Ford Fusion is Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the Year

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 17, 2009 – The Ford Fusion – America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – today was named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers," said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. "The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America."

The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.
"The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. "Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup."

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition – including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan – in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.

"The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded," said MacKenzie. "The Fusion's combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges."

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines – all paired with six-speed transmissions – that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.

Used Land Rovers In Illinois

Jaguar-Land Rover of Peoria is excited to announce the launch of a brand new website exclusively dedicated to showcasing Used Land Rovers in Illinois. If you are in the market for a used, pre-owned or Certified Land Rover in Chicago, Peoria, Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Rockford or St. Louis, then you should should start your search here. We have updated specials, Land Rover videos, detailed descriptions, multiple photos and all the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a used Range Rover or Land Rover from an experienced dealership in Illinois. Visit us today and save on a new, used or certified Land Rover. We will be happy to make your dreams come true.

4 Subarus are 2009 Top Safety Picks

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that four of its 2009 models have been named a 2009 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The following vehicles each earned a 2009 'Top Safety Pick' in their category: Subaru Legacy for Mid-size Sedan, Subaru Impreza for Small Cars, Subaru Tribeca for Mid-size SUV and Subaru Forester for Small SUV. This is good news for customers in Central Illinois. Uftring Subaru has recently requested an additional allocation of new 2010 Subarus because of increased customer interest.

"We are extremely excited about Subaru's recognition as a Top Safety Pick. Central Illinois wants to buy Subarus and this is one of the many reasons why," said Gary Uftring, President of Uftring Subaru in East Peoria. "Subaru's recent products and success as a franchise have made it necessary for us to order additional inventory. The demand has begun to outpace our supply - in large part because all of the new products are tremendously successful."

'Top Safety Pick' recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners are also required have to have electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows significantly reduces crash risk.
"It is not a surprise that Subaru has again received 'Top Safety Pick' awards for its vehicles," says Institute President, Adrian Lund. "Subaru is a standout for 2009 because it has at least one Top Safety Pick in every vehicle class in which it competes. The Top Safety Pick awards speak to the commitment Subaru makes to produce safer vehicles."

Jim McComb Chevrolet Saves The Day

Jim McComb Chevrolet sits on two corners of the busiest intersection in Peoria - a spot where you never know who is going to pop into the dealership. On September 29, one of our employees was in the right place at the right time for three friends with some car trouble. Yes it's busy at War Memorial and University, but it also gives us the chance to help.

www.JimMcComb.com

New Ford Fiesta Due To Arrive Summer 2010

After months of anticipation, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is scheduled to arrive at Uftring Ford in the Uftring Automall next summer. Thanks to the Fiesta Movement, the vehicle can already claim 50,000 potential customers - some of them right here in Central Illinois.

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe's No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe's top-selling vehicle, helping Ford's share in Europe's main 19 markets increase for the eighth consecutive month.

Nearly 340,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August. Fiesta was the best-selling foreign vehicle in August in both Italy and France.

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta will bring its three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers in 2010.

Check UftringAutomall.com for additional updates on the exciting new Ford Fiesta.

Gary Uftring - Jaguar Enthusiast

http://www.JaguarLandRoverPeoria.com

http://www.Used-Land-Rover.com

Gary Uftring - Land Rover Enthusiast

http://www.JaguarLandRoverPeoria.com

http://www.Used-Land-Rover.com 

Subaru Outback Named MOTOR TREND's 2010 SUV of the Year

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Subaru Outback has been named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year.

The Subaru Outback's victory follows the Subaru Forester's win for the 2009 award, making Subaru the first automaker to win two consecutive MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year awards.

The 2010 Subaru outback is available now at Uftring Subaru, in the Uftring Automall in East Peoria, Illinois. See all the new 2010 Subarus available in the Peoria area HERE.

MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, said, "The 2010 Subaru Outback offers a unique combination of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value. It boasts car-like refinement, drivability and gas mileage on the road, yet is as capable in the rough stuff as all but the most off-road focused sport utilities. Thoughtfully engineered, cleverly detailed and competitively priced, the Subaru Outback is a terrific all-rounder with broad appeal."

"We are doubly proud and honored to receive the MOTOR TREND 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year award for the second consecutive year," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America Inc. "To win the 2009 award for the Forester was wonderful enough, but to have won for the 2010 Outback this year is truly an outstanding achievement. The Subaru Outback is an icon of performance and capability and was the original SUV alternative. Now with its improved power, economy and increased dimensions it is the complete package."

Speaking to Subaru of America's sales success as the top performing automaker of 2009, Doll noted, "The success of our business is founded not only on our outstanding products, but also on the commitment and dedication of our retail sales network and great sales and marketing programs. We are absolutely thrilled that MOTOR TREND has added their validation to the Subaru brand."

Priced from $22,995, and produced at Subaru's zero-landfill plant in Lafayette, Indiana, the all-new Subaru Outback is available with either a 170-hp 2.5-liter four cylinder boxer engine or a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. The 2010 Outback is built on an all-new platform featuring a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (now 107.9 inches) that improves ride and interior space, especially rear seat legroom. The 2010 Outback also features increased hip and shoulder room.

Living up to Subaru's legendary safety record, the Outback offers cutting-edge safety technology, including Subaru's ring reinforcement safety system, front, seat-mounted side, and side-curtain airbags and ABS. Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which incorporates stability and traction control systems with a roll-over sensor, is also standard equipment.

The Subaru Outback was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

www.UftringAutomall.com

Recent Study Shows Uftring Auto Group Cheaper Than Mass Retailers

For years, Central Illinois consumers have assumed that common automotive services such as oil changes, batteries and brakes cost less at mass retailers or national chains than at local franchise dealers. A recent study by the Uftring Auto Group reveals lower prices, superior facilities and higher overall customer satisfaction at their stores than at national “chain” retailers and even locally operated service shops in the Peoria area.

“We sent in mystery shoppers to make sure we were competitive on price,” said Jon Peters, Director of Fixed Operations for the Uftring Auto Group. “We know consumers would prefer to get their service work done at a franchise dealer, but are concerned whether they can afford it.  Our study results revealed that not only were our prices competitive, but in many cases lower. Now we have solid proof that customers can get the best trained technicians, higher quality parts than aftermarket parts and pay about the same or less. We’re competitive on more than just maintenance too. Our stores have offered a 30-day price guarantee on tires for over three years and our parts departments are some of the best in Illinois at having high-use parts in stock and locating hard to find items.”

According to Peters, dealerships used to be so overrun with warranty work that it was difficult to schedule routine maintenance items as quick as consumers would like.  However, over the past 7 to 10 years, the improved quality of vehicles has reduced warranty work to a small part of a dealership’s service business. “Less warranty work means we are able to serve our customers even better,” Peters said. “Most of the time we can perform an oil change without an appointment.”

The study also found that initial advertised pricing may be less at some service centers, but climbs to equal or above dealership cost once the customer walks out the door.

The Uftring Auto Group has five locations in Peoria, East Peoria and Washington. They service and maintain vehicles of virtually all makes and models for over 50,000 satisfied customers in Central Illinois.  “Our dealerships are well represented in Peoria and the surrounding communities,” added Peters. “It makes it convenient for most people to have their service done at one of our stores since we are likely located near where they work or live. It doesn’t matter what you drive or where you bought it, chances are good we can handle the service work. There’s no doubt we can do everything an independent shop can do and much more. Plus, our stores offer the convenience of shuttle vehicles and loaner cars.”

If you would like to see the study results for yourself, don’t hesitate to visit any Uftring Auto Group dealership and ask to speak with a service manager. The locations are: Uftring Chevy-Saab in Washington, Jim McComb Chevrolet in Peoria, The Uftring Automall (Ford-Subaru) in East Peoria, Uftring Nissan in Peoria and Jaguar-Land Rover Peoria. For additional information, visit www.UftringAutoGroup.com.

Uftring Nissan in Peoria Anticipates Nissan "Leaf" in 2010

Uftring Nissan, a Peoria, Illinois Nissan dealer expects the world's first affordable, zero-emmision car in 2010 at our dealership on Allen Road and Willow Knolls in Peoria.  Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.  The Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

The "LEAF" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.  As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

Nissan LEAF's frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, "This car is special." But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly "blue earth" color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF's introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF's remaining power – or "reachable area" – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

For some Peoria-area car buyers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

Check UftringAutoBlog.com or UftringNissan.com frequently for updates on the arrival of this amazing vehicle.  As with all new Nissan products, we are excited to see what's next!