2012’s Exciting new lineup of vehicles and the people behind the wheels
In the auto industry, innovation and new technologies yield newer, faster, more efficient cars, year after year. We’ve seen interior comfort and fuel efficiency at the forefront of demand each year, but this year, we’re talking more than MPGs. Automotive dealers throughout the region are excited for 2012, offering some seriously sweet new rides that combine performance and luxury, and some that are even ditching the gas tank for a three-prong plug. It’s set to be an exiting year of growth in the car world, and these new models available in our region are leading the way.
#1 Cochran
Rob Cochran welcomes Fiat to their family of brands
This past November, #1 Cochran Automotive added a fleet of fuel efficient, fun Fiats to its volume of brands, and President Rob Cochran is excited to diversify his portfolio with this seriously sweet Italian-inspired car. He hopes its arrival will bring a whole new demographic of clients into the family. “We’re excited about the future growth opportunities with Fiat, and excited about the new types of customers it will bring into our showroom,” he says.
Along with a diverse set of brands, #1 Cochran continues to maintain the growth of three large campuses in Monroeville, South Hills, and Robinson. Cochran says that a number of brands, including Kia, Hyundai, Subaru, and Nissan have all been experiencing great growth, and Volkswagen is going to have the best year nationally in 10 years. He says Buick, GMC, and Cadillac have had sales increases in the past few years as well. “The last couple of years have been years of growth after an uncertain time three or four years back,” he says. “We have been well positioned because of the diversity that we have, and the scale that we have, and the diversity within those campuses.”
For Cochran, though, the service is just as important as the product. “We feel like we’re in a really good spot, partly because of the brands we are associated with, but probably more so because of the people within our company, the development that we’ve had with people, and with a stronger outreach and greater relationships with our customers,” he says.
FIAT has also produced a Limited Edition Pink Ribbon FIAT 500, a collaboration of FIAT Brand North America and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. FIAT will donate $1,000 from the sale of each special edition vehicle and 10 percent of all Pink Ribbon merchandise; #1 Cochran of Monroeville has two of these vehicles available. The limited edition 500 is detailed with pink accents and the iconic pink breast cancer ribbons on the exterior and floor mats, as well as pink stitching throughout the interior.
Cochran speaks a lot about relationships, specifically that of his team members and of the customers. “That’s the cornerstone of any business,” he says, “the relationship that you have with the people who represent you, and with the people who are purchasing your products and services.”
The fact that #1 Cochran has three campuses highlights the diversity of the communities unique to the Greater Pittsburgh area, which is a community-based type of market. “In a different market, you may be able to have one, big centralized location, but it’s not easy in Pittsburgh because of the topography and because of the cultural norms,” he says.
That sense of supporting community goes beyond the showrooms for #1 Cochran. Cochran has been a long-standing board member at Family House, and #1 Cochran is a major sponsor for the Family House Polo Match. The company just contributed a Kia Sedona to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for the hospital’s Injury Prevention Program, as well as a Subaru Forester to the Pittsburgh Zoo for its educational outreach program. Cochran has also created an endowment for Carnegie Mellon University’s Students in Free Enterprise program, and has made major donations to Shady Side Academy and to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Pa. “We take pride in ourselves in being a values-driven company,” Cochran says. “Most of my communication with our team members is not on how many cars we sold, it’s on how much we’re living up to our stated values. As the leader in our category, we take pride in that, but that comes with a responsibility. We embrace the responsibility to give back.”
In terms of future goals, #1 Cochran has just finished a project in Robinson — a brand new Buick GMC showroom, one they’ve been working on for a long time to go with their Kia facility, along with a new collision shop.
Cochran says the company has a lot of work coming in 2012, including a new Volkswagen facility, as well as plans to place an Infiniti facility next to the Nissan showroom in Dormont to better serve their South Hills customers. “We’re not standing still,” Cochran says.
#1 Cochran Automotive, 877.COCHRAN. cochran.com.
/// Italian design, Pittsburgh ready ///
The all-new FIAT 500 has arrived. FIAT’s head of design says that the new 500 is, “Everything you need, and nothing you don’t.” Available in Lounge, Sport, and Pop, the 500 is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, and comes with a standard 1.4L, 16v MultiAir Engine. Rock out using the USB port with iPod control, and enjoy customizable interior options, including sport cloth and premium leather.
Price …………….. Starting at $16,500-$25,900
Horsepower …………………………………. 101
City MPG ………………… 30/27 (Manual/Auto)
Highway MPG …………… 38/34 (Manual/Auto)
/// Bring along a friend, or six ///
This spring, Infiniti adds the JX concept to its lineup, a 7-passenger luxury crossover with three rows of seating and advanced hospitality features. The all-new JX is designed to comfortably fit seven passengers and features a ton of technologies, such as Drive Zone boundaries and Speed Alert systems, which can be beneficial for parents with young drivers. The Infiniti Connection onboard services can alert via text message or email if a boundary has been crossed or a speed exceeded. The JX is powered by a standard 3.5L DOHC V6. #1 Cochran Automotive, 4845 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville. 877.710.6795. 2809 W. Liberty Ave., South Hills. 412.245.3636 cochran.com.
Price ……. Starting at $40,450
Horsepower …………….. 265
City MPG ………………….. 17
Highway MPG ……………. 23
/// stealth status ///
The all-new Hyundai Veloster looks flat-out fun to drive. Its 1.6L four-cylinder engine uses gasoline direct-injection technology and offers 138hp at 6,300 rpm, with available eco-shift dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. LED headlight accents and an available panoramic sunroof highlight the exterior, but a unique stealth third passenger side door steals the show, giving easy access to a spacious rear interior. The interior technology includes push-to-start electronic ignition, a seven-inch multimedia display, and Pandora Internet radio. #1 Cochran Automotive, 3147 W. Liberty Ave.,
South Hills. 877.COCHRAN. cochran.com.
Price ……. Starting at $19,505
Horsepower …………….. 138
City MPG ………………….. 30
Highway MPG ……………. 40
/// A ride so quiet and comfortable, you’ll want to open a novel ///
Buick has added the all-new Verano to its lineup of luxury sedans as the first compact luxury sedan, to be available in Spring 2012. Inside and out, the Verano combines technology and luxury. This sedan features a next-generation radio system with OnStar connectivity and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Touch-screen navigation and a Bose sound system highlight the Verano’s interior options. Other features include passive entry, 10 standard air bags, and a heated steering wheel. The Verano is powered by an Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed automatic powertrain combo. Buick continues its standard of quiet tuning with the Verano, with support from acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, and refined chassis dynamics, making for the most quiet of commutes. #1 Cochran Automotive, 5200 Campbells Run Road, Robinson. 877.COCHRAN. cochran.com.
Price ……. Starting at $23,470
Horsepower …………….. 177
0-60 ……………………….. 8s
City MPG ………………….. 21
Highway MPG ……………. 32
Lexus of North Hills
Kevin Mullen
Vice President and General Manager, Lexus of North Hills and Bentley Pittsburgh
Kevin Mullen is excited about Lexus’ new GS350, which is the vehicle’s first update since 2006. “The GS350 is the perfect combination of luxury and performance,” he says, “And technology wise, it’s unmatched.” Mullen says that at Lexus of North Hills, they are dedicated to treating everyone with respect and integrity. Following the Japanese tsunami, Mullen says Lexus was producing almost no inventory, specifically RX models, but that in 2012 he expects to come back with a vengeance. Philanthropically, Mullen says they learned early on that it’s the right thing to do, and that also has helped them brand themselves as a different kind of dealership. “Our commitment to the community goes beyond the walls within where we conduct business,” he says. This commitment goes beyond the Lexus showroom as well, as Mullen recently accepted the position of General Manager of Bentley Pittsburgh, where he’ll continue to host charitable events.
/// A hand to double-down on ///
Engine: 6L, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain
• New Quickshift transmission enables double downshifts
• Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
• An 8-inch touchscreen (Navigation, and access to the car’s audio system, phone, and comfort settings.)
• Flexfuel technology (Engine can run on Bioethanol (E85), petrol, or combinations of both.)
Price ……………………….. Starting at $212,696
Horsepower ……………………………… 567hp
0-60 ………………………………………….. 5.7s
City MPG ……………………………………… 12
Highway MPG ………………………………… 19
/// Lexus opens the eyes of the blind spot ///
• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Offered in ECO, Normal, Sport S, and Sport S+ driving modes
• 12.3-inch high-resolution multimedia display
• Lexus Enform, an application suite that gives access to Pandora, OpenTable, Facebook Places, and more
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Night View System
Price ……………………….. Starting at $46,900
Horsepower ……………………………… 306hp
0-60 ………………………………………….. 5.7s
City MPG ……………………………………… 19
Highway MPG ………………………………… 27
Lexus of North Hills, 15025 Perry Hwy, Wexford. 724.940.1400. lexusofnorthhills.com.
Rohrich Lexus
Tim Brady
General Manager, Rohrich Lexus
Rohrich Lexus was one of the first Lexus dealers in the country, and Tim Brady agrees that Lexus isn’t new to the game of producing cars with better gas mileage. “The HS 250 is what I drive,” he says, “I’m going to leave the planet a sustainable place for my kids.” Brady says the GS Hybrid is a performance sedan that wasn’t made for the car buyer who wants to forego the benefits of a luxury car. “The GS doesn’t forget that it’s a luxury car, but it performs well too.” Brady says of the Pittsburgh market, “It’s a surprisingly diverse market, and that’s good because Lexus appeals to many generations, educations, and backgrounds.” Rohrich Lexus also has been heavily involved with charities like Casey’s Kids, Champions for Charity with St. Clair Hospital, The Lemieux Foundation, and the Silk Screen Film Festival.
/// Eco-friendly, without sacrifices ///
• Engine: Atkinson-cycle V6
• Available headlamps with LED high and low beams
• Blue hybrid badges and redesigned rear bumper
• Bamboo steering-wheel trim and interior accents
Price ……… Starting at $58,950
Horsepower …………….. 338
0-60 ……………………… 5.6s
City MPG ………………….. 29
Highway MPG ……………. 34
Rohrich Lexus, 2115 W. Liberty Ave., South Hills. 412.344.5800. rohrichlexus.com.
Auto Palace Porsche
Aaron Comstock
General Manager, Auto Palace Porsche
Aaron Comstock and Auto Palace Porsche strive to be the biggest, best Porsche store in the region, and offer the best customer service, and they’re looking forward to 2012 with 2011 being their best year since the recession. Comstock says that Porsche sales are up 15 percent, and that their set to release a ton of new cars in the next year. He says the new Porsche 911 Carrera is larger, wider, and faster, and sets itself up to be a super car. In Pittsburgh, Comstock is optimistic about the market. “In our region, unemployment isn’t as high, and I think we’ve come back stronger than most,” he says. This year, Comstock says
that their looking to focus on having a number of launch events,
and getting more involved in the community.
/// Packs a punch ///
• Engine: 3.5L Boxer with auto start/stop function
• New lightweight body design,
• Seven-speed manual
• Ninety percent re-designed and re-developed
• Top speeds of 178mph
Price ………………………. Starting at $82,100
Horsepower …………………………………. 350
0-60 …………………………………………… 4.8
City MPG ……………………………………… 16
Highway MPG ……………………………….. 24
Auto Palace Porsche, 4627 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. 412.687.4000. auto-palace.com.
P & W Foreign Cars
Tracy Foster
Owner, P&W Foreign Cars: Mini of Pittsburgh and P&W BMW
Tracy Foster has a lot of nice things to say about Pittsburgh. “We have a strong luxury market, and Pittsburgh has a lot of good people,” he says. “If you give them the service that they want, they’ll come back, and that’s great about Pittsburgh.” Foster says that though going into 2009 was a tough year for everyone, they did what they needed to do to move forward. “The minute you stop trying to get better, you get worse,” Foster says. Philanthropically, Foster says his personal commitment is anything
to do with kids, and he spends time mentoring and speaking to young people whenever he can. “I like to give my time,” he says. “Growing up, people spent time with me that didn’t have to, and it helped me in my life. It’s my obligation to do what I can for kids.”
/// MINI’s fourth model gets versatile ///
• Engine: 1.6L
• MINI Connected, allowing you to hook up devices to the dash
• Seating for five
• Improved fuel economy up to nine percent
Price ………………… $22,450
Horsepower …………….. 121
City MPG ………………….. 27
Highway MPG ……………. 35
/// Beam of luxury ///
• Engine: 3.0L, inline 6 cylinder
• Six-speed STEPTRONIC with Paddle Shifters
• BMW Assist with Bluetooth Technology
• On-board navigation with traffic alerts
Price …………. $34,600 MSRP
Horsepower …………….. 230
0-60 ……………………… 5.5s
City MPG ………………….. 18
Highway MPG ……………. 28
MINI of Pittsburgh/P&W Foreign Cars. 4801 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. 412.682.0788. miniofpittsburgh.com.
Three Rivers Volkswagen
Kathi Tennant
Owner, Three Rivers Volkswagen
To Kathi Tennant, customers come first. “It’s the only way,” she says. She says that the 2012 Volkswagen Passat has a significantly more spacious interior than the previous Passat, and that her favorite Volkswagen out right now is the new Tiguan, which she is driving now. “It’s a big growing period in the industry right now,” Tennant says. “In Pittsburgh, I think there’s a lot of growth. Unemployment hasn’t hit as hard, and where our store is, it’s been great. I see a lot of positive things for the future.” Three Rivers Volkswagen has worked with charities like Toy Treasures around the holidays, as well as the Diabetes Association. Three Rivers Volkswagen has also donated vehicles to the Canonsburg Hospital as a hole-in-one prize for their golf outings, and has supported local high school sports programs.
/// Audio so clear, even the back
seat sounds like the front row ///
• Engine: 2.5L, five-cylinder
• 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel option has an in-line four-cylinder engine produces 140hp. Third option of a 3.6L VR6 engine yields 280hp
• Fender Premium Audio system—400 watts of
• power for clean, clear audio.
Price ……. Starting at $19,995
Horsepower ………….. 177hp
City MPG ………………….. 22 Highway MPG ……………. 32
Three Rivers Volkswagen, 3694 Washington Road, McMurray. 724.941.6100. 3riversvw.com.
South Park Mitsubishi
Gokhan Cinar & Jeff Jones
Owners, South Park Mitsubishi
South Park Mitsubishi owners, Jeff Jones and Gokhan Cinar, want to exceed customers’ expectations and continue to be the single point, largest Mitsubishi dealer in the tri-state area, and they believe that Mitsubishi’s newest 100-percent electric vehicle will help them do that. “The Mitsubishi i is the most affordable electric car in the United States, especially when you factor in the government incentives,” Cinar says. “Mitsubishi has always been known for their innovation and their dedication to become a more fuel-efficient company has a lot to do with their growth,” Jones says. “Customer satisfaction has always been our top priority and providing charging stations for the i at the dealership will ensure that.” The owners say that with the government’s support, charging stations with be popping up everywhere including at Best Buys and Sheetz.
/// Drive down to Electric Avenue ///
• #1 ranking on the EPA’s list of the Fuel Economy Leaders for the 2012 Model Year
• EPA-rating of 112MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined city and highway. 100 percent electric
• Three stages of refueling. Level one —100 percent in 22 hours. Level two charges —100 percent in 7 hours using a home charging system. Level three — 80 percent in 30 minutes using an Eaton quick charging station
Price ……Starting at $21,625
Horsepower …. 63 (equivalent)
0-60 ……………………… 11.9s
City MPG ………………….. 126
Highway MPG ……………. 99
Day Automotive
Debbie Flaherty
President, Day Automotive
Debbie Flaherty and Day Automotive have a mission to provide a happy and comfortable experience to every guest that enters their showrooms and service facilities, while also providing a meaningful and enjoyable career to their employees. Flaherty knows that big things are happening in the auto industry, and it excites her. “I am excited about the electric cars and how all of the manufacturers are so conscious about the environment now,” she says. “It’s exciting to see the incredible progress being made in the technologies of these new vehicles.” Though the future impresses her, Flaherty has a weakness for vintage cars, and her favorite, a 1959 Chevy Corvette. “It’s like a piece of art to me,” she says. “I have a 1966 Mustang convertible, which is also a favorite of mine.” As far as the Pittsburgh market goes, Flaherty sees a lot of opportunity. “It seems like Pittsburgh is more resilient in some ways than other areas,” she says. Day Automotive supports local school athletic programs, and various charities such as Animal Friends, and Hyundai’s “Hope on Wheels” with Children’s Hospital.
/// Lightening fast ///
• Engine: 6.2L, LS9 638hp, supercharged V8
• Top track speed: 205 mph
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Bose Sound System
• Bluetooth connectivity
Price ……………………….. $111,525 (MSRP)
Horsepower ……………………………… 638
0-60 ………………………………………….. 3.4s
City MPG ……………………………………… 14
Highway MPG ………………………………… 21
Day Chevrolet, 1600 Golden Mile Hwy, Monroeville. 888.285.6845. daychevrolet.com.
/// A Hot Audi ///
• Engine: All-aluminum 3.0L TFSI V6
• 325lb-ft. of torque.
• Audi’s xenon plus headlights (Use half of the energy of conventional bulbs
• LED taillights (Use 50 percent less energy than conventional taillights)
• Six-way heated seats
• Audi’s music interface with iPod integration
• HomeLink technology (Can control garage doors, gates, and lights in your home)
Price ………………… $64,695
Horsepower …………….. 310
0-60 ……………………… 5.4s
City MPG ………………….. 18
Highway MPG ……………. 28
Day Audi, 1580 Golden Mile Hwy, Monroeville. 724.327.4900. dayaudi.com.
