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CRANBROOK OF CRANBROOK

s s e L t s o C s r Ca

Your East Kootenay Automotive Dealers Thursday, September 27 • Reaching readers throughout the East Kootenay • FREE

Kimberley Motor Village DL#5248 DL#6340

Yeah, But Can Your Truck Tow a Space Shuttle?

Toyota Motor Sales, announced that the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow the space shuttle Endeavour during its final journey to the California Science Center on October 13, 2012, where it will go on permanent display. The Endeavour will travel a total of 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on city streets to the Science Center, with the Tundra towing the last quarter mile. Tested extensively prior to the announcement, the 2012 Tundra is slated to safely tow the 300,000 pound historic artifact down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. Endeavour will be towed using a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup, identical to models currently found in Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power. Toyota has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour. “There is no larger or more recognizable icon of the U.S. space program’s success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota Vice President of marketing communications. “The entire journey is something the world will be watching, and gives us a chance to prove that the ‘overbuilt’ Tundra is built to do any job – even tow the space shuttle.”

For more information go to: www.toyota.com/tundraendeavour/landing Local: 250-489-4010 Long Distance: 1-888-489-4010

www.alpinetoyota.com DL#30845

1924 Cranbrook St. N. Cranbrook, BC

motion - March 14, 2011

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. */†/‡/♦Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 Silverado Ext (1SA) and 2012 Silverado Cheyenne Edition Ext (R7H) equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. GMCL, Ally Credit or TD Financing Services may modify, extend or terminate this offer in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See Chevrolet dealer for details. †0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Ally Financing Services for 72 months on new or 2012 Silverado Ext/Silverado Cheyenne Ext. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $138.89 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $10,000.00. ‡0.99% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Ally Financing Services for 84 months on new or 2012 Silverado Ext/2012 Silverado Cheyenne Ext. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $123.27 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $354.62, total obligation is $10,354.62. ♦$7,500 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit available on select 2012 Silverado Ext/2012 Silverado Cheyenne Ext (tax exclusive) for retail customers only. Other cash credits available on most models. tBased on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. +For more information visit iihs.org/ratings. ^ 5 year/160,000 km (whichever comes first) Powertrain Component warranty. Conditions and limitations apply. Based on most recent published competitive data available for WardsAuto.com 2012 Large Pickup segmentation. See dealer for details. ^^ Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ∞Based on current website competitive information at time of printing. ∆ $1,000 ‘GM Truck Owner Loyalty/Conquest Bonus’ incentive is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive). Example: $10,000 purchase price, after tax price is $11,200 ($10,000 plus $1,200 applicable taxes). After applying $1,000 bonus, after tax price is $10,200 ($880 reduced purchase price plus $120 applicable taxes), with the $1,000 credit being the $880 reduction from the purchase price and the $120 reduction in taxes which would have otherwise been payable on the full purchase price. $1,000 bonus is available only to customers who currently own a GM or Competitive Pickup Truck registered and insured (in Canada) in their name for the previous consecutive six months. The bonus may be applied towards the purchase/finance/lease of an eligible new 2012/2013 Model Year Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, 2012 MY Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon delivered between September 1, 2012 and October 1, 2012. Only one (1) credit may be applied per eligible vehicle sale. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). The $1000 credit includes HST/GST/QST/PST as applicable by province. Offer applies to new or demonstrator models. Dealer order or trade may be required. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and may contact GM to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash. This offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. See your local GM dealer for details. GM reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer and/or the program for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice.

PAGE 2 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Automobile theft is no laughing matter. It leaves people without a means of transportation, costs the public more money in insurance payments and taxes and can give anyone the feeling of being personally violated. The FBI estimates that around one million motor vehicles are stolen in the United States each year. The Insurance Bureau of Canada

How to avoid becoming a vehicle theft statistic

FOR ONLY

ALSO AVAILABLE:

AUTOMOTION

says that a car is stolen every three and a half minutes in Canada, an estimate that translates to approximately 420 cars per day. Auto theft costs everyone millions of dollars -and can even cost some their lives. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the chances of a car being stolen are now significantly less than they were in

$9,000

BASED ON A PURCHASE PRICE OF $26,695* INCLUDES FREIGHT & PDI, PLUS $7,500 CASH CREDITS u

0% CREDIT ON CASH PURCHASE PRICEu

1989. That could be due to vehicle theft prevention systems that now come standard on many new cars. While not all vehicle thefts and breakins can be prevented, there are many devices individuals can employ to help reduce the risk of vehicle theft. • Immobilizing devices: There are several types of immobi-

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lizing devices available to protect a car from theft. An immobilizing system works by preventing thieves from bypassing your ignition switch and hot-wiring your car. An immobilization device can involve a kill switch that needs to be turned on before the car will start and can be cleverly hidden. Most cars also come with specially encoded smart keys

MASSIVE WITH UP TO

Call North Star Motors Ltd. at 250-489-4711, or visit us at 1816 Cranbrook Street North, Cranbrook. [License #5717]

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that are required to start the car. The key is unique to the make, model and VIN number of the car. • Car alarms: Car alarms work as a deterrent to theft, but they do not always prevent theft. The alarm sounds when the vehicle is tampered with or the door is opened, but many people have become desensitized to car alarms because of the

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TO FIND YOUR BC DEALER AND SEE OUR OFFERS, VISIT:

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3 WAYS to SAVE

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frequency of “false alarms” from car owners setting the alarms off themselves. Therefore, they may no longer be as effective as they once were. In addition, many thieves can disarm an alarm in a matter of seconds. • Hood and tire locks: Locks that are installed on different parts of the car or truck can also deter thieves.

FINANCE

LIGHT DUTY MODELS

FOR UP TO

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2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EXT CAB

A hood lock stops a potential thief from getting under the hood and gaining access to the engine and wiring. Tire locks are special devices that require a unique tool to remove the tire. This can help prevent tire theft and may give thieves pause as to what other anti-theft devices are on the car. See AVOID, Page 3

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VISIT YOUR CHEVROLET DEALER BEFORE OCTOBER 1ST TO SAVE ON OUR 2012 CHEVROLET MODELS

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Call Chalet Chevrolet at 250-427-4895, or visit us at 1142 304th Street, Kimberley. [License #6340]

AUTOMOTION

Road rules apply to cyclists, too Riding a bicycle is beneficial for many reasons. Not only does riding a bicycle reduce the number of cars on the road, but such an activity is also great exercise. However, when riding bicycles, cyclists must keep in mind that the rules of the road that apply to cars do also extend to bicycles. In many areas of the country, bicycles are subject to the same rules as other two- and four-wheeled vehicles. That includes

yielding to pedestrians and obeying signage. Other rules include: • riding on the correct side with traffic; • when turning, always using the turning lane; • obeying traffic signs, lights and road markings; and • using correct hand signals. Not every cyclist obeys the rules. In many major cities, cyclists routinely ignore traffic lights while repeat-

edly failing to make proper hand signals. That’s especially disconcerting in cities like New York, where special bike lanes have become the norm on some of the city’s busiest streets. Sharing the road safely remains a concern for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. If bicycle riders do their part to obey the rules of the road, fewer altercations and accidents may occur. Metro

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 3

Avoid becoming theft statistic Continued from Page 2 • Tracking devices: There are devices, like Lojack, that are designed to pinpoint the position of a car. It uses FM radio frequencies to help police recover the car. Some people also purchase after-market GPS devices that will show their vehicle’s location on a computer or smartphone. • OnStar: This system was originally designed to be a crash-notification system, but it now offers other helpful services. Individuals can use OnStar for directions, to unlock their vehicles and now to slow down their cars and trucks if they have been sto-

NEW!

len. OnStar comes pre-installed on many General Motors cars. There are other steps to take to prevent vehicle thefts and break-ins. • Whenever possible, park in wellilluminated areas. • Never leave your car unlocked. • Keep valuables, including money, out of site in your car. • Be mindful of where you keep your car keys. • When parking in unfamiliar neighborhoods, park in public paylots that have security present. • Know your car alarm sound and be aware of it.

HEAVY DUTY HOISTS! arriving soon

• Able to Work on all Vehicles up to 1 ton • Every Vehicle Receives a FREE Alignment Check • Walk-ins & Appointments Welcome • Just Call 250-489-5563 to BOOK NOW!

1100 Victoria Avenue North, Cranbrook • 250-489-5563 Shop Hours Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm

We put over 30 years of Experience

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250-426-1128 • 16 Cobham Ave. W, Cranbrook www.SignalCollision.com • www.Qualityassured.ca

Signal Collision

PAGE 4

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

GET READY FOR WINTER

FALL SERVICE SPECIALS

• LIFETIME TIRE & BRAKE WARRANTY - BEST IN THE BUSINESS! • EXPRESS SERVICE - NO APPT. NECESSARY • GUARANTEED TIRE PRICING • WINDSHIELD CHIP REPAIR • SHUTTLE SERVICE

ENGINE OIL FLUSH WHEN PERFORMING OIL CHANGE

TOYOTA WIPER BLADES

15.95

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REMOVES DEPOSITS AND SLUDGE TO EXTEND ENGINE LIFE.

Alpine Toyota: Gas powered vehicles only. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. Limit one coupon per visit, per day. Must present coupon at time of arrival. Expires Oct. 31, 2012.

Alpine Toyota: Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. Limit one coupon per visit, per day. Must present coupon at time of arrival. Expires Oct. 31, 2012.

MOUNT AND BALANCE 4 TIRES

FUEL INJECTION SERVICE

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EVERY 4 YEARS/80,000 KM

INSTALL WINTER TIRES

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Alpine Toyota: Light duty vehicles only. Valve stems & wheel weights extra. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. Limit one coupon per visit, per day. Must present coupon at time of arrival. Expires Oct. 31, 2012.

Quality People, providing Quality Service. It is what we do. SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELS WITH A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. Service Dept. Hrs: Mon to Fri: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm • Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

DL#30845

1924 Cranbrook St. N, Cranbrook, BC Local or Long Distance: 250-489-4010 • 1-888-489-4010 www.alpinetoyota.com

How to help teenagers become better drivers

A new crop of teenagers is ready to take to the roads with their newly minted drivers’ licenses. Most teenagers are anxious to get behind the wheel because having a license and access to a car means freedom they may not have had before. However, parents and guardians may be worried about these teens on the road because they lack the practice and experience of more advanced drivers. Continuing to educate young drivers about safety can help reduce the risk of accident. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that vehicular accidents account for 35 percent of all fatalities among people 15 to 20 years old. What puts teens particularly at risk is the tendency of many young drivers to engage in reckless behavior and/or distracted driving. It is often up to parents to reinforce the rules of the road and also consistently work with their children so that the teens can become better drivers. • Practice safer driving. As with any activity, practice helps hone skills and teaches people through their own mistakes. Driving is no exception. •Mistakes on the road can be serious; therefore, it is best for teen drivers to practice driving in areas that are not heavily populated or full of traffic. Parents may want to establish rules that the teen is not able to drive solo until he or she passes the requirements set forth by Mom or Dad. Parents can routinely ride around with their teen children to gauge how progress is coming along. • Get the facts. Talk to teens about road risks and how to stay safe. Research the laws and statistics pertaining to teenage drivers and

touch touche

Traffic accidents account for many injuries and fatalities among teens. Education and practice are essential to helping teenagers become better drivers.

share that information. It may not always be well received, but there’s a good chance that some of the message will get through. • Set a good example. According to a 2007 study from Students Against Destructive Decisions, the biggest influence on how teens drive is their parents. Almost two-thirds of high school teens say their parents talk on a cell phone while driving, almost half say their parents speed and almost one-third say their parents don’t wear a safety belt. Parents should be mindful of their own behaviors when driving and the impression those behaviors are making on youngsters. • Establish rules. Distracted driving is claiming more and more lives each year. Many accidents are as the result of texting while driving. According to Distraction.org, in 2010, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were

injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. Also, research has found that sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent -- at 55 mph -- of driving the length of an entire football field blind. Parents can implement rules, such as that cell phones are not allowed to be on while in the car or the phone should be stored in the back seat or trunk while a teen is driving. Parents also may want to set rules that multiple passengers (friends) are not allowed to ride in the car until the teen is more accustomed to driving. Driving is an activity that offers freedom and mobility. It is also one that places a very large and potentially destructive piece of machinery into the hands of a driver. Education should be ongoing as teens learn to drive.

Local or Long Distance 250

www.alpine

1924 Cranbrook St

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 5

Child car safety goes beyond car seats

Car accidents are the leading cause of injury for children. Ensuring kids are safe in the car goes beyond securing them in the right child safety seat. It means taking added precautions to avoid injuries. Nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents in the U.S. And roughly 160,000 road accidents occur in Canada each year. This translates to 2,800 to 2,900 people killed on the road every year. Car accidents are also the leading cause of acquired disability, such as brain injury and paralysis, for children. Most people are aware that they should use the requisite child safety seat for their kids but do not heed other safety warnings. Here are some ways to keep dchildren safe when rideing in vehicles. r • Recognize that having a car seat is not enough. Even parents who have child safety seats for their kids may not be using them correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 72 percent of the 3,500 observed child vehicle safety restraints being used indicated improper use. When poor use happens, the risk that the child will suffer an injury rises. One of the reasons children are harmed in vehicular accidents is because the child is moved to a larger restraint system or an adult seat prematurely. • Injuries can occur to children when they are left to their own devices in or around a vehicle. Although there are certain safety precautions built into a car, they are not always foolproof. A child may shift a parked car into gear and roll into the street from a driveway. Other injuries may include getting hurt from powered accessories in the car, such as moving seats or liftgates. • Make sure kids stay buckled in. As a child graduates from 5-point harnesses to regular safety belts, they are

likely to be able to unlatch the belt to exit the car. Some children are prone to taking off a seat belt while the car is in motion. Children moving around a vehicle are not only putting themselves at risk but the driver as well. A driver may become distracted by movement in the car. Furthermore, in the event an accident occurs, a child who is not wearing a seatbelt becomes a flying projectile who might injure others in the car. • Keep all limbs inside the vehicle. It may seem like a game for a child to lean his or her head or arms out of the window while the

vehicle is in motion, but such behavior is inherently risky. • Be mindful of kids being injured when around a car. It’s not only when a child is in the car that an injury may occur. Children who sprint into the street after a rolling ball or dash through parking lots may be hit by motorists who are not paying attention or do not react quickly enough. Drivers of SUVs and minivans often find it difficult to see a short child behind a car when backing up. An investment in a back-up camera or obstruction sensor can help reduce the risk of accident or injury.

UP TO

ng Celebrati

35 YEARS

Mark Warsaba, Area Manager for Volkswagen Canada, recently recognized Arrow Motors for 35 years of exemplary service right here in Cranbrook. Mr.Warsaba is shown here presenting the award to Dealer Principal Jim Szakacs and Jimmy Jorgensen, Sales Manager of Arrow Motors.

$6,000

CASH SAVINGS

2012 Routan amount shown

2012 Jetta

$3,000

CASH SAVINGS*

2012 Tiguan

$3,000

CASH SAVINGS*

Great oﬀers also available on our 2013 models.

Life is paying you back 2034 Cranbrook St. N. Cranbrook, BC Dealer Name Ph. 250-489-4327 • 1-877-689-4327 • Fx. 250-426-5635 Dealer AddressDL#5467 – (XXX) XXX-XXXX www.arrowmotorsvolkswagen.com

vw.ca

*Limited time discount available on cash purchase only of the following select new and unregistered 2012 gas models remaining in dealership inventory: Jetta / Tiguan / Routan with respective discounts of $3,000/$3,000/$6,000. Discounts on cash purchase of other remaining new and unregistered 2012 models vary by model. Golf R excluded. Oﬀers end November 30, 2012 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 2012 Jetta Highline 2.5L and 2012 Tiguan 2.0T shown. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Visit vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen”, the Volkswagen logo, “Jetta”, “Tiguan” and “Routan” are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Volksfest” is a trademark of Volkswagen AG. © 2012 Volkswagen Canada.

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 7

Cars COST LESS in Kimberley Two Award Winning, Independent Dealerships Working Together to SAVE YOU MONEY! CHALET GM’s

Fall’s Best Buys 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4 CREW CAB

1.8L, 4 cyl with 5 speed transmission, power window, locks, air cruise, sound pkg, Bluetooth, 17” aluminum wheels, sunroof.

30,272 OR $ 420.44*/mo.

26137_R0_EmployeePricingAdblock_7.3x3.indd 1

MSRP $22,035

Stk# 16541

NOW ONLY

Stk# 16996

Plus 0% for 72 months OAC

none

TRiM:

7.3” x 3”

Plus 0% for 84 months OAC

2012 CHEV CRUZE ECO SEDAN

2012 BUICK VERANO SEDAN

1.4L, 4 cyl, turbo charged 6 speed automatic, Bluetooth, remote vehicle start, cruise control, air, 17” aluminum wheels, On Star, steering wheel audio controls.

Ask us about $1000 Costco also available if applicable. COLOuRs: 4C

MAgEnTA YELLOw

BLEED:

None 26137 REV 0

jOB DEsC.: Employee Pricing Adblock - English sTART DATE: 06/07/12

REVisiOn nuMBER: 0

none

BLACK

TO PRE-PREss:

PRODuCTiOn: Mario Pariselli CREATiVE: Randy govang

DATE

sTuDiO

sTuDiO: Mathur, Anant

PRODuCTiOn

PREV. usER: Mathur, Anant

CREATiVE DiR.

ART DiRECTOR

TO PuB:

COPYwRiTER ACCOunT

FOnT DisCLAiMER: The fonts and related font software included with the attached electronic mechanical are owned (“Y&R Proprietary Fonts”) and/or licensed (“Y&R Licensed Fonts”) by The Young & Rubicam group of Companies uLC. They are provided to you as part of our job order for your ser are to be used only for the execution and the completion of this job order. You are authorized to use the Y&R Proprietary Fonts in the execution of the job order provided that any and all copies of the Y&R Proprietary Fonts shall be deleted from your systems and destroyed upon c of this job order. You warrant and represent that you have secured the necessary licenses for the use of Y&R Licensed Fonts in order to execute our job order and will abide by the terms thereof.

Stk# 16801

NOW ONLY

MSRP $29,445

NOW ONLY

27,699*

Plus 0% for 84 months OAC

29,589

*Plus doc. fee of $299 plus applicable taxes.

KIMBERLEY

Dan McConnell Sales Consultant

Daniel Powell

Sales Consultant

Alan King

Business Manager

CLiEnT

ACCOunT ExEC: Doug Ramsey

SUPER CREWS STARTING AS LOW AS JUST

FiLE nAME: 26137_R0_EmployeePricingAdblock_7.3x3.indd

Remote start, automatic climate MOD. DATE: 6-11-2012 11:05 AM control, sunroof, Bluetooth, GPS navigation with touch screen, MEDiA TYPE: Templates pluss much, much, more. insERTiOn DATE: june

22,677 OR $ 269.96*/mo.

Stk# 16352

LiVE:

Cyan

CLiEnT: Ford

6/11/12 11:06 AM

NOW ONLY

20,758* OR DOCKET # FOC RET A26137 $ 247.12*/mo. REgiOn none

MSRP $24,040

' S

WE’VE GOT THE KOOTENAY’S LARGEST SELECTION OF

2012 CHEV SONIC LT 5 DR HATCHBACK

Trailer pkg, with controller, skid plates, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, CD/MP3 player, block heater, cruise control and more.

MSRP $41,545

316 AVE

PAGE 6

HWY 95A

KIMBERLEY MOTOR VILLAGE “It’s a short drive to big savings!” HOURS OF OPERATION: 8-6 Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5 - Saturday

JUST MINUTES FROM CRANBROOK!

Kimberley 427-4895 Cranbrook 489-2525 Toll Free 1-800-388-1156 E-mail: chaletgm@shawlink.ca 1142 - 304th St., Kimberley, B.C. V1A 3E1 DL No. 6340 CHALET CHEV-OLDS LTD. CHECK US OUT AT www.chaletgm.com

12 MIN. TO CRANBROOK

Why Buy Anywhere Else? 250-427-4224 • Toll Free 888-703-2211 Sales: M-F 8-5:30 / SAT 9-5 Parts & Service: M-F 7:30-5

DL#5248

Jim Chale

Kelly Brooks

Browse Our ENTIRE Vehicle Inventory @ www.melodymotorsltd.com

Gardner Fraser

John Kadman

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 7

Cars COST LESS in Kimberley Two Award Winning, Independent Dealerships Working Together to SAVE YOU MONEY! CHALET GM’s

Fall’s Best Buys 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4 CREW CAB

1.8L, 4 cyl with 5 speed transmission, power window, locks, air cruise, sound pkg, Bluetooth, 17” aluminum wheels, sunroof.

30,272 OR $ 420.44*/mo.

26137_R0_EmployeePricingAdblock_7.3x3.indd 1

MSRP $22,035

Stk# 16541

NOW ONLY

Stk# 16996

Plus 0% for 72 months OAC

none

TRiM:

7.3” x 3”

Plus 0% for 84 months OAC

2012 CHEV CRUZE ECO SEDAN

2012 BUICK VERANO SEDAN

1.4L, 4 cyl, turbo charged 6 speed automatic, Bluetooth, remote vehicle start, cruise control, air, 17” aluminum wheels, On Star, steering wheel audio controls.

Ask us about $1000 Costco also available if applicable. COLOuRs: 4C

MAgEnTA YELLOw

BLEED:

None 26137 REV 0

jOB DEsC.: Employee Pricing Adblock - English sTART DATE: 06/07/12

REVisiOn nuMBER: 0

none

BLACK

TO PRE-PREss:

PRODuCTiOn: Mario Pariselli CREATiVE: Randy govang

DATE

sTuDiO

sTuDiO: Mathur, Anant

PRODuCTiOn

PREV. usER: Mathur, Anant

CREATiVE DiR.

ART DiRECTOR

TO PuB:

COPYwRiTER ACCOunT

Stk# 16801

NOW ONLY

MSRP $29,445

NOW ONLY

27,699*

Plus 0% for 84 months OAC

29,589

*Plus doc. fee of $299 plus applicable taxes.

KIMBERLEY

Dan McConnell Sales Consultant

Daniel Powell

Sales Consultant

Alan King

Business Manager

CLiEnT

ACCOunT ExEC: Doug Ramsey

SUPER CREWS STARTING AS LOW AS JUST

FiLE nAME: 26137_R0_EmployeePricingAdblock_7.3x3.indd

Remote start, automatic climate MOD. DATE: 6-11-2012 11:05 AM control, sunroof, Bluetooth, GPS navigation with touch screen, MEDiA TYPE: Templates pluss much, much, more. insERTiOn DATE: june

22,677 OR $ 269.96*/mo.

Stk# 16352

LiVE:

Cyan

CLiEnT: Ford

6/11/12 11:06 AM

NOW ONLY

20,758* OR DOCKET # FOC RET A26137 $ 247.12*/mo. REgiOn none

MSRP $24,040

' S

WE’VE GOT THE KOOTENAY’S LARGEST SELECTION OF

2012 CHEV SONIC LT 5 DR HATCHBACK

Trailer pkg, with controller, skid plates, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, CD/MP3 player, block heater, cruise control and more.

MSRP $41,545

316 AVE

PAGE 6

HWY 95A

KIMBERLEY MOTOR VILLAGE “It’s a short drive to big savings!” HOURS OF OPERATION: 8-6 Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5 - Saturday

JUST MINUTES FROM CRANBROOK!

12 MIN. TO CRANBROOK

Why Buy Anywhere Else? 250-427-4224 • Toll Free 888-703-2211 Sales: M-F 8-5:30 / SAT 9-5 Parts & Service: M-F 7:30-5

DL#5248

Jim Chale

Kelly Brooks

Browse Our ENTIRE Vehicle Inventory @ www.melodymotorsltd.com

Gardner Fraser

John Kadman

PAGE 8

AUTOMOTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

What’s new in 2013 Associated Press

INFINITI EX37/FX37: Infiniti has upgraded the base engine on both its small EX SUV and midsize, performance-oriented FX SUV. The new 3.7-litre V-6 gets 325 horsepower, or 22 more than the outgoing 3.5-litre V-6. As a result, the EX35 and FX35 have been rechristened the EX37 and FX37. Both are set to go on sale soon. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2012 EX started at $35,800 and the FX started at $43,700 JX: This three-row, sevenpassenger crossover, which went on sale last spring, has some smart innovations, including a backup system that warns drivers about traffic crossing behind them and applies the brakes if necessary, and a second-row seat that can slide back and forth with a child seat still attached, for easier access to the back row. A flat platform makes the third row roomier. Style-wise, it has the same bulbous Infiniti nose and flowing lines of the smaller FX crossover and the QX SUV. Under the hood is a 3.5-litre V-6 engine with 265 horsepower that gets 21 mpg, which is competitive in the seven-passenger segment. Pricing starts at $40,650. JAGUAR XF: The big news for this model year is that Jaguar is starting to add smaller engines and all-wheel-drive to its luxury sports sedans. With allwheel-drive, Jaguar will be able to compete better with

BMW and Mercedes in snowy states, where AWD makes up most of the luxury car sales. All Jags now have V-8 engines and are rear-wheel drive, which isn’t always good in snow. The smaller engines will help the company compete better on fuel economy. Few details have been released, but we know the XF will get a turbocharged 2-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. It’ll also get a new 340-horsepower, 3-litre supercharged V-6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Stop-start technology will be standard in V-6 and V-8 versions. That stops the engines at a traffic light and turns them back on when the driver accelerates. The car is due in showrooms this winter. The price hasn’t been released, but the 2012 XF sells for $53,000 excluding shipping. XJ: Ditto on all-wheel drive, the supercharged V-6, eightspeed transmissions and stopstart standard on the V-6 and V-8 versions. The all-wheeldrive XJ starts at $76,700 and is due out in the winter. JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE: A 241-horsepower diesel V-6 will join the lineup early next year. Chrysler hasn’t released details. WRANGLER: The iconic Wrangler gets a new, more luxurious soft top that’s easier to open. KIA CADENZA: Kia hasn’t made any announcements about a replacement for the full-size

Amanti sedan, which ended production in 2009. But some dealers are already advertising the Cadenza sedan and say it’s expected to come out in the 2013 model year. LAND ROVER LR2: Compact SUV gets a minor refresh that includes front and rear lamps and grille and a new centre stack in the interior with added storage. RANGE ROVER: The brand’s flagship big SUV is all new for 2013 with aluminum architecture to make it lighter and improve gas mileage. Few details have been released, but it still will be powered by a V-8 engine. It’s due in showrooms early next year. Price wasn’t released, but the 2012 starts at $80,275. LEXUS ES: The ES midsize car now has the distinctive spindle grille and sharper lines of its bigger siblings, the GS and LS. The interior is roomier, with updated electronics. The 268-horsepower engine is the same as the 2012 model, and gets around 27 mpg on the highway. But there is a new hybrid version, the ES 300h, which gets an estimated 40 mpg. The ES starts at $36,100; the hybrid starts at $38,850. GS: The 2013 version of the midsize GS went on sale in February. It has the more aggressive look of the new LS, with the same chiseled lines and spindle grille. It’s powered by a 3.5-litre, 306-horsepower V-6 that gets 28 mpg on the

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highway. Also available is a sport version, the GS 350F, with a specially tuned suspension, and a hybrid, the GS 450h, which has 338 horsepower and gets 38 mpg. The base GS starts at $46,900; the hybrid at $58,950. LS: A new version of Lexus’s flagship sedan goes on sale in November. It has a more aggressive new design highlighted by its new spindleshaped grille. A 4.6-litre, 386-horsepower V-8 engine will sit under the hood, and a hybrid version will also be available. Inside are some nice creature comforts, including a climate system that automatically adjusts the ventilation and the temperature of the seats and steering wheel. More details, including pricing, will be released closer to its arrival in dealerships. LINCOLN MKZ: Ford has spent the last two years plotting the comeback of its flagging Lincoln line, which was the bestselling luxury brand in America 20 years ago but fell into mediocrity when Ford failed to invest in it. The new MKZ midsize sedan is the first glimpse of the big changes Ford is planning for Lincoln, which will get seven new vehicles by 2014. The new MKZ, out in the fall, has a sweeping, panoramic glass roof among its options. The signature Lincoln split-wing grille is redesigned and toned down, and the sides sweep back into a sharp tail that sits above another Lincoln signature: a narrow strip of taillights across the back of the car. Inside, it’s elegant, with push-button shifting that eliminates the need for a shifter and opens up the console for more storage space. The MKZ shares a 2.0-litre, 240-horsepower EcoBoost engine with the Ford Fusion, but buyers can also opt for a 3.7-litre, 300-horsepower V-6 or a 45-mpg hybrid version. The MKZ starts at $35,925, which is a little less than one of its primary targets, the Lexus ES, and about the same as its other, the Cadillac CTS. MKS: The flagship hasn’t gotten the total makeover of the MKZ, but the 2013 model has a number of upgrades, including a more subtle grille, better horsepower from the 3.7-litre V-6 base engine (300 horsepower, versus 273 in the outgoing model) and a new adaptive suspension system that monitors the road, steering and braking and makes adjustments for a smoother ride and better handling. MASERATI GRANTURISMO: The new Sport version of the two-door sports car replaces the outgoing S. It has a 460-horsepower, 4.7-litre V-8 (compared with 405 on the base model) and higher torque. New 20-inch wheels and LED headlights are on the outside, and more comfortable seats and a more ergonomic steering wheel are inside. It also has a brand new colour: ``Blu Sofisticato.’’

The Sport starts at $126,000, or $3,000 more than the GranTurismo. MAZDA CX-5: The CX-5 five-seat crossover SUV is a new addition to Mazda’s lineup, and will square off with some of the biggest sellers on the market, including the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. It uses what Mazda has dubbed its SKYACTIV suite of technologies (basically, an extra-efficient engine and transmission and a lighter platform) to achieve an impressive 35 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower comes standard with each of the three trim levels. The CX-5, which went on sale in the spring, starts at $20,995. MERCEDES-BENZ C250: Coupe and Sport/Luxury Sedan get a direct-injection, 1.8-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower. Already on sale. Sport Sedan starts at $35,350. Luxury Sedan at $35,770. Coupe base price is $37,800. C300 4MATIC: Sport/Luxury Sedan gets new direct-injection, 3.5litre V-6 with 248 horsepower. Also gets stop-start technology that shuts off engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when the driver presses the gas pedal. Already on sale. Sport Sedan starts at $38,950. Luxury Sedan starts at $39,360. C350: Coupe and Sport Sedan get stop-start on 3.5-litre V-6 with 302 horsepower. Already on sale. Coupe starts at $43,200. Sport Sedan begins at $41,400. C63 AMG: Coupe and sedan get hand-built, 6.3-litre V-8 with 451 horsepower. Optional development package gets 481 horsepower. Went on sale in July. Sedan starts at $59,800, coupe at $62,330. E400 HYBRID: Sports Sedan made its debut in the summer with a 302-horsepower direct-injection V-6 gas engine and a 27-horsepower electric motor. It has stop-start technology and can travel on electricity only. Starts at $55,800. G550: G-Class SUVs get restyled interior and exterior with LED daytime running lights. Gets more powerful V-8 engine with 388 horsepower. On sale in the summer, starts at $113,000. G63 AMG: Gets new 5.5-litre direct-injection bi-turbo V-8 with 544 horsepower and stop-start technology. On sale in the summer. Begins at $134,300. GL350BlueTEC: GL-Class SUVs are all new. They’re longer, wider and taller. BlueTEC 4MATIC gets V-6 turbodiesel with 240 horsepower. On sale in September. Starts at $62,400. GL450: Direct-injection twin turbo V-8 with 362 horsepower. On sale in September. Starts at $63,900. GL550: Direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 with 429 horsepower. On sale in September. Starts at $86,900.

AUTOMOTION See WHAT’S NEW, Page

Continued from Page 8 GL63 AMG: Hand-built AMG V-8 with 550 horsepower. On sale early next year. Price not announced yet. GLK250 BlueTEC: GLK class gets restyled interior and exterior with LED o daytime running lights. New 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel with 190 horsepowa er debuts on this model. On sale early next year. V Price not announced. GLK350: All-wheeldrive and rear-drive models get new 3.5-litre, directn injection V-6 with 302 horsepower, plus stop-start r technology. Already on s sale. Starts at $39,090. SL550: SL-Class Coupe/ n Roadsters are new with allaluminum body shell. SL550 gets new directinjection bi-turbo V-8 with , 429 horsepower and stopstart technology. New, n more efficient seven-speed transmission. Already on sale. Starts at $105,500. SL63 AMG: Gets new 5.5-litre direct-injection biturbo V-8 with 530 horseo power. Also gets sevenspeed transmission and stop-start technology. r Already on sale. Starts at n $145,800. SL65 AMG: New with 6-litre V-12 engine with 621 horsepower and sevenspeed transmission. On e sale in November. Price not announced. SLS AMG GT COUPE: Aluminum body, gullwing doors and hand-built V-8 with a carbon-fiber t drive shaft. On sale in November. Price not announced. n SLS AMG GT h ROADSTER: Same as Coupe but with power soft top and conventional doors. On sale in November. Price not announced. MINI MINI CLUBVAN: The new Clubvan is a two-seat, five-door compact delivery s van. It’s basically a Mini Clubman with panel sides. The cargo area has 30.3 cubic feet of storage space and is nearly 4 feet long. . The Clubvan is powered by a 1.6-litre I-4 engine with 121 horsepower that gets 30 mpg in combined s city and highway driving. Pricing has not yet been released for the Clubvan, which goes on sale this fall. MINI JOHN COOPER n WORKS GP: The fastest Mini ever goes on sale in September in a limited run of 2,000 cars. Mini hasn’t released specifications or

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 9

What’s new in 2013

pricing. MINI PACEMAN: Mini hasn’t released many details about the sporty Paceman, other than some teaser shots on its Facebook page, but the elongated, two-door coupe is expected to go on sale sometime next year. MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT: Outside, the small crossover SUV gets refreshed with new front and rear fascia with two-tone look. Interior is spruced up with new chrome door trim accents. A new ES model comes with four-wheel drive. Goes on sale shortly. Starts at $19,170. NISSAN ALTIMA: The 2013 version of Nissan’s bestseller, the Altima, has a more elegant, luxurious look, with a dramatic, tapered grille and chrome strips along the windows. Even more dramatic is its fuel economy: up to 38 mpg with its 182-horsepower, 2.5-litre I-4, which is the best fuel economy in the midsize segment (and 20 per cent better than the outgoing Altima). A 270-horspower, 3.5-litre V-6 that gets 31 mpg on the highway is also available. The Altima has a new hands-free system that connects to the driver’s smartphone, and new safety features like blind spot and backup warning systems. It starts at $21,500, or $1,000 more than the outgoing Altima. PATHFINDER: Nissan gives the aging Pathfinder seven-seat SUV a muchneeded upgrade this fall, ditching the old boxy design for a rounder look. The new Pathfinder, which starts at $28,270, promises a best-in-class 26 mpg from its 260-horsepower V-6 engine. Like the Infiniti JX, it has a clever rear seat that slides back and forth so you can have access to the third row without having to remove a child seat from the second row. The Pathfinder also boasts the only reclining third-row seats on the market. Even with the third row in place, there is 16 cubic feet of storage in the rear, including an under-floor storage area to keep valuables hidden. SENTRA: Nissan will debut the 2013 Sentra small car early next year. The company hasn’t released details, but it’s expected to

borrow a lot of the design elements of the new Altima. PORSCHE CAYENNE: The SUV gets a 3-litre, 240-horsepower V-6 turbodiesel engine that will boost gas mileage to 29 on the highway. The Cayenne has a 26.4-gallon fuel tank, giving it a one-tank range of more than 700 miles. There’s also a sportier GTS model added with a 4.8litre, direct-injected V-8 with 420 horsepower. The diesel starts at $55,750; GTS at $82,050. BOXSTER: Mid-engine, rear-drive sports car loses 80 pounds and gets faster. New lightweight body and revamped chassis with a longer wheelbase. Boxster gets a 265-horsepower, 2.7litre, six-cylinder engine. Boxster S gets a 3.4-litre, 315-horsepower six. Already on sale. Boxster starts at $49,500. S starts at $60,900. 911: Cabriolet version moves onto new underpinnings that were unveiled with the regular 911 Carrera last year. The platform is lighter, more efficient and faster, Porsche says. Cabrio starts at $93,700. PANAMERA: Soupedup GTS model came out in March. Gets the 4.8-litre V-8 with 430 horsepower, plus a sportier suspension. GTS starts at $111,000. RAM RAM 1500: Chrysler’s workhorse gets a refresh after three years on the market. It gets a new, 3.6litre Pentastar V-6 engine, which gets 42 per cent more horsepower and at least 20 per cent better fuel economy than the outgoing Ram, which got 20 mpg on the highway. The Ram has several new features designed to save gas, including an eight-speed transmission and a system that temporarily shuts down the truck at stop lights. The available 5.7litre Hemi V-8 has 395 horsepower and 10 per cent better fuel economy than the outgoing model. There’s a new grille and fascia and interior upgrades. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2012 Ram starts at $22,120 for a regular cab, $33,015 for a quad cab and $43,275 for a crew cab. The Ram goes on sale this fall. ROLLS ROYCE

PHANTOM II: The Phantom family, which includes the sedan, coupe and convertible coupe, is rechristened the Phantom Series II a decade after the first Phantom sedan went on sale. There is a new eight-speed transmission that helps improve fuel economy by 10 per cent over the current 14 mpg in city and highway driving. Outside, there are six cameras so the driver can monitor every angle around the car, and new LED headlights that turn in whatever direction the car is going. Inside, there’s a larger, 8.8inch control screen in the dash with three-dimensional maps and a new smart phone holder. The Phantom Series II starts at $398,970. SCION FR-S: Toyota hopes to invigorate its youth-oriented Scion brand with the FR-S sports car, which went on sale in June. It’s a sexy, two-door four-seater that pays homage to past Toyota speedsters like the Celica and the AE86 Corolla. The FR-S has a 2.0litre, four-cylinder flat boxer engine, which lets it sit low like Porsches and other supercars. The engine was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, which helps explain why the FR-S looks a lot like the 2013 Subaru BRZ. The FR-S has 200 horsepower. It starts at $24,955 for the six-speed manual transmission. SMART FORTWO: Minor cosmetic changes including larger grille, sculpted side skirts and rear apron changes. One special edition on sale now. Another special edition and electric version due later. Base model starts at $12,490. SUBARU BRZ: New rear-wheeldrive sports car with 2-litre, 200-horsepower flat Boxer engine and one of the lowest centres of gravity of any production car. Choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Has aluminum hood. On sale already. Starts at $25,495. LEGACY: New front grille, headlights and bumper cover for the midsize sedan. On sale already. Starts at $20,295. OUTBACK: Sport Utility Wagon gets new grille, headlights and bumper cover. On sale already.

Starts at $23,495. XV CROSSTREK: New compact crossover combines five-door design and everyday comfort. Has new 148-horsepower, 2-litre engine with a continuously variable transmission that doesn’t shift gears, so the engine revs at optimal speed. Can get up to 33 mpg on highway. On sale already. Starts at $21,995. TESLA MODEL S: Electric carmaker Tesla, which made its name four years ago with the introduction of the Roadster electric sports car, is entering new territory with its first massmarket, five-seat sedan. The base Model S can go 160 miles on one charge, but buyers can upgrade to batteries that go 230 miles or 300 miles. The luxurious interior includes a 17-inch touch screen that replaces all the knobs and buttons on the dash. Each Model S comes with a charger plus adapters for a standard 110-volt household outlet, a 240-volt outlet and a public charging station. The Model S, which went on sale in June, starts at $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. The highend Signature Performance version starts at $97,900. TOYOTA AVALON: Toyota’s fullsize sedan is getting a sharper, more angular new look and, for the first time, a hybrid version. It has a plusher interior and some smart new features, including a bin in the dash that stores two mobile devices, and touch-sensitive climate and entertainment controls. Toyota says the new hybrid will get 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving. But otherwise, Toyota hasn’t released details about the engine lineup or price. The Avalon goes on sale later this fall. LAND CRUISER: The 2013 Land Cruiser arrived in dealerships last winter. Its $77,955 starting price now includes a $6,000 upgrade package that used to be optional. The package includes rain-sensing wipers, a rear backup camera, voice-activated navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The 381-horsepower, 5.7-litre V8 engine, which gets 18 mpg on the highway, remains the same.

RAV4 EV: The electric RAV4 is the first all-electric, five-seat SUV on the market. Its battery and drive system are borrowed from Tesla Motors, a maker of high-end electric cars, and it’s expected to travel around 100 miles on a charge. The electric RAV4 starts at $49,800, which is more than double the $22,650 starting price of the gas version, although the electric RAV4 will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit that will narrow the gap. Toyota only expects to sell 2,600 electric RAV4s over the next three years, partly because they’ll only be sold in certain markets. Sales begin in California soon. VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE: The cute retro bug coupe gets a convertible version and a 140-horsepower diesel that can get 41 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission. Diesel on sale already; convertible arrives late this year. Starts at $19,795. CC: Gets new front and rear styling and new interior with seating for five. Bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights standard. New LED tail lights. Already on sale. Starts at $30,610. JETTA: Hybrid version goes on sale late in the fall. Few details have been announced, but it’s expected to get 45 mpg in combined city and highway driving. No price yet. S model stays the same, other Jettas get minor upgrades, including a new chrome radiator grille and chrome window trim on the outside, and metallic trim on the dashboard and doors. Also the steering wheel, shift knob and hand-brake lever are leather-wrapped on the SE model. Non-hybrid Jettas already are on sale. Starting price is $16,675. VOLVO XC-60: The 2013 version of the XC60 mid-size SUV has two new safety features: high beam lights that automatically switch to low when traffic is coming, and a front camera that monitors speed limits and displays them in the instrument cluster. No updates to the 3.2-litre V-6, which gets 240 horsepower and up to 25 mpg on the highway. The XC60 starts at $34,200, up nearly $1,000 from the 2012 model.

See more in next week’s Automotion

AUTOMOTION

PAGE 10 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Toyota beefs up green vehicles, plans electric car for this year, fuel cell vehicle by 2015 Yuri Kageyama Associated Press

TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. is boosting its green vehicle lineup, with plans for 21 new hybrids in the next three years, a new electric car later this year and a fuel cell vehicle by 2015 in response to growing demand for fuel efficient and environmentally friendly driving. Toyota said Monday it will offer an electric compact called eQ, based on its iQ model, in Japan and the U.S. in December though the number of the vehicles made will be extremely limited — about 100 for special fleet use, according to the company. The car, which will be called the iQ EV in the U.S, isl pricey at 3.6 million yen ($45,000) and has a limited cruise range of 100 kilometres (62 miles). In the U.S., an electric version of the Rav-4 sport utility model, which Toyota worked on with U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors, goes on sale this month. The fuel cell vehicle, which runs on hydrogen to produce electricity, will be offered from 2015. Details for that model were not released. Like other Japanese automakers, Toyota is gearing up for expansion after getting battered the last few

AP Photo/Koji Sasahara

Toyota Motor Corp. Vice Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada poses for photographers as he puts a plug to the newly-developed compact electric vehicle “eQ” during a press conference in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 24, 2012.

years by the financial crisis and disasters in northeastern Japan and Thailand that disrupted production. The manufacturer is also counting on its reputation for green technology that it has built with its hit Prius, the world’s leading gas-electric hybrid, to woo buyers and fix its brand battered by the massive recall scandal in the U.S. a few years ago. But rivals are working on green offerings, too, such as Nissan Motor

Co. focusing on its Leaf electric car. Another challenge is that customers in emerging markets, which are driving growth in demand for autos, are still not as interested in hybrids and other fancy — and expensive — technology. Takeshi Uchiyamada, the executive overseeing technology and new model development at Toyota, said the long-term potential for fuel cells was great, compared to electric cars, because of greater cruise range and

shorter charging time. He said tens of thousands of fuel cell vehicles were likely to get sold in the 2020s. A good compromise at the moment is the plug-in hybrid, which works as an electric vehicle until the battery runs down, and then switches to its hybrid motor, so there’s less chance of being stranded than with a standard electric car. Toyota has sold 15,600 of its plug-in vehicle since launching it earlier this year. Uchiyamada said the positive reception for new technology, such as the hybrid, surprised Toyota, underlining the deep interest the public has in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Although annual hybrid sales were tiny when the Prius first went on sale in 1997, such sales have grown to more than one million a year worldwide, comprising 10 per cent of Toyota’s global sales. In Japan, where green subsidies have been a big plus in recent years, hybrids make up nearly half Toyota’s sales, Uchiyamada, the engineer known as ``the father of the Prius,’’ said. ``The public’s consciousness is a lot higher than we ever imagined,’’ he said.

Ford’s video game-like VIRTTEX studies how drivers react in worst-case scenarios Michael Oliveira Canadian Press

DEARBORN, Mich. — Most car-themed video games challenge players to race as fast as they possibly can, and push dangerous driving to the limit without crashing. So test subjects who step inside Ford’s high-tech VIRTTEX research facility can be forgiven for wanting to stomp the gas pedal in the video game-like driving simulator. But most don’t and try their best to stay alive. In an effort to prevent car crashes in the real world, Ford has designed an incredibly lifelike way to test drivers’ skills and simulate dangerous situations that could end in death on the roads. Within a research and development building in Dearborn, Mich., the former hometown of Henry Ford and where the automaker is headquartered, lies the VIRTTEX — short

for Virtual Test Track Experiment. Inside a seven-metrediameter domed laboratory is what appears to be a standard Ford vehicle. But a close inspection would reveal its engine and transmission have been removed and it has been equipped to tie into an elaborate virtual reality simulator. Video screens envelope the inside of the domed structure, giving test subjects a simulated 360-degree view of a driving environment. Peeking at all the mirrors reveal accurate views of what you’d expect to see while driving. Once the simulation has begun, the VIRTTEX structure can move up to three metres side to side or front to back, and two metres vertically, to simulate the motion and feel of actually driving. The steering wheel realistically rumbles just right and sound is pumped into the vehicle to replicate engine and road noise. The

wheel and pedals are just as responsive as in any car. ``Everything is mathematically simulated based off what the driver is providing as an input, so if they’re turning the steering wheel, pushing on the accelerator pedal, pushing on the brake pedal, shifting into drive, whatever, that all goes into a main simulation computer,’’ explains Ford’s Mike Blommer. For the first few seconds, drivers may feel like they’re just playing a video game. But before long, they get lost in the virtual world and feel like they’re really driving down a long, open road. And then researchers can start observing all their bad habits. The speeders get identified pretty quickly. The other cars on the road ``are programmed to go five to 10 miles per hour faster than you, so we quickly find out what kind of driver people are,’’ Blommer says.

``If they want to keep up with traffic ... those drivers keep speeding up and the next thing you know you’re going 80 to 85 miles per hour (almost 140 km/h).’’ VIRTTEX staff will sometimes ask drivers to glance down at a screen near the stick shift and read out a series of six numbers that are displayed every half second. ``When we bring young inexperienced drivers in here most bury their head down and read all six numbers because ... they haven’t had that close call,’’ he says. ``It seems like a short amount of time but the reason why this is three seconds is it’s based on naturalistic driving analysis. That’s the dangerous time that things can suddenly change in front of you.’’ Similar tests have assessed how changing the radio’s settings, inserting a CD, making a phone call or checking voicemail affect-

ed driver attention and performance. ``We get some really realistic reactions out of people,’’ Blommer says. ``For example, with a forward collision, you get people really pushing — slamming — on the brakes, pushing back on the steering wheel, really trying to do everything they can to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front of them.’’ VIRTTEX is also used to test how drivers perform when drowsy. A study with Volvo tasked dozens of test drivers with going a night without sleep and then sitting in the VIRTTEX for an hours-long drive on a simulated dark road. Researchers were able to watch their behaviour as many struggled to stay awake — some sang along with the radio, drank water, or slapped themselves in the face in an effort to focus — and inevitably fell asleep while driving.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 PAGE 11

Quebec, Ontario working on creating electric vehicle charging stations Canadian Press

On now at your BC Buick Dealers. BCbuickdealers.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Buick is a brand of General Motors of Canada. **/‡/*Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 Buick Verano (R7A), 2012 Buick Enclave (R7A), 2012 Buick Regal (R7A) equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. See Dealer for details. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the BC Buick GMC Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer trade may be required. GMCL, Ally Credit or TD Auto Financing Services may modify, extend or terminate this offer in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. †† Based on a 36 month lease for new (demonstrator not eligible) 2.9%/0% advertised on 2012 Buick Verano/2012 Buick Enclave and 2012 Regal equipped as described. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000km, $0.20 per excess kilometer. OAC by FinanciaLinx Corporation. Lease APR may vary depending on down payment/trade. Down payment or trade of $2,349/$3,499/$3,079 and security deposit may be required. Total obligation is $13,179/$21,444/$15,968. Option to purchase at lease end is $12,388/$17,554/$13,030 plus applicable taxes. Other lease options available. ~OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery) wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Subscription Service Agreement required. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.ca for OnStar’s Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and details and system limitations. Additional information can be found in the OnStar Owner’s Guide. ^ For more information visit iihs.org/ratings. +The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. ♦$5,100/$2,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit available on 2012 Buick Enclave/2012 Buick Regal (tax exclusive) for retail customers only. Other cash credits available on most models. See your GM dealer for details. ‡ Comparison based on latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM brand. ‡ Comparison based on latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM brand.

MONTREAL — Hydro-Quebec and Plug’nDrive Ontario are teaming up to develop a network of electric vehicle charging stations in both provinces. The public utility and Ontario non-profit coalition said Friday that a joint working group will select initial locations and find private and public part-

ners. No timeline for the opening of the first stations was disclosed. The two groups say the rollout of quickcharging public stations is needed to support the arrival of plug-in electric cars. The network will be inspired by the business model of Quebec’s Electric Circuit which is already in operation. Plug’nDrive CEO

Cara Clairman says expanding public charging infrastructure is crucial to their widespread use, even though most electric cars will be charged at home during evenings. ``This project will not only provide an infrastructure link between Ontario and Quebec, but establish a business model upon which future public charging networks in

other jurisdictions can be based,’’ she said. P i e r r e - L u c Desgagne, senior director strategic planning at Hydro-Quebec, said the utility is always looking for new partners to help develop a more diversified service for plugin EV drivers. ``To allow these drivers to travel more easily between Quebec and Ontario, we must

find solutions quickly,’’ he added. Hydro-Quebec generates, transmits and distributes electricity for the Quebec government using primarily large hydro generating stations. It supports development of other technologies and has been conducting research on batteries for more than 30 years. Plug’nDrive Plug’nDrive is a non-

profit coalition of electricity companies, auto makers, researchers, government agencies, non-government orga-

nizations and commercial partners working to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

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