2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

Article Courtesy of:  HybridCars.com

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, using a lithium ion battery for the first time, increased its average EPA fuel economy rating from 41 mpg to 44 mpg.

The new model is rated at 44 in both city and highway driving. HybridCars.com, using hypermiling techniques, achieved the upper limit of what any driver should ever expect for fuel efficiency—a score of 68.7 mpg on a 10-mile course of mostly country lanes and some highway driving, with four or five stoplights along the way.

The improvement in fuel economy solidifies the Civic Hybrid’s second-place position for fuel economy among cars that don’t plug into the grid. The 44-mpg average moves the Civic slightly closer to the Prius’s 50-mpg level, and edges out the 42-mpg Lexus CT 200h. Honda makes the claim that the Civic Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient sedan—meaning it’s not a hatchback—on U.S. roads.

The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic arrives at dealers nationwide starting today. The MSRP for the Civic Hybrid begins at $24,050, and tops out at $26,750 for the package with leather, XM radio and leather.

Like other new Civic models—there are now five different versions, including the HF high fuel-efficiency non-hybrid model—the 2012 Civic Hybrid gains new features and sleeker styling.

Bigger Engine Means More Electric Power

In addition to the shift to lithium ion batteries, the 2012 Honda Civic uses a larger 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. “We changed the displacement from 1.3 to 1.5 liters,” said Yuuji Fujiki, chief engineer for Honda’a IMA hybrid system, in an exclusive interview with HybridCars.com. “But the fuel consumption rate is the same as current model.”

Fujiki explained that the larger displacement allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, which in turn allows for more frequent use of the electric motor and produces a quieter ride.

The Civic Hybrid’s lithium ion batteries are 30 percent smaller than the previous nickel-metal-hydride batteries—thereby granting more cargo space than the previous model.

Fujiki expained how every aspect of the hybrid system’s design was tweaked for optimal efficiency—such as the motor that increases output from 15 kW to 20 kW, uses more coils and widely spaced magnets, and employs plastic spacers to better manage temperature.

In addition to more frequent use of idle-stop, the engine valves are sometime deactivated to cut off fuel, even when the engine is turning. Honda refers to this as EV mode, although Fujiki admitted that it’s not a true all-electric condition. “It’s not electrical only,” he said. “The fuel system is stopped, but there is a mechanical drag.” Fujiki said that, at maximum output, this “no-fuel” mode could last up to 79 seconds.

All About Balance

The focus of Honda engineers was on total vehicle efficiency—evidenced by a remarkable 44-mpg average using a single-motor system that’s less expensive and complex than the Toyota two-motor approach. “We had to strike a balance between engine friction, motor output, and how to use the battery,” said Fujiki. “That balance is going to determine the overall efficiency.”

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

Our interview with Fujiki helped us win the MPG challenge, which was established by Honda for journalists attending the media preview for the 2012 Civic earlier this month in Washington, DC. His advice—to accelerate in a steady manner to about 45 miles per hour and stay at this speed for as much of the 10-mile course as possible—was the key to achieving the winning 68.7 mpg score. Fujiki also advised not to use the neutral gear when coasting.

“Don’t use neutral, because when idling, fuel is injected,” he said. “Keep it in Drive, so the engine can judge that you’re decelerating, and get into fuel-cut mode and so you can take advantage of regenerative braking.”

Six-Percent Hybrid Take-Rate

The new Civic HF sedan, positioned between the Civic LX and Civic EX, is rated for 41 miles per gallon on the highway and 29 in the city. It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, exclusive 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels and aerodynamic enhancements under the body, and a rear spoiler. It does not use any hybrid drivetrain technology or idle-stop features. Driving in exactly in the same manner in the HF as we did in the Civic Hybrid, we achieved 46 mpg on the 10-mile course. The MSRP for the 5-Speed Automatic HF model begins at $19,455.

All Civic models, except for the Si, now feature an “econ” button allowing drivers to maximize efficiency on demand.

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

Consumers will recognize the Civic’s raked windshield, wide stance and other styling features that do not dramatically depart from the current model.

The hybrid has a unique grille design with blue accents. Special five-spoke alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler and LED brake lights further differentiate the Civic Hybrid from other Civic models. The interior of the Civic Hybrid uses exclusive seat fabric and unique door panel covers. The hybrid offers a range of standard and available audio and navigation technologies.

CLICK HERE for the Herb Chambers Website & More Information!

New Herb Chambers dealership will be his 50th

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

The Herb Chambers Companies are gearing up for the grand opening of their 50th dealership — Herb Chambers Hyundai of Westborough.

The grand opening celebration is set for Thursday.

Herb Chambers Hyundai of Westborough

Herb Chambers Hyundai of Westborough features 12 service bays and a two-lane drive-in service department where each customer will be greeted by a valet.

Amenities will include a café, a client lounge, and a business center with free Wi-Fi access as well as a “high-tech car wash,” the company said.

Herb Chambers Hyundai of Westborough State of the Art Service

Herb Chambers purchased his first car dealership in 1985 and has grown his company into the largest automobile dealership group in New England.

The company operates dealerships throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Chris Reidy can be reached at reidy@globe.com.

Hours and Directions

Herb Chambers Hyundai of Westborough

75 Otis Street at Route 9

Westborough, MA 01518

Sales: (877) 204-8442

Service: (508) 870-3100

Parts: (508) 870-3100

Herb Chambers (https://www.facebook.com/HerbChambersCompanies) is proud to present the Experience The Difference Ultimate Prize Giveaway!

Launching Tuesday, July 5th, and running through September 30th, fans of Herb Chambers will have the opportunity to win Red Sox tickets, museum passes, concert tickets, and more! Grand prizes include a weekend getaway and a 1-year VIP pass to the Museum of Fine Arts with the Ultimate Prize being a helicopter ride around Boston with Herb himself! Plus, every winner receives 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts!* Please see below for more details…

Prize Vault includes:

———————-TEN Weekly Prize Winners——————-——

*Drawing Friday, July 8th, 2011*
4 Priority Seating Tickets + Parking for Vans Warped Tour at the ComCast Center (Event Date: July 13th)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, July 15th, 2011*
2 Front Row Tickets for Eddie Money + Meet & Greet at the Hatch Shell (Event Date: July 23rd)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, July 22nd, 2011*
4 Tickets to Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Lousiville at McCoy Stadium (Event Date: July 30th)
& 4 Tickets to Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Buffalo at McCoy Stadium (Event Date: July 30th)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, July 29th, 2011*
2 Tickets to Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees at Fenway Park (Event Date: August 6th)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, August 5th, 2011*
$100 Gift Certificate to Golfers Warehouse
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, August 12th, 2011*
2 Tickets to Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay at Fenway Park (Event Date: August 17th)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, August 19th, 2011*
1 Year Subscription to the Boston Globe (With Access to Boston.com. Must be within 30mi. of Boston.)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Monday, August 26th, 2011*
2 Red Sox Tickets (Event Date: TBD)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, September 2nd, 2011*
2 Front Row Tickets to MIX Fest at the ComCast Center (Event Date: September 17th)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

*Drawing Friday, September 9th, 2011*
Complete Reconditioning of your Car from Herb Chambers Lexus
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

————————-TWO Grand Prize Winners——————-——–

*Drawing Friday, September 16th, 2011*
1 Year Corporate Pass to the Museum of Fine Arts (Unlimited Use for Two Patrons. Discount on Parking, Dining, Programs, & Shopping.)

*Drawing Friday, September 23rd, 2011*
Weekend Getaway – Choose Your Destination from the following:
New Orleans, Chicago, San Antonio, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Baltimore/Washington DC, Scottsdale
(Includes roundtrip airfare, 4 days/3nights hotel, & $250 VISA debit card.)
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

————————–-ONE Ultimate Prize Winner——————–—

*Drawing on Friday, October 1st, 2011*
Helicopter Ride around Boston with Herb Chambers & $300 Gift Card to One of Boston’s Top Restaurants
+ 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

————————–————————–————————–—–

Stay tuned to https://www.facebook.com/HerbChambersCompanies and http://www.herbchambersgiveaways.com/ for all the latest info!!

*Every winner receives 2 passes to the Chihuly Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts with the exception of the winner of the 1 Year Coporate Pass to the Museum of Fine Arts.

All-New 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Thrills Boston Porsche Enthusiasts

Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston, a prominent Boston Porsche dealer, is proud to showcase the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, a luxurious SUV that delightfully leads the next-generation Cayenne lineup as Porsche’s first production hybrid.

Since its arrival at Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston, the 2011 Cayenne Hybrid has amused Boston Porsche shoppers with its elegant exterior appearance. Its sporting character is evident from all angles, and its Porsche shape and design highlights are more distinct than ever before. The new headlights resemble those on other Porsche, with the high-beam lamps positioned closer to the centerline of the car and the low-beams toward the outer edge. Resemblance continues at the rear with quarter panels flowing to the back and accentuating the 2011 Cayenne Hybrid’s broad shoulders.

Inside, the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid displays a high center console that rises up at an incline to meet the dashboard center stack with high-quality fittings and a touch-screen infotainment interface to provide a cockpit-like environment up front.  Rear-seat comfort is much improved, as well, thanks to the extended wheelbase. The bench seat now slides fore-and-aft by 6.3 inches, and the backrest can be adjusted to three different angles, or up to 6 degrees.

Cayenne Hybrid’s occupants will enjoy the myriad of technological features this luxurious SUV offers. The new Cayenne comes with the latest generation of audio and communication systems found in the new Panamera, with Bose Surround Sound System and the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System. The standard Porsche Communication Management (PCM) provides Bluetooth telephone connectivity and the universal audio interface to connect an external audio source such as an iPod or a USB stick.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid for sale in Boston is powered by a highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid system. With a combined output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid combines the performance of a V8 with the economy of a V6. Power is transmitted through the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

Through continuous interaction between the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne Hybrid focuses on maximum efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together. The 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor is the ideal match for the 333-horsepower engine, which generates high torque at low engine speeds, with peak torque at 428 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm.

Boston Porsche drivers can experience superior driving dynamics. The Cayenne Hybrid chassis is now 145 lbs lighter thanks in part to the use of aluminum, making its driving abilities significantly better. This SUV comes with steel suspension as standard equipment, but for the first time it can be combined with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), providing active, infinite damper control on the front and rear axle.

Feel free to learn more about the impressive 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid now for sale at our renowned Boston Porsche dealership, Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston.

About Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston

At Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston, our prestigious Boston Porsche dealership, we are committed to offer you the most exciting buying experience.

We have one of the largest selections of new and preowned Porsche on the eastern seaboard.  Our technical staff is unsurpassed in both knowledge and experience.

Feel free to call us at (888) 206-0261 for further details.

Contact:

Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston
1172 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
Phone: (888) 206-0261
http://www.herbchambers.com/ou/porsche-boston

TOP PLACES TO WORK | Herb Chambers

A personal note from Herb Chambers

Dear Valued customer,

Last, year at this time, I wrote to you about an important workplace distinction of which, I was very proud.

The Herb Chambers Companies were recognized as being amongst The Boston Globe’s Top 100 Places to Work for 2009. I am so proud to tell you, we have just been notified by the Boston Globe, that we have earned this distinction again for 2010.

This year we are ranked eighth in the Large Employer category. We were selected from more than 1,000 employers who participated in the survey. In fact, we are the only automotive dealer ever to have received this award and now we’ve earned it twice.

What I love so much about this is that it was the enthusiastic recognition of our employees’ that made this possible when they nominated our company as a Top 100 workplace.

There is no higher privilege in business than to have your employees emphatically state, “What a great place to work”! … And then, want to tell the whole world…amazing!

Thank you.

Herb Chambers

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The soul of a leader

Three top executives who all inspire loyalty among employees reveal their personal goals, leadership methods — and deepest fears

November 7, 2010

To be one of the Globe’s Top Places to Work, an organization’s employees must believe the people at the top know what they’re doing and care about providing a rewarding work experience. Anthony Consigli of Consigli Construction Co., Kathleen “Kit’’ Tunney of Associates for Human Services, and Herb Chambers of Herb Chambers Cos. all run organizations that ranked high in our survey for employee faith that the organization is in good hands. Top Places editor Michael Warshaw asked them what good leaders do.

• Globe: Anthony, what does it mean to you that your name is on the company?

Consigli: It might make the accountability that much greater. But I don’t think that it is the end all, be all. The reason the name is important is because I have three generations preceding me. If I screw up, I feel like I let somebody down.

• Globe: Herb, what about your name on your company?

Chambers: Well, I think it is different for me because I was the guy that started the company. I think that the pressure on you, Anthony, is five times greater than it is on me.

The company I have today is not what I envisioned 20, 25 years ago. At the time I sold my first company, I was 38 years old. I said, ‘What am I going to do now?’ and I went down to buy a car, and instead of buying the car, I bought the dealership.

Tunney: That is a great story.

Chambers: I realized how bad that particular dealership was. It just looked like the guy wanted to get out of it. I bought it right on the spot.

In the automobile business, you don’t necessarily have to be great. You have to be good. If you are good, you are great. Because most people say they hate car dealers.

We don’t build cars. They roll in, and we have to find a home for them. Our people are so important because the product is unimportant. If you like Honda, you’re going to buy a Honda whether you buy it from me or somebody else. The question becomes: Can we fulfill the need of delivering that car to the customer better than somebody else can?

I hold a training meeting once a month, and we have 300 or 400 people there for breakfast, our whole sales organization. Salespeople have got to be kind of cheered up all the time, because they have a tendency to fall down. Technicians are a kind of a different breed. They have a different level of motivation than salespeople do.

• Globe: Do you speak to each group differently?

Chambers: I do. When I am in the dealerships, I talk to the guys and ask, ‘How is everything with the shop? Anything we can do for you?’

All of our shops are now air conditioned. That came out of one of the comments I got from one of the guys.

• Globe: Kit, you came up differently, from being a staffer.

Tunney: I fell in love with the work that we do — with the staff that I was working with. And over time, wanted to make some changes there, took some courses to get a little bit of credentials in management. And happened to be at the right place at the right time.

• Globe: How did the experience of being a staff member affect your leadership?

Tunney: Having been there and done that makes me more approachable. I try to involve them in problem solving and decision making, because that was important to me when I felt like I didn’t have that voice.

I go out to a group home and say to the staff, ‘How’s it going?’ and I stop to listen to the answer. But I also provide formal opportunities for them to participate in focus groups and surveys to tell me how good of a job we are doing.

• Globe: Tell us something that surprised you that came out of that.

Tunney: Lack of natural light. We had staff in cubbies with no windows. When I decided to build our building, and we interviewed staff to ask them what they wanted, what I heard was: light. Now our building has windows right across the top. It is all one level. And there are suites set off at angles, so it doesn’t look like a motel.

• Globe: Anthony, what are you looking for when you tour your construction sites?

Consigli: I am looking for them to talk to me like I am a normal person, vs. a company president. I think there are some incredibly smart people out there that are building these buildings. They are equally important to this deal as I am. I don’t think they understand that sometimes.

• Globe: Kit, how important is the staff dedication to your mission?

Tunney: It is essential. You train, train, train. I don’t have a breakfast every month for 400 people, but it is the same thing. You’ve got to find out what their needs are, and you have to meet those needs. If I have a staff that didn’t do a good job because I didn’t provide the opportunity to gain the skills that they need, then I am the one at fault.

For instance, if you have an individual that lives in a group home, in a wheelchair, and then is maybe visually impaired, you need to provide training for that particular staff. How do you present a meal to someone that is visually impaired? How do you get them to a table if they are in a wheelchair? So you really have to be very thorough putting together orientation for staff. And follow up, follow up, follow up.

Chambers: In the automobile business, I am embarrassed to say how simple it is. The manufacturer provides you with information on all of the technicians, all the salespeople, the individual dealerships, how they all perform. We know where the problems are.

• Globe: Herb, you bought that dealership, it seems, almost on impulse.

Tunney: That is confidence, and I admire that.

Chambers: I don’t think I am smarter than anybody else. On the same token, I don’t think I am a lot dumber than anybody else. Believe me, I live on fear. I am always worried about everything all the time.

• Globe: Fear of what?

Chambers: Fear of failing in anything. I don’t want to fail.

• Globe: Kit, do you have fear?

Tunney: We’re federally and state funded. I am always wondering whether or not our contracts are going to get cut. And they do. Then I need to figure out, ‘How am I going to do more with less?’ I am always afraid it’s going to get cut so much that I am going to have to look at laying off staff.

• Globe: Anthony, is fear a motivator?

Consigli: Fear and regret. I stay up all night thinking about the things that could go wrong. Construction is a dangerous business. People die, and I am fearful of that. Quality problems, reputation — all those things.

I would say regret is equal. I hate thinking that I am going to regret decisions I made or didn’t make 10 years out, 30 years out.

• Globe: How do you avoid it?

Consigli: Thinking a lot about it. The greatest regret would be tanking a company that has been around for 105 years. I think that fear and hard work hold off that danger of making a decision that you’ll regret.

Do you screw up? Yeah. Everybody screws up. But you man up, you admit it, and you move on. If there are three things that I aspire to, they are humility, empathy, and accountability — just doing what you said you were going to do. I think that if I can do that more often than not, generally speaking, things will go well.

Tunney: If people have a healthy work ethic, they want to come to work and they want to be respected for what they do. And they want to do their best and they want to be rewarded for that. They want to have decent pay checks. And that is what we try to do.

Consigli: If we are the people behind our organizations who are responsible for that, we need to be doing the proper planning and working hard to make sure we’re putting things in place for that to happen for people.

Chambers: Everybody likes to believe they have good integrity. They all like to believe that they work hard. Who is going to set the pace of the organization? The pace of the organization is the speed of the leader, right? They look at you and say, ‘He really puts his heart and soul into everything that he does, or she does.’ So what are you doing to do? You’re going to put your heart and soul into it.

Consigli: The day that I stop doing that is the day I have to get out and let someone else take over. I have seen so many organizations where that doesn’t happen. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow, I want the organization to keep going just like nothing happened. That’s success.

© Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company

The US Debut of the Smart ForTwo at Herb Chambers Companies Somerville !

The tiny Smart car, fighting sluggish US sales, is getting a jolt under the seats.

That is where the lithium-ion battery pack sits in the new electric version of the two-seater, located where its 8.7-gallon gas tank used to be.

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive made its local debut yesterday at the Herb Chambers dealership in Somerville. Taking a cue from BMW, which leased its prototype electric Mini Cooper last year to 500 American drivers, Smart is bringing 250 test models of its electric car to the United States. They will be available through special lease programs, but most will be sold to corporate fleets.

Smart plans to build 1,500 before official production begins in 2012. The four-year lease is expected to cost $31,500, about $10,000 more than the most expensive gasoline-powered Smart, according to Derek Kaufman, one of the brand’s vice presidents.

“What we’re really trying to promote here is the electrification of transportation,’’ he said.

The Smart car, made by Daimler AG, was introduced in Europe in 1998, and brought to the US market two years ago, when gas prices hovered around $4. Nearly 25,000 of the tiny two-seaters were sold that year.

Now that fuel prices have ebbed, Smart has struggled to market a microcar with scant luggage space and average fuel economy. Smart’s US sales through June are down 61 percent over last year, with only 577 sold last month. Herb Chambers, who owns two Smart dealerships, says that in a “good month,’’ he sells up to 20 of the cars.

“If fuel were $4 a gallon, there wouldn’t be a car sitting here,’’ Chambers said in his Somerville showroom.

Other than green wheels, decals, and two circular gauges atop the dashboard to show battery life and available power, there’s no apparent difference from the regular Smart. Power cables stow inside the tailgate, and the motor and other electrical components hide under the cargo floor.

Despite adding roughly 300 pounds worth of batteries engineered by California-based Tesla Motors, the 8-foot, 10-inch ForTwo barely weighs a ton. Maximum speed tops out at 60 miles per hour and its range is 84 miles. A complete charge from a standard outlet takes about eight hours.

Later this year, a wave of electric cars is expected to go on sale.

Buyers of electric cars can qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.

Clifford Atiyeh can be reached at catiyeh@globe.com.

Year End Clearance Sales Going on NOW!!!

Huge Markdowns – Click Here!

Click here for More Information!

Herb Chambers Cadillac moving to Warwick

by Russell J. Moore – Courtesy of: Warwick Beacon

Warwick will soon be home to the only Cadillac dealership in the state when Herb Chambers Cadillac, formerly located in Providence, moves into what was the Saturn dealership on 1511 Bald Hill Road.

Earlier this year, General Motors announced it would eliminate the Saturn brand of cars by 2011. Saturn, which had never been profitable in its 20-year history, was eliminated as part of GM’s restructuring plan submitted to Congress and President Obama after having received bailout funds.

Herb Chambers, which owns the dealership, was considering building a state-of-the-art two-story dealership in West Warwick, just a mile or so up the street. Herb Chambers, however, was convinced by Mayor Scott Avedisian and Warwick attorney Joe Shekarchi (who does legal work for the company) to remain in the city. That means the city will retain the tax revenue that otherwise would have been lost had the dealership opted to move.

Contacted yesterday, Chambers said he was happy to retain a presence in Warwick.

“General Motors has been pressuring me to move (Cadillac) there for a long time. Finally, we’re able to do it,” said Chambers.

Chambers pointed out that while the dealership will sell Cadillac exclusively, people who own Saturns will still be able to have their cars serviced at that dealership.

“We will continue to service Saturns forever, basically until there aren’t any more of them on the road,” said Chambers.

Chambers said the consolidation of two dealerships (Saturn and Cadillac) into one would result in some job losses, but he hopes that increased Cadillac sales will result in future job gains.

“We expect an increase in Cadillac sales because of our new location. Hopefully we’ll be able to add more employees in the near future,” said Chambers.

Chambers said Warwick is a great place to do business.

“There is so much retail in Warwick. That strip on Route 2 has to be one of the busiest in New England,” said Chambers.

Avedisian said that the addition of Herb Chambers Cadillac represents a much-needed end-of-the-year boost in economic development.

“Herb Chambers Cadillac is a wonderful addition to the city. We had many discussions about getting them here, as they are a well-known and respected entity in Rhode Island. We are pleased they will call Warwick home,” said Avedisian.

“This is a great end-of-the-year economic boost for the city.”

Councilman Steve Merolla (Ward-9), contacted on Friday, said he too welcomes the dealership into the city.

Herb Chambers and BMW of Sudbury are pleased to announce, “Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee” Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

This event is for motoring enthusiasts looking for a place to take their ride, share stories and admire each other’s pride and joy.

Visit: herbchamberscarsandcoffee.com

Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee is completely free and will be held at the all new Herb Chambers BMW of Sudbury, 128 Boston Post Road (Route 20) in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

The dealership is located just six miles from exit 26 off Rte 128/95.

All enthusiasts including antique, classic, exotic, hotrods, motorcycles and motorsports are invited to attend and there will be plenty of free parking for your vehicle.

Free Tee Shirts for the first 200 attendees!

On display! McLaren F-1

We hope to see you there!

John Covell

Director of Training and Marketing

john@herbchambers.com

Herb Chambers’ McLaren F1 and coffee

2010 Ford Fusion

All-new mid-size sedan offers world-class fuel mileage.
by courtesy New Car Test Drive

Save America; buy an American car. If you feel even the slightest inclination in that direction, your time may have come. The 2010 Ford Fusion, and in particular, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, delivers contemporary styling, a first-class driving experience, and world-class fuel mileage.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Fusion Sport ($25,825) adds 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console applique. All-wheel drive ($1,850) is available.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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The 2010 Fusion uses the same platform as the 2009 model, but from there similarities cease.

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By necessity, our test Ford Fusion Hybrid was furnished with instrumentation not found in any gas-engine versions. The Hybrid’s so-called EcoGuide information system flanks the center-mounted speedometer with two LCD panels, communicating what the powertrain is doing, how it’s doing it, and how, in real time, you can optimize its fuel efficiency.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Driving the Fusion Hybrid is different from driving other Fusions. Its acceleration is right in the middle of adequate, as most hybrid buyers will want, but the EcoGuide instrumentation’s ongoing tutorial informs the driver in real time of the mileage being achieved. As EcoGuide demonstrates, the secret of the Hybrid’s excellent City mileage is that its electric motor powers the car in cruising mode up to 47 mph. If more power is summoned for acceleration or passing, only then does the gasoline engine instantly and nearly silently kick in, adding smooth forward motion.

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Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough