RIDES - August 2012 by The Examiner

Eastern Jackson County’s Premier Dealership’s Magazine

The Examiner

Issue 4

August 2012

Get to know your dealerships!

here to serve get to know the gang AT LOCAL DEALERSHIPS

COMMITMENT LEARN HOW LOCAL COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY!

INSURANCE

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

WELCOME BACK

Index 3 Auto Bits

Blue Springs Harley-Davidson

Metro Ford

Landmark Dodge

Get to know the gang

Dell’s Powersports

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Hello all. It has been a little while since I was last able to donate my thoughts to everyone through this amazing venue. I hope all is well with you. And that you are able to stay somewhat cool amidst this sweltering heat. Rides is past its infancy stage now and has started to take on a life of its own. We love being able to bring you the latest promotions and sales for some of the best dealerships in the area. We also enjoy being able to update you on the incredible community events, services, and stories from these dealers. They do so much for our community through charities, special

events, and all around customer service. I know first hand about the great customer service. Please read that story a couple more pages in. Time and again we drive past these dealerships not realizing what they are contributing to our own little slice of paradise. So I commission you to stop in, say hi, tell them thanks, and perhaps purchase a new vehicle. Everyone enjoys being told thanks for their hard work. So take a quick second and make someone’s day with a kind word. It will put a smile on their face as well as yours. Stay classy East Jack.

What’s new in pickups

auto bits TipS of the Week

Coolant check AUGUST 2012

Contact Us Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) Publisher: Stephen Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net Advertising: Director of Advertising: David T. Lammers dave.lammers@examiner.net Director of Marketing: Sharon Dankenbring sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Josh Englebrake 816-350-6378 josh.englebrake@examiner.net New media: New Media Manager: Ginger Kuftack ginger.kuftack@examiner.net WebSite: www.examiner.net

Cover: EXAMINER STAFF Photo

Cooling system issues are the leading cause of roadside breakdowns and 23 million people are operating cars with the wrong kind of coolant. Which coolant is right for you? Check the label under your hood or your owner’s manual. If you are buying coolant read the label to confirm the product is made for your car. Maintenance. Have your cooling system flushed. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations. Other checks. Make sure your hoses are attached and that they do not have leaks and are not cracked or brittle. Look for signs of corrosion on your radiator and check to see if the radiator cap fits tightly.

Travel tips

If you’re traveling this year, here are some tips for safe travel: n Check fluid levels. Make sure the check includes topping off antifreeze, window washer, brake and transmission fluids. n Check brakes and brake pads, especially if you can’t remember how long since they

were last checked. n Park your car in the shade when possible, and keep a pressure gauge handy to check tire pressure often. Heat is your tires’ enemy. n Check your trunk to make sure you have the tools you need to change a flat: a spare tire, a lug wrench and a jack.

- ARA Car Q&A

Hot hatch query Q: I am interested in the new VW Golf R model four-door hatchback and would like to know if you have driven it. A: I spent a week in the new Golf R, and what a great week. The turbo power with the sixspeed manual and all-wheel drive work together pictureperfect. VW spent a lot of time on this whole package. At $34,590 plus shipping, VW gave us a fun and practical allwheel drive midsize car. Gas mileage estimates: 19 city and 27 highway.

Can’t find part Q: I would like to know where I can purchase coated replacement brake line tubing. I checked with a few parts stores

and online and cannot find anyone that sells these lines you mentioned. A: The product is called poly steel, and it was purchased through OE Place Tool in Rhode Island. I purchase the line through my MATCO tool man. The product is easy to shape, bend and flare. It also does not deteriorate like non-coated lines in the snow belt. - Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist

THE LIST According to CNNMoney, here are the coolest cars less than $18,000: 1. Dodge Dart 2. Hyundai Veloster 3. Fiat 500 4. Mazda3 5. Chevrolet Sonic Most loved cars — According to CNNMoney Compact: 1. Chevrolet Volt 2. Volkswagen Golf 3. Honda CR-Z Sporty: 1. Mini Coupe/ Roadster 2. Volkswagen GTI 3. Mini Cooper RIDES AUGUST 2012

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Upcoming Events August 18 2nd annual Ride in Bike Show Registration at 8:30am Judging at Noon Awards at 3pm

August 21 H.O.G. meeting 7 pm

H-D Therapy

August 25 Sportster Giveaway Free entertainment and food 11-4 with live remote from Q104 giving away a sportster.

BY THE EXAMINER STAFF

September 1

9-11am $5 buffet with proceeds benefiting Recovery Lighthouse. Bikers 4 Babies Pre-registration 10am-2pm

September 7&8 Harley-Davidson Factory Open House 8am to 4pm, check out the event booth at the open house for amazing specials.

September 13 Bike Night 6-9pm Johnny Rampage performing Harley Girls, free food and adult beverages provided by Clancy’s.

September 14-15 Rock-n-Ride Weekend 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

lue Springs Harley-Davidson employees don’t just sell motorcycles. They have a personal connection. Of all the Blue Springs Harley-Davidson employees, 85 percent ride their own bikes and 100 percent of employees or their spouses ride. That means when customers come to Blue Springs Harley-Davidson, they’re not only getting a knowledgeable sales staff, they’re getting a sales staff that knows the bikes inside and out. “I ride because it’s second nature and it helps you understand the type of person who would fit a Harley,” says sales associate Danny Worth, who also races Harley-Davidsons. “I ride because it’s easier to sell something you love,” assistant sales manager Chance Myers says. That’s what makes Blue Springs Harley-

Davidson stand out among motorcycle dealerships in the Kansas City area. Their atmosphere is one of your hometown dealer. They treat customers like family. Blue Springs Harley-Davidson also embraces and takes pride in the “H-D Therapy” experience. Riding a Harley-Davidson can help you relieve stress so a real therapist isn’t needed. And the employees can translate that to a potential customer. “I ride because I breathe,” sales associate John Brewer says. “Riding helps me project my enthusiasm to those who are considering the lifestyle.” When customers come to Blue Springs Harley-Davidson, they’ll be able to learn that firsthand from an experienced rider. For more information on “H-D Therapy” and the bikes themselves, call 816-224-5005.

RIDES AUGUST 2012

FORD

FIESTA

0% for 60 months or $250

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE WORKS PACKAGE AND ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS.

CASH BACK

FOCUS

FUSION

0% for 60 months or $1,500

0% for 60 months & $1,750 or $3,250

CASH BACK

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Dealer That Makes The Difference! 2860 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64055

816.254.9800

Just announced 0% financing for up to 60 months on select 2012 models. This would include Fiesta*, Focus*, Fusion, Edge, Explorer, F-150 and Super Duty Trucks. Hurry while supplies last. *Does not include S models for Fiesta and Focus.

www.kcmetroford.com 6

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

FORD

Your dealer

BY THE EXAMINER STAFF

M really does make the difference

etro Ford in Independence is showing that your dealer really does make the difference. And here is why. It’s now easier than ever to buy a vehicle at Metro Ford because it is the home of “S Plan” pricing. Not only do customers get hassle-free and haggle-free pricing on every new in-stock 2012 Ford and get it within 10 minutes, there are several other great features, including: • All rebates go back to the customer. • The Metro Ford Maintenance program, in which the first year’s maintenance on your new Ford is absolutely free. • And buyers are automatically enrolled in the Owners Advantage Rewards Program, which means cash back rewards on parts and service. When you’re enrolled in Owners Advantage, every vehicle in your household, no matter what make or model, also earns

rewards. In addition, members receive: • A $10 enrollment bonus toward a future parts or service purchase. • A 5 percent credit on all parts and services purchases that can be applied toward future visits. • Oil change rewards – earn a free oil change with the purchase of several oil changes. There are a couple other reasons to come into Metro Ford in August, including the Back to School Days, where customers can receive $500 on school supplies for every vehicle purchase during the first half of the month. The last half of August will feature the Labor Day Sale-A-Thon, when customers can get many special deals. For more information on Metro Ford, visit the dealership at 2860 S. Noland Road in Independence, call 816-254-9800, visit the website at http://www.kcmetroford.com/ or search for the Metro Ford page on Facebook or Twitter.

Upcoming Events at Metro Ford Month of August Summer Sales Event

August 12 Metro Ford participates in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K run/walk at Union Station.

August 20 - September 3 Labor Day Sale-A-Thon

September 15 DriveOne4URSchool Event at William Chrisman High School 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RIDES AUGUST 2012

DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP

WA R E H O U S E P R I C I N G ! HOME OF

KEEP THEM COMING BACK BY JOSH ENGLEBRAKE

he dealership experience can often be daunting. Even tiresome. But for the Englebrake family, it’s almost a ritual. Purchasing six cars from Landmark Dodge/Chrysler/ Jeep might seem excessive to some but when you enjoy the entire experience it keeps you coming back. Let’s start from the beginning. Matt was the first to purchase a car from them in 2006. He bought a certified used blue Chrysler 300 and was ecstatic. Matt travels a lot for his job so getting a nice car that was spacious with good gas mileage was important. And he found it. But it doesn’t stop there. Due to the excellent service he received from the dealership the first time, he then traded this car in for a new Chrysler 300, after they changed the body style to what we see now, in 2009. It was the first brand new car he had ever owned. Imagine the face of a 50 year old man after purchasing his first DEBBIE Englebrake with brand new car! It was her new journey. priceless. Now on to his daughter-in-law. Cara is the mother of three. She needed something that would get all of them around comfortably and be very family friendly. On the referral of her father-in-law, she went to Landmark. “The sales staff was super friendly. I looked at both the Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Caravan.” She was impressed with both and they both fit her needs. “I went with the Caravan mainly because of the name,” she says with a giggle. And she and the kids rode away in their new mini-van. Back to Matt. Feeling the need for something more allaround useful, he returned to Landmark in 2010. “Once you have a great experience at a dealership, it’s easy to go back. You get to know the guys and it stops being a dealership and

Josh Englebrake with his 2012 Dodge Charger.

more like a fraternity with new car perks.” This time he drove off the lot in a new Dodge Ram extended cab. “It is spacious enough for my grand-kids but allows me to be able to haul stuff.” This is the truck that he still has to this day. His wife, Debbie, is next in line. They returned to Landmark in search of a small SUV. After checking Landmark’s website for one that fit her budget and met her needs, she settled on a new Dodge Journey. “Everyone was fantastic. Especially our salesman, Jody.” She had no concerns going to Landmark after all the great past experiences but didn’t realize how amazing it would be. She now has a new-found appreciation for purchasing a car when it’s made easy. Lastly we turn to Matt’s son Josh. “My kids were growing up so fast that I needed something that had plenty of room for them but was still sporty enough for a hip dad.” He stumbled upon a recent General Manager demo car that was for sale. “I saw it and knew it was the right car for me.” Josh can now be a ‘super cool dad’ according to his kids with a new 2012 Dodge Charger. To sum it all up, there are many great dealerships in the area, especially the ones in this magazine. So find yours and you too can turn car buying into an amazing experience. RIDES AUGUST 2012

INSURANCE

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

here to serve

get to know the GANG By EXAMINER STAFF

David David Service Technician Dell’s Powersports

Yes, David’s first name is the same as his last name. David has helped Dell’s expand its service capabilities with more than nine years experience working on Buells and Harley-Davidsons. David often rides on the street and races his own Buell XB12R bike. When he’s not riding his motorcycle, he enjoys spending time with his son.

Brian Osiek Parts Manager Metro Ford

Brian, who has been with Metro Ford for 30 years and 40 years in the auto industry, was groomed to be involved in auto parts from a young age. His father was a parts manager, and Brian helped stock parts for him starting at age 12. And his love is helping solve problems for customers. “Love the people, love to help them,” he says. Brian is married with five children and 11 grandkids.

JJ Brock

Jody Hendrick

Salesman Blue Springs Harley-Davidson

Sales Associate Landmark Dodge

JJ loved buying a motorcycle so much that he made it his job. He ended up getting a job selling them four months ago after buying a bike at Blue Springs Harley-Davidson. JJ has been riding all his life and loves the freedom of riding his Harley. And the job suits him too. “I love getting to meet different people,” he says. JJ is married with three children.

Jody, 38, loves the variety in life, especially from his customers at Landmark. “I really enjoy the wide variety of customers and all their differences,” he says. His ability to talk to people is his strength, he says. Jody came to Landmark six months ago after moving here from Southern California six years ago. He’s married and has three kids.

RIDES AUGUST 2012

POWERSPORTS VEHICLES

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

POWERSPORTS VEHICLES

ALL RIDERS ALL BIKE BRANDS WELCOME! BY THE EXAMINER STAFF

ell’s Powersports is looking forward to the past. Again. Dell’s will host its fourth annual Geezers & Wheezers Classic Motorcycle Show on Saturday, Aug. 25, starting at 9 a.m. The show will feature antique, vintage and classic motorcycles at the show at Dell’s, 3105 S.W. U.S. 40 Highway in Blue Springs. And it doesn’t matter what classic brand you ride, Dell’s wants to see you there. “All riders and all bike brands are welcome because we like all riders and all brands,” Dell’s co-owner Mark Riggin says. “Antique, vintage or classic – whatever you consider it to be, you’re invited to show it off. And everyone is invited to see it.” So bring your classic, restored or just plain old pre-1991 bikes to

the show. It will feature prizes, a free lunch and up to 90 percent off select apparel and accessories. Registration runs 9 to 11 a.m. Displaying the bikes and people’s choice judging goes 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Show entrants and Dell’s customers will select the winners, who will be announced at the awards presentation at 1:30 p.m. A free lunch of brats, chips and soda will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. compliments of Dell’s Full Throttle Ride Team. And don’t forget to check out Dell’s variety of bikes, other vehicles and accessories while you’re there. If you’re a rider and what to show off your 20-year-old or older bike, if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or just want to see some cool, classic bikes, get to Dell’s on Aug. 25. For more information, visit the website at dellspowersports.com or call 816-229-0300.

Dell’s Powersports Events August 25 Fourth annual Geezers & Wheezers Classic Motorcycle Show 9:00 a.m.

September 8 Dell’s Breakfast Ride, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. meet at Dell’s 9-9:30 a.m., all riders and bikes welcome.

September 9 Dual Sport Ride Call Dell’s at 816-229-0300 for details Find details at www.dellspowersports.com RIDES AUGUST 2012

TRUCKS

What’s new in

pickups Truck makers up fuel efficiency without sacrificing function By Erinn Hutkin Gatehouse News Service

ince the start of the recession, truck sales have slumped. The poor economy — coupled with some high summer gas prices — led many people who bought trucks just for fun to look elsewhere, often to more fuel-efficient vehicles. According to Bill Visnic, an analyst and senior editor at Edmunds.com, an automotive information website based in Santa Monica, Calif., one way automakers might lure personal-use buyers back is by making

GHNS illustration

35 mpg

AUGUST 2012 RIDES

trucks that are more fuel-efficient. “It’s going to be a never-ending sort of priority to keep optimizing fuel economy,” he said. In the coming months, as automakers unveil 2013 truck models, many will likely feature downsized engines and transmissions that promote fuel efficiency. In addition to meeting the demands of the market, Visnic said, federal fuel economy mandates are coming in 2016. He said the government is working toward a target of 35 miles per gallon. Here are a few changes taking place when it comes to trucks.

trucks

Last year, Ford released its F-150 truck with a turbocharged, six-cylinder engine instead of a V-8. The change, Visnic said, was a big move for Ford. From 2004 until the downsized engine was introduced in 2011, the automaker only used the larger V-8. The switch to the more fuel-efficient engine, Visnic said, is “very much a nod to what’s going on in the market.” Mike Levine, Ford’s truck communications manager, said the downsized, direct-injection, turbocharged engines provide the power of a V-8 with V-6 fuel economy. It’s rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds, he said, more than competitive V-8s, and is rated up to 22 miles per gallon. He said Ford sold more than 109,000 F-150s with the downsized engines in 2011— the first year of production. ford photo

The Ford F-150 switched from a V-8 to a six-cylinder engine last year, and power didn’t suffer with the change.

In 2013, GM will debut a new generation of trucks — such as the updated Chevrolet Silverado — featuring a new Gen V engine family. Tom Wilkinson, a Chevrolet spokesman, said the trucks will be more capable and more efficient than the current generation. Visnic said the automaker is being “very tight-lipped” about the changes, but he suspects the new models will also address weight to contribute to more fuel efficiency. However, Wilkinson said while there’s been “a lot of noise around ‘more efficient’ pickups” since the recession, most full-size trucks are bought to tow and haul, so function can’t be sacrificed. As a result, he said, efficiency gains are incremental and can’t come at capability’s expense. Still, he said, while Ford caught up to GM with its turbocharged V-6 engines, “we expect our next engine family to put us back in the lead.”

Chevrolet will update the Silverado for 2013 (pictured is a 2012 model), but specifics are unknown at this time.

chevrolet photo

For the 2012 model year, Visnic said, Chrysler offered its line of heavy-duty pickups with six-speed automatic transmissions. The engine can be found in the Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models. In the past, the Ram was sold with a five-speed engine, but Visnic said the move contributes to improved fuel efficiency: “To go from a five-speed automatic transmission to sixspeed ... is enough to make fairly meaningful changes.” For example, he said, it can mean the difference between getting 21 miles per gallon instead of 18. For 2012 Ram 2500 (pictured) and 3500 HD models, Chrysler changed the transmission to a six-speed.

dodge ram photo

RIDES AUGUST 2012