Staff Spotlight: PJ Lantz

Staff Spotlight: PJ Lantz

Staff Spotlight: PJ Lantz

Phyllis Lantz Fremont Sales Woman

What is your job title?


“I am a Sales & Leasing Consultant for Fremont Motor Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM in Casper, Wyoming.

How long have you worked in the Auto Industry?


“I began in the Automobile Sales business on June 18, 2001, so approximately 17-1/2 years.”



How would you describe your day job to a child?

“If I were to describe my day job to a child, I would tell them that it is an opportunity to meet new people, and enjoy something new and exciting every day!”

Define your favorite part of the job?

“The favorite part of my job is meeting new people and seeing repeat customers return for their next automobile.”

Fremont Motors Casper Dodge

Fremont Motors Casper

Biggest achievement?

 “My biggest achievement in the car business is ‘Salesperson of the Month’ awards”,

 

Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?

“Growing up I wanted to be a Stewardess, but at that time you had to be 5’2″, and I still am only 5 feet tall, and so I went to secretarial school.”

When you aren’t working, what are you doing?

“When I am not working, I love to spend time with Family, and especially my Grandchildren!”

What kind of music do you like?

“My favorite music is Classic Rock. Led Zeppelin is my most favorite. ”

How about your favorite food?

 “My favorite food is Mexican, which I adapted to my 7 years in Albuquerque, NM.”

 

What is your favorite Color?

“Blue is my favorite color”

Favorite movie line?

“I’d say my favorite movie line is from Forrest Gump; which is that, “Mama always said that life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you’re gonna get.”

PJ Lantz

Photo | Jennifer Pallian

Given the chance, who would you be for a day?

“If I could be like anyone for a day, it would be Jackie Kennedy Onassis.”

 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

“The craziest thing that I have ever done is too embarrassing to tell!”

Describe your first car?

“My first car was a 1963 Chevrolet Impala Belair that I shared with my two sisters. It was blue with a white roof.”

Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?

“If money were no object, I would own a Lexus GX 470.”

If you’d like to contact PJ Lantz, you can get her at [email protected], or call (307) 237 8491.

How to respond to a dealer survey?

What vehicle invention would you make?

All-New 2019 Corolla Hatchback & Track Inspired Build

All-New 2019 Corolla Hatchback & Track Inspired Build

 

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla’s are one of the best-selling cars in the world and have been since 1974. First generation Corolla’s were born in 1966 in Japan, named the E10. They started as rear wheel drive cars. 80’s model Corolla’s such as the AE86  Levin and Sprinter Trueno are desirable in the drift racing scene even today.

In 2006, some countries saw a redesign and the name of the Corolla change to the ‘Blade’ or ‘Auris’. I was lucky enough to be a part of an Auris launch event, which included driving the car on the Ascari Race Circuit near Marbella, Spain in 2006. More of the Corolla name change history is on the Toyota UK website. Before the Auris came a limited run of supercharged Corolla’s were released. The Corolla T-Sport Compressor.

There are several other Corolla models in history having different names or sharing platforms with other vehicles. These include; the Corolla Versa is an MPV (mini-van), a Corolla Ceres (a four-door sedan), Corolla RunX, Allex, Spacio, Rumion (Scion Xs), T-18, Corolla Seca, Tercel and Matrix. Rebadged versions by GM include; the Holden NOVA (Chevrolet NOVA), Chevrolet Prizm, Pontiac Vibe, and Geo Prizm.

This is only just skimming the top of the Toyota Corolla’s history!

In the United States, the 2019 Toyota Corolla represents the 12th generation of the car.

 

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Hatchback vehicles are typically found more in European markets than America. Especially when it comes to sporty hatches, also known as hot hatches. There are a few around, and now Toyota is joining in by saying goodbye to the Corolla iM and hello to the all-new design. The Corolla Hatchback.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Photo: Toyota

A much sportier Corolla Hatchback that gets 42 mpg

They’ve done it around the world for years, they know what they’re doing, will it work for the U.S? In 2018, Toyota released information on the coming Corolla Hatchback for 2019. It’s on a new platform, has sport-tuned suspension and is available 2 transmission options.  An automatic (CVT) transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Equipped with a 2.0L engine, this small car puts out 168hp. According to the EPA, automatic versions boast an insane 42 mpg on the highway. Estimates are 32 mpg in the city and combined ratings are still up there at 36 mpg. 6-speed manual variants get an EPA estimated combined rating of 31 mpg.

This FWD car is for affordable fun.

There’s even options for a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) air intake and rear window spoiler.

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible

Another huge feature for Toyota, in particular, is the Corolla Hatchback is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on all trim levels). This is huge. Toyota has been lagging behind in terms of infotainment technology with customers waiting and waiting for this.

 

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Apple CarPlay Android Auto

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Photo: Toyota

 

 

Trim levels are the SE and XSE which both have the manual or automatic transmission options. SE gets cloth seating (6-way power-adjustable for the driver) whilst the XSE gets leather-trimmed sports seats (8-way power-adjustable driver seat).

Safety

Second-generation Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard (TSS 2.0). Safety technology includes;

  • Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Auto transmissions cars only. Manual transmissions get Dynamic Radar Cruise Control instead).
  • Pre-Collision System (with Pedestrian Detection)
  • Lane Trace Assist
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Hill Start Assist Control (manual and auto transmission cars)

Corolla Hatchback prices start around $20,910 MSRP (as Toyota website) including shipping and processing and handling fees. For more information or to order a Corolla Hatchback, talk with your preferred Toyota Dealership.

 

Track-inspired Corolla Hatchback at SEMA

Built by Super Street for the 2018 SEMA show.

“Corolla Hatchback is at the forefront of Toyota’s current interaction with automotive enthusiasts,” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President – Toyota Division Marketing. “The all-new Hatchback is well-suited to customization and personalization, be it for appearance or performance.”

Modified for SEMA, this Corolla is a wish list for tuners. Treated with RS-R Coilover suspension, and Falken FK510 tires wrapped around lightweight Volk rims ensures tight handling. Boosting performance is an APEXI quad exhaust with titanium tips and an HPS intake. A big brake kit from Wilwood components aids stopping power. Corbeau bucket seats complete the interior. Exterior gets a subtle and clean aero kit.

 

 

2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan

Coming in the Spring of 2019 will be the all-new Toyota Corolla Sedan.

 

 

 

Fremont Motors has Toyota dealerships in Lander, Wyoming and Sheridan, Wyoming.

2019 Ford Expedition Gets Kelley Blue Book ‘Best Buy Award’

2019 Ford Expedition Gets Kelley Blue Book ‘Best Buy Award’

Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards 2019

On November 12th, 2018, KBB.com announced the winners of their ‘Best Buy Awards‘ for 2019 model year vehicles. Kelley Blue Book experts curate top new model-year vehicles for the United States market. The idea is to aid new car buyers each year with an, “…emphasis on value-per-dollar in both purchase and ownership experience”.

Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book says, “The Best Buy Awards were designed to help consumers shop with confidence by doing the heavy lifting for them and providing clear guidance on which specific car, truck, minivan, and SUV models they should be prioritizing and considering for their next new-car purchase.”

Winning the award for ‘Full-size SUV- Best Buy’ is the 2019 Ford Expedition’

2019 Ford Expedition Full Size SUV

2019 Ford Expedition Full Size SUV, Photo: Ford

After a long wait, the Ford Expedition was completely renewed for the 2018 model year. Some of the reasons Kelley Blue Book experts chose the new Expedition was;

  • Towing capacity up to 9,300 lbs
  • Best in class fuel economy
  • Up to 400 hp
  • Lot’s of connectivity options
  • Roomy interior (seats up to 7 or 8 people depending on seat configuration)

2019 Ford Expedition towing capacity

When properly equipped (with towing packages) the Expedition 4×4 with a 3.73 rear axle (15,500 lbs GCWR), the maximum loaded trailer weight is 9,200 lbs. The Expedition MAX in the same spec is 9,000 lbs. Note that other than those specific builds, most other Expeditions towing capacity is around the 6,000 lb mark. Check out specific towing capacities in the Expedition Trailer Towing Guide.

Best in class fuel economy

The Ford Expedition does indeed have the best fuel economy in its class. According to EPA estimates, fuel economy for the 2019 Ford Expedition in AWD is 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway. The combined rating is 18 mpg. This is around 1-2 mpg more (combined) than the competitors, according to fueleconomy.gov.

2019 Ford Expedition interior SUV

2019 Ford Expedition interior, Photo: Ford

Up to 400 hp

Equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (turbocharged) engine, the Expedition XLT and Limited trims have 375hp, 470lb ft torque. The top of the range Platinum trim comes with the same engine but tuned. Power output is up to 400 hp with 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop Technology.

Connectivity

SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto is available as standard on selected trims or as an optional extra (connectivity package). 2 smart charging USB ports and wireless charging pads, and Wi-Fi connectivity are also available.

Roomy interior

KBB says, “There’s plenty of cargo space with the third row up; use the available power-fold seats to open up space for nearly 58 cubic feet of space, or up to 105 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded”.

2019 Ford Expedition interior area at rear seats down

2019 Ford Expedition Cargo Area, Photo: Ford

For more information on the all-new Expedition, check out Ford.com or talk with your local Ford dealership and take one for a drive.

2019 Ford Escape

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Wyoming Custom Jeep Wrangler Builds

Wyoming Custom Jeep Wrangler Builds

Custom Jeep Builds in Wyoming

Jeep Wranglers are a very popular choice of vehicle in Wyoming. Due to its practicality, ground clearance and 4 wheel drive system, it makes a good choice for the terrain and weather here. Fremont Motors is one of the biggest suppliers of custom Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Gladiators in the state.

The person responsible for most of the design and build of the custom Wrangler’s is veteran sales consultant Justin Sandbak.

American Expedition Vehicle

AEV custom Jeep Wrangler, Photo: L Baures

 

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2019 Ford Escape

2019 Ford Escape

Ford Escape for 2019

                                                                                   2019 Ford Escape, Photo: Ford

 

The 2019 model year Escape has some tweaks and changes from the 2018 model year. The SUV is based on the 3rd generation 2013 model year.

 

Quick specs

Compact SUV

Available in FWD or with Intelligent 4WD

Seats 5

3 Engine choices; 2.5 L (4 cylinder), 1.5 L EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo), and a 2.0 L EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo) available in the Titanium trim only.

6-Speed SelectShift automatic transmission

Trim levels; S (FWD only), SE, SEL, Titanium

 

 

Safety

NHTSA Rating 5/5

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) rates the 2019 Ford Escape with 5/5 stars. This is the maximum possible overall safety rating a vehicle can get from the NHTSA. Breaking the rating down into more detail, the frontal crash safety rating for the driver side gets 5/5. The passenger side front gets 4/5 stars and this results in an overall front crash rating of 5/5 stars. Of the 6 side crash tests, the Escape is awarded with 5/5 stars for all of them. Rollover rating 4/5 stars (which is what most vehicles get). The NHTSA does recommend some optional safety features available on the Escape. These are; Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

 

Safety features on the 2019 Ford Escape

Standard

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, airbags, ABS, child safety rear door locks, and the LATCH system (for child car seats).  Also standard is the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, torque vectoring control, brake assist, and traction control.

Optional

Ford Safe and Smart Packages which include safety features such as;

  • Auto high-beam headlamps
  • Lane-Keep
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support
  • Driver-activated front rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Blind-Sport Information System with Cross Traffic Alert

 

Sport Appearance packages, as well as trailer towing packages, are also optional.

New colors added

New colors added for the 2019 Escape are; Agate Black, Baltic Sea Green, Sedona Orange. Discontinued colors for 2019 are; Blue, Cinnamon Glaze, Shadow Black, and White Gold. Oxford White is not available on the top of the range trim, the Titanium.

 

Changes to the 2019 Escape?

SE and SEL trim levels will now get a push-button start with keyless entry.  Sync3 infotainment standard on the SE trim.

2019 Ford Escape

2019 Ford Escape center console, Photo: Ford

 

Fuel Economy

 

Estimated fuel economy ratings as per the EPA.

 

EngineFuel Economy, MPG (City)Fuel Economy, MPG (Highway)Fuel Economy, MPG (Combined)
2.5L 4 cyl (FWD)212924
1.5L EcoBoost turbo (AWD)222824
2.0L EcoBoost turbo (AWD)212723

 

 

Dimensions and cargo space

 

2019 Ford Escape Dimensions
Length178.1 in.
Width81.8 in.
Height66.3 in.
Headroom39.9 in. front, 39.0 in rear
Leg room43.1 in. max front, 37.3 in rear
Hip room54.5 in. front, 52.4 in rear
Shoulder room55.9 in. front, 55.2 in rear
Passenger Volume98.7 cu.ft
Cargo volume68.0 cu. ft behind 1st row, 34.0 cu. ft. 2nd row

 

2019 Ford Escape Cargo

2019 Ford Escape Cargo Area, Photo: Ford

 

Comparing Trim levels

S

The S trim is the entry-level model available only in FWD. Key features include the 2.5L engine with flex-fuel capability.  17″ steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers and halogen reflector headlamps. Cloth front bucket seats and SYNC infotainment is standard with a 4.2″ screen.

SE

SE trim levels are available in FWD or Intelligent 4WD and the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. This engine also has built-in auto start-stop technology. Other noteworthy standard features are the Dual-Zone climate control, 17″ aluminum wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass on the 2nd row and tailgate glass. Keyless entry, power adjustable cloth bucket seats, and SYNC3 are also included. SYNC3 has the 8″ color touchscreen with AppLink. This also includes compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This functionality effectively renders built-in navigation defunct, given you can plug in your smartphone and have it project on the touchscreen. Even apps such as WAZE are compatible.

SEL

Key features on the SEL include; a power liftgate, reverse sensing system, and LED signature lighting. 17″ aluminum wheels are standard with 18″ wheels an option. Front row heated bucket seats with 10-way power for the driver. The front passenger seat is manual with a 4-way power adjustment. SYNC3 and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are also standard. Remote start and roof rack side rails and hands-free foot-activated liftgate. are included too.

Titanium

Top of the range, the Titanium trim level has the 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged engine. 19″ Machined Aluminum Wheels with Luster Nickel-Painted Spokes And Pockets are exclusive to the Titanium.  A heated steering wheel, 4 power points, and a panoramic vista roof are added as standard. Enhanced Active Park Assist with Parallel Park is also exclusive. The Titanium also has the hands-free foot-activated liftgate.

 

2019 Ford Escape front seats black leather

2019 Ford Escape Titanium front seats, Photo: Ford

 

 

2019 Ford Escape models are arriving in Ford showrooms beginning November 2018. Fremont Motors Ford in Cody, WY and Fremont Motors Ford in Scottsbluff, NE already have one each!