10 Days of Giving

Larry H. Miller Charities has a plan this holiday season to spread goodwill to 10 local charities with the 10 Days of Giving campaign. We will allocate $90,000 to a variety of Valley charities in Arizona beginning on December 18 and continuing through the end of the month.   

“We value the opportunity to donate to deserving organizations throughout the year, but being able to give back to those in need during the holiday season is all the more gratifying,” said Dean Fitzpatrick, president of Larry H. Miller Dealerships. “Larry H. Miller Dealerships is committed to serving and supporting the communities in which we do business, and these charities are worthy of great recognition for the work they do.”

The 10 Days of Giving will provide donations to United Food Bank, Desert Mission Food Bank, ICM Food & Clothing Bank, A New Leaf Shelters, MentorKids USA, UPWARD, AZ Brainfood, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Salvation Army. 

Throughout the year, funding for LHM Charities comes in large part from employee contributions. Additional funds are allocated from various LHM Group companies and public donations, and together, the money is dispersed through a grant program primarily focused on charities that serve women and children, with an emphasis on health and education.

We're proud of everyone involved in these efforts and wish everyone happy holidays!

-- www.lhmauto.com --

LHM Dealerships Welcome Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood

Larry H. Miller Dealerships are proud to announce the group’s eighth store in Colorado with the acquisition of Lakewood Fordland in Lakewood, Colo., marking our second acquisition in the Denver metro area this year and 10th acquisition in the last 18 months.

“We’ve been in a period of growth over the last two years as the auto industry is strong and the Denver market is thriving,” said Dean Fitzpatrick, president, Larry H. Miller Dealerships (LHM Dealerships). “Colorado is one of our largest markets, and we’ve done business in the state since 1987 when we opened our first store. This acquisition shows our continued commitment to the Denver metro area.”

“I’ve done business with the Larry H. Miller Group for nearly 20 years through their company that provides vehicle service contracts,” said seller Robert Liedel. “I know they take good care of their customers and employees and actively give back to the community. It also brings me comfort to know that they’re retaining my current team of employees and welcoming them into the LHM family.”

LHM Dealerships strongly supports giving back in the communities where it conducts business. Through Larry H. Miller Charities, the dealerships give back to communities by focusing their united service and corporate giving on women’s and children’s issues, with an emphasis on health and education. Since 1996, more than $225,000 has been donated to nearly 70 qualified nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.

Lakewood Fordland has been serving the Denver market since 1962, and recently celebrated 50 years in a new 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. The store is located at 11595 W. 6^th Ave. in Lakewood and has been renamed Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood.

About Larry H. Miller Dealerships

Larry H. Miller began his career with a single automotive dealership in Murray, Utah in 1979, and since then, Larry H. Miller Dealerships has grown to include 55 locations in seven western states. Larry H. Miller Dealerships is the 10^th largest automotive dealership group in the country, and the 3^rd largest privately-owned according to Automotive News.

www.lhmauto.com

2015 Honda CR-V Named SUV of the Year

The 2015 Honda CR-V was recently named Motor Trend Magazine's "SUV of the Year!" So what sets the CR-V apart from other leading SUVs? Here's just a few reasons to think about:

Efficiency

• The 2015 CR-V delivers an amazing 34MPG on the highway! 
• Eco Assist helps your CR-V automatically configure its engine and other energy-consuming systems to operate more efficiently.
• The CR-V has upgraded its engine to enhance power and efficiency. 

Safety

• Take the fear out of backing up in an SUV because a multi-angle camera comes standard in the 2015 CR-V!
• Collision Mitigation Braking System. Helps you avoid collisions you don't even see.
• Lane Departure Warning helps you stay awake and on a safe path.

Extras

• Real time AWD with Intelligent Control System
• Hill Star Assist 
• Continuously Variable Transmission
• Push Button Start
• HondaLink
• BlueTooth
• Navigation
• i-MID
• And more! 

Take a look at our 2015 Honda CR-V inventory today, and then head down to your local Larry H. Miller Dealership to take a test drive to find out for yourself why its the SUV of the Year. 

www.lhmauto.com

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

Photo Credit

Halloween is just around the corner and that means lots of little ghouls and goblins will be rushing around the neighborhood to knock on doors and score candy. Add in the fact that it will be nighttime, and many of these kids will be dressed in dark clothing, and suddenly we've got some red flags to think about. Help keep everyone safe by review these Halloween driving safety tips this week!

• Drive slowly! We know it sounds obvious, but if a child decides to dart out from behind a parked car, you'll have little time to stop.
• Keep your eyes peeled! Some costumes can be dark or blend in. Be sure to keep your eyes forward to identify any pedestrians.
• No phones! You shouldn't be texting and driving anyway, but play it extra safe and just leave your phone in your pocket until you're parked. This will help avoid distractions.
• Turn on your lights! Even if it isn't quite dark yet, turning on your headlights will help trick or treaters see you coming.

For your kids:

• Make sure they're visible. Anything you can add to your child's costume to make them stand out for drivers will help keep them safe. Consider reflective tape or clothing, flashlights, and lighter colors. 
• Teach them how to be safe. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to go over the basics... Look both ways before crossing the street, stay in groups, cross at crosswalks, walk, don't run, etc. 
• Be with them. If you kids are younger, be sure to walk with them to ensure their safety.

www.lhmauto.com 

Fall Maintenance Tips

The fall season is officially here! As glad you might be to finally break out your sweaters, boots and hats, colder weather can cause havoc to your vehicle. No matter how new or old your vehicle is, cold weather can have an impact on how it performs as well as your safety on the roads. There are some things you can do to prepare your vehicle, however. Here are five DYI fall car maintenance tips:

• Replace your wiper blades- Depending on where you live, rain, snow and salt may cover your windshield, and it's important to keep your wiper blades in good shape to keep you safe. 
• Check battery terminals and lights- Cold weather has a tendency to amplify battery and electrical issues. Check your battery for corrosion or loose cables so you don't end up having to call a friend for a jump. Battery terminals can be easily cleaned with a few inexpensive tools. We can also help you check your battery, and recommend needed maintenance. 
• Replace air filter- These should generally be replaced twice each year anyway. If you don't know where your air filter is, our team can assist you. 
• Top off fluids- You never know how nice wiper fluid is until you don't have any, and the morning commute has streaked your windshield with salt from the snow plows. Checking your antifreeze as well as your brake fluid are also must-do's before winter. 
• Check your tires- This includes your spare! Check your tire pressure regularly as fluctuating temperatures can affect this. You also want to be sure that your tread is at the appropriate level to keep you safer on slippery roads. Balding tires are a safety hazard, especially in the winter months. As always, our team can help you identify any needed tire replacements or adjustments. 

The absolute best thing you can do to prepare your vehicle for fall and winter is to bring it in and have the a Larry H. Miller Service Team team look it over and provide you with recommended work or simple adjustments. You can even schedule your appointment online for easy, convenient service. Be safe out there, and enjoy the season! 

www.lhmauto.com

Larry H. Miller Dealerships Presents $10,000 to West Valley-Based Eve's Place

Representatives from Larry H. Miller Dealerships met on Monday in Sun City to celebrate the accomplishments of Eve’s Place, a West Valley-based nonprofit that assists families affected by domestic violence. The store manager for Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Surprise, Glenn Coe, and members of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies (LHM Group) presented the nonprofit with a $10,000 check for its unique transitional housing initiative.

  

This latest donation from Larry H. Miller Charities follows another $10,000 donation made just weeks earlier to Phoenix-based charitable organization Homeward Bound. The Eve’s Place donation rounds out $30,000 in giving to Valley-based organizations from the Larry H. Miller Group since January 2014. Larry H. Miller Charities strives to provide support in each of the communities it serves, focusing largely on nonprofits that assist women and children. Both Eve's Place and Homeward Bound are similar in their efforts to provide transitional housing for families and women in crisis.

“We were very moved by Eve’s Place and its mission to help those in the West Valley affected by domestic violence,” Coe said. “Larry H. Miller Charities is honored to foster the organization’s growth and efforts in the community.”

One hundred percent of the Eve’s Place donation will go toward the nonprofit’s Domestic Violence Mobile Advocacy Program (DVMAP), a progressive initiative that aims at providing housing assistance to those affected by domestic violence. This program is especially innovative because families are placed in communities where they are integrated into local neighborhoods, eliminating the 'shelter' stigma associated with seeking professional help.

“This donation from Larry H. Miller Dealerships means that we are able to provide assistance to at least five families that would otherwise go unserved in the West Valley,” Eve’s Place Executive Director Laura Horsley said. “We are so thankful for their support.”

Currently, Eve’s Place offers seven community support groups available in 10 cities within the West Valley, and serves more than 100 residents in either transitional housing or community programs. The organization is celebrating its 10^th year serving the West Valley community in 2014, and plans to highlight its mission next month through events surrounding Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Larry H. Miller Charities is a nonprofit organization that functions as the charitable arm of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Funding from LHM Charities benefits communities where the LHM Group does business, and focuses on issues that affect women and children, with an emphasis on health and education. With 13 dealerships in Arizona, the company is one of the largest dealership groups in the state.

www.lhmauto.com 

Larry H. Miller Dealerships Acquire Quality Toyota

We're excited to announce that we have acquired Quality Toyota in Corona, Calif., marking the group's first dealership in the state of California.

"We've spent some time surveying the Southern California market looking for a dealership that fit with the philosophies and business strategies of our Group," said Steve Starks, executive vice president, Larry H. Miller Management Corporation. "Quality Toyota and seller Bud Gordon embody many of the same qualities and values by which our group operates. Larry H. Miller Dealerships is committed to excellence for our customers, communities and employees and we are eager to demonstrate this in the community of Corona."

In addition to acquiring the store, Larry H. Miller Dealerships will retain current employees of the dealership.

"Employees are vital to the success of a dealership and we consider the team at Quality Toyota part of the asset," said Dean Fitzpatrick, president, Larry H. Miller Dealerships. "We always work to ensure that current employees transition with the store, and we have training programs in place to encourage their success."

Seller Bud Gordon is well regarded for his commitment to community, most notably with the development of the Quality West Wing Foundation, which sits on the dealership property. The Gordon family will continue to run this facility and manage the foundation. The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies shares a similar interest in education. Through our charitable arm, Larry H. Miller Charities, LHM Dealerships supports nonprofit organizations that focus on issues that affect women and children with an emphasis on health and education.

"I am thankful that the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, an organization with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and a great commitment to community, is purchasing my store," said seller Bud Gordon. "We have many of the same philanthropic philosophies and I know my employees, customers and the community will receive the same level of care, service and respect that Quality Toyota is known for."

The dealership has been renamed Larry H. Miller Toyota Corona and is located at 1700 W. 6th Street in Corona.

www.lhmauto.com

LHM 1000 Used Car Sales Event

Arizona | New Mexico | Utah | Colorado | Idaho | Washington 

The LHM 1000 Used Car Sales Event is back this Labor Day weekend, and it's bigger than ever! Our entire used inventory across six different states will be available at spectacular deals.

Our tents will be full of Larry H. Miller team members who can walk you through our massive selections of used vehicles to help you find what it is you're looking for. We'll also have great things like:

• Free hot dogs, Creamies and soda
• Gifts and extra incentives
• On-site financing teams--including special financing
• CarFax Reports
• And more! 

Come see us this Labor Day weekend from Thursday to Monday at a tent near you! Don't let this great opportunity pass you by. Larry H. Miller, Driven By You!

www.lhmauto.com

2015 Camry

Ever made someone do a double take? You will now. The new 2015 Camry styling is impossible to ignore, with bold, aggressive hood lines and a striking new front grille. From now on, people won’t just be talking about all that technology, safety and quality engineering. They’ll be too busy asking “Who was that?" - www.toyota.com

We know the Toyota Camry is one of the most popular and reliable cars in America and the all new 2015 Camry will only keep those happy customers coming back for more. We looked into the new Camry and think you will be pleased by the changes this next year! 

     What is new for the 2015?

Exterior features:

• The roof remains the same as the 2014, but the rest of the exterior has been changed and redesigned completely!


• It has a front end like its luxury cousin car, the Lexus. 

Interior features:

• Touch screen dash with apps like Facebook, Yelp, Pandora, and Satellite Radio.
• Includes Bluetooth and USB/auxiliary inputs.
• And one of the most exciting features is the WIRELESS CHARGING CAPABILITY. That's not a typo. We said Wireless charging capability!

 
Toyota had this to say at the New York International Auto show...

“(A) pronounced body line starts from the Camry’s muscular front fender and spans across the doors and rear quarter panel, conveying a sense of motion. The completely revised, more aggressive front bumper cover features a wider more prominent trapezoidal grille shape, expressing a lower centre of gravity.” -Toyota, New York International Auto Show

Larry H. Miller Automotive dealerships are located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Find the nearest Larry H. Miller Automotive dealership here at www.LHMauto.com

5 Things to Prepare Your Vehicle for Spring

This has been a rough winter for many and the warmer sunny days of Spring are a welcome sight. With those warmer days come a change with your vehicle maintenance. We at Larry H Miller Automotive Dealerships want you to be prepared for your vehicle maintenance so we have listed 5 things to prepare your vehicle for Spring: 

• Fluids: Winter weather can deplete your vehicle fluids. Be sure to check the oil, wiper, brake, and antifreeze fluids to make sure they are topped off.
• Tires: Take a full look at your tire tread for any wear and tear. Check for bald spots or any bulges that may have occurred. Check with your owner’s manual for the proper tire pressure.
• Wipers: In winter, wipers get a lot of use in the colder months so invest in quality wipers to keep your sight clear on the roads.
• Battery: Check your battery cables for proper use. Don’t be stuck with a dead battery and no cables for yourself or a neighbor.
• Head and Brake lights: Do a safety check to make sure your lights are not dim or dead.

"Buying in bulk is nothing new. That's the logic behind a Total Care Auto Prepaid Maintenance Plan; pay for necessary maintenance upfront and save money. Regularly maintained vehicles are safer, more reliable, and can make the difference between you being the person stranded on the side of the road and the person that stops to help them. If you sell your car, you can cancel your remaining plan, or better yet, transfer it to the new owner because a car that comes with prepaid maintenance can sell faster and for more money. When it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle, a dollar of prevention is truly worth a hundred dollars of cure. That's the value of Total Care Auto Prepaid Maintenance. "

Larry H. Miller Automotive dealerships are located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Find the nearest Larry H. Miller Automotive dealership here at www.LHMauto.com

Lease vs Buy

The time has come to buy another vehicle. Whether you have a growing family, a new teen driver, or just need an upgrade, we all face some decisions when stepping on the lot. 

One of the first decisions is whether to Lease or Buy a new vehicle. We know this can be a big decision for the shopper so we have broken down the basics of purchase and leasing each for you. [tweet this].

Benefits of Leasing

• Smaller (or no) down payment - Getting a great payment is essential to making a car affordable.  

• A new car every few years - Since leases are structured to utilize the most productive period of a vehicle, you will rarely have to worry about maintenance or components of the vehicle failing, warranting costly repairs.  

• No long-term commitment - Leasing give you the opportunity to restart another agreement on a vehicle you want to drive. 

Benefits of Purchasing

• Full ownership of the vehicle at the end of the loan - If you decide to finance your purchase with a loan, when you make the last payment on the loan, you'll own your car and can choose to sell it or continue driving it. 

• No limit on mileage - Leasing gives you a small payment... which means a restriction on mileage.  Mile overage charges can be quite costly.

• Less worry about dents and dings/condition - When you own your vehicle, it is your property.  You will not have to worry about turning in the vehicle in perfect condition.  

If you have more questions or would like to speak to a salesman about your next purchase, you can find your nearest Larry H Miller Dealership HERE.

Larry H. Miller Automotive dealerships are located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Find the nearest Larry H. Miller Automotive dealership here at www.LHMauto.com

Grand Opening: Larry H Miller Hyundai Peoria

2014 has been a great year so far. Great things are happening in the Larry H Miller Auto family. We recently were in Arizona for the Grand Opening of the Larry H Miller Hyundai Peoria to commemorate the newly rebuilt dealership. After months of construction on Bell road, the new store is up and it looks fantastic. The event took place on February 11 and we look forward to seeing some great things from Larry H Miller Hyundai Peoria. 

Pictured Left to Right: Clark Whitworth (President, Miller Management Corporation; Chief Financial Officer, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies), Scott Bates (President, Miller Family Real Estate; Corporate Counsel, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies), Pat Kroneberger (SVP Operations, Larry H. Miller Automotive Group), Dean Fitzpatrick (President, Larry H. Miller Automotive Group), Bob Pradzinski (VP of Sales, Hyundai Motor America), Greg Miller (CEO, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies), William Khouri (General Manager, Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria), and Dave Zuchowski (President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America).

We have been in the auto industry since 1979 yet it always feels exciting to see each store take the next step in our industry. We strive to "exceed the expectations of customers, employees and the community as a whole" and work towards that goal daily.

William Khouri, General Manager

“We have been a member of the West Valley community for 14 years and are excited to share our new facility with our customers,” said William Khouri, general manager of Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria. “With features including a spacious customer waiting lounge, and the most advanced service drives in the industry, we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.” 

2014 Big Game Commercials

Our corporate attorney has visited our offices, not once, but TWICE this week to tell us that in no way are we permitted to use the words “super” and “bowl” together in any context whatsoever.

“But what if we want to share a 2014 S**** B*** commercial?”

“NO!”

With 55 dealerships across the western United States, it stands to reason that we’re a little excited for the big game and for the commercials that will run during the broadcast and then live forever on YouTube.

The automotive industry has historically produced some of the most memorable and creative commercial ads. In fact, this Volkswagen commercial from the 2011 game was deemed one of the most shared commercials ever.

Our team was moved by the Ram Trucks “God Made a Farmer” commercial from 2013, along with the 2011 Chrysler spot featuring Eminem and the “Imported from Detroit” tagline.  Both get regular play around the office.

But what can you expect this year? Well, amidst the football and the snacks, you’ll be treated to another round of creative commercials from Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Chrysler will be running a big game commercial, but as of right now, they’ve managed to keep it under wraps.  

We can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve.

Check out more of the 2014 “big game” commercials below:

If the big game inspires a little car shopping, you can always see our full inventory at www.LHMAuto.com. 

2014 Ram 1500 is Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year

With 10 Dodge Ram dealerships in the Larry H. Miller dealership family, it’s no surprise that the news of the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 being named Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, made a splash in our company.

Especially when you note that the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award has never, in it’s 34-year history, been given to the same truck two years in a row—until now!

The General Manager of Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Peoria, Jonathan Anderson, met with an engineer from the Ram Trucks team to learn even more about this amazing truck and the diesel engine that makes it so special.

2014 Ram 1500 Features and Key Points:

V6 Turbodiesel 240 Horse Power…

· Diesel contains 15% more energy than gasoline.

· Diesel burns slower, which means lower RPM’s.


Better fuel mileage…

· MPG Estimates: City 19 MPG, Highway 26 MPG, Combined 21 MPG

· Compare to GMC Sierra at City 15 MPG, Highway 20 MPG, Combined 17 MPG


Motor Trend put the truck to the test of the worst owners…

· Our testing represents the type of hard driving to which the toughest of owners will subject their trucks. After these tests the Ram still returned 15 MPG while competitors were in single digits with one truck at 10 MPG.

2014 Ram 1500 Amenities include…

· Two touch screen options are available; 5 inches or 8.4 inches and the system and interface does a great job of controlling simple and complex tasks.

· Keyless entry and start.

· Adjustable pedals.

· Bluetooth and voice recognition.

· Smartphone app connectivity, and even a WiFi mobile hotspot.

· Ample legroom in both front and back.

· Laramie edition comes with wood grain trim and leather upholstery.


Want to see the 2014 Ram 1500 for yourself? Visit our www.LHMAuto.com to view the Ram 1500 inventory across all of our dealerships.


Congratulations, Ram 1500!