to 235,625, stemmed largely from supply shortages following Japan's March 11 earthquake.
That dropped it to fourth place in the segment, behind the Camry, Fusion and Altima. The Camry held onto its No. 1 spot despite dropping 6 percent to 308,510 units, also because of supply shortages after the earthquake.
Honda needs a strong showing from the Accord after its redesigned Civic small car received a chilly reception last year for what critics said was a cheap-looking interior.
American Honda's total U.S. sales fell 7 percent in a market that increased 10 percent.
New powertrains
The Accord will feature three new drivetrains.
The first will feature the initial U.S. use of the next-generation, direct-injection engine that Honda unveiled in late November at the Tokyo Motor Show. The so-called Earth Dreams engine, a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC four banger, will be combined with a new continuously variable transmission.
The engine delivers 181 hp and better fuel economy than the Accord's current base powerplant, an inline four. Honda did not release fuel-economy figures but said the engine aims to achieve class-leading mileage.
The second drivetrain will consist of a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with either a new six-speed automatic transmission or an existing six-speed manual. The automatic will achieve better fuel economy and horsepower than the outgoing model, Honda says.
The final variant is the first use of Honda's two-motor, plug-in hybrid system. In all-electric mode, the system's lithium ion battery and motor can power the car for up to 15 miles of city driving at speeds as high as 62 mph. The battery can be fully recharged in four hours using a 120-volt outlet or in 90 minutes with a 240-volt charger, Honda says.
For longer drives, the hybrid operates in gasoline-electric mode, drawing from a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a CVT. For high-speed cruising, the car can run in gasoline-only mode with the engine directly powering the front wheels.
The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale in the winter of 2012, Honda says.
Honda canceled the previous Accord hybrid at the end of its 2007 model year.
Safety features
Honda says the next Accord also will sport several new safety features.
It will have Honda's first lane-departure warning system and first forward-crash warning technology. Both use cameras mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers of dangers.
It also will get Honda's first use of its LaneWatch blind spot display, which uses a camera mounted on the passenger mirror to keep tabs on that side of the car.
A multiangle rearview camera also will come standard.
Other new standard features in the next Accord:
• Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.
• Full color information display.
• An SMS texting function that reads messages aloud.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120110/OEM04/120109807#ixzz1j5bbMR4W

Keeler Motor Car Customer Testimonials

2012-01-03T12:39:00.002-05:00

Hear what some of our customers have said about Keeler Motor Car recently:

"My Dealer is Keeler!"
Between my wife and I, this will be the fourth vehicle purchase from Keeler Motor Car Company (BMW and Mercedes-Benz.) The staffs that attended to us during these purchases and services have been exceptionally professional and trained to get the job done. We are a "Keelerian", that is, "Keeler Family Member" for over ten years now. I hope you don't mind me coining the word! You could bank on it that we had and will continue to spread the good news about Keeler to family and friends particularly when purchasing certified Mercedes-Benz. You are the best in that category!!
Emmanuel

"Exceeded my experiences!"
The people in the service department at Keeler Honda are so nice! I bought my 2010 Honda Accord last Spring (sales dept was great too!) and have been in contact with Service only twice but both times have exceeded my experiences with other service departments in the way I have been treated. I'm bringing my car in for a software update this week and can only assume we'll keep this 100% customer satisfaction streak going!
LuAnn

"Why go anywhere else but Keeler Motor Car"
It is always a pleasure to deal with the people at Keeler Motor Car. you know they will always be helpful no matter what! We often think of buying another type of car but Keeler makes us so happy so why go anywhere else?
Barry

"I LOVE Reggae music!"
Dear Andrea,
Quite a few years ago I went to a Jimmy Cliff concert at Middlebury College, and after an opening act, he came on stage to a crowd of 10,000 screaming, adoring fans. When he finally got people somewhat quiet, he said: "I don't like reggae music..."

You've never heard a crowd of 10,000 go silent faster. Long pause...then he said, "I LOVE Reggae music."
The place exploded!

That's how I feel about my new MINI Cooper - i don't just like it. It's the best handling car I've ever owned, and over the years I've had two MG's , a 1967 Morgan Plus 4, A Range Rover, and an early Miata that was a knock off of the Lotus Elan. (The Morgan could take sharp curves at high speeds with out flinching, although the creature comforts were rather minimal.)
In any case, I am very impressed with everything about the MINI. The fit and finish seems perfect, and, as everyone says, it is just pure fun to drive! (It wanted to zip up the 85 on the Northway, and I am going to have to watch the speedometer as it just seems to want to go faster.)
Please accept my thanks for all your help in making this happen. From order to delivery, it was incredibly quick and the whole experience of picking it up at Keeler MINI was a pleasure! Kevin made the paperwork painless and your introduction to all the dashboard intricacies was brilliant! Cheers!
James

"Most Professional"
Mike Severino is the most professional service representative I have ever worked with at Keeler Mercedes-Benz . I have come to trust his judgement and advice without hesitation.
Steve

"Pleasant Experience at Keeler BMW"
Dear Maria,
Buying my fourth BMW from Joe Marcil has been a pleasant experience. Customer Service and product knowledge from Joe has been second to none! Joe reflects the professionalism that portray's Keeler Motor Car. You could not have a better ambassador for your company than Joe Marcil! Please pass these accolades on to the sales manager at your BMW division. Thank you for the pleasant experience.
Bill

"Thank you Keeler Mercedes-Benz"
I want to thank all the associates at Keeler Mercedes-Benz for their diligent efforts in restoring my 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL back to health. It is now operating safely, comfortably and reliably. They all went the extra mile to service my classic automobile and looked after items I did know about. Thank you!!
Godfrey

"Thank you all so much"
Dear Bill, Andrea and Raffe,

I love doing business with friends and hopefully I don't drive a hard bargain? just a great little black cooper that I LOVE!!! You guys were and are great and will always receive a 10 out of 10 recommendation for professional service and attention to detail. You made the past 8 years easy, the purchase simple, the new guy I met in finance was great also and I long to look after you guys in Placid with beers and accommodation as availability allows.

It has been a great first 8 years with Keeler and this relationship will continue if the service is half as good as I'm getting! I salute you all.

Best regards,
Stuart

"Keeler BMW's wonderful service"
I would just like to comment on the wonderful Service Dept. at Keeler BMW and mainly your employee Raffe. He was more than helpful at the last visit and really listened to my car's issues and they were corrected in the best and most friendly manner than any of the other Service Reps I have dealt with this year. My hat is off to Raffe and Mini Service Department.
Sandra

Keeler Motor Car Company secures naming rights (and couldn't be more excited about it!!)

2011-12-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

Keeler Motor Car Announces Naming Rights Agreement

LATHAM, NY - Keeler Motor Car Company is pleased to announce a five year agreement with The Times Union Center for the naming rights of the now Citizen’s Bank Club set to begin in February of 2012. The club is located on the concourse level of the arena near the Pearl Street entrance. Maria Dunning, Vice President of Keeler Motor Car Company, which represents Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Honda and smart in the Capital District expressed that “Keeler Motor Car Company is glad to support the events that the Times Union Center brings to our community. Everyone benefits when we are able to expand the cultural, entertainment and sporting opportunities in our area.”

"I am thrilled that Keeler Motor Car will be our new naming rights partner on the Sports Bar in the Arena. Keeler Motor Car immediately saw the huge value of advertising their brand/name within the Times Union Center. This commitment of revenue helps cover operating expenses, which also helps keep pricing for tickets and concession items more affordable to Capital Region residents. For companies like Keeler, spending money on advertising in the Times Union Center is a win-win." - Bob Belber, General Manager, Times Union Center.

“Keeler Motor Car, and the Keeler family in particular have a rich and long tradition of supporting Albany County. I am very happy that they are partnering with Albany County again, as sponsors of the Sports Bar in the Times Union Center. It is vitally important to the health of our economy to have the cooperation of businesses such as Keeler Motor Car, as we move forward throughout the new year”. - Dan McCoy, Chairman, Albany County Legislature County Executive – Elect

Taking one for the Keeler Team

2011-08-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

As employers go Keeler Motor Car Company has to be one of the best in the Capital Region. Not only is it a beautiful facility to work in and three time winner of the Albany Times Union Best of the Capital Region Readers Poll but the employees become like your second family (as I'm sure happens at most workplaces.) I have been fortunate enough to have worked here for almost 10 years now. My first position was the Customer Relations Assistant where I was thrown right into the Automotive Industry. I handled happy customers and some not-so-happy customers. Helping the not-so-happy turn into Keeler Motor Car advocates had to be my favorite part of the job. I have since moved on from that position into Marketing/Social Media but this week I took one for the team. I have been helping out in our Keeler BMW/MINI Service Department and what an eye opener it has been. I have a completely new found respect for our Keeler Service Departments and the hard work they do on a daily basis. Starting at 7:30AM and not ending until 6:00PM they field, on average, 100 calls a day - everything from making an appointment and ordering parts to submitting warranty claims and handling those not-so-happy customers. My eyes have been opened - for the better I'd say! So next time you bring your car in for service try to smile for the employees - it will make their day!

Keeler BMW Customer Testimonial

2011-07-19T17:09:00.000-04:00

We REALLY love our customers!!! Check out this testimonial from a very happy Keeler BMW customer.

I would like to inform you about my experiences with Keeler Motor Car Company in Latham, particularly their BMW division. I had the opportunity to purchase a used X5 earlier in the year for my wife. She has been very happy with her car and enjoys it much. The salesperson that helped me was Bruce Gardner and I would like to say he was very helpful and patient with me making my choice. He has since showed me several more vehicles.
Bruce also helped me deliver the car to my wife as a birthday surprise, working with a schedule that fit my plans.
Since the purchase we have had the car serviced a couple of times and this experience has been pleasant as well. I would like to comment on our last trip just this week. After seeing a battery warning light and smelling an electrical burning smell I took the car up to Keeler BMW after the holiday weekend. I was met by Darin Krupski at the service bay who took all my information and also conferred with the service manager as to the potential problem. Darin quickly checked me in and helped me with a loaner vehicle. I have to say that the whole experience was extremely pleasant and painless. I was in no rush for my car back and Darin kept me updated. When the vehicle was completed with the service (new alternator) Darin also informed me that they had done the oil service as well as checked and replaced the brake pads.
I believe this level of customer service to be excellent and was very much appreciated. Over the course of the summer I have been test-driving potential cars I would like to buy for myself in September. I have met many dealers and salespeople along the way. I am pleased to say that based on the information above and the excellent service I have experienced with Keeler my next car will be a 335XI. They truly have matched an excellent product with excellent service and I thank them!
Sincerely,
Pete H.
Australian Winders USA

BMW i8 and 6 Series featured in Mission Impossible 4: The Ghost Protocol

2011-06-29T15:30:00.000-04:00

We love it when movie's feature cars...the car's sometimes end up becoming the star of the show. Remember "The Italian Job"? The new (at the time) MINI stole the show. Keeler MINI even had a party in its honor. Now it's time for BMW to shine. This morning I saw the Mission Impossible 4 trailer (think it just came out) and the BMW i8 and 6 Series are stealing the spotlight from Tom. As soon as I saw it posted on YouTube I sent it out to our Keeler BMW employees and everyone was LOVING it! Below is the video...let us know what you think. Thumbs up or down?

Keeler Motor Car wins the Times Union Best of the Capital Region 3rd year in a row

2011-06-27T11:28:00.001-04:00

We are proud to announce that Keeler Motor Car Company has received the 2011 Times Union Best of the Capital Region Award for Automobile Dealers and Auto Service Shops. This is the third year in a row that Keeler Motor Car has won this award.

In its 14^th year, the Times Union has asked its readers to weigh in on what they think is the best about the place we call home.

Nearly 15,000 filled in ballots online and in print (though most came via the Internet). And, unlike previous years, only a handful were deemed invalid for violating the rules against ballot stuffing.

We are extremely proud of this award since it is the Capital Region residents who vote for us. Thank you to our customers and everyone who voted.

To see the entire list of winner click here.

Honda Achieves Its Best-Ever Result in 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

2011-06-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

It's no surprise to us at Keeler Motor Car!!!

June 23 2011

Honda leads industry with seven segment-leading models, more than any other brand

The Honda brand earned its best-ever ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, finishing second among all surveyed brands, including premium makes, the company announced today. Honda also led the industry with seven models earning the highest initial quality ranking in their respective segments, including its top-selling Accord and Civic models.

The Acura brand finished third overall in the 2011 IQS.

Read the rest of the press release from Honda after the jump.

In the manufacturing realm, the 2011 study recognized three Honda plants for superior quality, including Honda's newest U.S. auto plant in Greensburg, Ind. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, producing the Civic Sedan, was one of only three plants around the world to earn the Platinum Plant Quality Award. The Suzuka, Japan plant, line 1, earned a Silver Plant Quality Award, Asia Pacific (tie), for production of Civic and Insight, while the East Liberty, Ohio, plant took home a Bronze Plant Quality Award, North/South America, for production of the Accord Crosstour, CR-V and Element.
"Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization—in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales—to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura."
Of the seven Honda models earning the highest initial quality score in their segment – the most segment leaders of any brand – five were manufactured in North America: the Civic (compact car); the Element (compact crossover SUV—followed by the CR-V in second place); the Accord (midsize car); the Accord Crosstour (midsize crossover SUV); and the Ridgeline (midsize pickup). Those five models were joined on the 2011 segment leader list by the Insight hybrid (compact car, tie) and Honda Fit (sub-compact car).
Honda automobiles made in North America are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study serves as an important tool for consumers in evaluating the quality and design of new vehicles. Since 1987, J.D. Power and Associates has been surveying owners to measure the initial quality of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.
Honda media contacts:
Chris Martin (American Honda): (310) 783-3164, chris_martin@ahm.honda.com
Ron Lietzke (Honda of America Mfg.): (937) 644-6627, ron_lietzke@ham.honda.com
Anita Sipes (Honda Mfg. of Indiana): (812) 560-8535, anita_sipes@hmin.honda.com
Mark Morrison (Honda Mfg. of Alabama): (205) 355-5136, mark_morrison@hma.honda.com
Edward Miller (Honda in Detroit): (313) 202-3150, ed_miller@ahm.honda.com
Connect with Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only): http://www.hondanews.com
ASIMO on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asimo
ASIMO on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asimo
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

The All New 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has arrived at Keeler Mercedes-Benz

2011-06-22T14:58:00.001-04:00

They're finally off the truck and in our showroom in Latham, NY - the newly designed 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. At first glance this beauty catches your eye. The redesigned CLS has very sharply sculped long sides and the wrap-around taillights look super high-tech with the addition of new LED lights.

Read some comments on the CLS and see our pictures below.

"From a pure driving standpoint, the car is responsive in its handling, powerful enough to be highly entertaining and comfortable and quiet." -- AutoWeek
"With all the zigging and zagging, we got to know the CLS's new electromechanical power steering (Mercedes calls it a world first for the segment), which provided a direct, balanced feel in every situation we encountered, high speed or low." -- Motor Trend
"The long sides of the CLS are sharply sculpted and flow into tightly coiled haunches-the work of American-born, Art Center College-trained, Korean designer Hubert Lee, 37, the head of M-B's California advanced design studio. Wraparound LED taillamps are a beautiful high-tech link from sleek side to broad rear." -- Automobile Magazine

Keeler Motor Car Customer Testimonial

2011-06-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

Nothing makes us happier here at Keeler Motor Car then when we receive customer testimonials like this one! Thank you so much Phil, self-proclaimed, "Proud MINI Owner and Keeler Motor Car Company Customer."

Hi Ms. Dunning,

Many people dread shopping for a new car. Options are mind-numbing and then comes negotiating the deal. Fortunately, I had a fantastic experience at Keeler Motor Car Company, specifically with Brendon and Bill. Last Friday, I drove from Syracuse with the hope and intention of leaving with a MINI. When I walked in, I was greeted by Brendon, and exclaimed that I wanted to buy the car on the showroom floor. (I had already found this car on the Keeler Web site). I told Brendon my time-frame (leaving with the car that day) and he indicated it would be possible since I was there early enough (I arrived at 1 PM).

We took a test drive while Brendon explained many of the MINI's features and benefits. When we returned, I met Bill. Brendon excused himself to help another customer and Bill and I worked the deal. Bill and I quickly came to an agreement and the deal was on.

From this point forward, everything went like clockwork. While I removed personal items from my trade, the Keeler Motor Car Company team prepped my new MINI and took care of all of the paperwork. I was impressed that there were no snags or surprises during the process.

Shortly after 5, I was ready to begin my 150 mile drive home. The only thing not completed was the activation of SIRIUS Satellite radio. Bill took care of this immediately and I enjoyed my trek back.

In conclusion, there were certainly others that worked behind the scenes, and I wish I knew who to thank. So please, extend my gratitude to everyone who worked on the Spice Orange MINI on Friday, 10 June. As I left, Bill mentioned a survey I would be receiving. I have no reservations about giving everyone at the dealership the best score possible.

I have sent a thank you card via U.S. Mail, and you have my permission to display it if you'd like. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Phil

Proud MINI Owner and Keeler Motor Car Company Customer

P.S. Incidentally, I met another fellow from Syracuse who was in for his 1-year maintenance. He was very happy with his MINI and wished me well on my purchase. Syracuse would certainly welcome a Keeler MINI dealership!

The 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party

2011-06-02T14:23:00.000-04:00

At Keeler Motor Car Company we love to throw parties for our customers. We want them to know just how important they are to us and honestly, who doesn't like a good party?? We also plan these events to show our potential customers all the benefits that come along with being a Keeler Motor Car customer. Well, June 4th is no exception!! It's the 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party.

Check out vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles when the
Mercedes-Benz Club rolls into town
The Hudson Valley BMW Car Club will be here showing off their classic BMWs
A host of shined-up MINIs will be on display courtesy of
the MINI Car Club
See a "brilliant" gathering of smart cars at our 4th Annual
smarty Party at smart center Latham
Live Entertainment from 12:00 - 3:00 by local band The Audiostars

Featuring Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Honda, smart and Keeler Quality Pre-Owned Center vehicles at Summer Event pricing!

All this and more in one day!
Saturday, June 4th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Keeler Motor Car Company, Rt. 7, Latham

Video: BMW 1 Series M faces off against Audi TT RS on track

2011-05-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

Source: Autoblog.com via Motor Sport Magazine

The crew from Motor Sport Magazine took the time to pit the BMW 1 Series M Coupe against a fitting rival – the Audi TT RS. The two German sports coupes go fender-to-fender on track, and thanks to a few well-placed video cameras, we get to ride along for the action. There's plenty of tail-wiggling glory from the smallest of the M family, but the TT RS seems more than capable of keeping the pace. With 340 horsepower to the 335 ponies of the TT RS, the 1 Series M Coupe has a slight power edge, but with all four wheels pulling in the Audi, the two are fit rivals.

While the video doesn't actually capture any legitimate competition, it's still fun to watch – and hear – these two pint-sized bruisers frolic around in a semi-controlled, off-street venue. We just wish it was us behind the wheel.

Keeler Motor Car - Meet our Employees.

2011-05-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Keeler Motor Car and Keeler BMW is happy to introduce you to our BMW Service Manager BMW, Tom Jess.

What is that you do at Keeler Motor Car? I am the Service Manager for Keeler BMW and Keeler MINI. For the most part I am an interface between departments and between customers and technicians.

Do you have a family? I have a huge extended family that are scattered all over the US. My immediate family consists of a wonderful wife, one dog and one cat..

Have you always been in the automotive industry? I have always been a “car nut”. I went to tech school right out of high school and have been in the dealership environment ever since.

What do you love about working at Keeler Motor Car? Keeler is a great work environment. You are not a “number” here and you get to work with some of the most talented individuals in the automotive business. This is probably why Keeler Motor Car has the great reputation that it does.

What are some of your hobbies/favorite activities? Some of my hobbies are fishing, playing drums, and camping.

What are some of your favorite local restaurants? My favorite local restaurant is The Century House hands down.

What kind of car do you drive? Today I drove a van to work, but I do own a BMW 3 Series.

What's your favorite car at Keeler Motor Car? The new 535xi. BMW really got this car right. The fit and finish of this vehicle is exceptional. I would imagine that this is what we can expect for future new models.

What was your first position when you started at Keeler? I started as a MINI technician.

How did you get started? I have a pretty extensive back ground in automotive repair and technology. I grew up on a farm and most repairs needed to be completed on site. I believe this is what gave me the desire to go to college for automotive repair. Since then I just learned as much as I could about the business. I had a lot of great mentors along the way, and I have a great support system now.

What kind of skills or characteristics does someone need to do this job successfully? I believe that analytical thinking and an automotive back ground are a must. Being able to listen and communicate are big factors. I do believe that being honest is probably the most important characteristic, not just in my position but every position.

What advice can you give to anyone who would be interested in doing what you do? Stay in school. Learn as much as you can from a technical position and take classes that have to do with business management and accounting. Be patient and listen to the technicians that have been doing it longer then yourself.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2011-05-25T13:27:00.000-04:00

There is not much out there more luxurious then the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It embodies everything that Mercedes-Benz stands for, performance, luxury and safety. 2012 looks to be a big year for Mercedes with the new S-Class as the major highlight. I'm already looking forward to our annual Customer Appreciation party here at Keeler Mercedes-Benz which is always held in the fall. I have a pretty good feeling that this gorgeous piece of machinery will be the star of show!

Check out the article below on carmagazine.co.uk about the all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class which looks to be available in four different bodystyles including a convertible!

The new Mercedes S-class arrives in 2012 – and there will be four versions of the new S codenamed W222.
In an attempt to cover an even wider segment of the luxury car market, the new 2012 S-class will be offered in four different bodystyles: standard wheelbase saloon (2012), extended wheelbase saloon (2013), coupé (2013, replaces the CL), and a four-seater convertible (2014).

Woah! That’s a lot of new S-classes!

All future rear-wheel drive Mercs will be based on a brand new components set known as MRA, short for Mercedes Rear-wheel drive Architecture. MRA is subdivided into 93 different modules which is a good indication of how flexible this matrix can be. The only two fixed points are the front and rear firewalls in relation to the axles and the drivetrain.
The next S-class boasts a brand-new four-link front suspension designed to further decouple the steering, braking and damping forces. In the rear, we should find an evolution of the faithful multilink arrangement. Air springs are standard again, but the clever ABC anti-roll system costs extra. ABC can also be had in combination with MBC, short for Magic Body Control.

Magic Body Control? Is that like a magic carpet?

Sort of. Employing two cameras to scan the road ahead, MBC can compensate surface irregularities milliseconds before the car encounters them. Up to 80mph, this option warrants a ride comfort which is second to none. Also new is Magic Light Control (MLC) which adds dynamic full LED headlamps complete with adaptive free-flow light patterns varying with speed, weather and steering angle.
As far as the next-generation ergonomics are concerned, those in the know predict a much easier-to-use Comand system with radically fewer knobs, buttons and switches. Instead, we can allegedly look forward to a single controller which – in combination with the more elaborate steering-wheel – operate all key features and functions.
Instead of a second screen positioned above the centre stack, MB is looking at a large multiple-imagery TFT display in the driver’s primary field of vision. What makes the new infotainment so unique are the much easier access, the vastly superior memory capacity (music, DVD, maps, internet) and the reprogrammable software.

Enough gadgets… What’s under the bonnet of the new 2012 Merc S-class?

The line-up stretches from the 204bhp four-cylinder to the EU6-rated V12 dyno-tested at 544bhp. Not enough grunt? Then you may have to wait for the spiciest AMG menu which is good for 650bhp, sources say.
New motors include the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 which will be available in 306 and 354bhp form. One rung up, we find two turbocharged V8s promising 435 and 517bhp. Originally, MB intended to offer hybrid options for all new S-class models, but then marketing had a rethink, and now all that’s left are a mix of 204bhp diesel and 109bhp electric motor as well as the 306bhp V6 linked to the same plug-in whispering drivetrain. Mild hybrid is likely to be standard, but the 20bhp e-motor is not quite strong enough to justify an e-mode button.
This won’t change before 2014 when the new nine-speed autobox can accommodate a more potent 45bhp power pack.

How’s the S-class been doing?

Without China, North America and the Middle East, the Mercedes S-class would towards the end of its career be almost dead in the water. In Europe, for instance, sales of the ageing starship fell behind the new Audi A8 and the BMW 7-series in 2010.
A situation Mercedes plans to reverse with W222. It’s all change with the S-class!

Could this be a spy-shot of the new 2012 Honda CR-V sporting a 3rd row seat?

2011-05-18T16:56:00.000-04:00

While combing through blogs and internet sites for interesting things to bring you on the Keeler Motor Car blog I came across this on Autoblog.com. Everyone here at Keeler Honda is super excited to get a look at the newly remodeled 2012 Honda CR-V. Date of it's arrival is a little up in the air due to the crisis in Japan but we are loving the look so far!

Source: www.autoblog.com

The 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party

2011-05-18T10:43:00.000-04:00

Check out vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles when the
Mercedes-Benz Club rolls into town
The Hudson Valley BMW Car Club will be here showing off their classic BMWs
A host of shined-up MINIs will be on display courtesy of
the MINI Car Club
See a "brilliant" gathering of smart cars at our 4th Annual
smarty Party at smart center Latham
Live Entertainment from 12:00 - 3:00 by local band The Audiostars

Featuring Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Honda, smart and Keeler Quality Pre-Owned Center vehicles at Summer Event pricing!

All this and more in one day!
Saturday, June 4th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Keeler Motor Car Company, Rt. 7, Latham

The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Co. May Specials

2011-05-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

Does this horrible weather in upstate NY got you down? Well, the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company has the answer for your rainy day blues. Our Keeler Mercedes-Benz Spring event is here and now through the end of May you can take advantage of these amazing savings!

Stop in to the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car on Route 7, Latham or visit www.keelermercedesbenz.com to browse our new and used inventory.

Top 10 Reasons to Sign up for AAA

2011-04-26T11:02:00.001-04:00

I received an email from the administer of the blog, Satellite Dish that they read our Keeler Motor Car Blog (gasp...someone reads this???) and thought that their post might be a good, informational post for our site. I couldn't agree more. Seeing as my mom just had to call AAA to help her with her flat tire (I was so very thankful that I didn't get that call!!) So here it is and if you get a chance check out Satellite Dish and their "Top 10" blog site.

Source: (Satellite Dish)

Originally this group was called American Automobile Association and was created when a group of motor clubs got together to create road maps because there weren’t any complete ones around. That was in 1902 and they have come a long way since then. Today AAA is made up of 51 auto clubs and they have over 51 million members. Check out 10 reasons to sign up for AAA.

Discounts: Discounts are available for everything from hotels, to car insurance to event tickets. There are even some restaurants that will give a AAA discount.
Roadside service: The roadside service alone is worth joining if you didn’t get anything else. If you have a flat tire, run out of gas or have a dead battery AAA will send help to you locally so they can get you back on the road quickly.
Triptik: These turn-by-turn detailed directions are unmatched by any other roadside service company. You can include various destinations into the trip and the Triptik will include directions to each destination and then continue on the trip.
Auto insurance: AAA has top-notch car insurance and boasts that they can save you money over the other large insurance companies. If you join it would be well worth your while to get a quote on car insurance to see if they can save you some money.
Travel agency: Everything from planning and booking cruises to booking airline tickets and hotel reservations are available through the professional AAA travel agency.
Help buying a car: You can research the car you are interested in and do side-by-side comparisons of your top choice. AAA has all of the latest information about each make and model of car.
Gas price survey: AAA surveys over 100,000 different self-serve gas stations all over the country to find out their current gas prices. These surveys are done on a daily basis so you can plan your journey to take you to the least expensive gas.
Defensive driving course: If you take this online course you can receive a discount on your car insurance. Otherwise, if you have received a moving violation and you have not taken the course in a year then you can take this course to get your ticket dismissed.
Travel information and tips: Find a list of what to pack in your RV for vacation. What do you need to know about driving in a desert? Which cruises are the best if I want to bring my kids?
Hotel rating system: To even be rated each hotel has to meet 27 standards of excellent service. Then AAA will rate each hotel from one diamond up to five diamonds. One diamond is a budget friendly option with no extras. A five-diamond hotel will be a luxury hotel that is pretty expensive, but it will have all of the amenities. The rest fall somewhere in between.

700 BMW ActiveE coming this summer at $499 per month.

2011-04-19T16:41:00.001-04:00

The BMW ActiveE, the first full-electric BMW available to customers, was unveiled today in advance of the New York International Auto Show, where it will make its North American debut. This is another significant step in the BMW Group’s commitment to be a sustainable leader in automotive products and services.
Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds, making it the first electric vehicle to combine the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW with the zero-emissions benefits of driving an electric vehicle. It will incorporate specially-designed lithium ion batteries which are being used for the first time and that allow for a range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.

The batteries will feature liquid heating and cooling, as well as the ability to pre-condition the system while connected to the grid enabling maximum range capability regardless of ambient conditions.
Seven hundred BMW ActiveE vehicles will be coming to the U.S. beginning this fall in metropolitan New York and other select US metropolitan markets. A 24-month lease will be offered for $499 per month with a down payment of $2,250. The reservation process will begin in late summer 2011.
“The BMW ActiveE is part of our ongoing strategy to develop environmentally friendly, yet high-performance vehicles,” said Rich Steinberg, manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy, BMW NA. “It brings us another step closer to the realization of the BMW i3, which we will launch in 2013.”
In order to help consumers determine if an ActiveE is right for them, the new app, BMW Evolve is now available for download from the Apple iTunes Store and later this month in the Android Marketplace. It was developed with the input of our MINI E drivers and will help drivers track their daily driving habits, regardless of their current car in order to determine if a full-electric vehicle like the BMW ActiveE will fit their lifestyle. Read the full press release by BMW after the jump.

Full Press Release:
The introduction of the BMW ActiveE marks the launch of the second phase of the BMW Group’s electromobility development strategy. The BMW ActiveE will be available for lease in select markets beginning in Fall 2011 for $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment $2,250. It will be available for lease in the metropolitan markets of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York and Boston as well as the state of Connecticut.
Project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility.
The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next step towards an emission-free, massproduced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The ultimate goal is the concept of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV) that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the MCV are being tested in the BMW ActiveE.
Ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, including 450 in the US, have already provided vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning in 2011 in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the MCV, which the BMW Group will be launching under a new sub-brand in 2013. With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group is extending field tests on electric mobility and is intensifying research into electric mobility in everyday driving. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the MCV are being tested on the BMW ActiveE. The knowledge gained will be fed directly into series development of the MCV. With the BMW ActiveE, the future of individual mobility combining driving pleasure with zero tailpipe emissions is one step closer.
Electric mobility as a supporting pillar of the EfficientDynamics development strategy. In the development of groundbreaking vehicle concepts and drive technologies within the framework of the EfficientDynamics strategy, the BMW Group attaches key importance to electric mobility. With EfficientDynamics the BMW Group has for been very successful in reducing fuel consumption and emission levels through new and highly-efficient engine generations, enhancement of aerodynamics, the use of innovative lightweight construction and intelligent engine management – all with better performance in the bargain. Thanks to EfficientDynamics, the company is now able to achieve additional economy advantages through the further electrification of the drive train and hybrid technology. In the medium term, the BMW Group is developing vehicle concepts for emission-free mobility in larger urban areas. In the long term, EfficientDynamics means the transition to emission-free mobility – using both battery power and sustainably produced hydrogen.
On the way to sustainable, CO2-free mobility, the BMW ActiveE represents the next major milestone. Following the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s second electric vehicle made available to consumers. With output of 170 horsepower and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds (preliminary), demonstrating the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW. At the same time, newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a vehicle range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.
Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body and chassis of an existing car. The BMW ActiveE integrates all-electric drive components such as batteries, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without significant compromise on space or interior comfort. Therefore, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s first electric vehicle to offer four fully-fledged seats and a seven cu-ft luggage compartment. The BMW ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the same drive train and batteries Planned for the MCV.
The design: clearly a BMW, clearly a very special concept.
The BMW ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe. The convex-concave design vocabulary gives the vehicle an even more dynamic appearance. However, specific visual interior and exterior accents highlight the exceptional character of the purely electrically powered BMW. Silver colored, circuit-inspired graphic elements on an Electric Blue background run over the entire Alpine White body. The intentional asymmetry of the graphic elements gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance. The blue shadowing provides additional depth.
The exterior design of the BMW ActiveE is further differentiated by the power dome in the hood which provides space for the batteries located under it. The completely closed rear apron is a distinctive feature of the BMW ActiveE. Since the ActiveE does not have an engine, there is no need for tailpipes and an exhaust system. Where the tailpipes are normally located, the BMW ActiveE boasts a silver-blue accentuating trim in the completely closed rear apron that indicates that the vehicle is free of emissions. Other distinguishing features include the “ActiveE” logo on the back of the car and the “eDrive” logos on the fenders.
In order to increase the vehicle’s range even further, the BMW ActiveE rides on the latest generation of tires with optimized rolling resistance. The result is a rolling resistance that is up to twenty percent lower compared to previous series production tires. The wheels of the BMW ActiveE are complemented with BMW’s lightest 16-inch alloys and boast a double V-spoke design.
In the interior the features of a BMW 1 Series Coupe are combined with individual details that emphasize the unique nature of the BMW ActiveE. Blue contrasting seams accentuate the Dakota Leather seats in exclusive Pearl Grey. Dashboard and door linings are fitted with Alpine White interior trim, which is available for the first time, and sport an “ActiveE” appliqué that transfers the exterior graphics into the interior of the car. The shift lever plaque in black and blue complements the overall graphic concept.
BMW eDrive – the BMW ActiveE’s control display concept.
The instrument cluster and the control system were specifically adapted to the electric drive concept of the BMW ActiveE. In place of a tachometer, the instrument on the right of the cluster shows the amount of energy being taken from the battery or the current amount being supplied to it through recuperation. When the vehicle is at a standstill, the needle in the middle position indicates that the vehicle is ready to drive, as the BMW ActiveE has no engine sound to inform the driver whether or not it is ready to drive. If the vehicle is not ready, the needle rests at the bottom left of the instrument. The “fuel gauge” below it indicates the battery charge level. Furthermore, the onboard computer provides additional vital information such as the remaining vehicle range, for example.
The eDrive display functions on the Central Information Display depict vehicle energy flow. During the journey an active schematic representation of the vehicle informs the driver whether energy is currently being taken from the battery or being fed into it through recuperation. Moreover, the driver can see the current charge state of the battery and also check whether the air conditioning or the heating system is currently in use. This representation can, if required, also be shown as a split screen to allow the simultaneous display of additional infotainment contents or the route guidance of the navigation system. When the vehicle is at a standstill, it is also possible to see on the display whether the vehicle is currently being charged or whether the battery and interior are being climatically conditioned. In addition, a special battery information menu provides information on the battery energy level as well as the current and remaining vehicle range. During charging it also indicates the remaining charging time.
Optimum comfort, optimum efficiency – the ECO PRO Mode.
If the driver wishes to increase the range of the BMW ActiveE even further, it is now possible to do this via the ECO PRO Mode. As soon as the driver activates the switch on the center console, the vehicle’s drive configuration and comfort functions are modified to facilitate an even more efficient driving style. The accelerator pedal mapping program delivers less power in the ECO PRO Mode than in the normal driving mode, but with the same pedal travel. The heating and air conditioning systems have a flatter setting and therefore use less energy. The driver is also provided with tips on how to reduce energy consumption even further for the best possible driving efficiency.
Emission-free, powerful and compact: the drive system of the BMW ActiveE.
The BMW ActiveE represents typical BMW driving pleasure in a new, emission-free form. The heart of the BMW ActiveE is the powerful electric synchronous motor. Maximum power output of the electric drive system is 170 horsepower while maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is available from a standstill, as is typical of electric vehicles and it remains available across an exceptionally broad load range. As a result, the BMW ActiveE accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at around 90 mph.
The permanent-magnet synchronous motor and the power electronics of the BMW ActiveE were developed entirely in-house and are characterized in this combination by exceptional efficiency, optimized power development and a compact design. The innovative character of the electric drive system is reflected above all in the relation between engine output and space requirement. The entire power pack including power electronics and transmission with differential is integrated into the modified rear-axle support of the BMW ActiveE, and with 170 horsepower, still has a total weight of only around 200 lbs.
Brake Energy Regeneration: drive and slow down with the accelerator pedal.
The driving experience of the BMW ActiveE is enhanced by the possibility of slowing down using the accelerator pedal via brake energy regeneration. When the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, the electric motor becomes a generator that feeds the electricity gained from kinetic energy back into the vehicle battery. At the same time, braking torque is created, which effectively slows the vehicle down. In this way, the accelerator pedal becomes a “drive pedal”. In urban traffic around 75 percent of all deceleration can be accomplished without using the brake pedal at all. Intensive use of this recuperation of energy via the motor also results in a range increase of up to 20 percent. Only when the driver wishes to slow down faster by stepping on the brake pedal does the conventional braking system of the BMW ActiveE come into play.
Gliding – “coasting” along the road.
Unlike the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE features a distinctive “intermediate position” of the accelerator pedal, allowing the vehicle to “glide”. As a result, the vehicle does not immediately recuperate when the driver decelerates, but “de-clutches” using the electric motor’s zero momentum control, thereby utilizing its own kinetic energy to move forward. The BMW ActiveE then “glides” along the road without using energy. Gliding offers a most convenient way of increasing the vehicle’s range.
Intelligent vehicle dynamics through Stability Management for Regeneration.
When the driver lets off the accelerator pedal to slow down, the regenerative brake torque only works on the rear wheels. Therefore the BMW ActiveE features an adapted driveactive vehicle dynamics interface, “Stability Management for Regeneration”, in order to also ensure vehicle stability during recuperation. The Dynamic Stability Control system has been adapted to the specific characteristics of the electric drive train. Based on various parameters, Stability Management for Regeneration adapts the recuperation level to each driving situation, combining the highest level of recuperation with best possible vehicle stability when decelerating in any situation. Should a situation arise that is critical for vehicle stability when using recuperative or hydraulic brakes, the optimized DSC function ensures constant vehicle stability by means of targeted intervention into the braking system and engine management. Furthermore, DCS ensures that the rear wheels are able to convert the high torque of the electric drive into maximum propulsion when starting off.
Lithium-ion batteries with liquid cooling system.
Specially developed lithium-ion storage cells ensure the energy supply of the drive system and all further functions of the BMW ActiveE. These high-voltage battery units are exceptional for their high storage capacity. The BMW ActiveE features large-format storage cells, which are being used for the first time and were jointly developed by the BMW Group and its associate partner SB LiMotive exclusively for automotive use.
With the BMW ActiveE developers are testing the storage cells and the storage electronics, which are to be installed later in the MCV. Combined into modules of six, eight or ten storage cells, they fit perfectly into the available space in the BMW ActiveE. The large battery unit of the BMW ActiveE takes up the space in the lower area of the vehicle normally intended for the drivetrain in a conventional vehicle. In order to accommodate additional storage cells, the space at the rear that has become available through the omission of a fuel tank is also utilized. Further lithium-ion cells are located at the front end in front of the cowl.
The BMW ActiveE’s three large storage modules are each protected by a speciallyconstructed steel-plate battery housing with integrated liquid cooling system. The cooling system constantly maintains the ideal operating temperature of the batteries, thereby contributing to an increase in the service capability and lifespan of the battery cells. The air conditioning/heating system tempers the liquid running through the storage unit housing via a heat exchanger. When connected to the electrical grid, the liquid can also be heated in order to bring the energy storage units up to the ideal temperature of approximately 70° Fahrenheit.
Thanks to these measures, the BMW ActiveE achieves a range of approximately 100 miles with a full battery charge. Intelligent battery management especially developed for the BMW ActiveE ensures that this range can be achieved as far as possible independent of external climatic conditions.
Fast and flexible recharging.
The development of electrically driven series production vehicles also encompasses innovative solutions for flexible, convenient and user-friendly charging of the vehicle’s batteries. The lithium-ion battery units featured in the BMW ActiveE can be recharged from multiple external power sources. In addition to using the wallbox, a 32-ampere charging dock installed at the user’s home, the driver can also connect the vehicle to a conventional power socket or a publicly accessible charging station. The standardized SAE J1772 charging port on the vehicle ensures compatibility with most charging stations.
The battery can be fully charged within four to five hours using the wallbox at 32 amperes. A range of around 25 miles is possible after just a one-hour charge at the wallbox.
The power electronics – greater efficiency, enhanced development of power.
The BMW ActiveE’s power electronics developed by BMW have been designed to get the maximum potential out of the electric motor. As in the future MCV, the BMW ActiveE’s power electronics are located above the rear axle on the electric motor, forming a complete unit together with the motor.
Apart from controlling the electric motor, the power electronics also ensure the power supply to the onboard electrical systems. With the aid of a voltage transformer and incorporating intelligent battery management, they ensure the reliable supply of electricity to all vehicle functions including the comfort and infotainment features. Central control functions, which are integrated into both the power electronics as well as the energy storage system, constantly monitor all components.
Everything from a single source – BMW Group drive technology competence.
The performance of the drive system in the BMW ActiveE is typical of a BMW. The exceptional dynamics and efficiency are the result of intensive development efforts. With the exception of the storage cell, BMW Group engineers develop everything that constitutes an electric vehicle – the energy storage module and its wiring, the electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission. After all, the BMW Group is committed to producing the world’s best drive systems – drive systems that stand out from the competition through efficiency, performance and running smoothness, even when electric power and not fuel is being transformed into movement.
Superior and comfortable – typical BMW, even with regard to handling.
On the road, the BMW ActiveE offers the typical BMW driving experience offering the handling characteristics and performance of a BMW 1 Series Coupe. The positioning of the batteries lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. Moreover, the flexible distribution of the storage units facilitates the 50:50 weight distribution typical of BMW automobiles.
In addition to the adaptation of the rear axle to accommodate the electric drive, the BMW ActiveE’s suspension-related modifications are mainly restricted to specific components. For example, steering characteristics, springs and shock absorbers are adapted to the higher weight compared to the production version of the BMW 1 Series in order to reproduce typical BMW handling in combination with the electric drive train. The suspension setting was chosen with a special focus on comfortable and superior driving in cities and the urban environment for which the BMW ActiveE is predominantly designed.
BMW ConnectedDrive remote functions for the BMW ActiveE.
With BMW MyRemote, BMW enables the user to access the extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive functions via an app for the Apple iPhone (from 3G) and the iPad. The user has at his or her disposal all BMW ConnectedDrive remote functions using the CE device such as locking and unlocking the doors, the activation of the horn or headlamp flasher for locating the vehicle within sighting or hearing range, the CarFinder for locating the car within a radius of up to 3,300 feet as well as the Google Local Search function.
In addition, new remote functions developed especially for the BMW ActiveE for battery charge control and vehicle preconditioning have been incorporated into the range of functions. Via the customer’s Connected Drive Account the iPhone application establishes a unique connection with the vehicle and automatically displays the additional range of functions as soon as the Connected Drive Account has been identified. However, prerequisite for all remote functions is that both the vehicle and the user are receiving a signal. Of course, the driver has access to the BMW ConnectedDrive functions without using an iPhone. This serves solely as a remote control and information device.
eCommand: charge level, range and preconditioning at a glance.
The specific electric car functions, called eCommand, comprise both charge control and control of the preconditioning of both the batteries and the interior cabin. The charge control function allows the user to start and stop the charging process as well as the setting of a charge timer. Via charge control the user can view the charge level at any time and see whether the vehicle is currently being charged. Users are informed of the battery charge level (State of Charge), the vehicle’s current travel range with a full battery charge and the time remaining until the batteries are fully charged. Another display function informs users how far away they are from work or the destination that has been predefined as their home, so that they are able to make a best possible estimation of the distance they are still able to travel. Moreover, the app informs users where the nearest battery charging stations are, offering the opportunity to send these directly to the navigation system’s routing function as an interim destination.
Preconditioning for enhanced vehicle range.
Unlike the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE offers the user the potential to cool or heat both the batteries and the car interior using intelligent preconditioning when the vehicle is connected to the grid, thus bringing them up to the ideal operating temperature even before setting off. A preconditioned vehicle offers two advantages: first, the ideal operating temperature of the batteries guarantee highest possible power output and ensure a longer range. Secondly, the interior is already adjusted to a pleasant temperature prior to starting a journey – both in the summer and the winter. Intelligent preconditioning of the BMW ActiveE automatically determines according to the ambient temperature to what extent the vehicle and the battery should be pre-cooled or heated.
Using the BMW MyRemote application, preconditioning can be activated directly or the user can determine via the timer when preconditioning should start. For instance, he or she can ensure that the vehicle is pre-cooled or heated in the mornings before they use the car. However, it is only possible to precondition the car if it is connected to a charging terminal. This ensures that the vehicle’s range is not shortened by preconditioning, on the contrary, it actually increases it. Due to the heating and cooling process while the vehicle is connected to the power supply, the energy required for this is no longer drawn from the battery during the journey. Charging and preconditioning functions are, of course, also directly accessible and controllable from inside the vehicle.
BMW ActiveE arrives in the US this fall
The BMW ActiveE makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show and takes to the road beginning in Fall 2011.
BMW Activate the Future
Before the ActiveE arrives, BMW has started a broader conversation about the future of mobility that thinks “beyond the car.” To start the conversation, throughout the month of February, BMW will launch a four-part online documentary series entitled “WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GO: Four Films about the Future of Mobility”, which is intended to create a broader conversation about the future of mobility and to challenge existing consumer mindsets. Go to www.BMWActivatetheFuture.com to join the conversation.

Keeler Motor Car Company holds fundraiser to benefit the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center

2011-04-19T15:47:00.000-04:00

During the month of April through May 6th, Keeler Motor Car Company is holding a fundraiser to benefit the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center. For every test drive taken, Keeler Motor Car will donate $25! It's as simple as that. Maybe you're in the market for a new car or maybe you just always wanted to drive a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 5 Series. You do not have to purchase the car just come in, test drive and know that you just made a contribution to a very worthwhile cause. Keeler Motor Car is located on Rt. 7, 1111 Troy-Schenectady Rd in Latham, NY just 5 minutes from downtown Albany or short 1/2 hour drive from Saratoga Springs! Hope we see you soon.

Meet the MINI Family

2011-03-29T15:47:00.000-04:00

Fantastic new MINI video/advertisement that showcases all of the MINI models including the all new MINI Countryman. Of course you can find all of these gas saving little wonders at Keeler MINI!

Keeler Mercedes-Benz Internet Special of the Week

2011-03-29T15:14:00.002-04:00

Keeler Motor Car is starting a new weekly posting on our blog. Every week we will highlight one or two of our pre-owned cars. These cars are priced to sell so you don't want to miss out on these fantastic opportunities. This week we are highlighting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 from our Keeler Mercedes-Benz Store seen below:

This 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 has an Automatic Transmission, All Wheel Drive and 32,847 miles. Click here for all of the vehicle details and pricing.

Keeler BMW Service Advisor to participate in the 2011 MDA Colonie Lock Up Fundraiser

2011-03-25T11:05:00.000-04:00

Our Keeler BMW Service Advisor, Tim Wheelock is being sent to “jail” on Wednesday. He is participating in the 2011 MDA Colonie Lock-Up at the Blu Stone Bistro in Albany, NY on Wednesday, March 30th. Let’s help support Tim and the MDA – his “bail” is $2400 and is due by Wednesday March 30^th. Click here to donate online or you can stop by Tim’s office at Keeler BMW in the BMW Service Department. Every little bit helps. All monies raised are going to the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne. For every $2400.00 raised MDA will be able to send THREE children to summer camp for free.

Honda Odyssey becomes the only minivan to earn top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA under more-stringent testing guidelines

2011-03-23T14:38:00.003-04:00

Well, the Honda Odyssey has gone and done it now...and we couldn't be more proud at Keeler Honda! Not only has the Odyssey won the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) but now it has received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under their respective more-stringent testing guidelines. See the official press release from Honda after the jump.

The award winning Honda Odyssey is specially priced for the month of March at Keeler Honda. You can lease the 2011 Odyssey LX for only $296/month for 36 months. Click here for more details on the Odyssey special at Keeler Honda located in Latham, NY just north of Albany on Rt. 7.

2011 Honda Odyssey Achieves Historic Safety Milestone

Odyssey becomes the only minivan to earn top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA under more-stringent testing guidelines

The 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan achieved a historic safety milestone, becoming the first and only minivan to earn the highest possible safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under their respective more-stringent testing guidelines. No other minivan this year has received both a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK award from IIHS and a ?Overall Vehicle Score¹? of five stars from NHTSA.
The Odyssey was recently named a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK from IIHS, the institute?s highest honor. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests, as well as having a standard electronic stability control system. The Odyssey earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.
In addition to earning the TOP SAFETY PICK designation, the Odyssey was one of the first vehicles to achieve NHTSA?s best-possible ?Overall Vehicle Score? of five stars. The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government?s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. The Odyssey achieved its top ?Overall Vehicle Score? with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests² in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. The Odyssey also received four stars for the rollover rating³.
All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver?s front side airbag; and a front passenger?s side airbag with an occupant position detection system.
Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new 3-mode second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated⁴ city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.
New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an ?intelligent? Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.
The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle ? designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.
1 Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs). Vehicles tested under this program cannot be compared to model-year 2010 and earlier vehicles. Ratings can only be compared with similar ratings on model year 2011 and later vehicles if rated under the new program.
2 Includes a new, additional test mode for side-pole impact.
3 Vehicle tested includes electronic stability control as standard equipment, branded as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) on Honda and Acura vehicles.
4 Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

The NHTSA issues new child seat guidelines

2011-03-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

This article is a must read for our Keeler Motor Car parents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration came out with new guidelines for child seats. According to their press release, children under the age of two should stay in rear-facing carseats or until they reach the manufacturer's recommended height and weight requirement. As a parent of a two and (almost) four year old I have to say that there would have been NO way that my girls would have fit sitting rear-faced. Their poor little legs would have scrunched up and I can just hear the screaming and crying that would have ensued! I did however wait until they reached the recommended weight to turn them around.

What do you think about the new recommendations? You can read the full press release below.

Source: www.autoblog.com

NHTSA RELEASES NEW CHILD SEAT GUIDELINES

New Age-Focused Guidelines Help Parents Make More Informed Choices

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revised its child restraint guidelines to be categorized by age rather than by type of child seat in order to keep pace with the latest scientific and medical research and the development of new child restraint technologies.

Under the new guidelines, issued today, NHTSA is advising parents and caregivers to keep children in each restraint type, including rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats, for as long as possible before moving them up to the next type of seat.

For instance, the safety agency recommends using the restraints in the rear facing position as long as children fit within the height and weight limits of the car seat as established by the manufacturer. The rear-facing position reduces stresses to the neck and spinal cord and is particularly important for growing babies.

NHTSA said that its new guidelines are consistent with the latest advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics which advises parents to keep kids in rear-facing restraints until two years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. There is no need to hurry to transition a child to the next restraint type.

"Safety is our highest priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The 'best' car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car."

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland pointed out that while all car seats sold in the U.S. must meet federal child restraint safety standards, he said, "Selecting the right seat for your child can be a challenge for many parents. NHTSA's new revised guidelines will help consumers pick the appropriate seat for their child."

Administrator Strickland said that parents should also consider other factors when selecting a car seat, including their child's weight, height, physical development and behavioral needs, as well the family's economics and type of vehicle.

Additional recommendations for child seat use from NHTSA include the following:

• Always read child seat manufacturers' instructions and the vehicle owner's manual for important information on height and weight limits and how to install the car seat using the seat belt or the LATCH system.

• All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.

• Children in rear-facing car seats should never ride in front of an active passenger air bag.

Keeler Motor Car - Pot of Gold Sales Event

2011-03-21T14:19:00.000-04:00

It's March and what better time to have a Pot of Gold sales event?! Keeler Motor Car has pushed the boundries yet again with its newest TV ad. This ad (produced by our advertising agency) is not only in High Def but also 3D!!! If you have a 3D TV and have seen our ad let us know how you like it by commenting below.

The BMW X3 Difference Event at Keeler BMW

2011-03-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN THE BMW X3 TAKES ON THE COMPETITION

You're invited to an impressive comparison event between the X3 and its competitors. It's an experience that will have you talking for weeks to come. Get behind the wheel of an exhilarating all-new BMW X3 SAV. and then, at the same event, get behind the wheel of one of its competitors - and experience the difference. As our thanks for participating in The BMW X3 Difference Event, you'll receive a complimentary gift with the purchase or lease of an all-new 2011 BMW X3.

Experience firsthand the all-new BMW X3, completely redesigned from the ground up. You'll feel how the smooth power of a BMW engine, harnessed by the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission, stacks up against the competition. You'll discover how xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, helps keep you in control in virtually any conditions. To top it all off, you'll enjoy the X3's beautifully crafted interior and comfortable seating for up to five adults, with an additional 26 cubic feet of cargo space. It's all part of this incredible one-day-only driving event.

Don't miss the chance to experience The BMW X3 Difference Event. While you're at our BMW center, don't hesitate to ask about other BMW models. Discover why BMW is The Ultimate Driving Machine.

Spaces are limited for this event, so sign up now for your preferred driving time slot. To register, please visit bmwusa.com/X3Difference or call 1-866-905-4BMW (4269).

Date: April 2, 2011

Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Location: Keeler BMW

1111 Troy Schenectady Rd

Latham, NY 12110

Japan devestation - Honda pledges support

2011-03-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

During catastrophic times such as these in Japan, it is the human spirit and goodwill that truly shine through. By now all of us here at Keeler Motor Car and our customers have certainly seen the devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami that followed. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan and all their friends and family. Yesterday, Japanese Automakers including Honda, Toyota and Nissan came together and donated $3.75 million each toward the relief efforts in Japan. Honda has also promised to supply 1,000 generators along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda will also dispatch its staff to explain the use of the equipment. The Honda family of companies in North America will establish special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29,000 associates in North America.

Source: Honda News

We are so proud to be a part of the Honda family and couldn't be more proud of their relief efforts. To donate to the American Red Cross click on the link below.

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

The 4th Annual Keeler Indoor Sidewalk Sale is THIS weekend!

2011-02-22T11:38:00.001-05:00

WE KNOW YOU'VE BEEN WAITING AND NOW ITS HERE!

KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY’S 4TH ANNUAL INDOOR...YES INDOOR SIDEWALK SALE. NEVER OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS HAVE WE BEEN ABLE TO OFFER SUCH REAL VALUES. WITH OVER 200 LOW MILEAGE PRE-OWNEDS INCLUDING DEMO'S, LEFTOVERS AND ONE OF KINDS.

COME IN OUT OF THE COLD TO KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY IN LATHAM ON RT. 7 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27^TH TO BROWSE OUR 30,000 SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM PACKED WITH IMPORTS AND DOMESTIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS, SAV'S AND EVEN CONVERTIBLES STARTING FOR AS LOW AS $7,995. WE'LL EVEN MAKE YOUR FIRST 3 PAYMENTS ON SELECT MODELS WHICH ARE ALL BACKED WITH THE KEELER MOTOR CAR WARRANTY AND OVER 40 YEARS OF INTEGRITY.

WE KNOW YOU'VE BEEN WAITING AND NOW IT’S HERE

THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26^TH AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27^TH.

KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY’S 4TH ANNUAL INDOOR SIDEWALK SALE. WHY SHOP FOR A CAR IN THE COLD? FOLLOW THE FOOTPRINTS TO OUR WARM SHOWROOM AND YOU'LL SAVE THOUSANDS.

SALE STARTS AT 10AM ON SATURDAY AND 11AM ON SUNDAY

FIN US ON FACEBOOK OR GO TO KEELER.COM FOR SPECIAL SALE LISTINGS.

Keeler Motor Car President's Day Sale - going on NOW!

2011-02-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

We are celebrating President's Day here at Keeler Motor Car by passing some unbelievable savings on to you. Each of our stores, Keeler Mercedes-Benz, Keeler BMW, Keeler Honda, Keeler MINI and the smart Center Latham have amazing offers for you to choose from. See our ads below or go to our website to view our complete new inventory or pre-owned inventory.

smart delivers its first smart fortwo electric drive to Mindy Kimball of Silver Springs, MD

2011-01-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Jill Lajdziak deliver smart fortwo electric drive to Mindy Kimball of Silver Spring, MD

Washington, DC (January 26, 2011) – smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske
Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), today delivered the first smart fortwo electric drive to a
retail customer in the United States. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and
smart USA President Jill Lajdziak made the ceremonial delivery to Mindy Kimball at her home
in Silver Spring, MD.

“This is a groundbreaking day for smart in the United States,” said Lajdziak. “We are extremely
excited to add the smart fortwo electric drive to the smart product lineup, solidifying our
position as a key player in transportation electrification.”

Mindy Kimball is a 36-year-old early adopter of electric vehicle technology and a Major in the
United States Army. Kimball chose the smart fortwo electric drive after thoroughly comparing
and evaluating every electric vehicle available because she believes smart’s offering is the
most modern electric car on the market. She has been a volunteer presenter with The Climate
Project since 2007, educating the public about the science of climate change and the ways to
reduce negative impacts on the environment. Kimball is also an active member of the Electric
Vehicle Association (EVA) of Washington, DC, and she will display her new car in the EVA/DC
booth at the 2011 Washington Auto Show. smart USA will have three smart fortwo electric
drive vehicles at the auto show including the “Advanced Technology Superhighway” exhibit.
The smart fortwo electric drive is a zero-emission vehicle and the ultimate visual statement on
conservation. It is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion
battery. According to the U.S. EPA LA4 test cycle, the smart fortwo electric drive can travel up
to 98 miles on a full charge. In combined city and highway driving, the U.S. EPA estimates the
range on the smart fortwo electric drive to be 63 miles. Using a 220 volt outlet, it takes only
three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and about
eight hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery.

This year, smart USA is strategically placing 250 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the
United States with companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in
-moremaking a passionate statement on conservation and environmental awareness. Series
production on next-generation vehicles for retail sale through smart USA’s dealer network is
expected in 2012.

Mindy Kimball becomes the first member of “Team 250,” an elite club, featuring a concierge
service, for all smart fortwo electric drive lessees. Each Team 250 member will have personal
access to smart USA’s electric drive expert, 24/7 roadside assistance, receive electric drive
communications, and be able to participate in dialogue around their electric drive experience.
Members of Team 250 will also have the first opportunity to move into the next-generation
smart fortwo electric drive vehicle.

The smart fortwo electric drive is available for lease through participating smart USA
dealership locations at http://www.smartusa.com/electricdrive.

About the smart fortwo and smart USA
smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive
distributor of the smart fortwo in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. The smart fortwo is a brand of and is
manufactured by Daimler AG. The smart fortwo and the smart fortwo electric drive form a
portfolio of sustainable, forward-looking technologies for urban mobility. The smart fortwo
achieves an EPA estimated 41 mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle, as
certified by the State of California Air Resources Board. The smart fortwo is available in three
trim levels starting in price from $12,490* to $17,690*. The smart fortwo electric drive is the
ultimate zero-emission visual statement on conservation and environmental awareness and is
available for lease. Both vehicles measure 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and
come equipped with many functional and safety features. smart is currently sold in more than
40 other countries, and more than one million smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.
*Excludes tax, title, registration, destination charge, options and other dealer fees.

About Penske Automotive Group
Penske Automotive Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 323
retail automotive franchises, representing 39 different brands and 25 collision repair centers.
Penske Automotive, which sells new and previously owned vehicles, finance and insurance
products and replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it
represents, has 172 franchises in 17 states and Puerto Rico and 151 franchises located
outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom.

Penske Automotive, through its wholly-owned subsidiary smart USA Distributor LLC, is the
exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo vehicle and related parts in the United States. smart
USA supports over 75 smart retail centers in the United States and Puerto Rico. Penske
Automotive is a member of the Fortune 500 and Russell 1000 and has approximately 14,100
employees. smart and fortwo are registered trademarks of Daimler AG.
Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release may involve forward-looking statements, including forward-
-morelooking statements regarding the anticipated availability of future products. Actual results may
vary materially because of risks and uncertainties, including external factors such as consumer
credit conditions, adverse conditions affecting a particular manufacturer, macro-economic
factors, and other factors over which management has no control. These forward-looking
statements should be evaluated together with additional information about our business,
markets, conditions and other uncertainties, which could affect our future performance. These
risks and uncertainties are addressed in Penske Automotive's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). This press release speaks only as of its date, and we disclaim any duty to update the
information herein.
For additional information, visit www.smartusa.com or www.penskeautomotive.com

Autoblog.com posts a fantastic review on the 2011 Honda Odyssey

2011-01-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

My mornings at Keeler Motor Car consist of; punch in, turn my computer on, check email, check voicemail, get coffee and skim my RSS Feeds for relevant content on any of our franchises....Mercedes-Benz, smart, BMW, Honda, and MINI. One of my favorite blogs is Autoblog.com. They have a healthy mix of useful information on the industry, product reviews, new product launches, "green" information on the automotive industry and then they throw in some comedy relief every once in a while (just to name a few things!) Yesterday I was skimming through Autoblog.com and came across a fantastic review on the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Let me tell you, it's few and far between to come across a review that is so glowing in nature. Guess that just goes to show you how amazing the 2011 Honda Odyssey really is.

Below is the article in its entirety:

While we shouldn't be shocked by anything coming out of Madison Avenue, part of me is incensed to hear Honda using Judas Priest to advertise its new Odyssey. That's right, the opening riff of the greatest album from the gods of heavy metal deployed, not in the service of Satan, but to sell a minivan?

While the 18-year-old headbanger in me would like to stand up and rail against Honda ("If you think you're going to make me think your stupid soccer mom taxi is cool, well, You've Got Another Thing Coming!"), the truth of the matter is that Honda's ad agency nailed it. We're not teenagers anymore. We've grown up and had families. I even own a minivan, and, indeed, there is at least one Judas Priest CD that lives in the center console. And after driving the new Odyssey for a week, I have serious van envy. Honda has crafted the ultimate, state-of-the-art people mover, even if it's not much more than some flashy design and incremental improvements in areas like powertrain, fuel efficiency and equipment.

The biggest changes in the redesigned Odyssey are obvious at first glance, as it no longer looks so much like a conventional minivan. Honda's ideas on styling have been polarizing as of late (read: the Accord Crosstour is ugly as sin), so it's smart that the company chose the Civic as the donor of the new minivan's face. The venerable compact is still the most complete and fluid execution of modern Honda design language, and what it lends to the Odyssey works to make Honda's largest vehicle appear smaller and sleeker. It helps that the Odyssey has a lower and much wider stance, having been stretched over two inches across.

While its front and back sections don't exactly mate up well in profile, each works on its own. The flying buttress D-pillar helps the rear end achieve a more contemporary look, like that of many crossovers. Honda is calling the quirky jog in the beltline at the Odyssey's C-pillar a "lightning bolt," and it's more than just a clever device to give the vehicle a dynamic, moving-forward look. That little dip makes the third-row windows bigger and increases the feeling of roominess for passengers in the way back.

Honda clearly wants to make the back of the bus a more desirable place to ride, and it's come up with some enticing new features to serve the rear-seaters' needs. The first is that the third row now has two sets of LATCH anchors, while the second row can be had with three. These carseat attachments mean more than horsepower to breeder parents, and the Odyssey has more of them than the competition.

The second row is interesting in that Honda has decided not to follow Chrysler into its folly of designing seats to fold into the floor like those in the third row. Understanding that it's the rare day when you want to use your minivan like a pickup truck, Honda instead designed a system that allows the second-row seats to be moved laterally to make more room for passengers or car seats, while improving third-row access through the center in the process. The optional second-row-center seat can even be moved forward to place an infant carseat closer to mom and pop in the front. This is smart engineering trumping gimmicky marketing. Up front, the cockpit is functional and the controls are similar to any number of other Honda or Acura vehicles (save for a dash-mounted shift lever). While having a central LCD display with a field of buttons and one large controller knob below seems to be the industry norm these days, it's unfortunate to see Honda abandoning the touch-screen interface that made its in-car navigation systems the class of the industry a decade ago. Also upsetting is Honda's decision to place the climate controls above those for the audio and navigation systems, a huge flaw when you consider that many drivers will set an automatic temperature setting and then rarely look at it.

Behind the wheel, the Odyssey is a nice driver, though it no longer feels as much like an Accord. It's not that this new version of what used to be the best driving minivan on the market can't corner, but that the steering doesn't provides as much feel as its predecessor.

If the Odyssey drives more like a minivan than a station wagon now, it certainly doesn't accelerate like one. Honda's 3.5-liter V6 makes 248 horsepower in the 2011 Odyssey, along with 250 pound-feet of torque. It revs quickly and has great throttle response, and Honda has done a masterful job of matching the gear ratios of the new, optional six-speed automatic transmission to make the Odyssey move. This is a minivan than can go quicker than it should, at least with babies onboard.

Honda has also included its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system as standard equipment. This shuts down two or three of the V6's cylinders when they're not needed, improving fuel economy. This and some other measures, including a 50-to-100 pound weight reduction, have helped the Odyssey boast some impressive EPA numbers for a roughly 4,400-pound vehicle. With the standard five-speed automatic, the van is rated at 18 mpg city, 21 combined and 27 on the highway. The six-speed automatic improves each of those numbers by a single mile-per-gallon, and that's tops among any vehicle that can carry eight passengers.No minivan these days would be complete without some sort of video screen for the kids, and Honda has gone big in this department with an optional 16.2-inch widescreen that folds down from the headliner in the second row. (A more conventional nine-inch screen is also available.) Before you get too excited about having a display larger than a MacBook Pro in the Odyssey, however, understand this is really just two normal-sized displays mated into a single, wide LCD panel. While it's possible to stretch out a single video source to cover the entire screen in a grotesquely distorted aspect ratio, the more useful application is to allow each side of the vehicle to select a separate input source for their half of the screen, choosing from the DVD player, composite auxiliary inputs and an HDMI port.

While this HDMI port is bound to get video game geeks excited, it's more of a way for Honda to future-proof its van than anything else. The screen in the Odyssey is still pretty small, making most modern video games designed for widescreen, high-definition displays difficult. Your World of Warcraft addiction will have to be a lot more severe than mine to want to play in the back of an Odyssey.

As much as I like the Odyssey, I do have three caveats that are absolutely worth mentioning. The first is an audio system that had issues outputting varying levels of distorted sound across all audio sources throughout a 1,000-mile roadtrip, making even podcasts unlistenable. I'm trusting the tester was merely defective, and that this isn't a widespread problem with Honda's Active Noise Cancellation system, which uses the audio system to make the interior of the vehicle quieter.

The second issue is an aesthetic one: Why can't Honda hide the Odyssey's door track? Honda knows the importance of styling, given how much its redesign of the Odyssey was based on making a van that looked different from any that have come before. So why is it, then, that this company continues to allow these giant gashes on either side of the minivan to persist. Toyota and Chrysler tuck their door tracks under the third-row window, and such a configuration would make all the difference in tidying up the Odyssey's busy rear, which looks too much like it has been on the losing end of a battle with a guardrail.My final complaint has as much to do with my own financial situation as it does with Honda, but $40,775 to get an Odyssey with the six-speed automatic seems a wee bit dear. That's an exceptional amount of money when the base model costs just $27,800. Whatever happened to paying an extra $1,500 for the better transmission? Why is the six-speed transmission bundled with a nav system and DVD player? This kind of business practice is akin to a cell phone provider offering a cheap plan with a token few minutes for thirty bucks, and then charging twice that amount to get enough minutes to actually use your phone.

As fantastic as the Odyssey is, there's a bigger question at hand: Can it (or Toyota's "Swagger Wagon," or a nicely revamped Grand Caravan from Dodge, or the all-new Nissan Quest) convince the masses that minivans aren't the automotive equivalent of wearing sweatpants? Surely there are a sizable amount of people who wouldn't drive a minivan even if it came with a personal invitation from Rob Halford himself. But Honda thinks that this market is primed for growth, and that's reasonable speculation. With plenty of consumers making the SUV-to-crossover jump in the interest of cutting their fuel bills while maintaining a capacious interior, giving minivans another look is the smart thing to do.

END OF ARTICLE

Although the writer does have a couple of issues with the minivan they're nothing to stop you from buying this road warrior! But check it out for yourself - you be the judge - I promise you will not be disappointed. Stop in to Keeler Honda and take a test drive of one of our many in-stock 2011 Honda Odyssey's or call us at 518-785-4197 and ask for Keeler Honda.

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK pops its auto-tinting lid [w/video]

2011-01-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

The thing about innovation is that to follow up, you tend to need another dose of innovation to keep people interested. Case in point: Mercedes-Benz having shoes to fill with its little SLK. The original was one of the first cars on the market with a modern retractable hardtop, taking after its costlier forebearer, the SL. And fourteen years later, with nearly everyone fitting folding tin roofs to their convertibles, the Stuttgart has launched the third-generation model with Magic Sky Control.

The innovative roof, as we've reported in the build-up to its release, adjusts the tinting of the glass panels automatically. It's an option, and buyers can still get a solid metal folding roof or a fixed-tint glass one if the electronic trickery is too much. Naturally, though, that's not all that's new about the new SLK.

The latest compact roadster from Stuttgart sits on a new platform with new styling. Whereas the outgoing model aped the SLR with its Formula One-style nose, the new SLK takes its cues from the SLS AMG with its more upright grille. The new shape is also more aerodynamic, and Mercedes has incorporated a new transparent panel between the rear roll hoops that tilts to optimize airflow and keep turbulence in the cabin to a minimum.

The SLK will launch in the North American market in SLK350 guise, packing a 3.5-liter V6 good for 302 horsepower and a 5.4-second sprint to 60 mph. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 201hp SLK250 will follow, as is expected the naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 SLK55 AMG. The new SLK gets its official launch later this month at the head office in Stuttgart in celebration of the company's 125th anniversary, with its public debut slated for the Geneva Motor Show in March

We're tooting our own horn - cause we can!

2011-01-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

Since this is called "tooting our own horn," we're going to kill two birds with one stone (or two subjects on one blog post.)

First; we are very proud to announce some very substantial local and international contributions. At the end of 2010 Keeler Motor Car donated $10,000 to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York; $10,000 to the Albany Medical Center Foundation and $10,000 to the Max Cadet Dental Foundation out of Haiti. The Max Cadet Dental Foundation is near and dear to our heart as it was started by Dominque Cadet and the Cadet Family. Dominique has been working as a sales consultant in our Mercedes-Benz store for 13 years. The foundation's primary purpose is to provide funding for the operation of a free dental clinic in Canapẻ-Vert (a town within Port Au Prince, Haiti). The dental clinic serviced over 8,000 patients in 2009, with 11 licensed dentists and a team of 10 dental technicians and other dental professionals doing cleaning, preventive care and simple dental surgeries. The clinic is operated by the "Fondation Max Cadet" (the Foundation) Haiti.

However, with the earthquake of January 12, 2010, the building housing the dental clinic sustained major damage. After the earthquake, the need for dental services is even greater based on the number of injuries and casualties suffered, and the collapse of the health infrastructure within Haiti. Keeler Motor Car is thrilled to be able to help this very worthwhile cause.

Secondly; all-year long our dedicated, hard-working employees receive some amazing compliments that go highly unnoticed since the testimonials page of our website does not get a lot of hits. So I would like to share some of them here for you to read. As a nine year employee at Keeler Motor Car it makes me very proud to read these because I know how most of the population out there dreads going to a dealership and buying a car.

"The most knowledgeable"
I've been car shoping for several weeks now and have recently helped two friends purchase new cars. The process has been very stressful and dealing with the salespeople at other local dealerships was generally a displeasure. Ken Hughes, however, was by FAR the most knowledgeable and friendly. He knew that the model I was interested in wasn't available and didn't try to push me into considering another car. I plan to recommend Ken and your dealership to family & friends looking to purchase Honda's in the future.

"So glad I switched to Keeler Honda"
I brought my Honda CRV to Keeler Honda for some new tires. I knew it needed a 30,000 mile tune up but was unsure I could afford to do it all at this time. I have always serviced my car at the dealership and have never missed any scheduled maintenance.
My Service Advisor was Nick Franzese. He was so kind and attentive. He assisted me and I was able to get the new tires and do the 30,000 tune-up.
I have always received wonderful service from your dealership since I purchased my car there - this is my first Honda. I love my car and love your dealership!
I just wanted to write a note to let you know how grateful I am to Nick for all his assistance. I am so glad I switched to Honda.

"Long time Mercedes-Benz owner"
I have been a Mercedes-Benz owner since 1985. I lived in Long Island until '95 and then moved to FL and now have a summer home in the Berkshires. All during this time I have owned new Mercedes along the way. I presently have four Mercedes-Benz. Two are new and two are classic convertibles. My service experience at Keeler Motor Car company was by far.....nothing ever came close, the best of any Mercedes-Benz dealer I have ever done business with in the past 25 years. Great job!!! This is also my first letter telling any dealer that their service was excellent!

"Truly Exceptional"
The service level is one of the main reasons we keep returning to Keeler Motor Car Co. Keeler Mercedes-Benz is not cheap but several times in the past it has provided service at a level that was TRULY EXCEPTIONAL - - above and WAY beyond what a customer could reasonably expect to receive.
In fact, I feel somewhat guilty that several times in the past when we did receive such service and where it would have been appropriate for us to write Keeler's management to commend its staff, we did not. It's sad that it's much easier to complain than to commend.

"Keeler BMW Salesman was fantastic"
My salesman Joe Marcil was fantastic! He was patient and took as much time as I needed to familiarize myself with my new BMW. This was the most pleasant experience I have ever had buying a car and Joe was a big factor in that. I absolutely love my X3! Every day I drive it is a thrill for me and I still can't believe I own a BMW.

I would definitely consider buying another car from Keeler Motor Car in the future. !

MINI keeps pace with the new MINI Paceman concept car

2011-01-11T14:05:00.000-05:00

MINI KEEPS UP THE PACE WITH THE NEW PACEMAN CONCEPT

• Paceman Concept reinforces the MINI brand’s unconventional creativity
• Sporting, masculine appearance blends with versatile character
• Paceman could be another building block in the development of the MINI brand
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 18, 2010… A new MINI design concept, the MINI Paceman Concept vehicle, will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held January 10 - 23, 2011. Although no decision has been made about a future production version, Paceman could form yet another building block in the development of the MINI brand.

A MINI Crossover Coupé – urban and masculine.
The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds its own distinctive flavor. Large headlights with chrome surrounds extend deep into the front wings, and together with the distinctively contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing nose of the Paceman. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

From the side, the MINI Paceman Concept features a fresh interpretation of the front wing and side indicator that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the unique design 19-inch front wheels. This rugged and sturdy design element is complemented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the masculine, sporting nature of Paceman.

The familiar MINI shoulder line that rises towards the rear of the Paceman Concept also hints at its sporting intent. Less familiar is the glass and roof treatment. As the waistline rises, the flat roofline flows into a wide C-pillar that appears to be transparent. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass with the roof ‘suspended’ on top and painted in a striking, contrasting color. This is known as the ‘helmet’ roof. The coupé-style windows taper towards the rear and the whole effect is one of a dynamic wedge shape.
“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

Click here for the rest of the story.

Click here to see our Keeler MINI inventory and monthly specials

Honda unveils the 2012 Honda Civic Concept at the Detroit Auto Show

2011-01-10T16:16:00.000-05:00

2011 Detroit Auto Show – BMW 1M World Premiere

2011-01-10T12:22:00.001-05:00

Breaking from Detroit, BMW has released their new 1M sports car on North American shores. The long awaited BMW 1M features cost effective engineering solutions (ie. part sharing) to provide enthusiasts with the M experience at a more affordable price.

BMW’s 1M packs 340 hp spun from the N54 twin-turbo 3 liter inline six. 332 lb-ft of torque is on tap from low in the rev range, and in harmony with the M limited-slip differential, we see this as a recipe for tail out fun.
BMW intends to open the M brand up to a larger, younger demographic with the 1M – hoping to capture the M5 buyers of tomorrow.

Our editor Hugo Becker shares with us his first impressions of the 1M:

“The new 1 Series M in person is a bit more subtle than one feared (boy racer this isn’t). The front and rear fascia show the most distinction from the existing 1 series along with the flying biplane M3 side mirrors.
Where the difference between the existing 1 and the 1M really shows is in the wheels and brakes. The brakes have a very serious appearance – the floating calipers showing well even up against the stylish Brembos on the regular 135i.

The most striking element of the 1M is the the Valencia Orange paint. It is a polarizing color, more so than the Sedona Red launch color of the 1 Series. Fortunately it is also available in black or white.”
Be sure to check out our exclusive photo gallery from Detroit, and stick around for a video walk around of the 1M later today.

Source: bmwblog.com

Keeler Motor Car - Meet our employees!

2011-01-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

When we first started this blog back in 2008 (wow, I can't believe it was that long ago!) we highlighted an employee once a week. For some reason we got away from doing it, not sure why. I think people/customers like to know a little bit about the people they do business with. I know at Keeler Motor Car we have many customers who have become close friends to their sales consultant and sales manager. So, with that being said, i thought we should reignite the "get to know our employee" segment of this blog.

Of course it is the end of the month and end of the year so anyone in the car business knows that it is, as Crazy Eddie would say, INSANE around here!! So I'll be a little self indulgent and start with myself.

ME: What is that you do at Keeler Motor Car?
ME: Well, first of all my name is Wendy and I have been working at Keeler Motor Car Company for 9 years this month. I have been working in the Marketing Dept since I began. I started in Customer Relations and now I am the Assistant Marketing Director. I am the social media coordinator, event planner, sponsorship manager, blog writer, lunch coordinator and Keeler cheerleader!

ME: Do you have a family?
ME: Yes, I've been married for 9 years and we have 2 beautiful daughters; Chloe is 3 1/2 and Madeline is 2 1/2.

ME: Have you always been in the automotive industry?
ME: No. I have been in the restaurant business my entire life. My family owned a Tavern in Mechanicville that my husband, brother and I eventually bought and ran for a few years. I also worked at the old Professor Moriarty's Restaurant in Saratoga for many years.

ME: What do you love about working at Keeler Motor Car?
ME: First and foremost I love working for an amazing owner. Mr. Keeler is not only supportive and loyal to his employees but also to his customers. He is also incredibly generous to local charities but never wants recognition for it. I also love the people that I work with and the customers, many of whom have become like family to us.

ME: What are some of your hobbies/favorite activities?
ME: In the summer our family enjoys boating on Saratoga Lake and going to the Saratoga Racecourse. My girls (and husband!) love the horses. In the winter we tend to hibernate a bit but we are looking forward to taking our girls skiing and snowboarding for the first time. And of course, sleigh riding!

ME: What are some of your favorite restaurants?
ME: Since Saratoga is our backyard we tend to go there to eat; Chianti's, 8 Tables, Forno, Sperry's and Maestro's are some of our favorites.

ME: What kind of car do you drive? What's your favorite car at Keeler Motor Car?
ME: I'm currently driving a 2006 BMW X5 which I absolutely love. It was my very first NEW car. As far as my favorite car at dealership...well that's a tough one. I saw the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for the first time this year and all I can say is WHOA! When our tech drove that into the service drive-thru I was blown away at its sound. I really love the all-new MINI Countryman. It's getting some really great reviews too. I also like the new Honda Crosstour.

ME: Do you have any New Year's resolutions for 2011
ME: Keep working for Keeler Motor Car, be more healthy and enjoy every minute of every day because you just never know where your life might lead you.

Will the iPhone finally come to Verizon

2010-12-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Since I handle 99% of Keeler Motor Car's social media posts (which means I'm constantly scouring the internet for fun and interesting articles to tell our customers about) it's been difficult to not see all of the blog posts, articles written, facebook posts and tweets about the iPhone FINALLY coming to the Verizon. Now, I'm well aware that this topic really doesn't have much to do with the automobile industry. However, I started thinking about all the employees at Keeler Motor Car and how the minute the "work bell" rings here everyone walking out to their cars has their face in their phone and is either surfing the web, texting or making a phone call. That prompted me to think of all the phone installs we do at delivery. So, in all actuality this does has something to with our business. Personally I think it affects all businesses.

I cannot wait to get the iPhone. I have been drooling over the sleekness of it, the cool apps, etc since it came out. See, I'm forbidden to even think about getting one since the hubby works for Verizon. So I've been waiting...and waiting...impatiently I might add for this thing of beauty to come to Verizon. And now, I believe it is going to truly happen and I for one couldn't be happier!!!

Here is just one of many articles I stumbled across today.

The All-New 2011 Countryman is here at Keeler MINI

2010-12-29T16:53:00.000-05:00

smart is "againt dumb!"

2010-12-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

Have you ever received a gift and thought, "that is the dumbest gift I have ever received." Well smart USA wants to help you rid of the mindless, dumb gifts in your life. Now through January 17th you can upload a picture of your dumb, mindless consumption and enter for your chance to win a new smart fortwo coupe! I'm uploading a picture of the cow bell (yes, that's correct, a cow bell!) I received this Christmas! It's a shoe in for sure! Just click here for more details.

Year End at Keeler Motor Car Company

2010-12-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

When the holidays coincide with the month end, year end, decade end, and a major winter storm to boot, it tends to create a little "happy" chaos here at Keeler Motor Car Company. Our new and used car managers are scrambling to get the last few customers into Keeler Motors and on the road in their new rides! We expected to see many of our customers in here yesterday but as all of you know the Northeast experienced a rather big snowstorm. Thankfully most of the snow ended up south and east of us but we still got a nice little snowblast from mother nature. Well our fantastic snow removal crew here at Keeler Motor Car did a fantastic job yesterday and we are eager to finish our month and year up strong!

So, what does this all mean for you? Well - this could possibly be the BEST week ever to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle at any of our Keeler locations.

Happy Honda Days is still going on at Keeler Honda, the BMW Joy Sales Event is in full swing at Keeler BMW, the Mercedes-Benz Winter Event is still heating up The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car, the All-New MINI Countryman has finally arrived in our Keeler MINI showroom and our smart center Latham has a fantastic deal on the 2010 smart fortwo pure coupe.

So much going on and such little time! Get to Keeler Motor Car this week for these amazing sales. For more information, or to set up an appointment for test drive, call 518-785-4197 or fill out the contact form at the following link: Keeler Motor Car Contact

Drop off your Toys for Tots donation at Keeler Motor Car Company

2010-12-10T15:55:00.001-05:00

Keeler Motor Car Company is an official drop center for the The United States Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots campaign for the 2010 holiday season. Keeler has drop boxes in all of its stores, including; Keeler Mercedes-Benz, Keeler BMW, Keeler Honda, Keeler MINI and smart Center Latham. Please drop by any of our stores with your unwrapped toy. We are taking donations through December 20, 2010.

This campaign has reached out and assisted needy and deserving children all around the capital region for over 43 years. Without this wonderful program, children in our communities would not have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays the way they deserve to. In last year’s campaign the Marine Corps reached their goal of collecting over 120,000 toys and distributing them to deserving children, making their holiday’s memorable ones. This year, the Marine Corps with your help, hopes to exceed that goal and reach out to even more children. With these trying times and the recession still looming over this holiday season, we are in an even bigger need of support from our Capital Region community.

Come to Keeler MINI this Saturday for a sneak peek at the all new 2011 MINI Countryman

2010-11-16T12:18:00.000-05:00

Are you a motoring enthusiast? Do you love your MINI or have you been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the all new 2011 MINI Countryman? Well, Keeler MINI is one of only six dealerships in the country to have a new MINI Countryman here to check out and we're going to have a party to celebrate! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to see the MINI Countryman - only at Keeler MINI!

Our Excellent Experience with Keeler Honda and Keeler Motor Car Company

2010-11-04T10:57:00.000-04:00

On October 9, my wife and I were in a terrible car accident. While sitting at a traffic light, a pick-up truck rear-ended us at approx 50 mph and totaled our minivan. Fortunately we came out of this with no serious injuries and none of our five children were with us.

Though we have a lot to be thankful for, this accident did still leave us with much emotional distress and without a car. So, when it came time to buy a new vehicle, my wife and I knew we wanted a Honda.

Coming here to Keeler Honda and having Bill Kuhn as our sales rep., really helped us. Bill was such a pleasant person to work with and we were so pleased to have him as our sales rep.

The 2011 Honda Odyssey will surely keep our minds off the accident and give us peace of mind knowing we are driving a safe and reliable vehicle backed by the Keeler Honda excellent service dept.

Our sales rep, Bill Kuhn, was excellent with keeping in contact with us, while we were waiting for our new van to arrive. When it did come in and was time to pick it up, Bill was fantastic in showing us everything about the van. He was patient, very kind and really felt like he appreciated our business. He even took a picture of us with our new Keeler Honda Odyssey!

Thank you very much Bill and Keeler Honda of Latham!
Carol of Latham, NY

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Snapped Without Camouflage?

2010-11-03T15:43:00.000-04:00

Those quick fingered camera jockeys over at Motor-Talk.de have got what appears to be an undisguised 2012 BMW 6-series convertible. This could be our first look at the new convertible, which is set to go on sale next year, au natural.

Soon after, the Photoshop magicians over at Autobild cleaned up the picture, taking out the cameraman and other foreground obstructions and removing some of the grainy-ness.

It has to be said, this picture looks very close to the artist's impression by e90post forum member 'Alpince325ci', even down to the shape of the bootlid. Well done, sir.

The 6-series Convertible will the most expensive drop top in BMW's lineup, slotting in above the cheaper 3-series convertible and Z4 roadseter. Oddly, it still retains its fabric top, something the current-gen 3-series and Z4 have done away with. Carscoop will have more details and pictures as they come through.
Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

Keeler Motor Car begins Facebook Campaign to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-12T11:54:00.003-04:00

We are at it again! Keeler Motor Car has begun its 2nd Facebook campaign. This time to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For every new "LIKE" that Keeler Motor Car receives on its Facebook page we will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society.

"We had such a tremendous success with our April Facebook fundraiser for The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, raising $10,000, that we decided to try it again," said Marketing Director Archie Coupe. This time around the benefactor will be the American Cancer Society. "There isn't a person out there that hasn't been affected by this disease in one way or another." Added Mr. Coupe, "Keeler wanted to show its support, and help raise awareness and better yet money to help find a cure for breast cancer."

To help just go to the Keeler Facebook page and hit the "LIKE" button. It's as easy as that! You can also find a link to our FB page on www.keeler.com.

Keeler Motor Car raises $4,475.00 for the American Diabetes Assoc. Tour de Cure

2010-09-30T12:22:00.002-04:00

Keeler Motor Car just received the monthly newsletter from the American Diabetes Assoc. Tour de Cure that lists the top fundraising teams for 2010 and Keeler Motor came in 30th overall with a total of $4,475.00 raised. Congratulations to all our participants. Our top fundraiser's were Daniel Dibble and Wendy Lawrence. Next year's Tour de Cure will be June 5, 2011 in Saratoga Springs, NY. If you're interested in joining the Keeler Motor Car team just respond to this post and we'll get in touch.

BMW Concept 6-Series Coupe Live Photos from the 2010 Paris Auto Show

2010-09-30T12:16:00.002-04:00

Easily one of the most dramatic vehicle unveilings at this week’s 2010 Paris Auto Show, the all-new 2010 BMW Concept 6-Series Coupe has made its official world debut and gives us a near-perfect preview of the design that will eventually feature on the upcoming 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe.

The latest concept, meanwhile, shows the classic features of all BMW coupes, with flowing lines giving rise to high aerodynamic levels. The design also fixes many of the problems with the previous model (the horrendous trunk treatment in particular) without looking derivative or taking the safe route. The front end is likely to stir some controversy, incorporating the new BMW corporate face with a unique flair.

As for the production 6-Series Coupe, expect to see it bow into showrooms around this time next year.

Source: motorauthority.com

BMW - Just Don't Blog About It!

2010-09-14T16:42:00.005-04:00

At Keeler Motor Car we are always looking for new and exciting ways to advertise our products and services. Well, while doing my daily research for interesting things to post on Facebook, our blog and Twitter today I came across this tweet from the @NYTimeswheels, "BMW Goes for Reverse Psychology" Brilliant! I liken it to telling my kids to do, well just about anything. They inherently want to do the exact opposite. Then I pull the ol' switcheroo on them, "I bet you can't finish those green beans" or "you probably don't know how to brush your teeth." It works (almost) every time!

Well, it seems to be working for BMW. It has piqued the curiosity of many Bimmer fanatics out there. The site is full of short videos and photos of what seems to me to look like a BMW 6-Series. But you be the judge. Here is the site, http://bit.ly/9DbLev Just don't blog about it!

Keeler Honda sponsors the 1st Annual Back 2 School Expo

2010-09-14T11:50:00.003-04:00

On September 11, 2010 Colonie Center in conjuntion with Capital Affairs of Albany, NY hosted its 1st Back 2 School Expo. Keeler Honda was a proud sponsor of this event. Thousands of families from all over the Capital District came together to enjoy ongoing entertainment, health screenings, educational food seminars, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, celebrity appearances and much more! On display, on the 2nd floor of the mall was our Honda Odyssey. Moms, Dads and the kids were invited to sit in the Odyssey and see for themselves what a perfect family friendly Minivan the Odyssey truly is. Thank you to all that visited our booth at the Back 2 School Expo

Keeler Motor Car September Detail Special!

2010-09-14T11:21:00.002-04:00

Keeler Motor Car is running a fantastic Detailing special for the month of September! Have your car detailed for only $199.00 + tax (regularly priced at $269.95!) Includes a full interior and exterior cleaning.Full detail includes: Exterior wash, buff and wax; steam extraction of carpets; cleaning vinyl/leather surfaces and application of vinyl/leather and tire dressing.Call us at (518) 785-4197 to set up your appointment today!

Keeler Mercedes-Benz sponsors the Futures Tournament in Albany, NY

2010-09-02T10:32:00.002-04:00

Keeler Mercedes-Benz is proudly sponsoring the 2010 Future's Golf Tournament at Capital Hill Golf Course in Albany, NY. The mission of the Duramed FUTURES Tour is to prepare the world's best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. LPGA ALIGNMENT The Duramed FUTURES Tour is known as "the Road to the LPGA" and since 1999, it has been designated as the LPGA’s developmental tour. Best of luck to all the golfer's playing this weekend from Keeler Mercedes-Benz and Keeler Motor Car.

The all new 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid

2010-08-27T14:51:00.005-04:00

The all new 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid is now available for test-drives at Keeler Honda! When I went over to the Honda store to check it out (my office is in another building on our Keeler Motor Car campus,) I was first struck by the edgy lines of this car. It screams "i'm a sports car!!" I loved everything about this Honda - I would love it even more if I didn't have two babies and needed a back seat but for all you people out there with no kids (or if you're just in need of a kick-butt sports car that is good for the environment,) come check out the latest and greatest that Honda has to offer. Go here for more information on our website.

World's Fastest 3D Film Showcases the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010-08-10T15:54:00.001-04:00

We finally know what Mercedes-Benz was up to when Tiff Needel stopped by the Isle of Man to drop in on some sort of high-budget commercial shoot. It turns out that the Silver Arrow wanted to nab the title of the world's fastest 3D film by shooting David Coulthard as he pushed the company's new SLS AMG to 167 mph. The whole shindig was captured by an army of camera vehicles, including at least one helicopter, a boom truck and, fittingly enough, another SLS AMG. The company even talked rally fiend Robbie Head into piloting the lead car ahead of Coulthard. The full feature will air this coming Sunday on the Sky 3D pub channel, but the rest of us can catch the action when the footage hits Mercedes-Benz dealerships all over the world later this year. Here's hoping they'll hand out some equally classy 3D specs just for the occasion. Hop the jump to enjoy a lengthy teaser of the feature as well as a making of video showing just what goes into creating a film with an extra dimension.
Source: www.autoblog.com

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec

2010-08-05T15:01:00.007-04:00

Drop the term "Big Benz" in conversation and most people assume you're talking about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While the full-size flagship sedan has – deservedly – earned that moniker over the years, when it comes to sheer size and volume, the GL-Class is truly Benz' behemoth. But don't take that as a negative. The GL350 Bluetec, the automaker's diesel-powered variant of its seven-passenger full-size sport utility vehicle, has plenty going for it. Under the hood is a torque-laden, fuel-efficient diesel, and after a week pulling family duty, we emerged impressed.

The appeal of the GL-Class is its roomy seven-passenger cabin, generous cargo capacity, truck-like ground clearance and ability to tow upwards of 7,500 pounds. Those uninterested in hauling weekend paraphernalia can get their paws on the "its-not-a-minivan" R-Class, which manages 2,500 pounds of towing and makes due with more passenger-friendly ground clearance. But what immediately impresses with the GL is its uncanny ability to hide its mass – it's often mistaken for its smaller (but still large) sibling, the five-passenger M-Class.Visual illusions aside, the GL-Class is nearly as big as a Cadillac Escalade. Yet unlike GM's high-riding luxo-ute, Mercedes-Benz has engineered the GL-Class with unibody construction. In return, the European is 400 pounds lighter than the American and its entire platform is stiffer.

The chromed "350GL" insignia on the rear liftgate infers an engine displacement of 3.5 liters, but don't be fooled. Today's badging nomenclature often has very little to do with what's going on under the hood, and in the case of the GL350 Bluetec, it boasts a 3.0-liter (2,987 cc) all-aluminum six-cylinder turbodiesel fitted with an intercooler. The powerplant delivers 210 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque starting as low as 1,600 rpm. The EPA rates the GL350 Bluetec at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Mated to a standard seven-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission, the 5,423-pound oil-burner will accelerate to 60 mph in just over eight seconds. Unlike the archaic live axle suspension found under the rear of the Escalade, the GL-Class utilizes an independent double-wishbone in the front and a four-arm multilink in the rear. All four corners are also dampened by a standard air suspension system – dubbed AIRMATIC – and the SUV rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wearing wide 275/50R20 tires.

Now in its fourth year of production (originally launched as the GL320 in 2006), the GL350 Bluetec has received a minor makeover for the 2010 model year. The freshening included new bumpers, front and rear skid pates, chrome roof rails, LED daytime running lights and a bump in wheel size from 19 to 20 inches as standard equipment. The interiors were fitted with improved seats with active headrests, a new leather steering wheel, redesigned instruments and upgraded burl walnut trim. Decorated in Boralo Red (read: burgundy) paint over Cashmere leather, our 2010 GL350 Bluetec tester arrived with a base price of $59,950. Several individual option packages, including an upgraded steering wheel, full leather and adaptive xenon lights bumped the price up a bit. However, the big hike came with the "Premium 2 Package" ($5,950) that includes navigation, COMAND voice control, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio, HD Radio, an iPod interface and keyless ignition. When the adding tape stopped and destination/delivery was added, the grand total for GL350 Bluetec was $70,945.

Without question, the GL350 Bluetec is beautifully appointed. Passengers are greeted with yards of flawlessly sewn leather on the seats and doors, while darker contrasting leather covers the dashboard. Deep glossy wood trim is balanced with brushed aluminum accents on the vents, dials and various grab handles. The center console is large (thanks to the electronic P-R-N-D controls located up on the tree) and there's storage galore. Fit and finish is excellent, the quality of materials is superb and cabin lighting is nearly perfect. Distinctively European in execution, the overall aura of the cabin is classy, well-polished and appealing.Better still, all seven seating positions are comfortable. The front seats are very supportive, especially for the lower back, feeling as good after 10 hours as they do after 10 minutes. Second-row passengers are equally as content as they enjoy generous room for knees, legs and feet. The third row is a very pleasant surprise. Many SUVs have the obligatory seats back there (BMW X5, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, etc...), but more often than not, they are nothing more than thinly-padded uprights bolted to a shallowly scalloped floor. Thanks to the ML's unibody platform, the German engineers were able to carve out a deep and accommodating passenger compartment in the "way back" of the GL. (By the tape, the last row in the big Mercedes offers as much leg room as the second row in a mid-size Audi A4 sedan). Making it even more pleasant, entry/egress is easy as the second-row seat pivots forward and completely out of the way. It says volumes about comfort when adults volunteer to sit back there for a 40-minute trip – and emerge with a smile.

Source: autoblog.com

Keeler Motor Car proudly presents Miss Saigon at Proctors Theater

2010-07-22T14:59:00.002-04:00

Keeler Motor Car Company has long been a proud sponsor of Proctors Theater and this season is no different. Keeler Motor Car is happy to present the Keeler Broadway On Tour shows beginning with Miss Saigon. Miss Saigon will be running from August 10th - August 15th. Click here for more details.

Customer Testimonial - The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company

2010-06-28T11:13:00.003-04:00

I have been a Mercedes-Benz owner since 1985. I lived in Long Island until 1995 and then moved to south Florida and now have a summer house in the Berkshires. All during this time I have owned new Mercedes along the way. I presently have four Mercedes-Benz cars. Two are new and two are classic convertibles. My service experience at Keeler Motor Car Company was by far....nothing ever came close, the best of any Mercedes dealer I have ever done business with in the past 25 years. Great Job Keeler Mercedes-Benz!!!! This is also my first letter telling any dealership that their service was excellent.

MINI shows of updated 2011 Cooper lineup

2010-06-28T11:01:00.004-04:00

The current (second generation) of the modern Mini has been with us for a couple of years now, so that must mean it's time for a refresh. BMW, which owns the reborn British brand, has updated the front fascia on all three Mini models for the coming model year to visually differentiate them and improve their pedestrian protection performance.

Of special note are the new integrated ducts on the fascias of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, offering a slightly meaner look to the Mini's cute and cuddly face. The black reflector headlamps that debuted on the 50th anniversary Camden model are now available as an option across the board and all of the Mini variants now have LED lighting at the rear.

Inside, the Minis are now available with a high-resolution screen within in the oversized central speedometer that can display video from an iPod or whatever other device that has been plugged in via the USB port.

To read the entire article click here.

BMW and BlackBerry Team Up to Deliver E-mail to the Dash

2010-06-25T15:31:00.001-04:00

The lovefest between smartphones and cars continues, with BMW announcing a hook-up with Research in Motion's BlackBerry that will allow e-mail messages to be displayed on an in-dash screen and heard. Starting this fall, drivers who own both the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and a BMW with the company's ConnectedDrive feature will be able to access e-mail via a Bluetooth connection using the vehicle's iDrive interface.

A text version of the e-mail will appear on the BMW's dash-mounted Control Display and also will be read aloud if the vehicle has an optional voice-output function. The feature will be available on all BMWs with the Professional in-dash navigation system and mobile phone preparation Bluetooth interface.

This comes as no great surprise, since BMW tipped its hand at the CTIA Wireless event last April. Judging from this YouTube video from CTIA, the e-mail text won't be available while the car is in gear -- which is a good thing -- and there's no way to reply to an e-mail as of yet.

ConnectedDrive already allows transfer of calendars, contacts, text messages, tasks and memos from a smartphone to the car, as well as an Internet-connected Google search capability. According to a BMW, adding the e-mail function for other smartphones beyond the BlackBerry Pearl 3G is being planned, and the video below shows it working with the iPhone.

New Keeler Honda Purchase

2010-06-25T11:50:00.002-04:00

A letter from one of our fantastic Keeler Honda customers:

Thank you for your letter Ms. Dunning regarding my new 2010 Honda Civic. Many kudos to my Keeler Honda salesman, Greg Germer.

This is the second time Greg has been above and beyone a professional, competent, informed and caring person to work with. the first time was when he sold me my 2004 Honda Civic. He went the extra mile, took the time to explain and work with me regarding the transfer of my 2004 car to my daughter. He made the transition an easy one. Hold on to this guy!!! He makes Keeler Motor Car Company and Keeler Honda shine!

Sincerely,
Patricia C.

The Mercedes-Benz Summer Event at Keeler Motor Car

2010-06-22T16:15:00.002-04:00

The Mercedes-Benz Summer Event kicked off June 1, 2010 at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company and we are celebrating the summer until August 2, 2010 with great offers and deals from Mercedes-Benz. It’s time to come in and own the Mercedes-Benz of your dreams! Each new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz has qualified for special financing and incentives. The great deals by The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car make leasing a brand new Mercedes much more affordable and enjoyable than you might expect. And as always, when you come in, test drives of your dream Mercedes-Benz cost nothing.

The C300 Sedan redefines the concept of a road trip with excellence in engineering and performance driving and handling. The C300 features the amenities to satisfy your every need, the performance to race past your every expectation and is available starting at $349 per month.

With abundant wood trim, expansive sunroof, and powerful 4-valve-per-cylinder engine, the E350 Sedan offers an unrivaled combination of performance and luxury. With payments as lows as $689 per month, you can easily keep the dog days of summer at bay.

From its NHTSA 5-star rating to the IIHS top safety pick, the ML350 SUV is further proof that utility does not have to come at the expense of performance and comfort. It drives like a sedan and is ideal for family road trips with expansive cargo space and luxury at a great monthly payment of $559.

The GLK350 SUV, a small-sized SUV with full-sized performance, is powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. It has an impressive ride and distinctive look along with luxurious comfort, which makes it great for the open road. Great engineering is great engineering at any size and at a low payment of $459 per month.

And at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car, when you buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz you get a complimentary Mercedes-Benz loaner when yours is in for service (while supplies last) and car washes. These are just other great services we offer to our customers and we know that they expect no less from us.
The Summer Event is the event for those who have been waiting on their dream Mercedes-Benz. And the wait is over at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company. Click to view our New or Pre-Owned Inventory.

The all new 2011 Honda Odyssey - interior video

2010-06-21T15:46:00.001-04:00

Honda creates fun, sporty hybrid with CR-Z

2010-06-21T13:49:00.002-04:00

SAN FRANCISCO -- Although it's no sports car, the Honda CR-Z may change some people's minds about just how sporty a hybrid vehicle can be.

On the other hand, by giving the two-seater such a sporty appearance, Honda may be overstating how hot the CR-Z is.

The basics: For the United States, Honda made the CR-Z just a two-seater, whereas Japan and Europe get a plus-two version of a back seat.

Honda saved development costs by using the engine and much of the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system from the Insight hybrid five-door hatchback. The CR-Z comes with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic.

Notable features: To improve performance, Honda shaved weight in such places as the 16-inch wheels and by using forged aluminum lower control arms for the front suspension.

A "sport" mode provides a noticeable boost in power by monitoring throttle input. An "eco" mode cuts the power but sips gas. The federal fuel economy tests were done in "normal" mode.

The instruments have nice touches, like a 3-D speedometer and tachometer ring that glows green, blue or red depending on how cautiously or aggressively the CR-Z is being driven. The stereo is a six-speaker, 160-watt system with a USB port. Instead of two rear seats, the U.S.-edition CR-Z has an expanded cargo area that can be reconfigured.

Standard features include security system, variable wipers, LED brake lights, automatic climate control, cruise control and the usual traction and braking-assist technologies. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100621/OEM01/306219987/1430#ixzz0rVl996GV

An Ode to Keeler Motor Car

2010-06-07T15:21:00.004-04:00

We just received what could be one of the best letters we have ever seen come across our desks. It is too great of a letter to attempt to paraphrase so i'll just type as it was written...with a trusty #2 pencil! Thank you Steven! You made our day.

6/3/2010

Dear Staff of Keeler BMW,

My name is Steven Churchill and I am a 7th grader at Shaker Junior High School. Even though I cannot yet drive, I have loved cars since age two. My favorite make of car is BMW and the only place I would want to buy one is at Keeler BMW. My favorite BMW is the 850csi because of its styling.

Keeler is my favorite car dealership because it is very close to my house and because of the good selection. I have heard many people comment on your great service and dedication to your customers. With the help of bmw.keeler.com I will always know what cars are in your inventory. Enclosed is a poem I have written about Keeler BMW.

Sincerely,
Steven

"My Favorite Place of All"

Keeler BMW....
My favorite place of all
Everytime I go by, I am glued to the window...
just looking at the great selection
it's in a good location,
but it doesn't matter,
'cause if I was in any BMW, I know the
trip would never be a bummer.
BMW's, BMW's, so sporty and fun...
I could ride in one, even when the sun is no
longer hung.

Keeler BMW...
Filled with great cars....
I couldn't count on getting a great deal from...
well, anyone else.
Z's, 1's or even 3's
5's, 6's and some luxo 7's
I just love it when they are in your collection
Even with so many cars in this world....
I will always be loyal to my friend Keeler BMW
So....Keeler BMW....
You are definitely my favorite place of all.

Keeler Motor Car team to ride in the 2010 Tour de Cure

2010-06-01T14:44:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, June 6th, a team from Keeler Motor Car Company will ride in the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure in Saratoga Springs. This is the 2nd year that Keeler Motor Car has participated and we are so excited to be joining this important event again.

If you would like to donate to our team please click here, pick a rider on our team and make a worthwhile donation. Your contributions are very much appreciated!!

Wish us luck - go Team Keeler!!!

Mercedes-Benz new video - "Sorry"

2010-06-01T14:42:00.001-04:00

In traffic, precarious situations can come unexpectedly: before you know it there is an uninvited passenger. But with the brake assistant BAS + in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class you can even trick the reaper.

The adventurous, facelifted X5 takes on Alligator Alley

2010-05-19T09:51:00.002-04:00

The always stylish, facelifted BMW X5 looks great driving in the city but it's built to go out into the wilderness to explore. See it in action on Alligator Alley, Florida:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Earns Top Safety Pick

2010-05-13T12:02:00.002-04:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced that the 2010 Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans have earned Top Safety Pick awards. To get the nod, a car must earn the agency's top score of Good in front, side and rear crash tests, and it must pass a roof-crush strength test and be equipped with electronic stability control.The roof test, which was added for 2010, significantly reduced the number of overall Top Safety Picks, but IIHS is testing more and more vehicles for roof strength. The total number of Top Safety Picks is now 33, up from the original 27 when the new ratings were announced.
Source: KickingTires.com

Keeler Honda May 2010 commercial

2010-05-13T11:58:00.000-04:00

The Cost of Driving a Car

2010-05-12T15:35:00.000-04:00

[Source: Auto Insurance for Autoblog.com]

Sweet Rides

2010-05-03T17:02:00.005-04:00

Just for a change of pace, I decided it would be fun to post something a little out of the ordinary while I cover the blog for a couple of days. And since it's nearing the end of the day and I'm getting hungry, my mind inevitably turns to food. How can I combine my hunger and Keeler's line of vehicles? Simple - cake! A couple of quick Google searches later, and here's what I could find:

A great little smart cake - almost looks actual size!

(Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbiedoescakesnet/3954019871/)

This pretty pink MINI seems like an appropriate cake for a 17th birthday - I hope Kaylee got a matching MINI Cooper.

(Source: http://www.sugarliciousonline.com/cakes/birthday/vehicles/pink_mini_car.html)

I think these are great, since I'm a fan of people building edible art. It takes some serious talent! I'll try to post some more cakes in the future... we don't want to leave Honda, Mercedes-Benz and BMW out, after all.

BMW Billboard Placed Above Audi Hong Kong Dealership

2010-04-26T10:02:00.001-04:00

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.

The BMW Gran Coupe Concept

2010-04-23T09:27:00.004-04:00

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

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

2010-04-20T15:45:00.001-04:00

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.

Honda CR-Z Launch Video

2010-04-17T12:33:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-16T11:43:00.003-04:00

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!

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

2010-04-14T10:10:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-14T09:51:00.004-04:00

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

Proper Vehicle Maintenance

2010-04-13T11:26:00.005-04:00

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”

New York Auto Show: A Smart iPhone App, Literally

2010-04-12T15:09:00.003-04:00

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

2010-04-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

Why service your Honda at Keeler Honda?

2010-04-06T11:44:00.005-04:00

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

2010-04-06T11:18:00.004-04:00

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

Congratulations to our Keeler MINI Sales Staff

2010-03-30T14:54:00.002-04:00

Congraulations are in order for our Keeler MINI Sales Staff, Andrea Monzo and David Delaney. They both obtained MINI Achievements in Motoring from MINI USA which honors the top 100 advisors in the country based on sales performance and customer satisfaction. This is a very noteworthy accomplishment and one that everyone here at Keeler Motor Car Company is extremely proud of. Congratulations Andrea and David!!

Tire Maintenance

2010-03-26T14:48:00.005-04:00

Rick Walker is our Keeler Mercedes-Benz Service Manager. He has been with Keeler Mercedes-Benz for over 20 years. Rick will be writing articles for our blog regarding service and maintenance of your vehicle. If you have anything you would like Rick to write about please comment below. We're very excited to present to you Rick's first article...Tire Maintenance

Safety and security, something that seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. When I speak to people about their vehicles they are always quick to point out their due diligent on maintenance for the safety, security, and longevity of their cars. We speak about proper oil changing, replacing brake pads and the occasional burnt out bulb.

I am always surprised at the lack of attention to the single most important component of your car directly involved with its safety and security, the tires! If all goes right the tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the world around it, they are responsible for accelerating, stopping, maneuvering, high speed stability, and any other movement your vehicle makes. Ironically your tires are wear items, they must wear to perform so why do we generally ignore our tires? It seems each new generation of vehicle becomes higher performance and more powerful and tire manufacturers attempt to keep up by developing tires that grip better. Tires for today’s modern high performance vehicles are “lower profile” or less side wall creating less “slip angle” or less flexibility in the tire, which gives us very responsive steering but also greatly increases the load directly on the tread itself. This coupled with softer compounds and less tread depth make it more important than ever to “maintain” our tires.

There is a lot more to tire maintenance than one might initially think. If your car has the same size tires all the way around, tire rotation approximately every 5000 miles is one of the most important maintenance items. Tire pressure is also very important. Tire pressure must be periodically adjusted because air molecules can actually penetrate the rubber and exit naturally over time. There can also be parasitic loss between the tire and rim bead seal as well as the seal around the tire valve. Temperature changes also effect tire pressure, 10 degrees of ambient air temperature is equal to approximately 1 pound of air pressure in your tires. So adjusting tire pressures with the change of seasons is very important. Tire manufacturers recommend checking tire pressures monthly. You should be aware of your tires each time you walk up to your car, you can get a nail at any time and if any of your tires appears to be low on air there is a strong possibility it is very low on air.

Tires are considered to be worn out when they reach the manufacturers built in” wear bars” molded in the tread which is approximately 2/32in. or 2-3 mm of tread depth. And remember... as the tire wears down and the tire becomes thinner tire punctures become much more likely.
All new vehicles as of 2008 must have a tire pressure monitoring system. This is a very useful system that can save you from having a road side break down. It can save a repairable tire before it becomes unrepairable and it could even save your life! Unfortunately the system cannot work unless proper tire maintenance is carried out and the tire pressure monitor system is properly reset each time the tire pressure is reset. If this is not done then the system becomes an annoyance because the warning light is on more than it is off and people begin to ignore the warning. This can be a fatal mistake. A little time spent learning the very simple tire pressure monitor system and basic tire maintenance is a very smart investment.

by Rick Walker, Keeler Motor Car Company

2010 Albany Auto Show

2010-03-23T16:41:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Albany Auto Show will be held April 9th - April 11th at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY. Keeler Motor Car will be on hand representing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda, MINI and smart. You can go to www.enycar.org for more information.

Honda expects boost to global vehicle production of nearly 10%

2010-03-23T10:37:00.001-04:00

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Honda Motor Co. expects its global production to rise nearly 10 percent in the business year starting next month, led by growth in Asia outside of Japan, the Nikkan Kogyo industrial daily reported on Monday.Honda, Japan's No.2 automaker, has told its main parts suppliers of plans to produce up to 3.3 million vehicles in the business year beginning April 1, an increase of nearly 10 percent from an estimated 3.05 million vehicles this fiscal year, the paper said.

Production is expected to fall in North America and Europe, the paper said. Honda's North America production is up 51 percent this year through the first three weeks in March.

A Honda spokeswoman said the automaker does not disclose production plans, and the Nikkan Kogyo did not cite any sources.

The newspaper said the automaker plans to keep Japanese production flat to limit the impact of a stronger yen, while boosting output in the rest of Asia. In China, production is expected to rise more than 10 percent.

Contact Automotive News

Car Care: How to prepare your car for Spring

2010-03-18T09:40:00.001-04:00

When you think about seasonal car care, you rarely think about how to prepare your car for spring. You're much more likely to think about getting things ready for the snow, ice and cold of winter than you are the mildness of the spring season. Still, if you want to keep your car in tip top shape, protect your investment, and make sure your car is as safe and economical as it can be, you need to know how to prepare your car for spring.

The first thing you should do in order to prepare your car for spring is to check all of your belts and hoses. During the winter, the cold harsh weather can cause quite a bit of wear on your car's hoses and belts. Look for any cracking on the hoses and belts and for any leaking of the hoses. Catching these problems early can mean the difference between a quick and inexpensive repair and being broken down alongside the road needing expensive repairs.

You should also check your tires in order to get ready for spring. During the spring, your car needs to be able to pull you through the mud, as well as get you over wet roads. In addition, it's not uncommon for tires to lose some air over the winter. Check to make sure that your treads on your tires are in good shape, and that your tire pressure is at the levels recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer.

Spring is a good time to check your spark plugs and spark plug wires, too. If your plugs or plug wires need to be replaced, you'll want to take care of it so you're not stranded.

You should also check your engine coolant in the spring. You want to make sure that your coolant levels are where they should be. You'll also want to make sure that your coolant is nice and clean.

When you're getting ready to prepare your car for spring, you should also get an oil change. Running your car too long in between oil changes can cause a number of problems with your engine, all of which tend to be very expensive to fix. Make sure your engine oil is clean and full. Ultimately, just following a few simple steps to prepare your car for spring can save you hours of headach and, in many cases, hundreds of dollars down the road.

Source: AssociatedContent.com

You can drive to the YUKON in a Smart car

2010-03-12T14:59:00.002-05:00

THANKS to a combination of passion, planning and patience, man has not only proven that he can walk on fire, but that he can also walk on the surface of the moon.

With that spirit in mind, I like to think that my gas tank is always half full rather than half empty. Anything's possible. What's the worse thing that can happen? I've got life insurance. Buy the ticket, take the ride.

That said, even a perennial optimist like me was filled with doubt when Mercedes-Benz Canada sent me an invitation to partake in a winter driving expedition from Kelowna, B.C., to Whitehorse, Yukon. The itinerary outlined a four-day, 2,500-kilometre road trip to the Arctic that promised to be the adventure of a lifetime.
The only catch was we had to take this expedition in a Smart car.
My initial thought was that maybe the Smart marketing team wasn't as smart as those cute little cars they sell.

A division of Mercedes-Benz, the Smart is the smallest road-legal car sold in Canada. Although I'd driven one in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it, I have to admit that the mere prospect of driving a Smart car through some of the harshest and most severe weather conditions on the planet had me thinking that this was a very tall order for a very small car.

Dubbed the Smart Winter Expedition, the checklist did little to ease my doubts. Seven Smart cars, three Mercedes-Benz support vehicles and a flock of automobile journalists from across the country. The fact that a support team made up of professional drivers and technical specialists had been assembled to hold our hands throughout the journey helped to somewhat ease my worried mind, but as I boarded the plane I still couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into.

Read the rest of this great article here.

The Weekend is finally here...what are you doing?

2010-03-12T14:40:00.004-05:00

Yes, we do sometimes write about things completely unrelated to the car business!

This weekend is my "single parent" weekend. The hubby (as i like to refer to him) is away to Myrtle Beach for his annual boys golf weekend which leaves me as a single mom for the next few days. So, I'll leave my comfy, no-kid zone, office at Keeler Motor Car, venture back up the Northway to Malta and pick up my two girls from daycare. From there, I'm sure, all hell will break loose. When I am alone with the girls I try to fill up their dance card with a ton of activities. I'm not sure why, maybe it makes me feel like a better mom?? Probably more along the lines of, I know they'll be exhausted at the end of the day! Regardless, I do it everytime the hubby is away.

Which leads into..."what are you doing this weekend?" There is a ton going on - The St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Albany, Annie at Proctor's, Parent's Night Out at the Saratoga Children's Museum, St. Pracktice Day at Irish Times with the Fighting 86's, etc. I'll be bringing my oldest to see Annie on Saturday night - she cannot wait!

So, it's "Peace Out" from Keeler Motor Car this week...no time to blog over the weekend! Have a good one!

2011 Honda CR-Z First Drive

2010-03-12T14:31:00.002-05:00

Honda's once-proud sporting image has taken a beating lately. Its last foray into Formula 1 was a disaster, made even more embarrassing by the fact its former team swept the championship the year after it pulled out -- with Mercedes engines. The on-again, off-again NSX supercar program is now truly dead, along with the iconic S2000, both killed in favor of channeling resources towards good, clean family transport like the Fit, Civic and CR-V. But now an unlikely hybrid sports coupe with a 6-speed manual gearbox -- a world first for a hybrid drivetrain -- is set to inject some passion back into Honda's performance heritage. It's called the CR-Z.

The production CR-Z's exterior is nowhere near as taut and tight as that of the concept Honda revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, which sent the blogosphere into a frenzy of anticipation: Was Honda bringing back the CR-X? While the production CR-Z lacks some of the muscularity of the concept, it still looks like nothing else on the road; that large, imposing grille and upslanting headlights start a design motif that finishes with a bold swish for a C-pillar and a sculptured rear deck.

Many readers will remember the wedge-shaped CR-X of the early 80s and see some strategic resemblances. But as project leader Norio Tomobe pointed out at our drive session: "We were not aiming for a modern day CR-X. We wanted to create a totally new type of hybrid sports coupe that would take us into a more discerning and environmentally-conscious 21st century. The fact that's it's a hybrid just adds another intriguing dimension to the sporty mix. If it reminds you of the CR-X then that's purely coincidental."Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_1003_2011_honda_cr_z_drive/index.html#ixzz0hzbTMWeC