by L Baures | Feb 7, 2018 | Automotive News
Who is Alexa?
Alexa is a personal assistant in virtual form through a cloud-based system from Amazon. It was designed to compete with voice command systems like Siri from Apple. Using an Amazon speaker system such as the Echo, Alexa can perform tasks such as playing music or turning on house lights through a smart home system. Alexa has what are called, “skills”, and Amazon is constantly updating the “skills” available to Alexa, making her smarter and smarter as time goes on.
In a recent Toyota press release, the head of product for Amazon Alexa Automotive, John Scumniotales, said, “Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars. This integration means that customers can interact with Alexa, virtually anywhere they drive”. Sounds like world domination and another step towards autonomous vehicles to me. Whether we like or not, its coming and now it’s another step closer.
As well as Toyota introducing Alexa into select Toyota’s with the Toyota Entune 3.0 App Suite, Jeep also announced the feature as available on 2018 Jeep Cherokee’s.
2018 Jeep Cherokee with Tech Connect
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with the ‘Tech Connect’ Package will have a UConnect “skill” available for Alexa. Users will be able to use commands to the system to;
- Start the vehicle’s engine
- Lock or unlock the doors
- Send navigation requests
- Check fuel levels
- Check tire pressures
The Cherokee with Tech Connect package will also come with an Amazon Echo Dot device, a 3-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited (family plan). Also included is a 3-month subscription to Audible.
Jeep is also setting the car apart by slightly modifying the exterior look. Cherokee’s with the Tech Connect package will also have painted lower cladding in black, and a gloss black finish on the chin applique. The grille will get an upper and lower surrounds. 18″ painted aluminum wheels, as well as roof rails and badging, are also featured.
2018 Cherokee Tech Connect Package
To find out more about the Jeep Cherokee with Amazon Alexa, feel free to contact us, or get in touch with a Jeep salesperson at Fremont Motors.
“Toyota to Introduce Amazon Alexa in Its Vehicles.” Toyota, 9 Jan. 2018.
Goyer, Todd, and Jordan Wasylyk. “FCA US Media 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude With All-New Tech Connect Package Includes New Uconnect Skill for Amazon Alexa and an Amazon Echo Dot Device.
by L Baures | Feb 6, 2018 | Automotive News
The Ford Ranger has been around for 30 years
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been around for about 30 years. Ford ended production of the pickup for North America in 2011, however, continued in other countries. Whilst the plant in Minneapolis closed, Ford in Argentina were working on the next model (the Ranger T6). It was also still being produced in Europe and in 2015 was the best-selling pickup truck. Here comes the 2019 Ford Ranger for North America.
2019 Ford Ranger Photo: Ford
With other manufacturers such as Chevrolet introducing the Colorado, GMC, the Canyon and Toyota still having the Tacoma in the mid-sized truck class, it’s no surprise Ford is returning with the Ranger. The new truck for North America is set for 2019, although it is planned to be released in China this year.
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Photos: Ford
Trim levels on the 2019 model will be XL, XLT, and Lariat.
What features can we expect in the 2019 Ford Ranger?
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Interior Photos: Ford
Overview
- 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
- 10-Speed Automatic transmission
- High-strength steel frame
- SuperCab and SuperCrew Cab configurations (half-size back doors and full-size back doors)
- Front and rear steel bumpers (frame-mounted)
- FX4 Off-Road package will be available (skid plates, upgraded tires, off-road tuned shocks, and suspension)
- Wide approach and departure angles (for off-roading)
- Terrain Management System™ and Trail Control™ available
- Electronic lockable rear axle
So it seems as though from those specs that there is going to be some good off-road features on the truck. Will it be enough to compete with the Colorado ZR2?
4WD Photo: Ford
It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger will have all the latest in safety technology. Some of those features will depend on trim level.
Safety
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on Lariat trim level)
- Pedestrian detection (standard on Lariat)
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Reverse Sensing
- Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage (standard on XLT and Lariat)
- Available SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto
- Ford + Alexa
- Navigation optional
Ford says the Ranger pickup will be specifically designed for the American market. It will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant later this year. The truck will be available for purchase in early 2019.
Tradition gear selector vs rotary dial Photo: Ford
Doug and Diane from Jackson, WY
“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and Purchasing. This is evident in Doug and Diane, from Northern Wyoming, who have a 1994 Ford Ranger that they purchased in 1995. They chose to have Ranger based on the size and utility of the vehicle. Diane said, “A pickup is handy, it has held up well”. Both of them are avid outdoor enthusiasts, so the truck has most likely been put through its paces.
They said they have been waiting for the new Ranger to come out to replace theirs. Although, after hearing about the engine (2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost®) they aren’t so sure. They said they will have to find out more about the new Ranger but will also be looking into a Colorado (which currently has 3 engine choices including a diesel option). Ford has a diesel engine option about to be released in the next couple of months for the F-150. They have not released any info suggesting if they will put this diesel option in the Ranger or not.
https://youtu.be/P-XxdvBuJGw
Video: Ford
Pickup Trucks Gas Vs Diesel
Ford F-150 What’s New for 2018
“Ford Ranger.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger.
OPSITNIK, Liz. “Ford to Stop Making Ranger Small Truck in December.” Cars.usnews.com, U.S. News & World Report, 23 June 2011
“AN AMERICAN FAVORITE REINVENTED: NEW FORD RANGER BRINGS BUILT FORD TOUGH INNOVATION TO U.S. MIDSIZE TRUCK SEGMENT.” An American Favorite Reinvented: New Ford Ranger Brings Built Ford Tough Innovation to U.S. Midsize Truck Segment | Ford Media Center, Ford, 14 Jan. 2018,
by L Baures | Feb 5, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
James Ogden
James is a Sales Consultant at the Fremont Volkswagen store in Casper, Wyoming. We interviewed him to find out a little more. He was born and raised in Casper. He previously worked in Seattle for 11 years he has been back in Casper for around 10 years now.
What is your favorite part of the job?
James says his favorite part of the job is, “When somebody purchases that vehicle, whether it be pre-owned or new. That smile on their face, They’re happy. The delivery of the vehicle, the waking out the door with a great big smile”.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“When I’m not working, in the summer, I’ll spend a lot of time at the lake or up on the mountains, or in my garden. Always with my dog though, my little jack russell”.
What is your favorite food?
“My favorite food is authentic Mexican food or authentic Italian. It’s hard to pick between the two”.
How about music. What kind of music do you like?
“My favorite music. Uh, I’m pretty well-rounded when it comes to music, but I like, live bands in a small venue. It always seems to be a much more lively atmosphere”.
What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie would probably have to follow my sense of humor. It would be ‘Christmas Vacation'”.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“…I like to travel on a whim, so I have left Seattle with 3 days notice to head to Brazil. It was work-related, but I just did it. I just up and went”.
What was your first car?
James replies, “My first car…was a 1978 Chevy Nova”.
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
‘If I could have any car, it would be a Bugatti Veyron”. Bugatti is, of course, owned by Volkswagen.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be a veterinarian, for my love of pets, and animals,” says James.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
“I would say my travels, learning cultures, learning about different food. 6 other countries and 49 States I think is a pretty big deal. A lot of people don’t travel enough these days and I wish everybody had that opportunity.
Fremont Staff
Here are some Staff Spotlights from other Fremont Staff members;
Laura Hofstad
Brad Lehman
Ty O’Neal
Chase Tuttle
Bill Vigil
Corey Rissler
Dave Stricker
Brett Osborne
by L Baures | Jan 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Photo: FCA
How to use the Ram Power Wagon Winch
The RAM 2500 Power Wagon is the only truck that comes standard with a winch from the factory. The WARN winch is a recovery tool that is capable of winching up to 12,000lbs. Last summer, I was lucky enough to test out the truck on an off-road course in Colorado. The video and article for that is here. Read on to learn how to use the Power Wagon winch.
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by L Baures | Jan 30, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What do the numbers on the side of your tires mean?
The number and/or letters on the side of your tire, essential mean size, but there are factors to consider too.
Why you should know the numbers on your tires
Unless you are upgrading or changing the rims on your vehicle you should always try to stay with the same size tire as what came with the vehicle from the factory. Whilst you may take it to a tire technician to replace them and he will know what the numbers mean, you may end up in a situation one day where you need to know what you are looking at. It’s always useful when price matching or shopping around too. You won’t be able to get an accurate price without knowing the size.
The first three numbers represent the tire width. This number would something like, ‘215’ or on our diagram it is 275 which quite a wide tire. This is the measurement from the outside (facing the world) of the tire to the inside of the tire (facing the inside wheel arch of your vehicle). A tire with 215 written as the first three digits, means the tire is 215mm wide.
There will be a forward slash (/) to separate the next numbers. Two numbers that follow the forward slash represent the profile of the tire, or also known as the aspect ratio. This is a two digit number that is a measurement of the height of the cross-section of the tire to its width. The lower this number, the more your tires will look like rubber bands. The higher this number, they will look more towards a tractor tire. This number is usually somewhere from 35 to 90. Somewhere around 60 is about average. These numbers will end in 0 or 5.
- Next will be a letter or two letters that describe the construction of the tire. This is most always an ‘R’ for passenger type vehicles, which means radial. In our picture, there are the letters ‘ZR’ which means the tire is a performance radial for high speeds.
- The last two digits will be the rim size. So in our pic, ’20’, is at the end. This means the rim size is 20″.
The rest of the numbers/letters spread around the tire represent some other important information such as;
- Load rating
- Speed rating
- DOT symbol
- TIN
- UTQG
- Traction grades
- Temperature grades
To find out more about tires or talk to someone about the tires on your vehicle, contact us here.
by L Baures | Jan 29, 2018 | Automotive News
Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra is now in the 5th model of the third generation and only subtle changes have been made for the 2018 model year. The trim lineup is as follows; Sierra, Elevation Edition (Sierra), SLE, Elevation Edition (SLE), SLT, All Terrain, Denali.
Photo: GMC Media
Two new colors are added and two old colors are deleted. Crimson red and Pepperdust metallic are no longer. They are replaced with Deep Mahogany Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat. There are no photos available yet from GMC press on those colors in the 1500 Sierra, however, a similar mahogany color was used back in 2016. It looks to be a brownish color with a hint of purple. Then new red color looks to be a lot brighter than the Crimson red.
The 2018 GMC Sierra will now feature a tire pressure ‘Tire Fill Alert’ system which gives an audio and visual alert outside the truck when inflating the tire, so you know when it’s at the correct pressure. The base model will now get a 7″ color touchscreen radio and all trucks will back up cameras. 4 speaker systems will now be upgraded to a 6 speaker system. Brembo performance brake kit now available as an option.
Sierra 2500/3500HD
The GMC Sierra HD has the highest horsepower rating it in its class for the diesel. The Duramax 6.6L turbocharged V-8 puts out 445hp and 910 lb-ft torque. The model lineup in the heavy duty Siera is as follows; Sierra, SLE, SLT and Denali. All Terrain package is available and the All Terrain X package can be added to an SLT.
Colors no longer available are Crimson Red Tintcoat, Deep Garnet Metallic, and Pepperdust Metallic. Colors added to the heavy duty lineup are the same as the half-tons, Deep Mahogany and Red Quartz Tintcoat. The same as the 1500, back up cameras will also be standard throughout the range. 4 speaker systems upgraded to 6 speakers and the 4.2″ screen replaced with 7″ color touchscreen. The ‘Tire Fill Alert’ will be added to single rear wheel heavy duty trucks only.
The Sierra truck with the most new features added is the All Terrain HD which gets;
All Terrain HD Package
- Spray on bed liner
- All terrain tires (265/70R18)
- Front and rear park assist
- Z71 Off-Road suspension package
- Underbody shield
- All-terrain grille insert with chrome surround
- Heated steering wheel
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- Sill plates
- Floor liner
- Black painted mirror caps
- Body-color door handles and side moldings
- Black belt moldings
- Black skid plate
- 4″ round side steps
For more information on GMC pickup trucks feel free to contact us or check out the GMC dealership in Riverton, Wyoming.
![Staff Spotlight: James Ogden [Video]](https://tap.fremontmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/sm_xrtdhida.jpg)
![How To Use: RAM Power Wagon Winch [Video]](https://tap.fremontmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hdcbdytsd0-1080x675.jpg)
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