Sunday
Dec062009

Buffalo Middle School Gets Involved with West Herr Wishes

By Rich Wilkinson, West Herr Chevrolet

A local Middle School gets involved in West Herr Wishes! 

Gift Giving, West Herr WishesMartin Luther King Middle School (PS school 39), with the lead of teacher Natalie Hill (daughter of Pete Leo, Sales Chevy Orchard Park), got involved with the West Herr Wishes Toy donation drive! 

After collecting toys for over two weeks at her school it all culminated with a fantastic collection by the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at the school. 

The students along with Natalie and Pete loaded all the presents into boxes for pickup for the toy donation drive being held by West Herr. 

Martin Luther King Middle SchoolOver 170 presents were donated by the school and it was an extremely generous donation by the children and their families.  They dressed up for donation day and the little elves all celebrated with a pizza party to enjoy their fantastic accomplishment! 

A special thanks to all of the children of MLK 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes and especially Natalie Hill for spearheading such a great cause.

Friday
Dec042009

West Herr Shares Employment Needs with Teachers & Counselors.

On Monday, December 1, 2009, West Herr Automotive Group was host to the Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council’s (NFIEC) Career Awareness Course team.  http://www.nfiec.org/

The mission of the course is a “…semester-long series designed to share corporate culture, skill requirements, and employment needs with teachers and counselors. As part of these seminars, educators discuss ways in which information presented can be incorporated into curriculum/counseling efforts from primary to post-secondary levels.”

Pete Small, director of variable operations for the West Herr Automotive Group, took the 25 NFIEC attendees through the history, culture, vision and employment opportunities at West Herr.  A brief question and answer session followed.

Although the event started as a simple community outreach seminar, Small has received numerous post-session comments from attendees and has two employment candidate interviews set for referrals from the NFIEC course members.

Friday
Dec042009

Times Square for New Year's eve, featuring KIA?

2011 KIA Sorento in Times SquareTime Square at New Years, usually shows ads for Coke, Pepsi and Budwiser, but this year its the all new 2011 KIA Sorento. Kia has announced that it has secured a 60 by 40 foot billboard showcasing its CUV / SUV at the corner of Broadway and 7th Avenue in Times Square for the new years celebration. The new Sorento is KIA's largest vehicle launch and you will be hearing a lot about it on in the upcoming months.

This is one of the nicest looking small SUV for the 2011 model year so far  (in my humble opinion), with the beautiful designs coming from KIA lately I am not surprised.  KIA is quickly becoming a contender in vehicle sales in Buffalo and have been very busy launching vehicles lately. KIA  introduced the Soul in March, the Forte sedan in June and the Forte coupe in November.

From Automotive News: "2011 KIA SorentoThe KIA Sorentomade its North American debut at the L.A. show yesterday. The SUV comes with a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 172 hp and a 3.5-liter pushing 273 hp. Both are mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The seven-seat Sorento is longer and roomier than its predecessor and boasts 5 cubic feet more cargo space. It offers a first for any Kia vehicle: an optional panoramic sunroof." 

Vehicle will be available at West Herr KIA Visit KIA.com for more info

Sunday
Nov292009

Economic conditions are on the rise, so is now the best time to buy a car?

Contributing writer, Bill Bitterman

  • Traditionally at year’s end automobile manufacturers offer the biggest incentives including many 0% financing deals that might even be tied together with cash back incentives. Lease deals also get stronger at year’s end.
  • Banks are reemerging from the economic down turn; Strong banks and credit unions are back a nd looking for your business by offering lower rates. They have begun to loosen up credit, allowing more and more consumers to get approved.
  • Fuel Economy:  Today's cars are much more fuel efficient and they are also eco-friendly. Just 5 mpg better can save you as much as $14 per month in gas if you drive 1,000 miles a month like most drivers.
  • Dealers are doing everything they can to make their deal the best one out there. This means lower profits which equates to a better price on whatever vehicle he is interested in period!

So to answer the question, is now the right time? We think so.

Sunday
Nov292009

Subaru National Share the Love event, 5 Million This Year?

- by Mike Martin, West Herr Subaru.

Get a great deal.  Support a great cause!  Now through January 4, 2010, when you purchase or lease a new Subaru vehicle Subaru will donate $250.00 on your behalf to one of five charities.

Last year Subaru donated $4.7 million during the Share the Love event.  This year Subaru hopes to donate up to $5 million.

Call or stop by West Herr Subaru for details

716.662.3565

3565 Southwestern Blvd

Orchard Park, NY

Monday
Nov232009

CNN Says: Black Friday is the Best Day to Buy a Car

"If you're looking for a new car, the day after Thanksgiving is the best day of the year to buy." Source: Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com senior writer.

Black Friday Sales in BuffaloAt dinner the other night I talked about our Black Friday Sales Event planned for this Friday, and my sister-in-law said: "Buying a car will give the boys something to do on Friday, while the girls are at Toys-R-Us.. We all laughed, but you know that is just the point. This time of year may already be the best time to buy a car, with 0% and lease blowouts already happening, add to it all of the things we are doing on Friday to incentivize our customers.

  

Go to http://www.westherr.com/BLACKFRIDAY This friday for extra door buster prizes with purchase.

Go to http://bit.ly/Black_Friday_Event to read CNN Money's article. 

Thursday
Nov122009

West Herr Makes A Difference in the Fight Against Cancer

WEST HERR MAKES A DIFFERENCE

BY MARY JAYNE MURACO

I recently had a profound experience at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.    Within a period of three weeks this summer, my brother Bill and my sister Nancy, were both diagnosed with cancer.  As you can imagine this has been very difficult for my family.  Bill was diagnosed with stage three Lung Cancer and Nancy with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Bill, my older brother, is fifty-five years old and has been going to Roswell Park  for his treatment.   He raves about the great care he is getting.  He says every appointment is so organized and he never has to wait long.  The compassion shown by all of the employees of Roswell is outstanding. 

Roswell Park BuffaloWhen, Nancy who is forty-nine years old, was given the bad news, Bill encouraged her by insisting that she go to Roswell also.   I recently took Nancy to Roswell, early in the morning to have a test where they had her swallow a pill which contains a camera to read her insides.  She had to wear a pack that resembled a bomb and return to Roswell at 4:30 in the afternoon. 

While we were in the waiting room, a pretty middle aged woman was standing near us.  She had a baseball cap on to cover her bald head.  Nancy commented to this woman “I hope I look as good as you if I lose my hair.”  The woman took off her cap and had colorful pictures and notes written all over her head.  She said “The neighborhood kids draw on my head to make me smile.  Are you new to Lymphoma?”   Nancy shook her head yes, with tears in her eyes.  The woman replied “Give me your phone number and I’ll give you mine, so we can talk.  I’ve had five chemo treatments and I can help you through it.”  I was touched by her compassion and warmth.

Billy was going to Roswell for radiation at 4:20 in the afternoon, every day, five days a week.   I called him that day and told him I’d take both him and Nancy to their appointments since they were at about the same time.  We drove together and joked about Bill’s bald head and Nancy’s bomb pack.  Who could have ever imagined that I would be driving both my older brother and younger sister to Roswell Park at the same time?  It seemed surreal at the time and I kept wondering if all of this was really happening.

 When we arrived at Roswell, we walked through the doors to go to the radiation clinic for Bill.  I was so full of pride and comfort when I saw West Herr Automotive Group proudly displayed on the wall.   Words can’t describe how it gave me strength to know that I work for a company who has contributed so much to Roswell. 

Cancer touches so many lives.   When it is your own family who is dealing with this disease, the reality of how important this institute is, hits home.  I am thankful for all of the research they are doing in hopes of finding a cure for cancer.  The feeling you get when you are in Roswell Park is so different than any other hospital, I have ever been in.  Currently, my brother is doing very well as his tumor has shrunk.  Nancy has two more months of chemo and then hopefully will be in remission.   The staff at Roswell are wonderful and always there to answer questions or provide a smile of encouragement.

 I wanted to share my story and thank our company for all they do for this wonderful place of hope and healing.  In time, I am hopeful Roswell will find a cure for my brother and sister.     

More information:

About Cancer

Give to Roswell

 
Wednesday
Nov112009

Top 10 New Vehicle Features that we take for granted

Top 10 New Vehicle Features that we take for granted

By Mike Martin
West Herr Subaru KIA

There are many features on today’s cars that were once optional or not available.  Things we today take for granted.  Features like, power steering, passenger side outside rearview mirrors, radio, intermittent wipers and the like.  Even power windows and locks are virtually standard nowadays on all but a few models.  I thought I would compile my personal favorite accessories that although are not standard equipment may be sometime soon.  They may seem indulgent but remember who would have thought our cars today would have so many features.

  1. Automatic Climate Control:  Set it and forget it!
  2. Reverse Parking Sensors:  Especially great for larger vehicles. 
  3. Outside Temperature Display:  Don’t we all want to know what the temperature is?    I really like it when it’s a minus!
  4. Rain Sensing Wipers:  Turn on the wipers and the speed varies depending on how much moisture is on the window.  Awesome technology.
  5. Heated Seats:  Hey, it’s Buffalo what could be better.
  6. Remote Keyless Entry:  Need I say more?
  7. Remote Start:  See #5
  8. Power Seats:  Who doesn’t want a mobile Lazyboy!
  9. Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror:  The less I do the better.  Automatically dims for on-coming headlamps.
  10. Gas Mileage Computer:  We should all know the size of our footprints.

  I’m curious to see how fast they integrate to standard equipment.

Tuesday
Nov102009

Extreme Makeover Buffalo Edition

Extreme Makeover Buffalo Edition,

By David Fehrman

West Herr Jaguar

One of our West Herr customers is doing good in the community, not because of the publicity, but because of his commitment to making Western New York a better place for us all.

As many know, Extreme Makeover Home Addition is in Buffalo, rebuilding a home for a deserving family. What many may not know is who is playing a significant role. One of the players in making this happen is David Stapleton, president of David Homes. David builds homes and establishes neighborhoods throughout our area. One of the things for which his company is noted would be the “green technology” used in his building process. High quality homes friendly to our environment are a benchmark of David Homes. By supervising the make over of a home on Massachusetts Street, Stapleton is directing a team of volunteers numbering in the thousands. He has arranged for sub-contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers to supply the skill, talent, materials, and man-power to rebuild a home in one week. In addition, David is working with the Buffalo Zoo to rebuild a barn he disassembled, moved and donated. He is investing a tremendous amount of his time and money in WNY.

Follow the progress of the makeover, and find an opportunity to volunteer at http://www.davidhomesextreme.com.

David Homes is a company Stapleton conceived and built on his own. As a successful businessman, he is giving back to our region. Like many who do this, it is not for the recognition. Rather, he is driven by the desire to “do the right thing”. It is a pleasure to see this happen, and we thank him for his support to Buffalo and to West Herr.

Tuesday
Nov102009

New Honda Accord Crosstour, Very Nice, very nice indeed..

 

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour:

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour:
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour body

Summary
The Honda Accord Crosstour's styling and body construction evolved from the sophisticated foundation of the Accord Sedan. Architecturally similar to the distinctive shape of the Accord, key differences can be found throughout the entire body. No exterior panels are shared with any other Accord. The most noticeable differences include the overall height of the body from the floor to the roof and the obvious design differences in the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the sloped roofline and the tailgate.

The heightened body dimensions combined with increased ground clearance result in a commanding view of the road and a comfortable hip point for ease of entering and exiting the vehicle. Structural technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. Extensive application of high-strength steel (46 percent) contributes to high levels of torsional and static rigidity, reduced weight, and enhanced safety potential. Aerodynamic performance is increased through strategic use of under-body covers and strakes.

Body Highlights

  • Highly efficient, highly rigid and lightweight body
  • Efficient collision load paths with ACE Body Structure and load-dispersing inner frame
  • Active Control Engine Mounts
  • Aerodynamic body shape with optimized body components
  • Triple seam-sealed doors

Accord Crosstour Accord V-6 Sedan Toyota Venza Nissan Murano
Length, in. 196.8 194.3 189.0 188.5
Width, in. 74.7 72.7 75.0 74.1
Height, in. 65.7 58.1 63.4 67.0
Wheelbase, in. 110.1 110.2 109.3 111.2
Ground Clearance, in. 6.0 5.7 8.1 7.4

Exterior Styling Concept
The exterior styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped D-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The designers sought to build on the Accord's style that is already powerful, bold and sophisticated. Like the Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour's design is both sharp and strong, with a powerful-looking stance. Starting at the front, the Accord Crosstour's front fascia is enlarged and raised for dynamic toughness, and incorporates a wider and taller 6-point grille with large, horizontal slats surrounded by sharp and wide projector beam headlights. Well-defined wheel arches convey a strong stance and muscular tension. The fender lines appear broadened, like strongly muscled shoulders, with prominent character lines that sweep along nearly the entire body sides, subtly transitioning from an inverse line to an external line. Besides providing visual distinctiveness, these character lines communicate strength and structural depth. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, concealing a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a normal sedan.

Body Construction
Increased rigidity enables enhanced vehicle dynamics, ride comfort and driving quietness. The Accord Crosstour is constructed of 46 percent high strength steel (340 grade or above) to create a strong, yet lightweight body with high rigidity and enhanced safety. The ACE Body structure further enhances frontal collision compatibility between vehicles with different bumper heights. The Maximum Efficiency Floor (MEF) design is comprised of a network of longitudinal rails, floor cross-members and pillar reinforcements that carry heavy loads to enhance crash safety, handling and packaging efficiency. High tensile strength steel tubular beams inside the door structure provide additional intrusion resistance.


2010 Honda Accord Crosstour body in white

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Reduction Features
The Accord Crosstour is designed to drive exceptionally smooth and with reduced noise intrusion into the cabin. To accomplish this, the vehicle approaches NVH reduction from two primary directions - traditional insulation in the floor, doors and firewall; and active systems that work with the engine and audio system to cancel certain types of unwanted engine noise. A triple door-seal system is used to minimize wind and road noise. Strategic use of insulation in the rear fender wells also minimizes road noise.

Aerodynamic Enhancements
Aerodynamic performance is increased through the use of body under covers, a deflector under the front bumper, front strakes, the optimum inclination of the tailgate and an effective rear spoiler.


2010 Honda Accord Crosstour front view showing strakes by wheels

Ground Clearance
The ground clearance for the majority of the underbody area measures 8.1 inches and contributes to the Accord Crosstour's commanding presence compared to the Accord Sedan. The front strakes represent the lowest point under the vehicle at 6.0 inches (the official ground clearance number for EPA measurement purposes).

Active Control Engine Mounts
The Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration caused by the VCM system when cylinders are deactivated. During cylinder deactivation, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) instructs the ACM actuators to move in concert with the engine motions to effectively cancel the vibrations inherent to cylinder deactivation. Inside the cabin, the audio system-based Active Sound Control (ASC) further minimizes any unwanted sound relating to the function of the VCM system. (Please see the Interior section for more information.) Together, these innovations help make the implementation of fuel saving technology transparent and seamless to the driver.

Glass and Visibility
The Accord Crosstour was designed to provide excellent outward visibility, improving the comfort and convenience for all occupants. A large greenhouse creates excellent outward visibility. Deeply tinted privacy glass is used in the rear side doors, wedge-shaped rear quarter windows and rear tailgate.

Tailgate
The Accord Crosstour's front-hinged tailgate design creates a wide opening into the vehicle of 38.5 inches (980mm) and a low lift-in height of 28.4 inches (721 millimeters). The hinge design is configured so that the user does not have to step backwards when the door is opening or shutting.  The tailgate includes a large upper window and a smaller lower window for increased rearward visibility at lower sight angles. The lower window allows for objects like a 3.3-foot (1 meter) tall parking lot pole to be spotted at distances as close as 5.3 feet (1.6 meters). Comparatively, some CUV designs that lack a lower rear window require approximately 6.5 feet or more to spot the same 3.3-foot pole. The upper tailgate glass incorporates an intermittent rear wiper and washer nozzle. An electric defogger system is incorporated into the upper and lower glass sections.

The tailgate locks and unlocks with the interior's door locks. To open, an electronic switch under the license plate awning releases the tailgate when the vehicle is unlocked.  For ease of closing, a grip handle is located under the tailgate base. The tailgate can be opened in tight parking situations, requiring a minimum of 5.9 inches of space between the leading edge of the tailgate and a potential obstruction like a nearby vehicle or wall. Two gas-filled struts support the open tailgate.

Headlights and Taillights
The Accord Crosstour is equipped with halogen projector-beam headlights for low beam illumination and conventional reflective halogen high beam headlights. Projector-style headlights provide a distinctive and sporty appearance with a bright, focused beam for a superior, even distribution of light compared to conventional reflector lens designs. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. The taillights convey a deep three-dimensional appearance with layered inner lines that wrap from the back of the vehicle into the fenders. A clear lens for the backup light punctuates the overall red design. The taillight housings integrate a side reflector and turn signals in addition to the running lamps and the stop lights.

Door Design and Construction
The Accord Crosstour's doors are designed to operate with solid precision with a convenient three-stage detent hinge. Additional premium features include triple seals in the bottom of the door structure to better insulate the cabin from road noise. Triple seals also serve to keep moisture, dirt and road grime away out the kick panel area – a space that can sometimes come into contact with clothing while entering or exiting the vehicle. All door handles are soft to the touch underneath to improve operating comfort.

With the key inserted, the door lock cylinders can raise and lower the windows and open/close the moonroof by turning clockwise for up and counter-clockwise for down. The unlock button on the key fob will lower the power windows and open the moonroof when depressed for three seconds and then continuously held.

An automatic door locking/unlocking system is customizable by driver preference. Automatic locking can be linked to vehicle speed reaching 10 miles per hour (15 km/h), or the gear shift lever shifting from park, or it can be deactivated entirely.

Automatic unlocking, configurable to the driver's door or all doors, can be linked to the ignition switch being turned to the off position, or the gear shift lever being positioned in the park position, or it can be turned off entirely. The factory default for locking is linked to vehicle speed. The factory default for unlocking is linked to the gear shift lever and unlock activation for the driver's door only. 

Side Mirror
The vehicle's side mirrors are aerodynamically optimized to prevent wind noise and minimize turbulence. When the driver puts the transmission in reverse on the Accord Crosstour EX-L model, the driver or passenger-side mirror can tilt down (depending on left/right/off mirror switch position) to reveal curbs and ground level obstacles. The Accord Crosstour EX-L model includes mirror position memory linked to the driver's seating profile (activated with the key fob or the controls near the driver's door release). All models feature heated side mirrors as standard equipment.

Moonroof
To tilt or slide the moonroof the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. An auto-reverse feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone's hand or arm is positioned in the path of the moonroof. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism will reopen the moonroof.

 Source: Honda.com

See West Herr's inventory of Accords