by L Baures | Dec 17, 2018 | Automotive News
All New RAM 1500 North Edition
You may have heard or even seen some of the all-new RAM 1500s on the road. The half-ton pickup truck also won MotorTrend 2019 Truck of the Year.
The RAM 1500 North Edition is a special edition package available on the all-new truck. What is so special about it? The clue is in the name. It’s meant for cold weather.
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo FCA
Available in the popular configuration of a crew cab with the 5.7 L HEMI engine. A 3.6-liter eTorque (mild hybrid) Pentastar engine is also an option though. It looks as though this package is available in any of the RAM 1500 colors currently on offer.
“The Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo: FCA
What is included in the RAM North Edition package?
Based on the Big Horn trim level, the North Edition package adds;
- Falken light truck severe snow service-rated tires (on/off-road) – 3 peak mountain snowflake
- One-inch factory lift
- Mopar all-weather floor mats
- Engine block heater
- Electric locking rear axle
- 4×4 transfer case with 4×4 Auto, 4×4 High and 4×4 Low
- Body-color bumpers, grille mirrors, and door handles
- 4×4 Decal
And a level 2 equipment Group (A63) which has;
- Heated front seats
- Remote start
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear window defroster
- Heated mirrors (power folding)
- Auto temperature control (dual zone climate control)
- 115V aux power outlet
- 400w inverter
- 8.4″ color touchscreen with Uconnect 4 (replaces standard 5″)
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Auto dimming mirror
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Dampened tailgate
- Parksense
- Power sliding rear window
- 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat (4-way passenger)
- Power adjustable pedals
- Universal garage door opener
- 1 year Sirius XM satellite radio with Travel Link Weather
2019 RAM 1500 North Edition in Patriot Blue Pearl, Photo: FCA
Where do I find a RAM 1500 North Edition for sale?
These are available to dealers now. When trying to find one, they may not come in searches under ‘North Edition’ because it is a package. Look for Big Horn trim levels and read the specs to find North Edition. If you’d like more information or any assistance in finding one, contact your local RAM dealer or Fremont Motors.
Photo: FCA
All New 2019 RAM 1500
New 2019 RAM 1500 Limited First Look : Video
by L Baures | Dec 11, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is a post TDI settlement Volkswagen?
To get up to speed real quick, back in 2015, the EPA issued VW a notice of violation for cheating on emissions tests. Making headlines across the world, named ‘Dieselgate‘. Volkswagen bought back all of those affected turbo diesel vehicles (TDI’s) from customers or provided restitution to owners. These are now called a post-emissions modified Volkswagen.
VW TDI Engine, Photo: Volkswagen
What happened to the vehicles and how are they are fixed?
After Volkswagen bought the vehicles back, they came up with a fix. The official term is AEM (Approved Emissions Modification). This fix approved by CARB (California Air Resource Board) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Modifications include engine and transmission software updates as well as a new emissions system.
2015 VW Golf SportWagen TDI is one of the affected vehicles. Photo: Volkswagen
Which Volkswagens are we talking about here?
The following vehicles equipped with the 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engine (EA288) have the modification (or are eligible for it).
- Beetle and Beetle Convertible
- Jetta
- Passat
- Golf
- Golf SportWagen
Source: Volkswagen
Look up affected vehicles on the VW website.
Advantages of buying a post-emissions modified Volkswagen TDI
Fixed, discounted and new emissions warranty
VW dealers across the nation are now getting these vehicles back, fixing and selling them.
In an effort to aid dealers, Volkswagen (the manufacturer) is providing an extended emissions warranty. All sorts of financing deals are also available to make the purchase for consumers very appealing.
Authorized VW dealerships participating in the post emission modified TDI program also do all the servicing and maintenance needed.
Extended emissions warranty
Post emissions modified vehicles get a 10 year / 120,000-mile warranty (from in-service date). If longer, (depending on the age of the vehicle) it’ll get 4 year/48,000 mile emissions warranty from date of modification. Emissions warranty covers anything the emissions system affected. ie; entire exhaust system, particulate filter, catalytic converter, engine long block, head, internals, glow plugs, injectors EGR system, and turbocharger.
Gen 3 engines (2015) get an 11-year/160,000-mile emissions warranty (from in-service date) or 5yr 60k miles after modifications. In-service date is the date the vehicle was originally purchased/put on the road the first time.
Click for more info on the extended emissions warranty or you can call VW on 1 (800) 822 8987.
2012 Jetta TDI. Photo: Volkswagen
Some of the vehicles even qualify as certified.
What does certified mean?
If the vehicle meets certain requirements, it is classed as part of the Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned Program. Meaning there is additional warranty.
Certified vehicles come with a 2-year unlimited mileage comprehensive limited warranty for models 2011 and up. Special financing deals for CPO vehicles start with rates as low as 2.99% (for well-qualified customers). This, you will need to check with your VW dealership on for the details.
How do the modifications affect the cars?
What are the pros and cons of the modification and do they affect fuel economy and performance?
- Engine sound may differ
- Automatic transmissions will shift sooner at low acceleration in ‘Sport Mode’
- DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) usage may increase
- Smoother acceleration
- Improved throttle response
- Golf models with auto transmissions, shift pattern will adapt to high altitude (higher revs).
- OBD (diagnostic system) emissions threshold adjusted
Volkswagen no longer manufacturers new diesel vehicles, so this could be an opportunity to swipe up a commuter that gets over 30 mpg.
Should I buy a post-emissions modified Volkswagen?
Consider the information above, and check the articles below too for another opinion.
CarandDriver.com test a post-emissions modified Volkswagen as did cars.com.
You can also find out more information from Volkswagen.
Where can I buy one?
Any Volkswagen dealership that is participating in the program.
Fremont Motor Volkswagen Casper, Wyoming is participating. Check the Fremont Volkswagen inventory.
Fremont Motors Technician in Top 14% in USA.
by L Baures | Dec 7, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Staff Spotlight: Mike Eble
Mike Eble is the new Sales Manager for the Fremont Motors Scottsbluff Ford and Lincoln dealership.
Mike Eble, Sales Manager at Fremont Motors Ford and Lincoln Scottsbluff. Photo: L Baures
Where were you born and raised?
“I was born and raised in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada.”
By No machine-readable author provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=636439
What brought you to Scottsbluff, NE?
“My mom grew up in a county south of Scottsbluff county. I moved down here to work for my uncle and ended up liking it. So this is home now.
Fremont Motors Scottsbluff
How long have you worked in the Auto Industry?
“When I was in Canada, for about a year, and then here in the U.S. since about 2010. I took a break then came back again.”
How would you describe your day job to a child?
“The way I describe it to my daughters is, I help other people sell cars.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Training. Because I get to impart some knowledge on to somebody or a different way of looking at something to somebody. It’s fun to watch them grow and succeed.”
Biggest achievement?
“My biggest achievement would be getting my American citizenship. I get to be part of, what, I do believe this is the best country in the world. I really do, I love Canada, but there’s a lot more potential here. There’s a greater mixing of people and fit in better I guess [Mike chuckles].”
Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?
“As a kid, I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up.”
Photo by Martin Brosy
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“Spending time with my wife and our three daughters. I go home, go to work, go home, go to work. That’s what I do.
What kind of music do you like?
” A little bit of everything. Mainly country and rock. My favorite artist of all time is George Straight. King George!”
Do you have a favorite food?
“uh…lasagna,” says Mike.
How about your favorite Color?
“Orange. It’s bright and out there. It’s kinda like me. I’m very much an orange type person.”
Favorite movie line?
“Do or do not. There is no try.” From, The Empire Strikes Back.
Given the chance, who would you like to be for a day?
“I wouldn’t wanna be anyone else for the day.”
What was your first car?
Mike says, “A 2001 Chevy Silverado.”
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
“F-150. A Shelby F-150.”
by L Baures | Dec 3, 2018 | Automotive News
Toyota Prius AWD-e Revealed at L.A. Auto Show 2018.
2019 will be the first year an all-wheel-drive equipped Prius is available. Toyota quote that their tagline, “Let’s Go Places”, can now be extended to, “Let’s go more places, in more conditions”.
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e, Photo: Toyota
The ‘e’ in AWD-e stands for electric
All-wheel-drive systems are traditionally made up of highly technical (and often heavy mechanical components), but not the Prius AWD-e. There’s no center differential or extra driveshafts. The on-demand all-wheel-drive only kicks in only when it’s needed. Driven completely by electric motors, the one in the rear is only to provide power to the rear wheels.
Prius AWD-e models will remain on the same platform as other Prii (plural of Prius believe it or not!). Power will come from the 1.8L gasoline engine with CVT auto transmission and Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Vehicle Winter-Proofing, Tips for Traveling In Cold Weather WY
Prius AWD-e fuel economy
Although not officially tested by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) yet, Toyota claims great numbers. “one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in the U.S.” Toyota estimates are around, 52 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway and 50 mpg combined. Combined numbers show only 2 mpg less than the FWD versions of the Prius. In case you are wondering why the city number is much higher than the highway, here’s why. In the city, the hybrid system takes over for stop/starts and slow speeds, thus using more electric power and less (internal combustion) engine power.
Trim level name changes
The Prius trim levels are currently identified by numbers. For example, the entry-level model starts as a Prius One. Next trim level us is the Prius Two, then Three and Four with some ‘Eco’ and ‘Touring’ models in between. This change is n line with other Toyota vehicles. Trim levels on the 2019 Prius are; L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited.
New colors
Two new colors will accentuate the freshly designed rear and front exterior on the 2019 Prius.
- Supersonic Red
- Electric Storm Blue
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e in Electric Storm Blue. Photo: Toyota
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) is standard on all 2019 Prius models. TSS-P includes features such as;
- Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
“Because all Prius models, under certain circumstances, can operate in battery mode alone, during which they make little to no noise, they incorporate a Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) to help alert pedestrians and cyclists.”
Infotainment
Switches on the steering wheel are integrated for the Entune audio system, driver display, and Bluetooth. 6.1″ touchscreens will display the integrated back up camera, Bluetooth features, Siri Eyes Free, music streaming and phone book. For audio, the Prius will have 6 speakers, an AM/FM radio and a CD player. There is also a USB 2.0 port and aux jack for iPod connectivity. ‘Limited’ trim levels (top trim) will have an 11.6″ HD touchscreen with JBL Audio, App Suite and built-in navigation. No mention of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto yet. Read more about Toyota Service Connect.
Where can I find out more info?
Contact your preferred Toyota Dealership for more information or to order a 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e.
Drive From Cody WY to Calgary AB On One Tank Of Gas
Toyota Helps Paleontologists get to Dinosaurs in Wyoming.
Staff Spotlight: Paul Lutz, Sales Consultant, Fremont Motor Toyota, Sheridan.
by L Baures | Nov 30, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Giveaway- Win a Book of Tickets to Wyoming Cowboy Basketball Games
How do I enter for a chance to win?
- Like the Trusted Auto Professionals page on Facebook.
- Share the post
- Tag a friend
The winners will be selected at random at the end of the day, Dec 4th.
What is the prize?
We have 2 books of Cowboy Basketball game vouchers. Each book contains 17 vouchers that can be used for tickets to games. There will be two winners who will receive 1 book each.
Wyoming Cowboy Basketball Schedule 2018/19
FORT COLLINS, CO
TV: AT&T SPORTSNET
MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP
by L Baures | Nov 30, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Everything You Need To Know About Winter Driving in
Wyoming
Winter Wyoming is a dangerous place. Safewise.com says Wyoming is the most dangerous state for snow driving.
Here at Trusted Auto Professionals, we’ve compiled a top 10 list. A list of articles with questions and answers to help with all things winter vehicle related and winter driving.
(more…)
Recent Comments