$25 Donation Program- Ruth Meiers Hospitality House

When you purchase from Kupper Automotive, you give back to your community. For 28 years, every other week at Kupper Automotive (formerly Ressler Chevrolet-Subaru) $25 per vehicle sold is donated to a community organization. Through this organization, our customers have donated over $1 million to non-profit organizations. At Kupper Automotive, your purchase makes a difference.

The week of October9-14, 2023:

Who Ruth Meiers serves: Homelss and those at risk.

A little Goes a long way. Here is how your $25 went to work:

"The Contribution will provide to our clients who are mentally ill with one week of shelter and support towards self sufficiency. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the Bismarck-Mandan Community."

DONATION

Kupper Automotive Raises Over $35K for Childhood Cancer Research

Dealership Group Well Surpasses Fundraising Goal

In partnership with Basin Electric’s annual “Brave the Shave” campaign to help fund childhood cancer research and fellowships, a total of 34 Kupper Automotive employees, family members and community members shaved their heads (or donated their hair) in solidarity with kids with cancer and raised money to Conquer Childhood Cancers!

Kupper Automotive-Brave the Shave was held Wednesday, March 11 from 3-5 pm at Kupper Chevrolet in Mandan. Kupper Automotive was proud to have in attendance the CEO of the St. Baldrick’s  Foundation, Kathleen Ruddy, based out of Monrovia, CA. Kupper Auto owner Bob Kupper, who was one of the shavees, told Ruddy, “If I’m going to talk the talk (to my employees), I’ve got to walk the walk…I’m going to shave my head and raise some money.” Kupper also gave the option to employees at all stores to donate vacation days where he would pay however many donated days’ wages straight to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which ended up being a great contribution to the overall fundraising goal.

With donations still coming in, the dealership group, made up of Bismarck Motor Company and Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru, well surpassed their $25,000 fundraising goal, with a current total of $35,067. The dealership looks forward to participating again next year and helping to further promote research funding for childhood cancer and helping survivors lead long and healthy lives. 

Employee Briefs: Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru Auto Body & Glass Announces New Role for Employee

Kupper Automotive announced a new staff role at Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru Auto Body & Glass. Jeff Simpfenderfer, previous Body Shop Estimator, has been named Body Shop Manager.

An employee since 2013, Jeff enjoys playing and singing in a local band, working in the yard, outdoor activities, motorcycling and snowmobiling, astronomy and traveling.

In his new position, Simpfenderfer is excited to be leading a team of great people to achieve new goals and provide outstanding service to our community through hard work, honesty and integrity. 

Who's Who Wednesday of Kupper Automotive

"Who's Who Wednesday" of Kupper Automotive! Meet George Anderson and Jen Weekes.

 George, an Internet Sales Manager at Bismarck Motor Company has been with us for 5 years. He is hard working, has exceptional communication skills and will do whatever it takes to help you find the right vehicle that fits your needs and wants. George is a huge asset to the Bismarck Motor Company team and always gives 100%.

Jen, a Customer Service Representative at Kupper Subaru has also been with us for 5 years. We love Jen's kind heart, happy spirit and contagious laugh. She fits in perfectly at Kupper Subaru as she truly cares about everyone that walks through the door and makes sure that they are taken care of immediately. Jen is a true team player and goes above and beyond whatever is asked of her. 

We are so lucky to have two hard working and amazing employees that add so much value to our team here at Kupper Automotive. Make sure if you see them to tell them "hello." We hope they are around for a long time!

KUPPER AUTOMOTIVE WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

Kupper Automotive recently welcomed five new employees to their teams at Kupper Chevrolet and Kupper Subaru in Mandan. 

Christine Bechhold (Glen Ullin) and Nancy Kay Zander (Mandan), joined the Cashier staff at Kupper Chevrolet. Bechhold enjoys fishing, Nascar, and bonfires, and has previous experience in Administration. Zander and her family live in Bismarck, and she fondly remembers her first
cashier position in Mandan at the Showboat Cinema (1977). 

Allison Gaw (Frankford, MO) is the newest member of the Sales & Leasing Team at Kupper Subaru. Gaw enjoys dirt track racing and is excited to be a member of the team.


Marvin Lepp (Lehr) joined the Service Team at Kupper Chevrolet as a Service Writer. Lepp has had experience managing Quick Lube stations, along with restaurant management and technology sales.

Erica Spencer (Miami, FL) joined the team at Kupper Chevrolet as a Sales and Leasing Consultant. Spencer
enjoys spending time with her family, including her five
boys, and has extensive previous sales experience.

The goal of Kupper Automotive is to be an industry leader in providing unmatched quality automotive products and services. It is our mission to exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations, and maintain their loyalty for a lifetime. Kupper Automotive is comprised of six franchises, three auto service departments, two body shops, and three parts departments,
with a highly experienced workforce of over 240 employees.

BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW LOCATION

Bismarck Motor Company, a Kupper Automotive dealership, recently held their groundbreaking ceremony for their new location Thurs., Aug. 14. The new location, which will boast 12.5 acres to stock new and used vehicles, is at the intersection of Highway 83 and 57^th Ave NE, north of Furniture Row.

Over 60 attendees were present at the ceremony, including representatives of Volkswagen of America, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and the Kupper Automotivedealership family. Following the ceremony, appetizers and beverages were served.

“We are so excited and grateful that so many people were able to come out and share this day with us,” said Chris Schneider, General Manager of Bismarck Motor Company.

The new building will feature 25,000 square feet for the Honda building, 15,000 square feet for the Nissan building and 12,000 square feet for the Volkswagen building. It will also feature the state’s only in-dealership coffee shop.

“The new stores will be the most state-of-the-art facilities in all of North Dakota,” says Bob Kupper. “We will have 12.5 acres to display and stock vehicles, making our location the area’s largest selection of vehicles.”

The new location is slated to be completed in June 2015.

For more information, visit Bismarck Motor Company online at www.bismarckmotorcompany.com.

BISMARCK MOTOR COMPANY TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW HONDA, NISSAN, VOLKSWAGEN FACILITIES

Aug. 6, 2014 – Bismarck Motor Company, a Kupper Automotive dealership, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony next week to mark the end of the predevelopment phase of all-new Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen facilities.

“There’s so much activity and expansion in North Bismarck,” states owner, Bob Kupper. “We’re excited to be part of  Bismarck/Mandan’s growth as well as bring all-new state-of-the art import dealerships to Western N.D.”

 

Bismarck’s exclusive Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen franchises’ new locations will be at the property located at the corner of 57^th Ave. NW and HWY 83, directly north of Furniture Row. The three brands will have their own separate facilities; Honda being the largest at 24,000 sq. ft., Nissan 15,000 sq. ft. and Volkswagen 12,000 sq. ft.

“By having three separate facilities, we will be able to focus more on each brand and the customers they serve,” says Chris Schneider, General Manager. “The expansion will help us better serve both our customers and our employees.”

The commencement will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. at the new construction site to celebrate the beginning of a much needed dealership expansion of Bismarck Motor Company sales, service and parts operations. The dealership’s hopes are to increase business by 50 percent as well as expand its staff by 50 employees. 

Hyundai Veloster and Santa Fe Win 2014 Vincentric Best CPO Value Awards

Hyundai’s award-winning Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program added to its accolades as Veloster and Santa Fe won their category in the 2014 Vincentric Best CPO Value in America awards. Hyundai’s three-door sporty coupe won in the subcompact coupe segment, while Santa Fe beat out all other CUV competitors in the mid-size crossover category.

2014 Hyundai Veloster

“Hyundai’s CPO program gives customers an added level of comfort, satisfaction and peace of mind in their vehicle purchase,” said Steve Flood, director, Sales Planning and Retail Operations, Hyundai Motor America. “By selecting a Hyundai CPO vehicle, consumers receive $2,066* of added value over a comparable non-certified used Hyundai. Veloster and Santa Fe are both excellent vehicles offering stylish design and functionality for different lifestyles, and as these awards show, great value.”

The Vincentric Best CPO Value in America awards are vehicle-specific honors that determine the best value certified pre-owned model in each segment. Using a statistical analysis, the company identified the Vincentric Best CPO Value in America winners by measuring which vehicles had lower-than-expected ownership costs given their market segment and price.

Vincentric measures cost of ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs. Each CPO vehicle was evaluated in all 50 states plus D.C. assuming each has been driven 15,000 miles per year, with the expectation that they will be driven an additional 15,000 miles per year over the coming five years.

Hyundai’s CPO program benefits include:

10-year/100,000-mile CPO Powertrain Limited Warranty from the original in-service date and zero (0) miles

150-point inspection

10-year/Unlimited Mileage Roadside assistance from the original in-service date

Rental car reimbursement (up to $35/day for up to 10 days per occurrence)

Towing coverage to the nearest Hyundai dealership

Travel breakdown reimbursement (for breakdowns more than 150 miles from home, up to $100 per day, $500 per occurrence)

90-days of no-charge SiriusXM® satellite radio (for vehicles equipped with SiriusXM®)

Complimentary CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports™

For a full list of Hyundai CPO coverage, visit: http://www.hyundaicertified.com.

*$2,066 represents the national value of benefits included in the purchase of a Hyundai CPO vehicle as compared to a non-certified used Hyundai. Since $2,066 represents an average for all Hyundai CPO vehicles sold nationally, individual value received may vary.

Hyundai Ranked Highest Non-Premium in J.D. Power APEAL Study

Accent Ranks Highest in Small Car Segment

J.D. Power designated 2014 Accent as its most appealing small car in its 2014 Automotive Performance,
Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. Hyundai is also the highest-ranked non-premium

brand in the J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), marking the first time a nameplate has ranked
 highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year. In its 19^th year, the APEAL
 study examines owners’ assessments of the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicle.
 Vehicles and their brands are scored on a 1,000 point scale.

Just one month ago, in the acclaimed J.D. Power Initial Quality (IQS) study, Hyundai was the highest
ranked non-premium brand and the Genesis, Elantra and Accent all received awards in their respective
segments. In this year’s APEAL study, Hyundai again claimed top spot among non-premium brands
while improving five spots among all brands to rank 13^th overall.

“We are so pleased to see the recognition that Accent has received in this year’s J.D. Power APEAL
study,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America.
“And it’s especially gratifying coming on the heels of our best-ever IQS showing just one month ago.”

Additionally, in the tightest race in the study, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata finished third by just two points
 – 819 v. 821 – in the midsize car segment. The Hyundai Veloster finished second in the Compact
Sporty Car segment. “We expect the all-new 2015 Sonata to do even better next year,” O’Brien added.
This is the highest Hyundai has ever ranked in the APEAL study.

Kupper Automotive Returns Support for Mandan Independence Day Parade

Kupper Automotive is excited to be back for the fourth year as the title sponsor for the Mandan Independence Day Parade.

Kupper Automotive will be bringing to life this year’s parade theme “Show Your Colors…Red, White & Blue”, featuring cars from each of our dealerships, including our newest brand, Volkswagen of Bismarck, with our “Peace, Love, ‘Merica” entourage. 

We’re also proud to provide cars for various groups in the parade, such as Governor Jack Dalrymple and First Lady Betsy Dalrymple, the Mandan Progress Organization, and Mandan Cheerleaders.

We strive to be actively involved in the support of our communities, because they provide us our success.

Kupper Automotive in the 2013 Mandan Independence Day Parade with a Medieval float

Honda Honored as a "Highway Safety Hero" by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety for Advancing Pedestrian Safety

• More than 10 million Honda and Acura vehicles purchased in the U.S. feature pedestrian injury mitigation features and designs
• More than 95 percent of model year 2014 Honda passenger vehicles and 100 percent of model year 2014 Honda light trucks come equipped with standard rearview cameras, reaching 100 percent overall application for 2015 model year

Honda's commitment to introduce advanced vehicle designs aiming to reduce pedestrian injuries and enhance driver visibility with standard rearview camera application has earned Honda recognition as a "Highway Safety Hero" by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates). For 2014, Honda was the sole company honored receiving the "Highway Safety Hero" award along with 26 current and former members of Congress, eight state officials and 14 citizen activists "in recognition of efforts to save lives, prevent injuries and make roads safer."

As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Honda has led the U.S. automotive industry in the application of safety and driver assistive technologies as standard equipment – including features that aim to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision, such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, with a focus on reducing severe head injuries, which account for roughly 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities.

Further, Honda has taken a comprehensive approach to the application of rearview cameras. More than 94 percent of Honda and Acura models sold in the U.S. in 2013 were equipped with standard rearview cameras. No other brand has as many models equipped with standard rearview cameras for the 2014 model year and by the 2015 model year, rearview cameras will be standard on all Honda and Acura models.

"For more than a decade, Honda has focused on reducing the threat of injuries to pedestrians as part of our ‘Safety for Everyone' approach," said Chuck Thomas, chief safety engineer at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. who accepted the award on Honda's behalf. "As we continue to research other advanced technologies such as vehicle-to-pedestrian sensing technologies, this work will be an integral part of our dream to eliminate motor vehicle collisions entirely."

Rearview cameras are just one aspect of Honda's overall approach to enhanced driver visibility and situational awareness, demonstrated by the broad application of technologies such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems on Honda models. These systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield or a front mount radar system to identify and alert drivers to a potential collision with a vehicle detected in front of them, or to alert drivers if the car is unexpectedly moving out of a detected lane. Other available features aimed at improving driver visibility are the Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Honda LaneWatch display and Acura's Blind Spot Information (BSI) system.

2014 Nissan Rogue “Best-in-Class Mid-Size Crossover SUV” in AutoPacific 2014 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

National survey recognizes all-new 2014 model for exterior styling, reliability, handling, safety features

2014 Nissan Rogue

Proud Nissan Rogue owners are letting their voice be heard with the recent naming of the all-new 2014 model as “Best-In-Class Mid-Size Crossover SUV” in AutoPacific’s 18th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA), an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle.

Created to identify the most satisfying vehicles on the market, AutoPacific’s 2014 VSA are based on the feedback of more than 92,000 new vehicle owners, whose satisfaction is objectively measured with 50 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. In the national survey, 2014 Rogue owners identified exterior styling, reliability, handling and feeling safe while driving as the Rogue’s “top satisfying attributes.”

“With its combination of high style, best-in-class highway fuel economy*, top safety features, innovative technology and much more, the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue was created to satisfy anyone considering a vehicle in this rapidly growing segment,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Given that this AutoPacific award stems directly from vehicle owners, it’s an honor to know owners share our passion for the 2014 Rogue, and we’re thrilled to receive this recognition.”

The Rogue, which was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, challenges convention once again with bold emotive styling, a premium interior created with comfort in mind, as well as an array of available affordable technologies. Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, along with exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex™ seating System and innovative Divide-N-Hide™ Cargo System. Every 2014 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a responsive 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an advanced Xtronic transmission. Rogue comes in three well-equipped models, S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE NAMED A “BEST FAMILY CAR OF 2014” BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS.COM

Hyundai’s top-selling SUV, the 2014 Santa Fe was named one of the “Best Family SUVs of 2014” in the seventh annual Parents magazine and Edmunds.com “Best Family Cars” Awards. The Santa Fe and all other winners will appear in the July issue of Parents magazine and online at www.parents.com/best-family-cars.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

“Families expect a lot from their vehicles,” says Parents Editor-in-Chief Dana Points. “Safety is every parent’s top priority, and we’re excited by how many manufacturers are now offering blind-spot mirrors and collision-avoidance systems in addition to multiple airbags and government-required electronic stability control.”

Car experts from Parents magazine and Edmunds.com determine the top 10 family cars by examining hundreds of vehicles and whittling the list to the safest, most reliable, best performing family-friendly vehicles. All the cars share the features that make daily and family journeys easier, such as reliability, impressive mileage and ample cargo capacity.

“The 2014 Santa Fe is a family-friendly vehicle that combines fun-to-drive elements with the most technologically advanced safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Downhill Brake Control,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We’re honored to receive this award from the experts at Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com, as it demonstrates the success we’ve achieved by introducing a truly multi-functional SUV to the market.”

The 2014 Santa Fe delivers bold design, premium

comfort and a host of other safety and technology features including rear parking assistance, standard vehicle stability management, anti-lock braking system and seven airbags. The Santa Fe is powered by the highly acclaimed 3.3-liter V6 engine offering great fuel economy, drivability and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

2015 Corvette Z06 Rated at 650 Horsepower

Supercharged LT4 V-8 engine is the most powerful ever from Chevrolet

It’s official: when the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 arrives at Kupper-Chevrolet later this year, it’ll deliver a staggering 650 horsepower, and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production car in Chevrolet’s history.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray raised the bar for the Corvette by delivering incredible power and performance,” says Bob Kupper of Kupper-Chevrolet, “but the new 2015 Corvette Z06 takes things to new levels. With 650 horsepower on tap, the Z06 promises to deliver the sort of performance few cars – including some rather exotic competitors – can match.”

The 2015 Corvette Z06’s supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 small-block V-8 is officially SAE certified at 650 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, and 650 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Low-end torque, important for launching quickly off the line, is plentiful. Just off idle, the LT4 delivers 457 lb-ft of torque, while 90 percent of its peak torque (592 lb-ft) is delivered from 2,500 - 5,400 rpm.

With this sort of power on tap, the 2015 Z06 is the most powerful production car ever built by General Motors. Not only does the new Z06 deliver 145 horsepower and 180 lb-ft more than the previous generation model, it also bests the renowned C6 Corvette ZR1 by 12 horsepower and 48 lb-ft of torque.

The new 2015 Z06 also outguns many exotic sports cars from around the world. The LT4’s peak power ratings trump the Porsche 911 Turbo S by 90 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. Further, The Z06 delivers 28 percent more torque than the 6.3-liter -liter V-12 found in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, and delivers that power much lower in the rev band.

Because the LT4 is derived from the same Gen 5 small block foundation used to create the LT1 found in the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the 2015 Corvette Z06’s LT4 engine is one of the smallest and lightest 650-hp engines in the industry. The LT4 gains several unique features designed to support its higher output and the pressures created by forced induction, including titanium intake valves, forged steel connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, and special heavy-duty aluminum cylinder heads.

The 2015 Corvette Z06’s LT4 V-8 will be assembled at the new Performance Build Center at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant along with GM’s Tonawanda engine plant in New York. Z06 customers will be able to pair the LT4 with either a standard seven-speed manual transmission or an all-new, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic – the first ever offered in a Corvette Z06.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 goes on sale at Kupper-Chevrolet in the fourth quarter of 2014

2015 GENESIS AWARDED INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY TOP SAFETY PICK+

First-Ever Rear-Wheel Drive Luxury Sedan to Earn Highest Safety Rating

All-new Automatic Emergency Braking Receives Highest Rating

Hyundai’s award-winning 2015 Genesis sedan continues segment leadership as the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention. Genesis is also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a Good rating in the small overlap crash test.

IIHS rates vehicles in a moderate overlap front crash, small overlap front crash, side impact and rollover test, and evaluates seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impact collisions. Additionally, IIHS evaluates available front crash prevention systems that aim to prevent a crash or lessen its severity. 

Winners of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award must earn Good ratings for occupant protection in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, no less than acceptable in the small overlap test, and at least a basic rating for front crash prevention.

“The TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation recognizes state-of-the-art safety,” said IIHS president, Adrian Lund. “The new Genesis is not only engineered to protect people when crashes happen, but with its optional automatic emergency braking system rated superior in our tests, this car can help drivers avoid some of the most common kinds of collisions altogether.”

“IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS are important ratings in vehicle crash test safety,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Genesis’ TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition further reinforces its segment leadership in delivering advanced safety performance and technology as well as a host of world-class active and passive safety features.”

Genesis’ suite of safety features aim to prevent accidents and maximize the safety of its occupants in the event of a collision. The all-new 2015 Genesis uses new Sensory Surround Safety^TMtechnology including a Hyundai first, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), utilizing sensor fusion technology to help avoid a potential collision or reduce its impact. With this system, Genesis will employ automatic braking whenever it detects another vehicle at an unsafe closing rate of speed. This system uses the front radar from the Smart Cruise Control system and the forward camera from the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) to provide this extra margin of safety. In addition, Genesis combines available LDW with all-new Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to provide a driver-adjustable level of steering assist to help prevent inadvertent lane departure when a vehicle approaches the edge of a lane and also provides steering wheel haptic vibration feedback.

Genesis is generously equipped with new, advanced technologies, many of them Hyundai firsts. A new driver-selectable Intelligent Drive Mode allows drivers to select from four drive modes depending on conditions and driving preferences. A new Blind-Spot Detection system (BSD) helps monitor traffic around the car and for Genesis’ equipped with the Heads-Up Display (HUD), the BSD system indicators also project onto the windshield, nearer the driver’s view of the road, a segment first. Lane Change Assist (LCA) helps detect vehicles approaching towards its rear side at high speeds, especially during higher-speed driving, while Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) scans areas to each side of the car when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. No other sedan in Genesis’ class offers the combination of BSD, LCA and RCTA.

Genesis also benefits from a world-first technology in its CO₂ sensor control system. Hyundai engineers discovered that occupants start to get drowsy when CO₂ levels reached more than 2,000 parts per million, so the new ventilation system helps ensure the cabin maintains a CO₂ concentration well below that level at all times using freshly-ventilated ambient air.

Chevrolet Malibu Earns IIHS 2014 Top Safety Pick+ Rating

IIHS says + models are best vehicle choices for safety within size categories

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu with Forward Collision Alert, which is available at Kupper Chevrolet, a Top Safety Pick+. The distinction requires cars to receive high marks in crash worthiness to achieve a basic, advanced or superior rating for frontal crash prevention.

The crash tests consist of front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. In order to receive a 2014 Top Safety Pick+ status, the 2014 Malibu’s frontal crash protection system had to meet IIHS requirements. The sedan also needed to receive “Good” rating in four of five crash tests. The 2014 Malibu exceeded those requirements, achieving a “Good” rating in all five tests.

The 2014 Malibu’s available Advanced Safety Package, which includes active safety features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Side Blind Zone Alert, contributed to its Top Safety Pick+ consideration. The Forward Collision Alert system uses camera and radar systems to monitor the distance to the car in front of the Malibu, and will sound an alert if it senses a possible collision. The Advanced Safety Package is available on 2014 Malibu 2LT, 3LT, and LTZ models.

The IIHS simulates certain types of crashes that can occur on the road. They then evaluate the damage that occurred on key areas of the vehicle’s body structure and the risk of occupant injury. 

For instance, the Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation Crash Test consists of rolling a 3,300-pound sled into the side of a test vehicle at 31.1 mph.

Similarly, in the Moderate Overlap Frontal Crashworthiness Evaluation Crash Test, the test vehicle runs into a wall offset from the vehicle’s centerline.

The Chevrolet Malibu has been a Top Safety Pick for the past four years, but 2014 marks the first time it has been named a Top Safety Pick+. It is the second Chevrolet car to receive the Top Safety Pick+ rating, following the Spark mini car.

SUBARU BRZ NAMED TO AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE’S ALL-STAR LIST FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that Automobile Magazine has named the Subaru BRZ to its prestigious All-Star list for 2014, repeating the award bestowed upon the rear-wheel-drive sports car last year.

Judged against every new car currently on sale in the United States, the BRZ was one of just 10 cars selected to the All Star list. This year marks the second consecutive All-Star award for the BRZ.

"The Subaru BRZ is among the few modern cars you can enjoy driving at the limit without losing your license," says Jean Jennings, editor-in-chief of Automobile Magazine. "It's a hoot to drive. It has a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive chassis and perfectly placed controls. On top of all that, it doesn't cost a fortune to buy or operate. No wonder it's an Automobile Magazine All-Star for the second year in a row."

Like so many BRZ owners, Automobile’s editors were swayed by the coupe’s performance both on a closed course and on the open road. After selecting Subaru’s coupe as one of its All-Stars, the magazine embarked on a “great American road trip” from Michigan to New Orleans, further illustrating the BRZ’s remarkable flexibility.

“We are doubly proud to have been selected by the editors of Automobile as an All-Star for the second year in a row,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “This rousing endorsement from Automobile is a testament to the BRZ’s performance both on a race track and on everyday roads.”

More information on Automobile’s All-Stars list can be found at automobilemag.com/2014AllStars.

2014 Honda Accord Chosen as Automobile Magazine 'All-Star'

• Accord recognized as 'All-Star' for second consecutive year
• Accord is the only midsize sedan on the magazine's list of the ten most significant vehicles

The Honda Accord is the only midsize sedan to be named to the prestigious 2014 Automobile Magazine 'All-Star' list (automobilemag.com/2014AllStars). Automobile Magazine editors used a combination of factors to determine the list of ten 'All-Stars' including results from performance testing, feature evaluation and overall value analysis. Editors applauded the Accord for its refined powertrain, excellent ergonomics and fun-to-drive dynamics.

2014 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan

"The Accord continues to demonstrate its benchmark capabilities in a very competitive midsize sedan segment," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda automobile division for American Honda. "Automobile Magazine's recognition of the Honda Accord for the second year in a row validates our ongoing efforts to deliver best-in-class vehicles for our customers."

The ninth generation Accord has captured numerous industry accolades since its introduction in 2012, including being named a Car and Driver Magazine's 10 Best, equipped with one of Ward's 10 Best Engines, and honored as the 2014 Green Car Journal Green Car of the Year. The Accord was the best-selling car with individual American car buyers in 2013 with more than 300,000 in retails sales for the year according to new-vehicle registration data compiled by Polk, which was recently acquired by IHS.

This is the 19th time a Honda vehicle has been named an Automobile Magazine 'All Star' since the awards inception in 1990 and the second consecutive 'All Star' designation for the Accord. Past Honda All-Stars, in addition to the Accord, include the Civic, Element, Prelude, Odyssey, Fit and Ridgeline.

To read the complete Automobile Magazine 'All Star' list, visit http://www.automobilemag.com/2014allstars/.

Local Dealership Group Employees to Shave Their Heads to Support Childhood Cancer Research

St. Baldrick’s Foundation event to raise money for lifesaving research

MANDAN, N.D.  / Mar.  10, 2014 –The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, will host one of its signature head-shaving events at Kupper Chevrolet this Wed. Mar. 12 at 3 p.m. , where more than 15 Kupper Automotive employees, including owner, Bob Kupper, will shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer and raise  money to Conquer Childhood Cancers!

Why all the shaved heads? Worldwide a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive. With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

The dealership has currently raised more than $14,000 for St. Baldrick’s towards a goal of $25,000. Community members are encouraged to stop by the dealership on Wed. to make a contribution and witness the head-shaving event.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. St. Baldrick’s coordinates its signature head-shaving events worldwide where participants collect pledges to shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer, raising money to fund research. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $127 million to support lifesaving research, making the Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, and the new International Scholar grants train researchers to work in developing countries. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

HYUNDAI NAMED MOST RELIABLE MANUFACTURER IN CARMD’S ANNUAL VEHICLE HEALTH INDEX REPORT

Hyundai beat out every competitor to earn the distinction of “Most Reliable Manufacturer” in the 2013 CarMD®
Vehicle Health Index™ Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Ranking. Released today, the annual report provides
a ranking of manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined “check engine” repair incidents and costs.
The Index ranks the top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles overall, top vehicles by category and the most
common repairs by make. After two consecutive years of finishing second Hyundai overtook Toyota and drove
to the top of the list with its low repair frequency.

“The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufacturer and Vehicle Reliability Ranking looked at data that
applies to more than 119 million vehicles, so to earn this ranking is no small feat,” said Leon C. Chen, CEO,
CarMD.com Corporation. “We commend Hyundai for its commitment to quality and to its efforts to minimize
vehicle operating costs.”

Hyundai’s 2013 Index rating was .80 with an average repair cost of $312.67, the lowest Index rating of all
parent manufactures studied and the second lowest overall repair cost. This year’s Index is based on more
than 151,000 specific repairs performed on model year 2003 to 2013 vehicles from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept.
30, 2013. The Index is determined by the manufacturers whose vehicles had the fewest percentage of
CarMD repair incidents combined with the lowest cost per repair, per number of registered vehicles on the
road. For more information on CarMD including the complete index, visit http://corp.carmd.com.

“Hyundai strives to provide our customers with a worry-free car ownership experience by offering a lineup of
vehicles that deliver on both quality and reliability, backed by the most competitive protection program in the
business,” said Erwin Raphael, director, Engineering and Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Earning the first
place title in CarMD’s Vehicle Health Index Report proves that our recipe for combining high value vehicles
with long-term vehicle protection is a success.”

In addition to vehicle reliability, Hyundai’s Assurance program offers vehicle owners a comprehensive suite of
car care and protection services including a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty
and a 10-year/100,000 powertrain limited warranty. Additionally, Hyundai’s Assurance Connected Care offers
Blue Link equipped models with free automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced
roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts. These programs under
the Hyundai Assurance umbrella provide customers with peace of mind long after they drive off the dealership
lot.