Fuel Saving Tips

The news is everywhere: gas prices are on the rise and don’t show any signs of slowing. What are some things that the average person can do to improve their MPGs? Here is a handy guide to some options for the average consumer:

1.       Speed Limit: Follow it, that 5-7 mph rule that some people add to the posted speed limit may be costing you some serious change. Plus, it may save you from a costly ticket.

2.       Just Relax: Aggressive acceleration forces your engine to work harder, burning more fuel. Keeping a gradual acceleration can improve your consumption, and may help you relax as well.

3.       Check your tires! Tires with less air in them increase the amount of rolling resistance (the amount of effort it takes to move). So by maintaining the correct PSI in each tire, your car doesn’t need to work as hard!

4.       Coast. Although people always love the joy of accelerating downhill, letting off the gas on downward slopes will let gravity power your vehicle, and not gas.

5.       Cruise Control: By leveling out any unnoticed acceleration or over throttling, turning on cruise control can help you take the inconsistency out of your driving style. (We recommend against using cruise control in town.)

6.       Nitrogen. Because the normal air your tires are filled with is the same air you breathe, it contains oxygen, nitrogen, and a variety of other gases. While these may support life, they are not as good at supporting consistent tire pressure. By switching to pure nitrogen, less gases can escape through the natural pores in your tire rubber, causing them to stay at optimum PSI for 4-5 times longer, giving you greater fuel economy as well as saving time constantly checking your tire pressure. (We sell nitrogen conversions for $69.99 per car.

7.       Maintenance. The longer you go without changing your oil and air filter, the less and less efficient your vehicle becomes, increasing how much fuel you will use and decreasing the amount of power your car will make. After all, who wants a car with no power and poor fuel economy?  Adhering to your manufacturer prescribed maintenance schedule will be sure to save you at the pump.

We hope these tips help you in surviving the summer fuel prices. If you try all these tips and are still having difficulty budgeting for fuel, we would be happy to show you our full range of economical new and pre-owned alternatives, including hybrid, diesel, flex-fuel, and high efficiency vehicles.

For more information, you can email Kris.Nielsen@AristocratMotors.com. Visit us on the web at www.AristocratMotors.com ! Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AristocratMotors or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aristocratkc 

Vehicle Review: smart fortwo coupe

As the national average for a gallon of gas approaches $4.00, with some markets already seeing it hit the $5.00 mark, the American consumer is trying to figure out ways to minimize the impact on their budgets. Some companies are looking at a 4-day work week in an effort to lower commuting costs. Others are driving less aggressively, which makes a commute safer and more efficient for everyone.

We submit the following idea: the smart fortwo, a vehicle that combines efficiency, practicality, and safety, without sacrificing the sporty nature that our customers demand.

Let’s start off with performance. The smart fortwo utilizes a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine. This gasoline fueled vehicle develops 70 horsepower, which powers the coupe to 60 mph in just 12.8 seconds, a very competitive number for the subcompact fuel-sipping class. Additionally the vehicle has a top speed of 90 mph, which means you can reach the speed limit in every state, including Texas, where 85mph is the nation’s fastest.

Safety is built in and exceptional. Utilizing a Trition Safety Cell, the smart fortwo is designed in a way that all of the forces in an accident are diverted around the occupants. With safety technology designed by Mercedes-Benz, a leader in the field, all smart coupes come standard with advanced air bags, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control, giving this car an impressive 4/5 stars in NHTSA impact testing.

Creature comforts and driving dynamics really hit home for this vehicle. From the outside, the fortwo looks small, giving the impression that the vehicle will have a cramped interior. Upon entering the coupe, one is amazed at the amount of headroom and legroom presented in the car. Being 6’0” tall, I was astounded at the feeling of being dwarfed by the cabin. The dimension of the seats and layout of the interior gives both passengers an abundance of space.  The car is also quite the sporty little coupe. With its dimensions, the vehicle can navigate the tightest of turns, giving the driver quite the go-anywhere, park-anywhere, do-anything attitude. 

Saving the best for last, the smart fortwo coupe gets an astounding 41mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg in the city, with a EPA estimated 36 mpg estimate overall. Driving style can yield significantly better or worse results, yet many of our customers have reported fuel economy in the 45-50 range on long trips.

After having been amazed by the EPA mileage estimates, I was even more surprised by the fact that the smart fortwo pure coupe starts at an unbelievable $12,490.00.  That’s half as much as some of the other vehicles in its class.

In conclusion, the smart fortwo provides one of the most relevant solutions available to combat high fuel prices, with efficiency, safety, and versatility all rolled into one affordable package. The smart fortwo can be viewed at smart center Merriam, or smart center Kansas City. Please contact Melinda Melton at 913.677.3300 for more information.

Shanghai Auto Show Debut: The A-Class Concept

Last Night at the Shanghi International auto show top management from Mercedes-Benz were joined by international celebrities to showcase the world premier of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class concept vehicle and the all new 2012 SLK roadster.

The 2012 SLK Roadster was piloted on stage by Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg. Rosberg, who had just competed in the Gran Prix of China, had been driving the car on a daily basis on the roads around his home in Monaco, laid claim the SLK is the new premier roadster in its class. 

The biggest splash though was left for the new A-Class concept vehicle.  Dr. Dieter Zietsche, Daimler-Benz Chairman of the Board, profiled the new A-Class as being the lead vehicle in a series of vehicles to reach a new, younger and larger segment of buyers.  This new outreach will be done with the same quality, innovation and refined sportiness the world has come to expect from the worlds oldest automotive manufacturer.

To underscore the history and this new youthful commitment demonstrated in the A-Class the rollout was highlighted by an opening act that featured a remix of the Janis Joplin original, “Mercedes-Benz” performed by pop artist Estelle and Hip-hop artist David Banner.  

www.AristocratMotors.com

125th Anniversary Mercedes-Benz Dealer Meeting, Live from Stuttgart!

Mercedes-Benz Turns 125 Years Old

We are here in Stuttgart attending the 125^th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, the oldest car manufacturer in the world today. Seeing as 125 is a big number, Mercedes-Benz has matched it with an International Dealer-only meeting that fits the occasion.   

As part of the meetings first session, Mercedes-Benz introduced their plans through the next 5 years, which seems in “Mercedes-Benz time” like a very short period of time.  Unfortunately,  all cameras and phones were prohibited and yes, we were checked by guards at the door.  So this will be a written update on what are some exciting and ground breaking products from the world’s leading automobile manufacturer.

First up is the upcoming 2012 SLK, which we should see in June 2011. Let me tell you, on YouTube that panorama glass roof might be cool, but in person it is absolute breathtaking on a design that gives the SLK a closer alignment with the incredible SL Class.

Next up is the 2012 CLS, which will debut at the same time as the SLK. Expect some firsthand accounts of this car, since Mercedes-Benz  is providing us a fleet of them to “drive/flog/race” around The Hockenheim (race track) here shortly.

The C-Class Coupe, the two-door the world has waited for since the CLK bowed out, will be here sometime in September.  This is Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the 3-Series coupe and in our “unbiased” opinion,  this car is a knock out.

Acting as the next to last act in this cavalcade of new products, the 2012 ML utility vehicle will be here in September as well!  Equipped with a completely new styling, and enhanced interior space, options and value, the new ML will again allow Mercedes-Benz to set the standard in the Sport Utility market. 

The final act for 2011 introductions of 2012 models will be the incredible, beautiful and awe-inspiring SLS AMG Roadster.  There is nothing traditional about this roadster, except the call it makes to the memory of the classic SL300 Roadster of the mid 1950’s.  The SLS’s roadster styling definitely sits well with us, giving a complete different view from the gull-wing model.

The summer of 2012 will see the new 2013 SL, with a new AMG version with 612+ horsepower, as well as a refresh to the GL, giving it a family resemblance the upcoming ML styling.

Fall 2012 will bring a facelift to the GLK, with the E-Class to see a facelift in early 2013, complete with two new engines including a diesel motor.

2013 provides us even bigger news.  Yes the flagship of the line, the S-Class will be redesigned to look more Maybach-like, but the biggest news, the game changing news is two just announced new models:  the GLC, which will be a sub-GLK sized SUV, as well as the CLC, a smaller version of the CLS 4-door coupe. These two products will be stunning additions to our vehicle lineup and both the GLC and CLC will be offered in front wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Finally, the A and B Class compact vehicles should be here in 2015.

Look forward to more updates from us as the meeting progresses!

Social Media Training for Employees

Aristocrat Motors is committed to providing the highest level of experience to our customers, whether it be through their vehicle purchase, service experience, or the content we provide via our email newsletters and social media. That being said, we are also committed to taking care of our employees by making sure that they are on the curve as we expand into new avenues of the luxury buying experience.

Since we began our Facebook page just over 2 months ago, we recognized a need for employee training on the social media side. This week we rolled out that program, offering on-site, complimentary Facebook 101 classes that covered the basics of setting up an account, interacting with friends, and becoming part of the conversation. In addition to highlighting some of the unique things you can do on this platform, we emphasized responsible use of the site, with a focus on privacy and how to protect yourself on the web.

Finally, we keyed them into what Aristocrat Motors is up to on Facebook, providing relevant content to our fans, without constantly barking specials at them.

Employee Highlight: Jim Schmidt

Father, Barbecue Champion, and Volunteer

In a scene from the movie “The War,”  a father takes his son to a fair. At a point in the scene, his character becomes separated from his son while getting them cotton candy. He finds his son, being bullied and stops the fight. He then proceeds to give the cotton candy to the kids who instigated the fight, and they leave. His son asks why he gave them his cotton candy, to which he replies “It looked like no one had given them anything in a long time.”…

Jim Schmidt

Jim, the Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz service manager is not originally from Kansas City. Born in Philadelphia, he eventually moved to Connecticut, living his childhood on the East Coast. After being a rebellious “typical middle child,” Jim became interested in automobiles, eventually becoming a technician. Back in Connecticut, he got married to his wife, Jennifer. Shortly after they were married her father was transferred to Kansas City, and they came along too. In 1988, Jim moved to Kansas City and became a service advisor for the local Jaguar dealership, where after 3 months; he was promoted to service manager. Two months later, Aristocrat Motors purchased the Jaguar franchise, and that began his association with Aristocrat Motors.  Jim eventually moved to his current position as the Mercedes-Benz Service Manager, and today that role has expanded to include Porsche, Saab, Maserati, and smart. 

At home, Jim is the father to four daughters, three of which still live at home. His second oldest  daughter is keeping Jim and Jennifer busy preparing for a college soccer career, since she is being actively recruited by over 50 colleges. 

Jim is also a nationally recognized barbecue cook.  He and his partners in this endeavor have won numerous awards in all facets of this culinary competition both locally and regionally.  The entire staff at Aristocrat Motors will attest to this expertise since Jim is often found perfecting his craft by feeding the dealership at special functions.  

The amount of information regarding Jim and his history could fill chapters, but perhaps the most interesting aspect of his life is the commitment he has made to helping the homeless.

12 years ago, Jim’s wife, Jennifer, began helping out at a local charity called Uplift, where the mission is to provide hot meals, clothes and necessities to the homeless in the Kansas City Metro Area. She worked in the distribution center, where meals were prepared and the trucks were dispatched. One night, the truck crew was down a person, and she went along. She has been involved in the on site distribution ever since she was given that opportunity. Eventually she asked Jim to help out one night with the group was short a driver.  Jim has been driving distribution routes ever since.  This was a life-changing experience for Jim and for the numerous other people Jennifer and he have recruited to help them on their tours of Kansas City that most people don’t see or even imagine exist.

Uplift Van in Action

Uplift itself is operated completely on donations, a purely volunteer effort. Three nights per week, volunteers drive trucks to the homeless. Whether it be a street corner, a general area, or at one of the many camps deep in the woods, hot food makes its way into the areas of town where it is needed the most. In addition to hot meals, canned food items are distributed, giving the homeless something to hold them over on the days that the trucks aren’t operating. According to Jim, Uplift served 15,621 homeless people in 2010. The number of homeless in Kansas City has nearly doubled in the last year, creating an ever growing need for support.

Since Jim started working for uplift, he has met thousands of people in the Kansas City area, knowing many by name and usual location. He picks up a regular group every Sunday, takes them to get showered, do laundry…never does it seem that Jim’s free time isn’t occupied by something Uplift associated. By his involvement Jim has inspired countless Aristocrat Motors employees and family members to take up the cause as well.  Aristocrat Motor’s Service Departments provide the maintenance on the Uplift delivery vehicles. 

“It looked like they haven’t been given anything in a while.” The movie quote seems to apply to Jim’s personal philosophy on life. Often times the homeless he helps asks him why. “I’m here to serve you,” is always his response. He says that it is his belief that because he doesn’t live that life, it is his duty to help take care of those who do.

Uplift can be found on the web at www.Uplift.org