“Around the Lots” March Update

Thank you for visiting the Ron Lewis Automotive Group online. Here's what's happening "Around the Lots" this March:

• Finally time to "Think Spring"   We're hosting March sales events this month across our group: Waynesburg, the week of March 11^th, Morrow Ford and Morrow Chevrolet Kia in Beaver Falls from March 19^th-23rd, and in Pleasant Hills March 22^nd and 23^rd.  Stop by to see what Spring savings we have for you!
• RAM "Truck Month" continues at our Waynesburg, Cranberry, and Pleasant Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships. Right now, we've got over 100 2012 and 2013 Ram 1500s in stock.  And, if diesel is your thing, we've also got over 60 new and used diesel trucks in our network to choose from.
• This March $19,900 is a popular number ~ You can buy a 2013 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4, 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SE or a 2013 Ram 1500 Regular Cab each for just $19,900 ~ Great choices, great deals.
• Check out some of the great vehicles available at our Cranberry Pre-Owned location: (as of today) there's a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (around 30,000 miles), and two different 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredos (with only around 10,000 miles), to name a few that caught my eye.
• The Ron Lewis Automotive Group has been growing and now we have over 230 employees ~ and we're not done!  There are positions currently open across our dealership group for Sales Consultants, Technicians and Service professionals. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about employment opportunities at the Ron Lewis Automotive Group by clicking here.
• We are sincerely appreciative of our customers, namely Ralph Trilli, who is featured in this month's TV ad for Pleasant Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.  Thank you for your continued business after many years and for your testimonial, Ralph!

We realize you have your choice of Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and pre-owned vehicle dealers in the Greater Pittsburgh area, and beyond. That spirit of competition motivates us to make your automotive search, purchase, and/or service experience stand out from the rest. Whether you are purchasing for a first-time driver, seeking a family-friendly vehicle, work truck, or a fun luxury car to add to your collection (Think SRT Viper!), we're committed to working with you to find the best new or pre-owned vehicle to fit your lifestyle and budget.

We're here to serve all of your automotive needs ~ from finding the vehicle that matches your desired payment, to service and bodyshop repairs, to parts and accessories. Let us know how we can assist you today!
Sincerely,
Gwen

“Around the Lots” February Update

Thank you for visiting the Ron Lewis Automotive Group online. Here's what's happening "Around the Lots" this February:

• February brings us the 2013 Pittsburgh International Auto Show. Check out the Ron Lewis Automotive Group ad in the event program and scan the QR code for special Auto Show savings at all of our dealerships! We're also giving away tickets on our Facebook page before the show begins ? Stay posted to our group page for details.
• The event kicks off on Thursday, February 14^th with a "Red CARpet Gala" to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation and Austin's Playroom Project, an initiative of The Mario Lemieux Foundation.
• At the Auto Show this year, we'll have team members from Morrow Ford on site to share their knowledge about the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, C-Max Electric and C-Max Hybrid on display and we're also providing an RT Challenger for the floor . Come check them out! Ask us about the Auto Show Cash offers available this month on select models.
• It's "Truck Month" at Morrow Chevrolet and at our Waynesburg, Cranberry, and Pleasant Hills Ram dealerships. Right now, you can get a 2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Express on lease for only $249 a month or a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab on lease for $299 a month. (See our stores for lease program parameters.) We have over 180 Ram, Chevy, and Ford trucks in stock now.
• Changing gears to pre-owned ~ Check out the great inventory right now at Cranberry Pre-Owned. We've got a diverse collection of import vehicles from Land Rover to Mercedes to Volvo ~ worth a look!
• We're proud to announce that all of the Ron Lewis Automotive Group dealerships are "Certified Women Friendly" by Women-drivers.com. Thank you to our female clients who have become new customers of ours and who have taken the time to share their feedback online!
• One final note, we're hiring! We've got positions open across our dealership group for Sales Consultants. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about employment at the Ron Lewis Automotive Group by clicking here.

We realize you have your choice of Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and pre-owned vehicle dealers in the Greater Pittsburgh area, and beyond. That spirit of competition motivates us to make your automotive search, purchase, and/or service experience stand out from the rest. Whether you are purchasing for a first-time driver, seeking a family-friendly vehicle, work truck, or a fun luxury car to add to your collection (Think SRT Viper!), we're committed to working with you to find the best new or pre-owned vehicle to fit your lifestyle and budget.

We're here to serve all of your automotive needs ~ from finding the vehicle that matches your desired payment, to service and bodyshop repairs, to parts and accessories. Let us know how we can assist you today!

12 Days of Ron Lewis Christmas

For the 12 days of Christmas, Ron Lewis Automotive gave to me...

12 Chevys Cruzing
11 Dodge Challengers
10 Red Vipers
9 F-150s
8 Chrysler 300s
7 Ford Explorers
6 RAM Trucks
5 Unbeatable Deals!
4x4 Wranglers
3 Kia Sorentos
2 Body Shops
And a 100,000 Mile Warranty!!!!!

A sincere thank you to all of our customers this year and we look forward to continuing to serve your automotive needs in 2013!

Ron Lewis Automotive Group’s Holiday “Red Ribbon” Delivery Service

Our team will deliver your vehicle purchase to the location/person of your choice, your vehicle will be topped with a giant red bow and an “elf” will hand deliver the keys! Red Ribbon delivery is available from December 1st through December 31st, 2012 during regular business hours; (Excludes December 24th and 25th) within a 25 mile radius of the dealership.

Contact dealership General Manager for more information at (724) 846-1440

Thank You

November has gone by so quickly!  Thank you for visiting the Ron Lewis Automotive Group online.  Lots of news from "Around the Lots" this month:

 

• We'll soon be announcing the local winner of our Jeep Grand Cherokee "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" contest.  After all of the paperwork is cleared, we should have the news out on Facebook this week!
• In time for the Thanksgiving holiday, Kia has just released Special Financing Rates on the 2012 Kia Optima (as low as 0% up to 60 months); 2013 Optima (as low as 0.9% up to 60 months); and on the 2013 Kia Sorento (as low as 0% up to 60 months) for qualified buyers.  Brenda Anthony, our Internet Sales Manager at Morrow Kia, can answer any questions you have about these great rates!
• Have you seen it?  Have you experienced it? Just dreaming about it?  Cranberry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is now a proud dealer of the Dodge SRT Viper!  Come see us today about placing your order for a new 2013 SRT® Viper. Pricing and options are now available and official.  Be sure to visit the Viper Visualizer at driveSRT.com/viper or stop in and our Viper specialists can help you customize your own.  Curious?  Call my brother-in-law, Jobie Glessner, directly at our Cranberry Township dealership, 724.452.4040.  
• Diesel trucks have been very popular at our Waynesburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram location.  Right now we have over 80 in stock, both new and pre-owned, with many options, model years, and price points.  Check out our diesel truck inventory and remember, we'll bring any truck to the location that's best for you.  
• Our "Toys for Tots" Drive is underway at each of our Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram locations.  Stop by to drop off unwrapped toys in our showrooms in Cranberry, Pleasant Hills and Waynesburg.  Now through December 31st, when you purchase a 2012 or 2013 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, or Dodge Journey from one of our dealerships, a $100 donation will be made to Toys for Tots!  
• A thank you and shout out to our recent customers who drove hours out of state from Michigan and Virginia to select Morrow Chevrolet Kia as their dealership of choice.  Thank you very much for your business!  We are glad your online shopping led you to us!

 

We realize you have your choice of Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram and pre-owned vehicle dealers in the Greater Pittsburgh area, and beyond.  That spirit of competition motivates us to make your automotive search, purchase, and/or service experience stand out from the rest. Whether you are purchasing for a first-time driver, seeking a family-friendly vehicle, work truck, or a fun luxury car to add to your collection, we're committed to working with you to find the best new or pre-owned vehicle to fit your lifestyle and budget.

We're here to serve all of your automotive needs. Let us know how we can assist you today!

From all of us at the Ron Lewis Automotive Group,

Drive safely and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Gwen

Gwen Lewis
Founding Director of Online Operations
Ron Lewis Automotive Group

All About the Camaro

Take a look back at the history of the Chevy Camaro, and how it has evolved until it was re-invented in its current retro form. Courtesy of Howstuffworks.com: bit.ly/UJ02pU

 

 

"During those two years after the debut of the Mustang, Chevy worked to develop a car that hued to the long-hood-short-rear-deck pony-car template, but unique styling and a range of high-performance engines quickly established Camaro as the ride pony-car enthusiasts turned to first for affordable power.

The pages of this article examine the Camaro model year by model year, revealing the look, the equipment, and the spirit that garnered it a legion of loyal fans that continues to this day."

Courtesy of Howstuffworks.com

GM Ready for 500,000 Electric Vehicles by 2017

GM has big plans for the future and their part in it. Check out this press release from Autoblog.com to see what they'll be doing in the years ahead: bit.ly/QMACwg

 

Speaking (via satellite) to journalists at the General Motors Electrification Experience in San Francisco yesterday, Mary Barra, GM's senior vice president of global product development, announced that The General will have 500,000 "vehicles with electrification" by 2017. That's only five years away, and implies 100,000 such vehicles sold in each of the next five years. The asterisk is that Barra most certainly did not mean a half-million GM plug-in vehicles will be on the road by then, since electrification here includes everything from the small electric helpers in its eAssist vehicles to full electrics like the Chevrolet SparkEV. Using those parameters, GM will sell 50,000 vehicles "with some form of electrification" this year alone. As of the end of October, GM sold 19,309 Volts, and the final 2012 tally will likely be around 25,000.

But, the interesting aspect is that Barra says GM's future "focus" will be on plug-in technology. She didn't say that GM is leaving things like hydrogen and biofuels behind, just that, "The plug-in offers a unique opportunity to change the way people commute. Plug-based solutions will play a significant role in our technology portfolio going forward." The Volt, Barra said, is fulfilling its role as technology leader, spawning not just the Spark EV but also the planned production version of the Cadillac ELR concept shown above. Right now, only those privy to GM's secret future plans binders know how many "children" the Volt will have by 2017.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

How Radar Detectors Work

Ever wondered how a radar detector does what it needs to? Take a look at this article from Howstuffworks.com to find out.

bit.ly/SRr3u8

 

 

"Radar can also be used to measure the speed of an object, due to a phenomenon called Doppler shift. Like sound waves, radio waves have a certain frequency, the number of oscillations per unit of time. When the radar gun and the car are both standing still, the echo will have the same wave frequency as the original signal. Each part of the signal is reflected when it reaches the car, mirroring the original signal exactly.

But when the car is moving, each part of the radio signal is reflected at a different point in space, which changes the wave pattern. When the car is moving away from the radar gun, the second segment of the signal has to travel a greater distance to reach the car than the first segment of the signal. As you can see in the diagram below, this has the effect of "stretching out" the wave, or lowering its frequency. If the car is moving toward the radar gun, the second segment of the wave travels a shorter distance than the first segment before being reflected. As a result, the peaks and valleys of the wave get squeezed together: The frequency increases.

Based on how much the frequency changes, a radar gun can calculate how quickly a car is moving toward it or away from it. If the radar gun is used inside a moving police car, its own movement must also be factored in. For example, if the police car is going 50 miles per hour and the gun detects that the target is moving away at 20 miles per hour, the target must be driving at 70 miles per hour. If the radar gun determines that the target is not moving toward or away from the police car, than the target is driving at exactly 50 miles per hour."

 

Courtesy of Howstuffworks.com

How Proving Grounds Work

Ever heard of automotive proving grounds? Take a look at this article form Howstuffworks.com to see why car companies need their test tracks:

bit.ly/Qb7fTP

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automotive-proving-ground.htm 

 

 

"Where do manufacturers test their cars to be sure they work as advertised? Almost every major auto manufacturer has an automotive proving ground, a place where they can take cars and put them through paces, testing them rigorously against extreme and varying conditions at different speeds with varying passenger loads. These proving grounds have a long history, dating back the better part of a century. Some of the most colorful episodes in automotive history have taken place at these test beds of automotive technology, but most of us will never know about them.

 

So, where exactly are these proving grounds and what do the automakers do there? This isn't exactly a secret. Nonetheless, most manufacturers don't go out of the way to let people know what goes on in their private testing facilities. Volkswagen even likes to think that its test track is secret (but we know better). In the rest of this article, we'll look at the history of automotive proving grounds and just what it is that companies from GM to Fiat do there."

 

Courtesy of Howstuffworks.com

Do Red Light Cameras Save Lives?

Have you ever driven through an unfamiliar area, finished a vacation, or come back from a business trip, and then weeks later, received a ticket in the mail? Red light and stop sign cameras can be a pain, but HowStuffWorks.com gives the low-down on these pieces of roadway technology: bit.ly/Si8hf2

 

"While the logic is straight-forward -- fewer violations, fewer accidents, and fewer deaths -- detractors say the use of the cameras can move away from the original safety intent and shade into a revenue-generating tactic for the 500-plus cities across the country now using them. Indeed, one study from the University of Southern Florida College of Public Health claims the cameras can, under specific circumstances, increase the number of accidents and possible related fatalities."

 

Courtesy of Howstuffworks.com

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Fall is here, and with it come the dangers of driving in heavy rainfall... something we all have to deal with. So how do we deal with hydroplaning and low view distance?

AAA offers these tips of advice.

Go slowly. Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase.

Light up. Use low-beam headlights to help others see your car and increase your visibility. Remember Maryland law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.

Be careful of standing and running water. As little as six inches of water on a road can cause most drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Nearly half of all people who die in flash floods are in cars and have underestimated the power of flood waters or have not acted quickly enough to escape. Do not drive through moving water or flooded areas. If floodwaters arise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can safely do so. If not, do not open your car doors, stay within your vehicle and call 911.

Be a follower. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles can improve traction and help avoid hydroplaning.

Readmore: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/safety/safety-tips-for-driving-in-heavy-rain#ixzz28wNQwICo

The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

Are you the parent of a Teen Driver? Have them sign the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement! It encourages your teens to follow the rules of the road, stay focused on driving, respect laws about drunk driving as well as agree to certain restrictions and penalties set by parents. Find the agreement here.

October is Fall Car Care Month

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check to make sure that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

To help motorists follow a vehicle maintenance program, a free digital Car Care Guide can be found on the council’s website at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide is available in English and Spanish, and includes information on service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money.

Article courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2011/09/fall-into-a-vehicle-maintenance-program/

How Much Is It To Charge Your Volt?

A huge debate in the hybrid and electric markets are if the cost of fuel outweighs the cost of electricity to charge a hybrid or electric car.

GM and OnStar is about to remove all doubt with an EcoHub app.

Detroit news writes:


General Motors Co.'s OnStar subsidiary is testing an app with Chevrolet Volt owners that can tell them how much it costs to charge the Volt's battery and compare the Volt's energy use to energy used in their home over certain time periods.

The new EcoHub app is being tested by residents living in the Pecan Street Inc. smart-grid research project in Austin, Texas' sustainable Mueller community. The area has the highest residential concentration of Chevy Volt owners. In July, OnStar said there were 55.

OnStar hopes eventually to make the app available to all Chevy Volt owners.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121005/AUTO0103/210050395#ixzz28RgG5XmC.

One Day Only Sale!

Join us for our really big one day new and used car sale THIS Saturday, September 22 from 9am-5pm.

If you or anyone in your family is in the market for a new vehicle come in and see what great savings you can receive this Saturday between 9-5.

Please contact Gus Matthews on our Internet Hotline at 724-561-5064, or at morrowkiasales@ronlewisautomotive.com to schedule your no-obligation appointment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
Gus

5th Annual Apple Dumpling Festival

The 5th Annual Apple Dumpling Festival is this Saturday Sept. 15th 11am-4pm with the theme "Fall Into A Little Magic"!

Music entertainment will feature Gary Barker - Something To Believe In.

Dumplings will be made by RUMC and pre-order requests are being accepted at appledumplingfestival@yahoo.com.

To view photos from last years festival visit: http://appledumplingfestival.webs.com/apps/photos/.

Kia Racing & Donors Choose

Kia Racing’s Forte Koups return to action in California this weekend at legendary Laguna Seca. Twisting through the picturesque Monterey Peninsula hills, the Koups will be driving for charitable dollars with DonorsChoose.org, the innovative online charity, emblazoned across the hoods.

Kia recently made a $1 million donation to DonorsChoose.org and launched a “Double Your Impact” campaign to support more than 125,000 public school students nationwide in zip codes we call home. Kia is urging race fans to become “citizen philanthropists” and help support 125,000 in-need public school students across America. By matching community donations, KMA will bring more than $2 million in learning materials and experiences to schools before the end of the year.

With only two races remaining in the 2012 season, co-drivers Nic Jönsson and Andy Lally look to close the gap to first place. The No. 10 DonorsChoose.org/Infinity Audio Forte Koup is just 18 points out of the lead for the Street Tuner (ST) class driver and team title.

The green flag drops at 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. ET. Visit the Kia Racing Facebook Page (facebook.com/kiaracing) for live updates from the track or visit http://grand-am.com for live timing and scoring.

In addition, tune into the NBC Sports broadcast of the Pirelli World Challenge season finale at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday at 12:30 PT/3:30 p.m. ET.

The Hamsters Are BACK!

They're hip, loud, and love to party! The lovable KIA Hamsters that really put the soul in the KIA Soul are finally back after a small hiatus.

Bottomline news wrote:

"Few official spokes…er…rodents have clicked with the car buying community as effectively as what the Korean carmaker likes to call its “hamstars.”  And their previous commercials have generated tens of millions of views on Youtube.com and elsewhere as they have gone viral like few other automotive ads."

To watch the latest commercial on Youtube to see how they "Bring down the house" visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0B5vuAYk94&feature=player_embedded

Green Trips For Your Eco-Friendly Chevy

Do you love adventure? The outdoors? How about staying in exotic hotels, or how about saving money while driving your eco-friendly Chevrolet? If so, there's good news for you!

Chevrolet has detailed a route for their eco-friendly cars that is designed to "Put your gas-guzzling friends to shame".

Chevy's website states:


By Joy Lanzendorfer
It’s no wonder that more people are choosing eco road trips these days for their family vacations. If you travel in a fuel-efficient car like the Malibu Eco or crossover like the Equinox† to see natural beauty and eat local fare, you’ll not only come home with an enhanced appreciation for our planet’s resources; you’ll also likely have more money left in your bank account. Here are three routes to consider when making your plans:
Eastern Washington—Spokane to Seattle (470 miles)

Interstate 90 out of Seattle may be a commuter highway, but it’s also full of natural sites. From Spokane, drive 2.5 hours west until you reach Ginkgo Petrified Forest where you can hike through 10,000-year-old petrified ginkgo trees. The nearby town of Ellensburg, with its quaint historic downtown, is a great place to stop for lunch before continuing on to Snoqualmie Falls  a 268-foot waterfall that was featured on the TV show Twin Peaks. Finally, check into Treehouse Point and spend the night suspended above ground in your own tree house. The next day, backtrack to Mt. Rainier. With an elevation of 14,400 feet, this sleeping volcano offers visitors hiking, camping and everything in between. After a day at the mountain, take Route 167 to Seattle.

View more: http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/eco-road-trips.html

Sportage: Deal Of The Year

KIA has been increasing in everything but price over the past few years. More style, more engine, more technology... that's why the Sportage is now the deal of the year.

AutoMoBlog writes:


On the outside, the Sportage is sleek looking, with unique lines and body panels that will never be mixed up with another ride.  It’s a body that has personality, giving it a sort of appeal that many manufactures have trouble designing. With its sleek back front end, full glass panoramic sunroof, and sleep styling, this third generation Sportage is something different in an often-mimicked world.

While the ride is available with a few different levels of trim and engine configurations, in order to get the most out of the vehicle, it’s the 2.0-liter turbocharged motor with 260 horsepower that has truly set the bar high.  Available in the SX model with the sport tuned suspension, this engine took the ride to a whole new level of enjoyment when ......

Read more: http://www.automoblog.net/2012/08/17/2012-kia-sportage/