Injured Army specialist takes delivery of dream car
DECATUR — A wounded warrior's dreams of rapid mobilization came true Thursday at the Bob Brady Auto Mall in Decatur.
Twenty-three-year-old Army Spc. Corey Kent, who lost both legs and the fingers on his left hand in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010, took delivery of a tricked out Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Coupe.
Kent won't be able to drive it just yet, however, until the vehicle is fitted with adapted hand controls. That will be taken care of in a few weeks in Washington, D.C., where Kent is living as he continues to undergo medical treatment. A veteran of more than 70 operations who used to love fast motorbikes before suffering his injuries, the soldier can't wait to deploy out on the highway again.
"The day I finally get to pick it up and drive it back home, that will be fun," said Kent, his wheelchair parked close to the gleaming white chariot. It's capable of 180 mph and would normally cost more than $50,000. Dealership owner Bob Brady and Vice President and General Manager Steve Gensler agreed to donate part of the price and Gensler says a special deal was worked out with Chrysler to make sure Kent could buy the ride of his life.
The Decatur dealership had first been approached by Kent's stepfather, Dan Ashby, who used to work there and called on behalf of his stepson to get an idea what the soldier's car might cost. Gensler, an Army veteran like Ashby whom he's known since boyhood, decided he could do a lot better than just quote sticker prices at his old friend.
"I think, from Corey's standpoint, the emotional part is over with his injuries and now his standpoint is getting on with living," said Gensler. "I'm glad we could be a part of that."
He handed over the keys as uniformed veterans from the Macon County Honor Guard snapped to attention. Gensler had planned to say a few words but soon choked up with emotion.
"We cannot say thank you enough," said Ashby, who now lives in Florida with his wife and Kent's mom, Tiffany. "Thank you… for making his dreams come true."
Kent, who had remained conscious after the improvised explosive device went off but refused to glance down at his injuries to avoid going into shock, is now looking ahead to the future. He's still active duty military and isn't sure what he will do yet, but going back to school seems likely. And while he now knows he can get to class very fast, he says with age and experience comes wisdom.
"So I am going to try to take it easy," he added.
3rd Annual Cruise In
Join us for our 3rd Annual Car Cruise-In to benifit the Shriners Organization. All makes and models welcome, 5 dollar registration for cars -
Cars registered in the show will win big!! Prizes include hourly $50 drawing, one registered participant will win half of the collected registered money in our grand prize drawing!!!
Ipad to be given away - grill, lots of door prizes!!
Concessions and music provided by the Still
12pm to 5pm Band starts at 2!!
Cars registered in the show will win big!! Prizes include hourly $50 drawing, one registered participant will win half of the collected registered money in our grand prize drawing!!!
Ipad to be given away - grill, lots of door prizes!!
Concessions and music provided by the Still
12pm to 5pm Band starts at 2!!
The all-new 2013 Veloster Turbo
The all-new 2013 Veloster Turbo
The
new, 2013 Veloster Turbo has the power you crave. You can hear it when
you turn the 201 HP, twin-scroll, turbocharged engine. You can feel the
46% increase in HP as the stoplight flashes green. Yeah, you can almost
taste the wind on the open road, can’t you? http://www.hyundaiusa.com/
Dodge Dart factory graphics packages revealed
As we wrote in our review of the 2013 Dodge Dart, "Dodge wants the Dart to be all things to all buyers." So in addition to the 150 accessories, that of course means it needs plenty of graphics packages. Dodge-Dart.org forum member Moparsrt has posted (some admittedly grainy) pictures of a few of the 20 graphics options that will also be available, and the images we have for now include a variety of stripes in different configurations, from the classic twin-stripe over the middle to pinstripes along the sides.
This is only four out of 20, though, and Moparsrt says there'll be one for every taste. We wonder if there'll be one to mimic the Dart GTS Tribute model – we figure there won't be one to mimic Pastrana's RallyCross model. The packages haven't showed up yet at Mopar.com, but we're told they should appear in accessory catalogs soon.
Read more here
Your Central Illinois automotive leader for over 22 years is excited to offer:
“SUPER SATURDAY SERVICE”
Award-winning all-day Saturday service and parts!
Visit our site for more information
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The standard Hyundai Veloster
has always reminded us of that talented freshman in high school who has
everything going for him but simply lacks the strength his first year
out to make the coveted varsity team.
The Veloster certainly has the looks, with unique asymmetrical four-door hatchback styling and a motorcycle-inspired interior. It also has the content, arriving with a long list of standard equipment, reasonably priced options and an impressive standard warranty. What's kept the Veloster on the JV roster, however, is what it lacks under the hood.
But things have changed between model years. The Veloster, like the scrawny kid who lifts weights all summer, has arrived for its sophomore season with a freshly toned physique and much-needed brawn. Is the new muscle enough to be competitive? How will it match up against the other players? Most important, is it enough to make the final cut?
The standard Veloster, introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, debuted with a direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It's a respectable output for a naturally aspirated engine (86.25 hp per liter), but its 0-60 sprint in just over eight seconds certainly didn't match its sporty appearance. Enthusiasts held their collective breath for the expected turbocharged model.
While the standard Veloster is offered with a traditional six-speed manual or a six-speed "DCT" dual-clutch automatic (Hyundai calls it "EcoShift" as it is tuned for fuel economy), the Veloster Turbo arrives with a choice of a traditional six-speed manual or a traditional wet-clutch six-speed automatic (Hyundai calls it "Shiftronic" – it arrives with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters). All Velosters remain front-wheel drive.
Before we dive into driving impressions, let's talk pricing.
The new Veloster Turbo will start at $21,950 (plus $775 destination). That represents a $2,500 premium over a similar naturally aspirated Veloster. The manual gearbox is standard fit, with the automatic adding $1,000 to the price. Opt for the Ultimate Package (bundling a navigation system with rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, backup sensors and a 115-volt power outlet) and it will cost you an additional $2,500. Completely loaded, with automatic and destination included, the Veloster Turbo will set you back $26,225.
But there is much more to the Veloster Turbo than just a whirling Borg-Warner turbine integrated into the exhaust header. The premium model arrives with a unique front and rear fascia, complete with a ground effects package and fog lights. Both the intake and exhaust note have been tuned for sportier sound and the steering rack has been recalibrated to better please the enthusiast. The headlights are upgraded to a projector-beam type, and LEDs are used in the headlight cluster and taillights (Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager of product planning, credits Autoblog's own Zach Bowman with planting the LED taillight "seed" during one of our podcasts). Lastly, the side mirrors receive turn signal indicators and the standard wheels are bumped up to 18-inch alloys.
Inside the turbo-exclusive cabin (graphite black with blue accents), passengers will find upgraded heated leather sport seats, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and the obligatory "Turbo" graphics in the headliner. Add up what you get for your $2,500 and the Veloster Turbo is a bargain over the standard model.
Approach it from any angle, and the Veloster Turbo does an excellent job of setting the tone. Walk up to it from the rear, and the twin cannons exiting in the middle of the back fascia proclaim their intent. From the front, the sinister-looking grille with its flanking round fog lamps appears just as angry. The side sills, slightly more aggressive than the standard model, are more subtle but obvious once pointed out. The interior continues the theme, with its sport buckets and darker tones. All of the turbo's enhancements over the standard model are well integrated – nothing looks tacky or aftermarket (we wish we could say this industry-wide).
The turbocharged engine felt much stronger than its naturally aspirated counterpart, no question about it. Keep it out of the taller gears and above 2,500 rpm, and it playfully scoots around town. On the highway, the turbocharger makes merging and passing much more comfortable, and the added thrust means there is less of a need to drop out of sixth for maneuvering. Best of all was the long trek up the road to Mt. Baldy, when the pressurized engine ignored our altitude and pulled as if the air wasn't getting thinner. We do like turbochargers.
We swapped vehicles at the summit, and jumped behind the wheel of the traditional six-speed automatic (PRND+/-). It didn't take long for us to realize that the turbocharged engine is a good mate to the automatic. No, make that the ideal mate.
It is important to remember that the Veloster Turbo is every bit as much about sipping fuel as it is about performance. While there are others in this segment that are ultimately quicker and deliver more sport, none can replicate Hyundai's efficiency. According to early estimates, the Veloster Turbo 6MT will deliver 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on regular unleaded fuel. As MC Hammer would bellow (and Hyundai is justified to parrot), "You can't touch this."
For the enthusiasts expecting a Volkswagen GTI killer, keep searching. For those who try to compare this to a Subaru WRX, you are at the wrong party. But for the consumer looking for a nicely weighted balance of sport and economy in a very stylish package, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo just may be the slickest ride.
It appears the kid has earned his varsity letter.
The Veloster certainly has the looks, with unique asymmetrical four-door hatchback styling and a motorcycle-inspired interior. It also has the content, arriving with a long list of standard equipment, reasonably priced options and an impressive standard warranty. What's kept the Veloster on the JV roster, however, is what it lacks under the hood.
But things have changed between model years. The Veloster, like the scrawny kid who lifts weights all summer, has arrived for its sophomore season with a freshly toned physique and much-needed brawn. Is the new muscle enough to be competitive? How will it match up against the other players? Most important, is it enough to make the final cut?
The standard Veloster, introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, debuted with a direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It's a respectable output for a naturally aspirated engine (86.25 hp per liter), but its 0-60 sprint in just over eight seconds certainly didn't match its sporty appearance. Enthusiasts held their collective breath for the expected turbocharged model.
It has an impressive output of 125.63 hp per liter, eye-for-eye with the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.We didn't have to wait long. In January of this year, Hyundai upped the ante when it introduced its Veloster Turbo at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Under the hood of the front-wheel-drive four-door hatchback is a slightly modified version of the same direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder, now with its intake boosted to 19 psi. The new rating works out to 201 horsepower and 194 pound-feet of torque – an impressive output of 125.63 hp per liter (eye-for-eye with the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport).
While the standard Veloster is offered with a traditional six-speed manual or a six-speed "DCT" dual-clutch automatic (Hyundai calls it "EcoShift" as it is tuned for fuel economy), the Veloster Turbo arrives with a choice of a traditional six-speed manual or a traditional wet-clutch six-speed automatic (Hyundai calls it "Shiftronic" – it arrives with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters). All Velosters remain front-wheel drive.
Before we dive into driving impressions, let's talk pricing.
The new Veloster Turbo will start at $21,950 (plus $775 destination). That represents a $2,500 premium over a similar naturally aspirated Veloster. The manual gearbox is standard fit, with the automatic adding $1,000 to the price. Opt for the Ultimate Package (bundling a navigation system with rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, backup sensors and a 115-volt power outlet) and it will cost you an additional $2,500. Completely loaded, with automatic and destination included, the Veloster Turbo will set you back $26,225.
Completely loaded with automatic and destination included, the Veloster Turbo will set you back $26,225.One of the biggest cool factors about the Veloster Turbo is its available matte gray paint seen here. It's a $1,000 option, and be warned – it's not like any other finish. You may like the looks, but Hyundai advises that you never take it through a car wash (even a touchless wash) and that you only use certain types of cloths and towels while wiping it down. To make sure owners have the right materials for handling this special paint, Hyundai will supply a car care kit and owner's guide to any customer who checks the matte option box. As we learned in the product presentation, this paint certainly isn't for everyone.
But there is much more to the Veloster Turbo than just a whirling Borg-Warner turbine integrated into the exhaust header. The premium model arrives with a unique front and rear fascia, complete with a ground effects package and fog lights. Both the intake and exhaust note have been tuned for sportier sound and the steering rack has been recalibrated to better please the enthusiast. The headlights are upgraded to a projector-beam type, and LEDs are used in the headlight cluster and taillights (Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager of product planning, credits Autoblog's own Zach Bowman with planting the LED taillight "seed" during one of our podcasts). Lastly, the side mirrors receive turn signal indicators and the standard wheels are bumped up to 18-inch alloys.
Inside the turbo-exclusive cabin (graphite black with blue accents), passengers will find upgraded heated leather sport seats, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and the obligatory "Turbo" graphics in the headliner. Add up what you get for your $2,500 and the Veloster Turbo is a bargain over the standard model.
Add up what you get for $2,500 and the Veloster Turbo is a bargain over the standard model.We spent a good part of a day with the Veloster Turbo, zooming across the low Los Angeles basin before heading up – yes, up – to the Mt. Baldy ski resort at 6,500 feet above sea level. The roads were a good mix of mundane freeway and challenging mountain canyons, just the way we like it. Best of all, we were pleased to spend time with both transmissions.
Approach it from any angle, and the Veloster Turbo does an excellent job of setting the tone. Walk up to it from the rear, and the twin cannons exiting in the middle of the back fascia proclaim their intent. From the front, the sinister-looking grille with its flanking round fog lamps appears just as angry. The side sills, slightly more aggressive than the standard model, are more subtle but obvious once pointed out. The interior continues the theme, with its sport buckets and darker tones. All of the turbo's enhancements over the standard model are well integrated – nothing looks tacky or aftermarket (we wish we could say this industry-wide).
The term "brisk" is more appropriate than "breakneck" when describing its escape velocity.First on our plate was the six-speed manual, as we assumed the turbocharged three-pedal Hyundai would be our favorite of the two. Acceleration from a standstill was good, but there was a small bit of lag as the little four built boost. Drop the clutch and it will peel the tread off its tires, but once they hook up, the term "brisk" is more appropriate than "breakneck" when describing the Hyundai's escape velocity. The gearbox is fantastic (it is configured with wider ratios when compared to the standard model) and shifts are a pleasure, but it just doesn't feel as strong as its 195 foot-pounds would lead many to believe (we had a 180-pound adult in the front passenger seat of the 2,800 pound Veloster Turbo, so maybe that affected things?).
The turbocharged engine felt much stronger than its naturally aspirated counterpart, no question about it. Keep it out of the taller gears and above 2,500 rpm, and it playfully scoots around town. On the highway, the turbocharger makes merging and passing much more comfortable, and the added thrust means there is less of a need to drop out of sixth for maneuvering. Best of all was the long trek up the road to Mt. Baldy, when the pressurized engine ignored our altitude and pulled as if the air wasn't getting thinner. We do like turbochargers.
Hyundai fits the Veloster Turbo with larger front rotors, but the suspension remains the same.Hyundai fits its Veloster Turbo with larger front rotors, always welcomed, but the suspension remains the same. Most automakers automatically bump up ride stiffness when a "TURBO" badge goes on the rear, but Hyundai's engineering team felt the standard damping and spring rates were near-perfect. We defend their decision, as we gently tossed the slightly longer (167.3 inches) and wider (71.1 inches) turbo around tight mountain corners without worry of kissing steel guardrails. Body roll is minimal, with tire grip being the limiting cornering factor. The retuned electric steering with a quicker ratio isn't going to rumble in your hands the old-school way, but it is precise and nicely weighted. The sport bucket seats are attractive and supportive, delivering plenty of bolster and back support for your author's six-foot, two-inch 190-pound frame. We never found ourselves sliding out of the seats (don't look for grab handles, as the Veloster, like most new cars, doesn't have them due to packaging restrictions with side curtain airbags).
We swapped vehicles at the summit, and jumped behind the wheel of the traditional six-speed automatic (PRND+/-). It didn't take long for us to realize that the turbocharged engine is a good mate to the automatic. No, make that the ideal mate.
The 6MT model will deliver 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on regular unleaded fuel.Automatic transmissions are ideally suited for turbocharged engines as they don't lose as much boost between shifts (in layman's terms, everyone's head doesn't go back-and-forth with each gear change like it does in a manual), so they are often quicker than a 6MT rowed by a human in terms of acceleration. To make acceleration even quicker, Hyundai has specified narrower gear ratios in the slushbox than they are on the DCT so the engine stays even tighter within its powerband during gear changes. Despite tipping the scales 88 pounds heavier than its manual sibling, the combination of sustained boost and more ideal ratios means the automatic feels livelier, more responsive and overall quicker than the standard gearbox. Forget about the paddle shifters or manual mode, as the slushbox transmission does a commendable job simply left in... Drive.
It is important to remember that the Veloster Turbo is every bit as much about sipping fuel as it is about performance. While there are others in this segment that are ultimately quicker and deliver more sport, none can replicate Hyundai's efficiency. According to early estimates, the Veloster Turbo 6MT will deliver 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on regular unleaded fuel. As MC Hammer would bellow (and Hyundai is justified to parrot), "You can't touch this."
For the enthusiasts expecting a GTI-killer, keep searching. For those who try to compare this to a Subaru WRX, you are at the wrong party.It's safe to say that we enjoy the Veloster Turbo much more than its naturally aspirated sibling, but don't expect a genuine pocket rocket. While it is unquestionably fun to drive, this car never lets you forget that it is chasing fuel economy, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Aside from the very usable power, which doesn't seem to incur much of a penalty at the pump, we like its more aggressive and unique styling both inside and out. And, thanks to a bump in standard equipment, the reasonable price premium is very easy to swallow.
For the enthusiasts expecting a Volkswagen GTI killer, keep searching. For those who try to compare this to a Subaru WRX, you are at the wrong party. But for the consumer looking for a nicely weighted balance of sport and economy in a very stylish package, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo just may be the slickest ride.
It appears the kid has earned his varsity letter.
Read more here
Honda tops Ford as America's favorite auto brand in new survey
Market research firm Harris Interactive has revealed that Mercedes-Benz and Honda are the two strongest auto brands in America according to its survey of more than 38,000 people.
The survey, known as the 2012 Harris EquiTrend study, puts a number to all of those warm and fuzzy feelings people have toward a particular brand as a way to measure its equity. Broken down a different way, the survey points out that American's favorite automotive brands are German and Japanese.
Mercedes took top honors in the Luxury Automotive Brand of the Year for the second year in a row. It was followed by BMW, Lexus, Cadillac and Acura.
In the Full Line Automotive Brand of the Year category, Honda grabbed the top spot, beating out Toyota, Ford (last year's winner), Chevrolet and Nissan. (Apparently Harris' definition of "full line" differs a bit from ours, as brands like Subaru and Hyundai were also included).
Harris doesn't provide much guidance about what sort of questions it asked to survey takers, but the final results seems to closely resemble America's sales totals as well. This suggests people tend to like what they buy, or at least like what they've bought. Scroll down to read the press release to see what Harris says are America's favorite in-car audio brands, motorcycle marques, tire companies and so on.
Read more here
Jeep unveils Wrangler Unlimited Altitude
In March, Jeep showed off its blacked-out Altitude edition Compass, Grand Cherokee and Patriot. Now it's Wrangler's turn get the monochromatic package.
The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude package includes everything the traditional Unlimited Sahara gets, including a body color hardtop and various interior gadgetry. But the Altitude exterior gets either all-black paint or all-black trim on Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White or Bright Silver Metallic paint. Unique 18-inch wheels with painted black spokes round out the exterior highlights.
Inside, the seats get black leather with contrasting red stitching as well as black trim on the dashboard and black berber floor mats.
Only 4,500 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude editions will be sold (which doesn't seem that unlimited to us) beginning in May with an MSRP of $33,740. That's more than the Patriot and Compass Altitudes and just shy of the $35,595 price tag on the Grand Cherokee Altitude.
Check out the official press release below for more details.
The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude package includes everything the traditional Unlimited Sahara gets, including a body color hardtop and various interior gadgetry. But the Altitude exterior gets either all-black paint or all-black trim on Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White or Bright Silver Metallic paint. Unique 18-inch wheels with painted black spokes round out the exterior highlights.
Inside, the seats get black leather with contrasting red stitching as well as black trim on the dashboard and black berber floor mats.
Only 4,500 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude editions will be sold (which doesn't seem that unlimited to us) beginning in May with an MSRP of $33,740. That's more than the Patriot and Compass Altitudes and just shy of the $35,595 price tag on the Grand Cherokee Altitude.
Check out the official press release below for more details.
New Chrysler 300 Reviews, Specs, & Pricing
Get details on the new Chrysler 300 in the Motor Trend new car buyer's guide. With helpful data on pricing, reviews, safety ratings, specs, car pictures, and dealer rebates, you'll have all you need to make a decision on whether to purchase the new Chrysler 300.
New Dodge Challenger Reviews, Specs, & Pricing
Get details on the new Dodge Challenger in the Motor Trend new car buyer's guide. With helpful data on pricing, reviews, safety ratings, specs, car pictures, and dealer rebates, you'll have all you need to make a decision on whether to purchase the new Dodge Challenger.
3rd Annual Cruise-In
Mark your calendars! Bob Brady Auto Mall invites you to our annual Cruise-In to be held, Saturday, August 25, 2012.
All makes and models are invited to participate to include Classics,
Muscle Cars, Collector Cars, Street Rods, Custom Cars, Rat Rods, etc..
Hours for our Cruise-In will be Noon to 5pm with registration starting at Noon and closing at 2 pm. $5.00 registration fee per vehicle and the BIG NEWS for our event – all registration money collected will be divided between this year's charitable sponsor, Shriners organization AND one lucky winner during our grand prize drawing!
The more cars the BIGGER the grand prize! You can look forward to hourly $50 drawings, plenty of door prizes and one lucky registered person will go home with an i-Pad.
We will have on-site concessions along with a live music provided by The Still Band from 2 pm to 5 pm. Our 2011 cruise-in was a overwhelming success – we hope to see you and your vehicle at our dealership.
Bob Brady Auto Mall is located on the corner of Illinois Route 48 and Interstate I-72 (exit 144) in Decatur, Illinois. Please contact Ed Budds, Drew Gensler or Brad Warren for more information – 217-876-3800. www.bobbrady.com
Hours for our Cruise-In will be Noon to 5pm with registration starting at Noon and closing at 2 pm. $5.00 registration fee per vehicle and the BIG NEWS for our event – all registration money collected will be divided between this year's charitable sponsor, Shriners organization AND one lucky winner during our grand prize drawing!
The more cars the BIGGER the grand prize! You can look forward to hourly $50 drawings, plenty of door prizes and one lucky registered person will go home with an i-Pad.
We will have on-site concessions along with a live music provided by The Still Band from 2 pm to 5 pm. Our 2011 cruise-in was a overwhelming success – we hope to see you and your vehicle at our dealership.
Bob Brady Auto Mall is located on the corner of Illinois Route 48 and Interstate I-72 (exit 144) in Decatur, Illinois. Please contact Ed Budds, Drew Gensler or Brad Warren for more information – 217-876-3800. www.bobbrady.com
SUPER SATURDAY SERVICE
Your Central Illinois automotive leader for over 22 years is excited to offer:
“SUPER SATURDAY SERVICE”
Award-winning all-day Saturday service and parts!
Super Saturday Service Coupon
Visit our service department on Saturday
and receive $50.00 off our 30K, 60K
or 90K service packages*
Limit 1 per customer
Most makes and models apply
Valid at Bob Brady Auto Mall.
Questions? Call service @ 217-876-3800
Offer expires 6/30/2012.
Coupon must be presented in Saturday at time of write-up.
Work must be started and completed on a Saturday to be eligible for special pricing.
* Tax and shop supplies extra.
and receive $50.00 off our 30K, 60K
or 90K service packages*
Limit 1 per customer
Most makes and models apply
Valid at Bob Brady Auto Mall.
Questions? Call service @ 217-876-3800
Offer expires 6/30/2012.
Coupon must be presented in Saturday at time of write-up.
Work must be started and completed on a Saturday to be eligible for special pricing.
* Tax and shop supplies extra.
Click here for coupon!
Ram Truck Brand Recognizes First 2010 Ram Heavy Duty Customer
Bob Brady Chrysler Dodge in Decatur, IL
The Ram Truck Brand recently recognized the first customer who purchased the all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty Pickup Truck – named 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year®. In November, Terry Hogan and his wife Barb purchased a 2010 Ram 2500 ST Crew 4x4 from Bob Brady Chrysler Dodge in Decatur, Illinois – known as the "Soybean Capital of the World." They also purchased a 2009 Ram 3500 and Ram Chassis Cab to support their farm and Hogan Grain & Equipment Company. The Hogans traded in two Ford pickups, a Chevy pickup and an older Dodge pickup to purchase the three new Rams.
“This ties in nicely and supports our Ram Heavy Duty marketing launch plan. We’re targeting both lifestyle and vocational customers. One of our key vocational targets is Agribusiness – like the Hogans,” said Steve Johnson – Ram Heavy Duty Brand Manager. “Secondly, we know our Cummins diesel engine has a solid reputation but we need to let our current and competitive owner base know we offer a great alternative with our 5.7L HEMI® gas engine that will meet their needs. Our HEMI® delivers best-in-class standard gas engine horsepower and torque for 2010 model year. We’re glad to see we’re getting that message out in the marketplace - the Hogans’ new Ram has the HEMI®.
The Hogans also took advantage of a Ram first – the all-new crew cab. “Crew cab is roughly 50% of the Heavy Duty segment and Ram Heavy Duty offers a true crew for the first time,” Johnson explained. “The Hogans not only bought a crew cab– they bought one with an 8’ box too – another Ram Heavy Duty first for an extended or crew cab.”
Bob Brady appreciated the recognition for his dealership and team. His business has remained steady over the last year while others have had a tough time. "We didn't experience a big drop-off like the majority of vehicle dealers," Brady said. "We're up a little bit from last year and are starting with an uptick."
Brady feels fortunate business has been able to hold on and even increased a little. Brady said having new products such as the all-new Ram can help keep customers coming through the doors and buying cars. He also expects to have even more new products to offer as a result of Chrysler's new venture with Fiat. "We're real excited for the future," Brady said. "I can kind of smell it in the air with spring coming back."
Hogan said he needed a reliable truck and has had good luck with Dodge trucks in the past – specifically recalling a 1974 Power Wagon he once proudly owned. “That was a great truck. Really worked that truck,” he said. Hogan has already put his three new Rams to work. “That’s what they’re for,” he reminds us.
Hogan thanked the Ram Truck Brand for not just recognizing his purchase but making the effort to listen to the customer. “I think it’s great you’re spending the time to listen and talk to the customer. That's how this country was built. You have to listen to the customer – understand them. Provide them what they need to keep them loyal and make your business grow.” The Ram Truck Brand couldn’t agree more.
Portions of this article from "Brady dealership weathering downturn"
published March 12, 2010 by Chris Lusvardi in the Herald & Review (Decatur, IL) www.herald-review.com
2010 Ram Heavy Duty Resonates with American Heartland
At
Ram, there is nothing that we cling to tighter than our commitment to
the basic traits of the traditional American pickup truck. We build our
trucks to be rough-and-tumble rigs capable of outliving even your
mother-in-law, and we have a fierce sense of pride in our product. So,
too, do our customers.Amongst the most notable of those customers are Terry and Barb Hogan of Decatur, Illinois. Owner and operator of Hogan Grain & Equipment Company, Terry has spent years putting his various work trucks through the wringer, and he knows a workhouse when he sees one. Up until November 2009, Terry’s fleet consisted of an eclectic mix of pickups, the bulk of which were in need of some form of maintenance. Busy at the helm of Hogan Grain & Equipment and farming over 4,000 acres of land, Terry had neither the time nor the inclination to spend hours laboring over repairs. Instead, he turned to a brand he’s held synonymous with dependability since he first crossed paths with a Power Wagon in 1974: Ram Trucks. Trading in two Fords, a Chevy, and an older Dodge pick-up, Terry & his wife eventually exited Bob Brady Chrysler Dodge with three new Rams in tow: a 2009 Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab, and a 2010 Ram 2500 ST Crew 4×4. The latter was the first 2010 Heavy Duty model to ever reach a customer’s hands – and we’d be hard-pressed to find a better match. “We’re targeting both lifestyle and vocational customers,” explained Ram Heavy Duty Brand Manager Steve Johnson. “One of our key vocational targets is Agribusiness – like the Hogans.” According to Terry, our “targeting” and the countless man hours spent engineering a truck specifically for buyers with needs like Terry’s has not gone unnoticed. “I think it’s great you’re spending the time to listen and talk to the customer,” said Terry. “That’s how this country was built. You have to listen to the customer – understand them. Provide them what they need to keep them loyal and make your business grow.” Which is exactly what we strive to do – for both Terry and his fellow American craftsman.
Jeep brand keeps Bob Brady Auto Mall prospering
DECATUR - Offering the Jeep brand of cars has turned into a good fit at the Bob Brady Auto Mall.
The northeast Decatur dealership has been selling new Jeeps since December after it was awarded the franchise. It already offers Dodge, Chrysler, Hyundai, Honda and Mitsubishi products.
"Now the juggling begins," General Manager Steve Gensler said. "There are a lot of good things going on out here. We've seen a significant increase in business especially with the Jeep products."
Adding the Jeep line hasn't required a lot of adjustment, as Gensler said having all the products in one place makes it easier to manage. Jeeps require having a few special tools, but training for technicians is intermixed between the vehicles, and service work has increased as previous Jeep owners bring in their vehicles for maintenance, Gensler said. The dealership has had to add a large arch in front and additional signs, owner Bob Brady said.
Jeep has had a quite a history, Brady said. The brand turns 70 years old this year, he said.
Brady began as a stand-alone Dodge dealer in 1986. The dealership started with 14 employees and now has more than 100 as it has steadily added the other brands over the past 25 years, he said.
Brady has survived the turbulent times in the car industry, especially as the future of Chrysler was in doubt as it worked through bankruptcy proceedings.
"Business is strong, in contrast to two years ago," Brady said. "Dealers thought the world was coming to an end. We weren't sure who was going to survive. You couldn't make a decision because we didn't know who was going to be here and who wasn't."
The car business is among the first to feel the effects of a recession, and if it's a sign of things to come, one of the first out of one.
"We're sure feeling it come back," Brady said. "The more products we offer, the more people come to the party. Now they're in a buying cycle."
Gas prices have been on the mind of customers as they've come looking for new vehicles. But the concern doesn't reach the level of a few years ago when prices first approached $4 a gallon.
"It's a hot topic right now," Brady said. "It's not as much as two or three years ago. People already had a shock of high gas prices."
Fiat taking over a majority stake in the Chrysler group has helped, Brady said. He thinks the sale will help Chrysler continue to offer quality products.
"We made it through all that stuff," Gensler said. "Getting through it was a good lesson."
The northeast Decatur dealership has been selling new Jeeps since December after it was awarded the franchise. It already offers Dodge, Chrysler, Hyundai, Honda and Mitsubishi products.
"Now the juggling begins," General Manager Steve Gensler said. "There are a lot of good things going on out here. We've seen a significant increase in business especially with the Jeep products."
Adding the Jeep line hasn't required a lot of adjustment, as Gensler said having all the products in one place makes it easier to manage. Jeeps require having a few special tools, but training for technicians is intermixed between the vehicles, and service work has increased as previous Jeep owners bring in their vehicles for maintenance, Gensler said. The dealership has had to add a large arch in front and additional signs, owner Bob Brady said.
Jeep has had a quite a history, Brady said. The brand turns 70 years old this year, he said.
Brady began as a stand-alone Dodge dealer in 1986. The dealership started with 14 employees and now has more than 100 as it has steadily added the other brands over the past 25 years, he said.
Brady has survived the turbulent times in the car industry, especially as the future of Chrysler was in doubt as it worked through bankruptcy proceedings.
"Business is strong, in contrast to two years ago," Brady said. "Dealers thought the world was coming to an end. We weren't sure who was going to survive. You couldn't make a decision because we didn't know who was going to be here and who wasn't."
The car business is among the first to feel the effects of a recession, and if it's a sign of things to come, one of the first out of one.
"We're sure feeling it come back," Brady said. "The more products we offer, the more people come to the party. Now they're in a buying cycle."
Gas prices have been on the mind of customers as they've come looking for new vehicles. But the concern doesn't reach the level of a few years ago when prices first approached $4 a gallon.
"It's a hot topic right now," Brady said. "It's not as much as two or three years ago. People already had a shock of high gas prices."
Fiat taking over a majority stake in the Chrysler group has helped, Brady said. He thinks the sale will help Chrysler continue to offer quality products.
"We made it through all that stuff," Gensler said. "Getting through it was a good lesson."
What is an oxygen sensor?
An automotive oxygen sensor, also known as an O2 sensor, is a small sensor inserted into the exhaust system of a petrol engine to measure the concentration of oxygen remaining in the exhaust gas to allow an electronic control unit to control the efficiency of the combustion process in the engine. In most modern automobiles, these sensors are attached to the engine’s exhaust manifold to determine whether the mixture of air and gasoline going into the engine is rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little fuel).
This information is sent to the engine management ECU computer, which adjusts the mixture to give the engine the best possible fuel economy and lowest possible exhaust emissions. Failure of these sensors, either through normal aging or the use of leaded fuels, can lead to damage of an automobile’s catalytic converter and expensive repairs.
The downside of oxygen sensors is that they defeat many fuel saving technologies. If the engine burns too lean from any modifications, the sensor detects that the exhaust is too lean. It then sends the signal to cause the injectors to enrich the mixture by supplying more fuel. This causes the air-fuel mixture to stay within the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1 on a typical vehicle.
There are many ways to overcome this efficiency defeating mechanism. Several companies manufacture a device that can be inserted inline with the sensor and tricks the voltage signals into thinking it is within normal parameters. Therefore, any modification for cleaner burning will not be defeated by the oxygen sensor.
This self-defeating mechanism is why some legitimate fuel saving technologies actually cause a loss in gas mileage.
This information is sent to the engine management ECU computer, which adjusts the mixture to give the engine the best possible fuel economy and lowest possible exhaust emissions. Failure of these sensors, either through normal aging or the use of leaded fuels, can lead to damage of an automobile’s catalytic converter and expensive repairs.
The downside of oxygen sensors is that they defeat many fuel saving technologies. If the engine burns too lean from any modifications, the sensor detects that the exhaust is too lean. It then sends the signal to cause the injectors to enrich the mixture by supplying more fuel. This causes the air-fuel mixture to stay within the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1 on a typical vehicle.
There are many ways to overcome this efficiency defeating mechanism. Several companies manufacture a device that can be inserted inline with the sensor and tricks the voltage signals into thinking it is within normal parameters. Therefore, any modification for cleaner burning will not be defeated by the oxygen sensor.
This self-defeating mechanism is why some legitimate fuel saving technologies actually cause a loss in gas mileage.
What is an EGR valve?
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is NOx (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide) reduction technique used in most gasoline and diesel engines. In a typical automotive engine, 5 to 15 percent of the exhaust gas is routed back to the intake as EGR (thus comprising 5 to 15 percent of the mixture entering the cylinders). The maximum quantity is limited by the requirement of the mixure to sustain a contiguous flame front during the combustion event; excessive EGR in an engine can cause misfires and partial burns. Although EGR does measurably slow combustion, this can largely be compensated for by advancing spark timing. Contrary to popular belief, EGR actually increases the efficiency of gasoline engines via several mechanisms. Recirculation is usually achieved by piping a route from the exhaust manifold to the inlet manifold, which is called external EGR. A control valve (EGR valve) within the circuit regulates and times the gas flow. Some engine designs perform EGR by trapping exhaust gas within the cylinder by not fully expelling it during the exhaust stroke, which is called internal EGR.
One of the most common reasons your check engine light comes on is for an evaporative emissions leak.
Evaporative emissions: These are produced from the evaporation of fuel, and are a large contributor to urban smog, since these heavier molecules stay closer to ground level. Fuel tends to evaporate in these ways:
Gas tank venting: The heating of the vehicle as the temperature rises from night to day, mean that gasoline in the tank evaporates, increasing the pressure inside the tank above atmospheric pressure. This pressure must be relieved and before emissions control it was simply vented into the atmosphere.
In 1996 and newer vehicles, the federal government required manufacturers to place a leak detection pump on vehicles. This pump services the purpose of putting a vacuum on the system to detect leaks. Because of this system, loose gas caps and filling the vehicle with gas while the engine is running can cause the light to come on.
Gas tank venting: The heating of the vehicle as the temperature rises from night to day, mean that gasoline in the tank evaporates, increasing the pressure inside the tank above atmospheric pressure. This pressure must be relieved and before emissions control it was simply vented into the atmosphere.
In 1996 and newer vehicles, the federal government required manufacturers to place a leak detection pump on vehicles. This pump services the purpose of putting a vacuum on the system to detect leaks. Because of this system, loose gas caps and filling the vehicle with gas while the engine is running can cause the light to come on.
Our Service
Engine Maintenance and Questions Guide
Just to let you know…
If your check engine light comes on, there is no need to panic right away!
When the ignition switch is initially turned on and the engine is not running, the malfunction indicator lamp lights for a bulb check. While the engine is running, the MIL will light only if there is an emissions-related concern.
The onboard diagnostic (OBD) generation II system continuosly monitors all engine and transmission sensors and actuators looking for electrical faults, as well as values that do not logically fit with other powertrain data. When certain operating conditions are met and a comprehensive monitor detects a failure that will result in emissions exceeding a predetermined level, the computer stores a diagnostic trouble code and illuminates the MIL.
The onboard diagnostic II system also actively tests some systems for proper operation while the vehicle is being driven. Fuel control and engine misfire are checked continuosly, catalyst efficiency, exhaust gas recirculation operation, evaporative system integrity, oxygen sensor response and oxygen sensor heaters are tested once per trip when prerequisite operating conditions are met. The computer will illuminate the MIL if during these prerequisite operating conditions the system detects a failure that will result in emissions exceeding a predetermined level.
Whenever an engine misfire severe enough to damage the catalytic converter is detected, the MIL will blink on and off.
Once lit, the MIL will remain on until the vehicle has completed three consecutive good trips. The MIL is also turned off when stored diagnostic codes are cleared. However, the MIL will only remain off if the fault is successfully repaired.
When the ignition switch is initially turned on and the engine is not running, the malfunction indicator lamp lights for a bulb check. While the engine is running, the MIL will light only if there is an emissions-related concern.
The onboard diagnostic (OBD) generation II system continuosly monitors all engine and transmission sensors and actuators looking for electrical faults, as well as values that do not logically fit with other powertrain data. When certain operating conditions are met and a comprehensive monitor detects a failure that will result in emissions exceeding a predetermined level, the computer stores a diagnostic trouble code and illuminates the MIL.
The onboard diagnostic II system also actively tests some systems for proper operation while the vehicle is being driven. Fuel control and engine misfire are checked continuosly, catalyst efficiency, exhaust gas recirculation operation, evaporative system integrity, oxygen sensor response and oxygen sensor heaters are tested once per trip when prerequisite operating conditions are met. The computer will illuminate the MIL if during these prerequisite operating conditions the system detects a failure that will result in emissions exceeding a predetermined level.
Whenever an engine misfire severe enough to damage the catalytic converter is detected, the MIL will blink on and off.
Once lit, the MIL will remain on until the vehicle has completed three consecutive good trips. The MIL is also turned off when stored diagnostic codes are cleared. However, the MIL will only remain off if the fault is successfully repaired.
About Our Company
Bob Brady Auto Mall is a name recognized all over central Illinois. Our roots began with Bob Brady Dodge and was made popular through the Brady Bunch jingle that played for years on television and radio stations. The Bob Brady Auto Mall now sells five lines of new vehicles: Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
NO NONSENSE REPRESENTATION
When it comes to quality representation, our tag line says it all, "No Nonsense". There is no bigger priority than representing every person who comes through the door with "knock your socks off" service.
We want every customer to receive a “world-class” deal. Getting a deal means value for your trade-in, value on your new vehicle, and no nonsense. Knowing the right questions to ask and having a personality to openly discuss your wants and needs is a gift we enjoy sharing with my customers.
NO NONSENSE REPRESENTATION
When it comes to quality representation, our tag line says it all, "No Nonsense". There is no bigger priority than representing every person who comes through the door with "knock your socks off" service.
We want every customer to receive a “world-class” deal. Getting a deal means value for your trade-in, value on your new vehicle, and no nonsense. Knowing the right questions to ask and having a personality to openly discuss your wants and needs is a gift we enjoy sharing with my customers.
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