Taking one for the Keeler Team

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!

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

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 Customer Testimonial

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!

Meet the MINI Family

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! 

MINI keeps pace with the new MINI Paceman concept car

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

The All-New 2011 Countryman is here at Keeler MINI

Year End at Keeler Motor Car Company

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

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

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!

MINI shows of updated 2011 Cooper lineup

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.

Congratulations to our Keeler MINI Sales Staff

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!!

2010 Albany Auto Show

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.

BMW to go front-drive

Not sure if we'll ever see these at Keeler BMW but BMW announced that they will be producing front-wheel drive. Read the article below:

BMW is set to introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model, positioned and priced beneath the existing 1-series and using shared Mini hardware, according to the firm's chairman Norbert Reithofe.

The new model is being developed as part of plans to help increase parts sharing and bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear and four-wheel drive-only BMW models.

Speaking to Autocar at the last week's Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that, despite the downturn in the world’s economy, there is continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small car class. He then officially acknowledged plans that will see BMW producing a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at rival Mercedes-Benz.

"We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants," said Reithofer.

Being careful to separate the new price-leading front-wheel-drive model from BMW's upcoming city car - a totally different project as part of its Mega City Vehicle electric car initiative - Reithofer added, "For these new vehicles [the new BMW and Mini] we are developing a common architecture for both front and four-wheel drive."

While exact details remain shrouded in secrecy, Autocar can confirm the new entry-level BMW has been conceived to run the same front-wheel-drive underpinnings as the next-generation Mini Cooper.

The new Mini Cooper is not due out until 2014, but the small BMW could be on UK roads as early as 2013 as part of a major thrust by the company to become the undisputed sales leader in the premium small car class.

Plans to base the new entry-level BMW on the same platform as the Mini Cooper also raise the question of where the new car would be built. Although BMW is being vague, Autocar understands the new car could be built alongside the Mini Cooper in Oxford, using a new generation of petrol and diesel engines sourced from BMW's engine plant in Hams Hall.
Studies are also under way that could result in the new platform structure referred to by Reithofer being used for future generations of the 1-series - although BMW is still undecided on whether the third-generation model, due in 2018, will be front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
"We are looking at alternatives," a Munich insider told Autocar. "With the new platform set to support four-wheel drive, it wouldn't be that hard to use the transmission tunnel for a rear-wheel-drive application."

Source: Autocar.co.uk

MINIWOOD - what really happened at the Geneva Auto Show

MINI Connected for iPhone to Debut in Geneva

*22.02.2010 * Press Release
*World-first in-car entertainment technology integrates the Apple iPhone.

*Safe, convenient, intuitive control of all functions via the MINI operating system.

*World debut of in-car web radio.

*MINI Connected brings enhanced user functionality and customization to the MINI-exclusive, Mission Control.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - February 22, 2010... MINI Connected, a new technology unique to MINI, opens up a new dimension of in-car entertainment. The new system will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show next week.

MINI Connected.MINI Connected offers new options to further enhance the driving fun associated with the brand by intelligently connecting the driver, his MINI and the outside world. The new MINI Connected system will be launched simultaneously with the MINI Countryman, as an option on the newest member of the MINI brand lineup.

With MINI Connected, MINI is the first carmaker to offer a newly developed USB interface with functionality that enables such a high level of integration of the iPhone into the in-car audio and infotainment system. This MINI-exclusive technology provides the basis for unprecedented integration of Smartphone functions, and takes the in-car integration of modern Smartphone telecommunications, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level.

The innovative iPhone interface provides robust data exchange capabilities, allowing a range of infotainment, navigation and communication functions to be used on board the vehicle. MINI Connected also allows functions to be enhanced or personalized to the driver's individual preferences.

Click here for the entire article.

MINI Countryman Video - First Exclusive Look!

Next week the MINI Countryman will celebrate its world premiere in Geneva and right now, we have some never-before-seen driving footage for you. Courtesy of MINI Youtube Channel, we’re enjoying again the funky, intriguing and lively MINI videos.

Carrying the tagline, “Life is out There”, the MINI Countryman video can be summed up in just a couple of sentences: it is a giddy montage of footage that packs a lifetime’s worth of adventure into a snappy few minutes. It is about drawing a connection between the increased interior space of the Countryman, which is the roomiest MINI yet, with living large, expanding horizons, seizing the day



As a recap, MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines; the power range extends from 90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

At the high-end of the line-up, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management.

The Countryman gets a standard six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman come equipped with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option.The cabin, among other things, gets a standard multifunction steering wheel with cruise control a center rail system that allows each passenger to store objects.

Source: BMWBlog

MINI USA launching Laurel Sport Edition

When's the last time there was a car like the Mini? When people aren't busy buying the same car in slightly different lengths and heights, Mini is painting them slightly different colors and charging more. It appears the last one, the Rally Clubman, sold so well that Mini's got another special edition in the works called the Laurel Sport.

There will be 300 Laurel Sports offered in the U.S., 100 for each the hardtop, Clubman, and convertible. They arrive next month, just in time for the Olympics to be over, but the aim here is "classic British style." That means a John Cooper Works aero kit, driving lights, 17-inch alloys, black mirror caps, special door sills, side skirts, and stripes. And that's not all: There will be a summer version and a winter version, the former getting performance tires, the latter with all-season tires and the Cold Weather package.

If you're still reading this and haven't called your Mini dealer already, prices will be $29,695 for the hardtop, $31,445 for the Cooper S, and $34,545 for the convertible.

New MINI Clubman commercial

MINI Clubman: Having this much room could get you in trouble, just ask Barry!

Kansas City man wins trip to England for logging most topless hours in a Mini

Ever wonder what possible use the Openometer could have? The tiny dashboard gauge is found only in the Mini convertible and tracks the number of hours a Mini motorist has been driving with the top down. Cute, sure, but hardly as useful as, say... a speedometer or fuel gauge. Well, David Loveall and over 400 other Mini Cooper Convertible owners across America found the Openometer very useful as they participated in the Open One Challenge.

Kansas City's Loveall logged some 555.55 hours of top-down driving in his Mini, after driving across the country and visiting every one of the 48 contiguous states in the union. He took some of America's greatest back-roads, like Route 66 and US 50, avoiding the freeway at all costs and often camping roadside in a tent.For his dedication to the open-air cause, Loveall is being awarded with a free trip to England to visit the Mini factory in Oxford. Click here to read the full article.
Source: Autoblog.com

Leaked! Mini Countryman Photos Hit the Web Before Geneva Debut

As we reported last month, the upcoming Mini crossover will indeed go by the Countryman moniker when it arrives in production form at the Geneva Motor Show. But with the recent leak of three images of the new all-wheel-drive, four-door Mini, you won't have to wait until Geneva to catch your first glimpse of the Countryman.

We saw our first taste of the Countryman when the Mini Crossover Concept debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. That car added over two inches to the Mini Clubman's stretched wheelbase, along with an all-wheel drive layout that is based on the rear-drive platform of the BMW 1 Series. Later, we spotted Countryman prototypes roaming the Nurburgring, hammering out suspension and drivetrain tuning details. Then, in Detroit last week, the Beachcomber concept was shown, featuring some wild styling changes that spoke more to a dune buggy theme than that of a crossover vehicle.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5R7UVfC

From the photos shown here, depicting a Cooper S version of the Countryman, we can see that many of the Crossover Concept's styling cues have been left intact. The Countryman appears pretty much how we'd expect a stretched four-door Mini to look, and keeps its proportions well through the enlargement. The interior is standard Mini fare, with a bank of toggle switches and plenty of retro appeal. The typical Cooper S tweaks are seen on the pictured car, including more aggressive looking wheels, twin exhaust tips, and sporty front and rear fascias.

For those who love anticipation, there's still plenty more rumor and speculation to hold one's breath over. For example, while we can expect a standard 1.6L engine to power a base model (with a supercharged version likely power 'S' trim models), will a bigger engine be in-store for a higher tuned Countryman? With a beefier all-wheel drive 1 Series drivetrain, a larger engine and more horsepower could be in the works. Rumors also persist that the Countryman will enter the World Rally Championship in the coming years.

We still don't know just when the Countryman will arrive in U.S. showrooms, but we'd expect a hefty price premium over the Mini Clubman - even heftier than the premium the Clubman takes on the regular Cooper. For more on the Countryman, stay tuned for our Geneva Motor Show coverage.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5RDtf6X

Article by: Motortrend