Fusion Hybrid "Most fuel efficient mid-size car"

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2008 – The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is now officially America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

“The new Ford Fusion Hybrid not only significantly exceeds the competition but also embodies Ford’s 100 percent commitment to fuel efficiency leadership, quality, innovation and advanced technology,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Ford team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”

The 2010 Ford Fusion’s final fuel economy certification was completed this week at Ford’s testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich., and the vehicle will carry an EPA label of 41 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale this spring. The Fusion Hybrid, which beats even the much smaller Honda Civic hybrid by 1 mpg in city driving, can travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

To deliver the class leading fuel economy performance, Ford’s engineers spent the past three years developing in-house the vehicle’s next-generation hybrid propulsion system. It allows the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid to travel up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode, faster than the Toyota Camry and all other hybrids currently on the road. In addition, the system’s Advanced Intake Variable Cam Timing allows the Fusion and Milan hybrids to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiency in many driving situations,” said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. “For example, this would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode.”

Fusion’s advanced hybrid system features:
- Smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces 20 percent more power than Ford’s previous hybrid system. The battery’s improved chemistry allows it to be run at a higher temperature and cooled using cabin air.

- New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower / 136 lb.-ft. of torque), which is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

- Enhanced electronic throttle control, which reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.

- Smart climate control system, which monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin. It also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.

- Regenerative brake system, which captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by delivering full regenerative braking, which means only 6 percent of braking is through traditional friction brakes

SmartGauge Teaches Eco-Driving
The new Fusion Hybrid literally teaches drivers how to make the most out of their vehicle, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide. SmartGauge is a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display screens on either side of the vehicle’s speedometer. The screens can be configured to show different levels of driver information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles-per-gallon.

When set in tutorial mode, the instrument panel “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward fuel-efficient driving. The more leaves and vines that appear, the more efficient the driving behavior is and the more fuel is being saved. In some recent tests, automotive journalists have reported exceeding 50 mpg with the Fusion Hybrid.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid also is distinct on the outside with Ford’s “road and leaf” badges on both sides and the rear, unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels, and a unique engine cover. On the inside, Fusion Hybrid features eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

Fusion Gasoline Model Also a Fuel Leader
In addition to the hybrid, Fusion will be offered with three fuel-efficient gasoline engines – the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

The new Fusion will be building off the strong quality reputation of the current model, which has gained important third-party accolades, and will offer class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC™, SIRIUS® TravelLink™, BLIS™ (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony-branded audio

New Showroom Now Open!

In line with our pledge to remain "A Generation Ahead", Dahl Automotive of La Crosse has opened the doors to the newly remodeled showroom located at 712 South 4th street in downtown La Crosse. Guests may now enjoy the convenience of shopping for a Used-Car Advantage vehicle or a brand new Ford, Subaru, Mitsubishi, or Suzuki out of one state-of-the-art showroom. Guests may now find Kyle Dulek, Jeff Krause, Tony Bottcher, and Allan Fukuda operating from the 712 South 4th Street location along with Ken Hauser, Rick Campbell, and Tong Xiong. All of our professional sales consultants are trained to assist our guests with the purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle.

Our new showroom features open, relaxed offices to discuss all of your automotive needs. In addition, we now offer a comfortable lounge to relax in as we prepare the paperwork for your new purchase while you sip on organic, fair-trade coffee and hot chocolate. We installed the most efficient windows available and utilize pulse-start metal halide and florescent light fixtures to lessen our energy usage. With the installation of new lot lights on 3rd street, we have cut our energy usage by 30 percent!

Stop by today to check out the gorgeous new showroom and test drive the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year, the all-new Subaru Forester . Also in stock is the re-engineered, 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the 2009 Ford F-150. See you soon!

Dahl Introduces 2009 Hyundai Genesis

http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/

• 375 Peak Horsepower
• 4.6L V8 Dual CVVT
• 0-60 in 5.7 seconds
• Five-link front and rear suspension
• Four-piston front brakes
• Backup Warning Camera
• Heated and Cooled Drivers Seats
• 528-watt Lexicon Discrete 7.1 surround sound sytem
• XM NavTraffic
• Electronic active front head restraints

Autotropolis.com Road Test: 2009 Hyundai Genesis , BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER
“Is this a Mercedes?” asked the president of the prestigious Sonoma-Cutrer winery. I laughed and replied, “Nope. This is Hyundai’s new 2009 Genesis.” His reply? “Whoa…I would have never thought this car was a Hyundai.”

Now, let’s talk about the drive. I took the 2009 Hyundai Genesis out on the ultimate test: a real road trip. Driving through the back roads of Sonoma County through the curvy roads of wine country and the scenic Sonoma Coast along Highway 1, I found the 2009 Hyundai Genesis to perform as well as any high-priced Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Lexus sedan. The acceleration was quick, quiet and super fun. The handling was more than smooth, making this car one of the best driving experiences ever. The suspension was also impressive, which I found out when driving through some of the 1,000 acres of Sonoma-Cutrer’s chardonnay and pinot noir vines and through the Russian River Valley’s two-lane highways covered with grape vines and pine forests. Braking was also perfectly smooth and responsive.

Now, I’ve tested out many in-dash navigation systems over the years. I’ve been disappointed with most of them, especially those found inside Honda and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. So, I’m happy to report that Hyundai’s navigation system in its 2009 Genesis is perhaps the best car navigation system on the market today.

MOTOR TREND 2009 Hyundai Genesis
Lexus should be worried. Truly

What do the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Hyundai Genesis have in common?
I will give you a clue, it’s not the price!
The Lexicon Sound System.

By RICHARD WILLIAMSON, SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE Seattle Post Intelligencer Oct 23, 2008
Now they’re taking on Lexus.
The world's fifth-largest automaker, Hyundai -- yes, Hyundai -- sees its first rear-drive luxury car, the Genesis, as a worthy rival to the Lexus ES 350. And no one's laughing.

There's no laughter at BMW or Mercedes-Benz, either, when Hyundai compares the Genesis with the 5-Series and E-Class, respectively. And at much lower cost.

4.6-liter V-8 with 368 horses that propel the rear-drive sedan from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. With a base price of $38,000, the V-8 is expected to secure a place for Hyundai on the wish lists of people shopping the Lexus ES 350, Chrysler 300C, Pontiac G8 and the Cadillac CTS, among others.

In another extreme measure to challenge the luxury market, Genesis has even matched the Rolls-Royce Phantom as the only other car to offer a Lexicon-branded audio system featuring Logic 7 technology. The surround-sound audio system includes an 11-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing more than 500 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete audio. Hyundai also claims to be the first popular brand to offer digital HD Radio from the factory.

By Ron Amadon, MarketWatch AUTO REVIEW
On many fronts, the Genesis should have the establishment worried. "Boy, this car is quiet," said our fellow auto writer about a dozen times during our test drive. In fact, it was more peaceful inside than the Jag XF that we were also testing at the time.

Automobile Magazine By Jason Cammisa
2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6: Luxury Car Comparison - Bull's-Eye, Baby
Once upon a time, a japanese giant pulled a bit of a sneaky move on the established German luxury-car market. The Germans laughed (and laughed, and laughed), but it was the Japanese who laughed last. The LS400 was, in fact, a worthy rival to the S-class, and to remain competitive over the next decade and a half, Mercedes would slash the price of its S-class by almost twenty percent. Now that Lexus's prices have crept up into Mercedes territory, Hyundai's pulling the same move. This time, no one's laughing.

Newsday, NY Tom Incantalupo ROAD TEST
Consumer Reports recommends several of its models for which it has reader feedback about reliability. Hyundai has scored above average in J.D. Power and Associates' two most recent buyer surveys, measuring dependability and customer satisfaction. Quality, though, shouldn't be a concern.

On the road, the Genesis rides firmly but comfortably, handles confidently and is delightfully quiet over just about any surface. Rear seat legroom is generous. The Genesis has the government's topmost, five-star, safety rating for its front, side and rollover protection.

Contact Dennis Julius at Dahl Hyundai for your questions on the Genesis or for a test drive! 608.779.2886 or djulius@dahlauto.com.

Dahl Auto takes 1st place in Chili Cookoff

Dahl's "Best Dressed Chili" took 1st place in the business class of the 17th Annual State Bank Chili Cook Off, they were also voted best overall artistic display.

Master Chef Lee Vieregge and his team (pictured from left to right, Greg Kohner, Lee, Dan Swift, Jansen & Khloe Dahl and Randy Lunde) were extremely pleased with the results after finishing in 2nd place the previous two years.

More then 1,000 people attended the event, which is a fundraiser for local D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T programs. Since 1992 the event has helped raise over $184,000 for the programs. This year proceeds were also donated to Habitat For Humanity.

Best Wishes Mike

Mike Hagen is retiring from the Dahl Automotive family after 41 years of dedicated service. It is the dedication of our employees like Mike, that keep us a generation ahead. We at Dahl are proud to have had this relationship for so many years and wish Mike all the best in his retirement.

Lube-a-thon

Lube-a-thon raises over $7,200 for local breast cancer research

This past Saturday Dahl Automotive invited customers in for a free oil change with a minimum donation to Steppin Out in Pink of $9.97. The response was excellent as over 400 oil changes were done in one day!

Dahl Automotive would like to thank all the great volunteers and sponsors that helped make this event possible: Rainbo Oil, La Crosse Radio Group, Factory Motor Parts, Pepsi, Premier Catering, Artic Glaciers Ice, Culvers, Smokey's Bar and Grill, and Clearview Design. With help from their donations we were able to raise $7,279.51 for Steppin Out in Pink.

Steppin Out in Pink was started two years ago by Gunderson Lutheran as a fundraiser for the Norma J Vinger Center for breast care. The walk is non-competitive and open to all ages and abilities. Walk with family and friends, co-workers, or on your own to honor survivors and remember loved ones.

There is still time to register for this year's walk which will be held on Saturday September 6th. For more information visit http://www.gundluth.org/steppinout

How to save fuel and increase MPG

6 Ways You're Wasting Gas

With all the worry over fuel prices, you'd think drivers would do whatever they can not to waste gas. But look around and you'll see lots of them tooling around as if they owned their own tanker fleet. One of them might be you. Click here for CNN's list of six ways drivers typically waste gas every on every trip - starting with racing away from green lights. Many of the tips are not only good for your wallet; they'll also keep you safe. For example, did you know that tailgating wastes gas? Every time the driver ahead taps his brakes, you have to slow down even more than he did. (That's because you can't react immediately so you have to slow even more because you're slowing down later.) Then you accelerate again to get back up to speed and resume your bumper-buzzing routine. Hang back and you'll be safer - plus you'll be able to drive more smoothly and use less fuel. A good rule of thumb is to allow two seconds of space between your car and the one ahead. For more gas-saving tips, click here.


Automakers Encourage Consumers to "Drive Smarter"

Automakers are joining a new campaign aimed at helping consumers cope with high gasoline prices by providing information on how to use less fuel. The campaign, launched today, features an interactive Web site at www.drivesmarterchallenge.org. The site will enable consumers to determine how much fuel their vehicles would save if they follow any of six conservation steps. The site also will show potential savings in money spent on fuel and in greenhouse gas emissions, organizers said. According to Automotive News, participants in the campaign include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents the Detroit 3, Toyota and six other automakers. Leading the campaign are the Wal-Mart Foundation and the Alliance to Save Energy, a coalition of businesses, government officials and advocacy groups.

5 ways Dahl "Goes Green"

Dahl Automotive has always had a passion for being environmentally friendly. Some of the greatest threats to our eco system come from items we throw away everyday. That is why we are taking every step possible to help conserve resources and protect the environment.

5 Ways Dahl Automotive "Goes Green"

1. Tire Advantage means all of our customer’s old tires are recycled. Our partnership with Green Man Tire Recyclers ensures used tires get recycled to use in clean burning power plants in the Midwest (decrease coal consumption). Also many rubber chunks are used in kid’s outdoor playgrounds. "Dahl Automotive recycled over 4,000 tires in 2007" says Mike Tooley, parts Manager
   
2. "Dahl QuickLanes recycled and burned over 12,000 gallons of waste oil last winter to heat the service shops" says Randy Hubert, Fixed Operations Director
   
3. Dahl's new partnership with Dairyland Printing means our business cards and letterhead are printed on 100% recycled post consumer paper.
   
4. Dahl Automotive is using compact fluorescent bulbs (CLF's) instead of traditional incandescent bulbs in lighting offices, meeting rooms and other work spaces. CFL's are about 75% more energy efficient then standard bulbs and last about 10 times longer
   
5. Dahl's relationship with Hilltopper Waste ensures that all our cardboard and paper is recycled instead of filling landfills.

Big Foot visits Dahl Auto

Monster Truck visits Dahl Automotive La Crosse

The original Monster Truck, Big Foot, made an appearance at Dahl Automotive La Crosse yesterday. Team Bigfoot has taken their trucks all over the world to display them. The $250,000 truck puts out an impressive 1500 horsepower and burns between 2-3 gallons of fuel on every 250 ft run.

QuickLane NOW OPEN

Dahl Automotive La Crosse QuickLane Open for Business

In staying with our Generation Ahead philosophy we have opened a brand new state of the art QuickLane Tire and Service Center at our downtown location. Customers can have oil changes completed in 30 minutes or less, tire rotations done in a snap, as well as other light maintenance on ALL MAKES AND MODELS.

Just like before, you drive your vehicle into our service drive, speak with one of our knowledgeable service advisors and they will arrange everything for you, including a ride elsewhere if you need while your vehicle is being serviced.