Preston Automotive Group

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson has been revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past week. The redesigned Hyundai is aimed to gain more market share in the crossover vehicle market. Currently the crossover market is continuously growing as big SUVs are slowing fading away. The crossover segment attracts buyer who are looking for versatile vehicles that look great.

The new 2010 Hyundai Tucson now has more curves than its boxier predecessor and is a bit more aggressive looking. The 2010 Tucson is also lighter by 61 pounds and has an additional 3 inches in length. The reduction in weight has allowed it to gain better fuel economy at 31 mpg highway; a gain of 6 miles per gallon (the 2009 Hyundai Tucson was rated at 25 mpg by the EPA). The revamped Tucson also has downhill brake control, panoramic sunroof, “Eco Indicator”, and available navigation, rearview camera, steering wheel controls, XM radio, and Bluetooth. The cost for base models is under $20,000 and will be available later this month.

“The 2010 Hyundai Tucson has absolutely amazed me. The redesign, fuel economy, and price make this crossover one of the best deals in the automotive industry. To me I don’t think this deal can be beat” says John Skalstad with Preston Hyundai in Preston, MD. Preston Hyundai plans to overstock these vehicles as they see it to be a hot item for the Annapolis, Dover, Salisbury, and Seaford areas in Maryland and Delaware.

For more information about Preston Hyundai please visit Maryland and Delaware Hyundai Car and Truck Dealer or http://www.prestonhyundaiusa.com

About Preston Automotive Group

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania area with Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai, and Nissan brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars and trucks.  Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians.

To learn more, visit Dealer of Maryland and Delaware or http://www.prestonmotor.com 

For more information:

Brent Durham

Preston Automotive Group

Internet Marketing Manager

410.673.7171 ext. 1148

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect may be new here in Maryland and Delaware. However the Ford Transit Connect has been sold in Europe since 2002. It originally replaced the Ford Escort Van in Europe. The new Transit Connect does have the same Ford C170 platform which is the same platform used in the international Ford Focus.

Since its release into the US and Canada, the Ford Transit has been a huge success with business owners. The best thing about the Transit Connect is that it can be used for any application. From carrying passengers to flowers or catering the Transit Connect does it all. The 2010 Ford Transit Connect has over 135 cubic feet of cargo room, a 1600 lbs payload, and is powered by a 2.0 Liter Duratec four cylinder engine. There are many applications that one can use in the cargo area, some of these include catering racks, passenger seating, tool boxes, floral racks, and regular cargo areas.

“We have over 150 2010 Ford Transit Connects coming to our dealership. We have been selling these vehicles as soon as they come in. I never knew how popular these vehicles would be until I witnessed the sales myself.” says David Wilson Jr. the Vice President of Preston Automotive Group. Currently Preston Ford of Preston, MD is in the race to get in the top 100 Ford dealers in the country, they are currently 113^th. The increased sales of the 2010 Ford transit connect should help them out.

Don’t be a gas guzzler. One of the easiest ways to save money and save the environment is to buy a fuel efficient car or truck like a Mazda and follow a couple simple rules. In a market of ever fluctuating gas prices who know what we will be paying a year from now so why not start saving today.

Rule number one: Be the tortoise and not the hare. This rule implies that constantly accelerating and braking increases your highway gas consumption at an average of 33%. So instead you should be like the tortoise and drive at a consistent speed by using cruise control when possible. Also remember driving over 60 mph will shrink your fuel economy compared to driving at 50 – 55 mph. Rule Number two: Shed those pounds. Keep all unnecessary cargo to a minimum. For every 100 lbs of junk in the trunk can increase fuel consumption by 2%. Also note that a loaded roof rack can increase fuel consumption by 5%.

Rule number three: Get your ship in shape. Keep up with regular maintenance. Tires properly inflated, will reduce fuel consumption by 3%. Replacing an oxygen sensor can improve mileage by 40%. Rule number four: Start with a Fuel Efficient Mazda. Not trying to be biased but did you know that all Mazda car and trucks give you great gas mileage. The Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata, B-Series, Tribute, and Tribute Hybrid have all received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Certification mark, indentifying them all as some the of the greenest vehicles on the market.

“We are proud of the Mazda product we have to offer to the buyers of Maryland and Delaware areas. If the consumers want a fuel efficient vehicle with great quality they should shop Mazda.” Mike Matson of Preston Mazda exclaims.  

For more information about Preston Ford please visit Maryland and Delaware Mazda Car and Truck Dealer or http://www.prestonmazda.com

Preston Ford in Maryland announces new cash rebates on the 2009 Ford Fusion S.  For a limited time, Ford buyers in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia can save as much as $3,500 in rebates off the new Fusion.

Ford won industry acclaim for their 2009 Fusion.  The Fusion also received the government's highest 5-Star Frontal Crash Test Rating.  And The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2009 Ford Fusion a Top Safety Pick for midsize cars.  The 2009 Fusion offers state of the art technology, like the new Advanced Electronic Stability Control which monitors road conditions and the driver's responses, then adjusts engine torque and applies the ABS brakes to help keep all the wheels firmly planted.  The Fusion also offers excellent fuel economy with estimates of 20 city/29 hwy mpg.

Preston Ford in Maryland is offering neighboring Delaware and Virginia residents an excellent opportunity to purchase a new 2009 Fusion S. Right now buyers are eligible for $3,500 in rebates, lowering the selling price to just $19,995 (Stk# DX94408).

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Consumers interested in the Ford Fusion can call Mark Thursby at 410-924-4962. 

Preston Ford has their complete selection of Ford cars and trucks online.  This can be seen at http://prestonford.com/home.aspx?bhcp=1

Preston Nissan in Maryland is home to the largest selection of the 2009 Nissan Sentra models. Starting at just $14,495, Delaware car buyers who make the short trip to Preston MD can drive away in a new Sentra that includes A/C, power windows, power locks, cruise control and tilt steering.
Its low MSRP and high fuel economy rating make the Sentra one of the best values in the affordable small car class for Delaware and Maryland shoppers. US News Rankings and Reviews says, “The 2009 Nissan Sentra has a lot of things going for it -- great gas mileage, sound build quality and notable comfort for a small car.” Reviewers of the car also say that the Nissan Sentra is very reliable and features some of the best automatic shifting available for an economy car.
Preston Nissan serves the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia area (Delmarva) with the largest selection of new and used Nissan cars. You can also have your car serviced at Preston Nissan by their ASE certified and factory trained technicians.
If you are interested in purchasing a Nissan Sentra at the prices listed above, call or text Chad Todd at 410-829-2225.
Learn more about the 2009 Nissan Sentra online at http://ping.fm/1fTao
Preston Nissan is a convenient ride from all points in Maryland and just a short trip away from Delaware and Virginia shoppers.

Visit us online for more information www.nissanmd.com

The Car Allowance Rebate System is now officially over. The hugely successful program created massive results in the automotive industry. The first result of course was the huge jump in new automobile sales across the nation. Dealers felt like they were back in the “good ole” days of selling cars. The second result the CARS program brought was mixed feeling on dealer’s pre-owned inventory. Some dealers did not see much of a change in the sales of pre-owned vehicles, as people who did not qualify for the CARS program could easily buy a pre-owned vehicle. However most dealers saw pre-owned sales drop and even worse, a huge drop in trade-in vehicles (since all trade-ins from the CARS program were to be crushed).

One dealer, Preston Automotive Group, has seen both good and bad outcomes from the CARS program (mostly good). Preston Automotive who collectively did 330 CARS deals in the Maryland and Delaware areas saw a rather large increase for the dealer group. Sales went up, but trade-in vehicles were low. Sure most of the trade-ins were “clunkers” and were not lot worthy but some of the older vehicles could were lot worthy. And because most deals were CARS deals pre-owned inventory did not grow as fast as it did previously.

The Preston dealership network serving Maryland, Delaware and Virginia has taken full advantage of the program, dedicating countless hours and even an entire building reserved as their CARS information center. After all the work that the employees at Preston had put in, even after the program is over more work is still ahead. However this time the priority is pre-owned inventory.

Many dealers are doing the same thing, even the dealers who are not franchise owners are scrambling to gain more pre-owned inventory. “Sure we can gain more pre-owned vehicles from auto auctions like Manheim, but the reality is that auto auctions are not enough. We must get quality trade-ins straight from the customers themselves to keep inventory levels up,” states Russ Nickerson who oversees all pre-owned inventory for Preston Autoplex.

Preston Autoplex, part of the Preston Automotive Group, has started a new promotion to help gain more inventory. The promotion is simple, Preston wants your vehicle. Preston Automotive is willing to pay top dollar (which means paying good or even excellent condition on Kelly Blue Book standards for fair and poor condition vehicles) for a vehicle even if that customer does not purchase a new vehicle from the dealership itself. “Why waste time trying to sell the vehicle yourself, when you can bring it here and let us sell it for you,” states Chris Marks, the General Manager of Preston Autoplex.

With many programs coming out by dealers designed to increase pre-owned sales and inventory, the wave that comes after the CARS program will be pre-owned vehicles.

About Preston Automotive Group

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania area with Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki and Chevrolet brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars.  Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. Preston Commercial Division also has Fully Certified Ford & Cummins Techs.

To learn more, visit http://www.prestonmotor.com/

For more information:

Brent Durham

Preston Automotive Group

Internet Marketing Manager

410.673.7171 ext. 1148

bdurham@prestonmotor.com

Many consumers are going to car dealerships to capitalize on the cash for clunkers program and purchase a new car for $4500 less, but riding away in a perfectly good pre-owned vehicle.  This is due to the fact that a substantial number of vehicles do not qualify for the program.

Dealers are stocking up on late-model used cars because once they get a potential buyer on the lot they want to make sure that they have some that the customer will be attracted to.  However this high demand for decent used cars and low supply, because of the ones being crushed under the clunkers program, has driven up the price of used cars.

Decreasing the supply of used cars has also driven up the price of customer’s trade-ins. Therefore it is beneficial to buy now even if your car does not qualify as a clunker to get all you can out of your trade.

Preston Autoplex Used Car and Truck is one of many dealers who are reaping the benefits of the upswing in used car sales. At Preston they have one of the better selections of inventory in the Maryland and Delaware areas due to the fact they anticipated that prices on pre-owned vehicles would sky rocket because of the fact that “clunkers” are now worth $3500 or even $4500.

“The CARS program has greatly reduced the amount of trade-ins we are getting, so right now I have wholesalers paying ridiculous amounts of money for average cars.  Even if a car doesn’t qualify for the program customers are likely to an extra grand or two added to their trade,” says Dave Wilson Jr., Vice President of the Preston Automotive Group in Preston, Maryland.

All of these factors are leading to not only a strong performance from new car sales but also used sales during the government program.

About Preston Automotive Group:

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania area with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Nissan brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars in the Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia area.   Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. Preston now does all Maryland State Inspections and also DOT inspections for both Delaware and Maryland. 

For more about Preston Automotive Group, visit http://www.prestonmotor.com/

For more information:

Brent Durham

Preston Automotive Group

Internet Marketing Manager

410.673.7171

Body

Hyundai is taking strides to become one of the most popular names in the automotive marketplace.  Economically priced and high quality vehicles offered by Hyundai are grabbing the attention of many American Consumers and competitors alike. There market share has increased over 1.5% since the beginning of 2009 to over 5% for the first time ever. 

With the extension of the Cash for Clunkers/CARS program and the introduction of Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock which locks the price of Hyundai buyers gas at $1.49 for the first year they own the vehicle, that trend looks to continue. Hyundai continued their commitment in quality and has earned them the title of #1 non-luxury nameplate spot in the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study.

The automobile industry as a whole is making a rebound, but Hyundai is leading the way.  Toyota, Honda and Nissan are not benefiting from the program near as much as Hyundai; all three are still experiencing year-over-year sales declines over 30% from last year at this time while Hyundai increased sales by 12% in July alone.

Hyundai is committed to making the car buying experience as enjoyable and as effective as possible.  Development of the Hyundai Purchase Index Survey has given Hyundai employees very valuable insight into how customers feel about their car buying experience and how it can be improved.  Hyundai has also introduced a mandatory web-based program that provides sales consultants and managers with sales process training. 

When asked about Hyundai’s commitment to customer service John Skalstad, General Manager of Preston Hyundai in Preston, MD, had this to say, “I have worked for a lot of different car manufacturers and spent many years in this industry, but I have never seen a company as concerned with making sure the customer is beyond satisfied as Hyundai.  Every one of my employees get the best training the industry has to offer and every car produced is top of the line in quality, safety, and price.  Just over the past few years I have seen a huge increase in the popularity of the brand, we offer many different makes at Preston, but nearly everyone checks out the Hyundai lot to see what’s new and meet with our friendly staff.”

Many programs such as the CARS program has helped breath life back into the automotive industry, Hyundai is prepared to take full advantage of this.

About Preston Automotive Group:

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania area with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Nissan brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars in the Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia area.   Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. Preston now does all Maryland State Inspections and also DOT inspections for both Delaware and Maryland. 

For more about Preston Automotive Group, visit http://www.prestonmotor.com/

For more information:

Brent Durham

Preston Automotive Group

Internet Marketing Manager

410.673.7171

BDurham@prestonmotor.com

Clunkers34

The Preston Automotive Group and their dedicated CARS Champion team have led Maryland and Delaware in sales under the government rebate system leaving the President and Vice President of Preston with the title “Kings of Clunk.”

Owner and President of Preston Auto Group, David Wilson Sr. and Vice President, David Wilson Jr. have worked side by side over the past several years tackling a multitude of projects for the Preston Automotive Group.  However, the CARS program has been a very tedious and even frustrating at times, making this sales booster one of the most difficult projects faced by the father, son duo.

When speculation of the CARS program began it was originally understood as the Cash for Clunkers Program and appealed to car dealerships everywhere as a great way to stimulate sales.  Well the program certainly stimulated sales for those who participated.  The Preston Automotive Group has currently sold about 150 new vehicles thanks to the government sponsored program.

The Automotive Group began selling cars under the program on the official start date of July 1^st, even though the complete list of rules and regulations was not published until the 24^th of July.  Preston’s CARS Champion team put together a specific process for qualifying CARS and ensuring that all of the proper paperwork was handled and all anticipated required documentation was collected. 

Preston revamped and dedicated an old vacant building on their lot for the CARS program, providing written information and a 30 minute long video that provided information on the benefits of the program and benefits of a more fuel efficient vehicle.  The CARS Champion team also attended multiple webinars hosted by NHTSA and NADA in order to refresh their knowledge on the program hoping to retain any and all new information to the program. 

The CARS program enabled the Auto Group to draw in customers from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  The Group represents a wide range of makes such as Hyundai, Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, Mercury, Suzuki, Chevrolet, and Nissan although their best sellers were Ford models like the Focus, Ranger and F-150.  Even the all new Ford Transit Connect had sold out within the first week of the Transit’s arrival.

As with any government program, it is easy to get stuck in the red tape and the CARS program was no exception.  Given only 30 days, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wrote and published a system of rules and employed the help of Oracle Inc. to establish a system for dealer reimbursement. 

Stefanie Lee along with other select employees worked late hours trying to account for the money promised to them under the CARS rebate system.  Employees ran into problems such as website failures due to unsustainable traffic on the CARS servers, rejections from the CARS site with deals needing more attachments and even changes in MPG ratings from the original fueleconomy.gov website to the new cars.gov website.

Other complications arose as President David Wilson led the CARS team keeping them focused and on task while being careful not to interfere with daily operations.  When the problem of immobilizing the clunkers was brought up, the team soon found that sodium silicate was the solution to seizing the engines and invested in a HAZMAT suit for the individual disabling engines.

With all of the hard work invested into the foundation of Preston Automotive Group’s CARS program, the Preston Group continues to sell under the program and hopes to continue selling under the program with congress’ support in extending the program.  Wilson Sr. and Wilson Jr.’s hard work and leadership ability has enabled their success in the Car Allowance Rebate System and has earned them the title of Maryland and Delaware’s Kings of Clunkers.

To visit the cash for clunkers website please go to: http://www.cars.gov

For more information about the CARS Qualifying Center please visit http://www.carfactsus.com

About Preston Automotive Group

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania area with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Nissan brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars.  Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. Preston Commercial Division also has Fully Certified Ford & Cummins Techs.

To learn more, visit http://www.prestonmotor.com/

For more information:

Rick Mikolajewski

Preston Automotive Group

CARS Qualifier

410.673.7171 ext. 6732

RMikolajewski@prestonmotor.com

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata was recently dubbed the award of interior of the year, winning in the category of “Best Redesign” at the annual Automotive Interior of the Year Awards.”  Preston Hyundai in Maryland was thrilled to hear about the exciting news making Hyundai vehicles a great choice for those looking for a change of scenery and an edgy new design.

Three years ago the Sonata was drastically revamped with bolder more boxy lines on the exterior of the car, giving the body a sportier look.  Hyundai Motor America received feedback from their loyal customers and responded with a complete redesign of the cabin area of the Sonata. 

The old interior design of the Sonata was very generic with black plastic covering the majority of the dash and the entertainment center, making the Hyundai Sonata appear very outdated.  The new design of the interior includes curvy dash lines, chrome accents, wood-grain accents and inviting leather seats and wrapped steering wheel.

The new design is also much less cluttered and works functionality into the design by softening the appearance of air vents by fitting their shape into the natural flow of the center console unlike the old interior design that made it seem as though the air vents were just four random squares cut out of the dash.  Also Hyundai now offers an LCD entertainment center with navigation, a luxury never imagined on earlier models.

The new Sonata has been a best seller in its respective class, mid-size sedan.  Preston Hyundai in Maryland has served Maryland and Delaware providing over 20 new Sonatas to loyal customers last month.  John Skalstad, General Manager for Preston, stated, “Its difficult keeping our inventory of Sonatas up, Sonata’s award winning interior is a major selling point for our customers by adding the feel of a luxury sedan.”  Preston Hyundai is also prepared to offer fuel savings with their huge stock of Elantras, carrying over 100 in stock.

Hyundai Motor America is proud for the success of their award winning interior designs and hope exceed expectations for the next great design of Hyundai models.

To learn more about Preston Hyundai please visit http://www.prestonhyundaiusa.com or to learn more about the CARS act please visit

About Preston Automotive Group:

Preston Automotive Group services the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania area with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Nissan brands.  The auto group carries the largest selection of new and used cars in the Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia area.   Additionally, the dealership services all makes and models, both imported and domestic cars with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. Preston now does all Maryland State Inspections and also DOT inspections for both Delaware and Maryland. 

For more about Preston Automotive Group, visit http://www.prestonmotor.com/

Join Preston Hyundai on Facebook, Preston Hyundai

For more information:

Brent Durham

Preston Automotive Group

Internet Marketing Manager

410.673.7171

BDurham@prestonmotor.com