Friday, April 27, 2012

Apple Auto Group New SUV Highlights!


For those of us who are looking for a new car to drive, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that there are so many great models hitting the market that you can have the joy of test-driving. The bad news is that your decision may take a little longer now that the list of cars to check out is growing. Either way you look at it, we are here to help! We’ve come up with a short list of cars that all shoppers should pay attention to and we’ve included all of the important information such as new technology, safety, and MPG.

To start, lets look at the 2013 Ford Escape. Always a popular SUV, the new Escape has an entirely new exterior design, available EcoBoost technology, and all sorts of available interior technology. With this model, you have a chance to drive one of the smartest and simplest vehicles because of Sync. Sync includes voice technology, navigation assistance, and a four-inch LCD touch-screen and is a must have for anyone with a busy and hectic lifestyle.
The Ford Escape comes with both front-wheel and four-wheel drive, however the fuel economy is yet to be determined. But keep in mind that Ford has been doing its part in finding economical and environmental alternatives for all drivers and the new Escape should be exception.

The next vehicle to add to list is the 2012 Lincoln MKX. Also a beautifully designed SUV, the Lincoln MKX is designed with luxury in mind and has had a history of high ratings by The Car Connection. It also comes with intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, which helps your drive, city or highway, as smooth as possible.
Also equipped with Sync technology this Lincoln can give you a personal and comfortable experience. The interior is laid out with heating in all seats and a heated steering wheel- a must have for any Minnesota driver.
Overall, Lincoln has done very well with the MKX, and the 2012 model measures up just as well.

This list would not be complete without including the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. U.S. News rated it as #1 for affordable crossover compact SUV’s with an amazing 32 MPG highway. And although these details are very impressive, we cannot forget to mention the interior technology, which definitely does not disappoint. The Equinox comes with MyLink, which can be controlled using Bluetooth from your smartphone. You can change your music, make a call, and use apps completely hands-free. All shoppers should keep this vehicle at the top of their list because of its great reviews and incredibly useful features.

Now lets take a look at the 2012 Buick Enclave. This vehicle is a stylish and provides a surprising amount of interior space. Three rows of seating provides room for seven or eight people making it practically a minivan without the minivan body. This vehicle would fit well with the shopper who has a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation and provides OnStar and XM Radio features for long car rides.

Last, we will look at the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Although this vehicle is also a compact SUV, do not let that fool you. This SUV is designed for those who love the outdoors and exploring further than their own backyard. It includes all of the standard safety features, gets about 26 MPG highway, and comes with touch screen navigation, nuLink services, and Bluetooth capabilities. So for those of us who enjoy some adventure with a decent fuel economy, this Suzuki could be the car for you!

Keep these models in mind while car shopping and we can guarantee you will not regret it!  You can view these vehicles online at http://www.appleautos.com/.  We dare you to like us on www.facebook.com/appleautogroup. 


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Apple Auto Group: Leasing versus Buying a car

 Leasing vs. Buying a Car
To buy or to lease? That is the question going through many car shoppers’ minds. It is a difficult decision and to make sure you are happy with your choice, you need to know all the important facts. Here we are going to outline some benefits of both and tell you what the credible sources out there are saying.

So to start, lets look at the benefits of leasing a vehicle. One of the biggest benefits is the option to drive a new car every two or three years at a lower monthly payment than the purchase alternative. This sounds like a dream come true to many car shoppers who are having a hard time choosing a car, but we also need to pay attention to the biggest part of the commitment; the cost. On Cars.com, they talked to an expert.

Lower payments and full factory warranty aren't the only reasons to lease — leasing also offers purchasing flexibility, according to Michael Kranitz, creator of LeaseWizard.com software and author of "Look Before You Lease: Secrets to Smart Vehicle Leasing." Leasing allows consumers to defer the purchasing decision while they're using the car. "In the meantime, I have a three-year test drive," Kranitz says.” 

SmartMoney.com also agreed about there being many advantages when talking about low down payments, low monthly payments, and easy turnover. The average consumer purchases a new vehicle every three years and most consumers opt for a five or six year loan commitment with a purchase option.  In this scenario, the average consumer would owe more on the vehicle they purchased than the current market value along with a factory warranty that has expired due to mileage or time of ownership. 

Overall, the important things to think about are all about lifestyle. How often do you purchase a new car? How many miles per year do you drive? Does full factory warranty give you peace of mind?

Now let’s look at the advantages of buying. Lifestyle is also very important in this case. Purchasing is a great option if you plan to keep your vehicle for 6, 8, 10 years or are considering doing any customization to your vehicle. If you plan to own a vehicle for many years and want to enjoy no monthly payments after loan commitments are met, purchasing a vehicle is a great option. Also, purchasing is the best option if you only drive 3-5,000 miles per year as a lease has a minimum yearly mileage of 10,500 miles. 

 Pros of Leasing
-Lower monthly payments
-Full Factory Warranty
-New Vehicle every 2-3 years
-Little or no down payment
Pros of Buying
-Equity after loan commitment is met
-No monthly payment after loan commitment is met
-No mileage restrictions each year
-Customization is enjoyed and can add value.

What column fits your lifestyle?  Come visit us at http://www.appleautos.com/ to find your next vehicle, post a comment on www.facebook.com/appleautogroup , and even pin your favorite vehicle on www.pinterest.com/appleautogroup . 

Friday, April 13, 2012

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid from Apple Chevrolet Buick Northfield

             

Eagan Places Hybrid Fire Marshals Vehicle in Service

The Eagan Fire Marshal is now going about his duties in a new hybrid vehicle that was paid for by a donation.
Following the opening of their new Fire Safety Center, which was named the nation’s first Green Globes certified fire station, Gopher Resources owner Irving Kutoff approached Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott to see how the department would continue its green efforts.
Chief Scott shared with Kutoff how the department was unsuccessful when they applied for federal funding for an emergency response vehicle.
Kutoff encouraged Scott to bring the hybrid fire vehicle idea to Gopher Chief Operating Officer John Tapper. Tapper previously served as a volunteer firefighter with the Eagan Fire Department.
Tapper, who liked the hybrid vehicle idea, brought the idea to the Gopher board of directors. The board agreed to fund the entire hybrid truck for the fire department.
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid was obtained from Apple Chevrolet of Northfield for $36,000.
The vehicle is utilized as the Eagan Fire Marshals response vehicle and carries all of the department’s fire investigative tools.
Scott said the hybrid, which gets an estimated 20 to 22 MPG, replaced a 2001 Dodge Dakota that was averaging 12 MPG. He intends to test the vehicle to see if the hybrid provides payback over its projected 10 year life as a fire vehicle compared to a conventional truck.
Kutoff passed away in January 2012 and was not able to see the result of his suggestion for a donation to the fire department, Scott said.
Gopher Resources is a leading lead recycling company in North America that recycles and reuses batteries including those found in hybrid vehicles.

 Link to article on twincitiesfirewire.com:
http://twincitiesfirewire.com/2012/04/12/eagan-places-hybrid-fire-marshals-vehicle-in-service/

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Apple Auto Group Technology Update: Sync and OnStar




Apple Auto Group Technology Update: Sync and OnStar

Voice technology is one of the latest developments in our increasingly advanced society, and your vehicle should be no exception. Apple Auto Group offers both of the leading programs at their dealerships; Sync at Ford and Lincoln, and OnStar at Chevrolet and Buick. Here we would like to outline the features and benefits of both so you can take them into consideration when buying a new vehicle.


First, let’s start with Sync. Sync technology is offered on Apple Auto Group’s new Ford and Lincoln products available at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln and Apple Ford Shakopee, online at http://www.appleautos.com/ .  Powered by Microsoft, Sync is loaded with great features and makes driving an overall better and safer experience. Almost every feature is hands-free and can be activated with just a word. You can make a call, start a music search, ask for directions, and write a text message. Other great features include personalizing your daily information, which will program Sync to update you with daily news stories, weather, traffic, movie listings, and horoscopes all in an instant overview. As far as entertainment goes, Ford’s  Sync technology has everything you need as well. There is Bluetooth streaming, HD radio, satellite radio, audio and video input jacks, and can charge your mp3 player while you are listening to it – a must have for any road trip.

Then we should look at the more important stuff; safety. Along with making dangerous distractions now hands-free, Sync also has 911 assist and can update you on your vehicle health report. You can feel safe while you are driving and have the safety net of instant assistance right when you need it.

The other leading vehicle technology we have to mention is OnStar, which is offered at our Apple Chevrolet Buick Northfield store, http://www.applechevroletbuick.com/ . For a while now OnStar has been on the for-front of voice technology and this year is no exception. Its most impressive features are also the most important and you will always be in safe hands while driving with OnStar. Like Sync, OnStar has hands-free calling and turn-by-turn navigation, but what sets it apart is its emergency services and crisis assistance. This way if you hit any sort of bump in the road (literally and figuratively) the OnStar system can have immediate roadside assistance and emergency response.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with Sync or OnStar. For anyone who is looking for the safest, most efficient, and accommodating system in their vehicle add these two to your list!


Below we have included a few frequently asked questions about Sync and OnStar.

Are Sync and OnStar the same thing?

No, but they are similar technology services that are built to enhance the customer experience while driving or in a emergency situation. Sync is the technology powered by Microsoft for Ford and Lincoln products while OnStar is for Apple Auto Group's Chevrolet and Buick vehicles. OnStar focuses on the safety features that are needed to make driving an enjoyable experience.   Sync has more entertainment and lifestyle benefits while still including safety benefits such as 911 assist and vehicle health report.



How do I get OnStar?

OnStar is built into more than 30 GM models, and is compatible with more than 90 million vehicles. It is offered at Apple Auto Group’s, Apple Chevrolet Buick Northfield store and online at http://www.applechevroletbuick.com/ .


How do I get Sync? 

Sync is also built into most New Ford and Lincoln vehicles, however it is not a standard options from the manufacturer.  When you inquire about a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle Apple Auto Group, we will happily discuss which trim packages include Sync technology.