2009 Chevrolet Corvette in Bellevue at Nissan of Auburn!

by Admin Rairdon on December 29, 2011

“Little red Corvette, Baby you’re much to fast. Little Red Corvette, you need a love that’s gonna last.” ~ Prince.

You can be rest assured that you will find a love that’s going to last with this beautiful 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, for sale in Seattle at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn!

Just because we are the premier Seattle Nissan dealer, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a wide variety of tremendous used car inventory. Including an absolutely flawless 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, for sale in Bellevue at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn.

After a milestone year in 2008 that saw the introduction of the LS3 6.2L V-8 as the new standard engine, a custom, leather-wrapped interior and more upgrades, the Corvette powered into 2009 with a raft of enhancements that further distinguish it and give customers more choices – including a lower-priced convertible model.

The ’09 Corvette  Z06 is equipped with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis, the Z06 is a street-going descendent of the championship-winning Corvette racing program.

Several trim and content changes are incorporated on the Z06, too. They include:

  • New, “spider”-design 10-spoke Z06 wheel available in four versions: Sparkle Silver, Competition Gray and chrome
  • Color-keyed door and instrument panels with red and titanium interiors
  • Power-operated pull-down hatch now standard
  • Gray stitching on Ebony base seats (previously red)
  • New door sill plates with the Z06 logo
  • Acoustic package standard on all Z06 models

The interior on this 2009 Corvette, for sale in Bellevue at Nissan of Auburn, is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim with the look of a leather panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. An optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to the choices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls are included on all models. XM Satellite Radio is standard.

A full-function OnStar system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation capability is standard and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on two discs.

Corvette also features k eyless access. When the owner is in close proximity to the door, the key fob’s signal unlocks the door. The system’s emergency key and other remote-function controls are integrated in a single unit.

Nissan of Auburn is part of the Rairdon Group. When you’re looking for a new or used Corvette in Seattle, come to Rairdon’s and save. Our Washington State car dealerships:

Nissan of Auburn
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Smokey Point
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham
Fiat of Kirkland
Hyundai of Bellingham

 

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Eleven 2012 Chrysler Group Models Named Top Safety Picks by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

by Admin Rairdon on December 28, 2011

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named 11 models from Chrysler Group LLC as Top Safety Picks for 2012. The 2012 models include the Chrysler Town & Country, 300 and 200; Dodge Grand Caravan, Durango, Charger, Journey and Avenger; Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Patriot and the Fiat 500. The IIHS annually recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover and rear crashes based on a “good” rating in a series of tests conducted by the Institute.

Additionally, the vehicles must be equipped with standard electronic stability control systems.

Following their introduction last year, both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger return again after achieving the highest ratings. Both models received ‘good’ ratings in all four categories.

Also returning to the list are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Chrysler 200. The three models were introduced last year and received top marks from the institute too. Dodge Avenger and Journey have been named Top Safety Picks by IIHS for four consecutive years.

Recently, the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, along with the 2012 Fiat 500, were named Top Safety Picks. Both minivans offer more than 40 standard or available safety features. The 2012 models of Town & Country and Grand Caravan received strength-to-weight ratio ratings of 4.51, among the highest of the minivans tested and above the IIHS requirement of 4.0. The U.S. government’s minimum requirement is 1.5.

The Fiat 500 features a comprehensive list of safety features, including seven air bags.

Among the latest safety innovations that are standard or available on many models is SafetyTec, which includes ParkSense rear park assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

“With 11 vehicles that have been named Top Safety Pick for 2012 by IIHS, this underscores our commitment to engineering safety and security across all vehicle segments,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “As we continue our product transformation, we’ll continue to engineer new technology and more capabilities into all our vehicles.”

You can find the entire lineup of Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram at Seattle Jeep dealer, the Rairdon Group. We have four Washington State locations:

Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Smokey Point
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham

 

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Seattle Jeep and FIAT dealer sells two of 2012 Hottest Cars, the Fiat 500 and the Jeep Wrangler!

by Admin Rairdon on December 27, 2011

The results are in. The second annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Award was presented to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler for the “Hottest 4×4-SUV” and to the 2012 Fiat 500 for the “Hottest Sports Compact Car” this morning at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Jeep Wrangler is sold at all four Rairdon Washington State Jeep locations and the FIAT 500 is sold at Rairdon’s FIAT of Kirkland.

The SEMA Award honors vehicles that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and showcase this year’s most unique products. The award recognizes four outstanding vehicle models in four categories – “Hottest Car,” “Hottest Sport Compact Car,” “Hottest Truck,” and “Hottest-4×4-SUV.” Both awards were accepted by Mopar® President and CEO Pietro Gorlier.

“The Jeep Wrangler has an incredible enthusiast following, and with hundreds of Mopar parts and accessories available for it, it is clearly one of our most customized vehicles,” said Gorlier. “And, in just its first year, our new Fiat 500 is prominent throughout this year’s SEMA Show as it is the perfect canvas for customization.”


The “Hottest 4×4-SUV” of this year’s Show is the fourth award the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler has received in the last month. The week before this award, it captured the prestigious “4×4 of the Year” crown from Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, the “Mid-size SUV of Texas” award by the Texas Auto Writers Association and “Best Off-Road Value” in the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards competition.

“With an avid following of enthusiasts, Jeep Wrangler has long been the most customized SUV in the marketplace,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Wrangler owners love to modify their vehicles, often at purchase with dealer-installed Mopar parts, and throughout their ownership experience. For 2012, Jeep Wrangler is an even better customization platform, with more fuel efficiency, power and capability than ever before.”

With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version an icon – the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

“The Fiat 500’s timeless proportions and efficient design make it a perfect platform for customization,” said Olivier Francois, Head of Fiat Brand and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group. “We are honored by the SEMA Award recognition and excited by the creativity and enthusiasm of our fans and the specialty-equipment manufacturers who continue to make the Cinquecento even more distinctive in the marketplace.”

The 2011 SEMA Show features more than 2,000 exhibiting companies. SEMA Show exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model vehicle, exhibitors are investing more into the Chevrolet Camaro, the Fiat 500, Ford F-Series, and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicle. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find more options for accessorizing these vehicles.

The Rairdon Group is compromised of the following Washington State car dealerships:

Fiat of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Smokey Point
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham
Nissan of Auburn
Hyundai of Bellingham

When it’s time for you to buy your new or used car in Seattle, come to Rairdon’s and save!

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Seattle Chrysler 300 dealer announces Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 Engine is a “10 Best Engine” Winner for 2012!

by Admin Rairdon on December 23, 2011

The engine that comes standard in the Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan and the new Jeep Wrangler, has just been recognized by the editors of Ward’s Automotive as one of the “10 Best Engines”. That’s right, for 2012, the Pentastar 3.6-liter has been placed there again and your Seattle Chrysler dealer, the Rairdon Group, could not be happier.

“Every year, Ward’s Auto recognizes the industry leaders in engine technology,” said Drew Winter, editor at Ward’s Auto. “Chrysler has successfully demonstrated the breadth of this engine and how it delivers on all fronts including fuel economy, lower emissions and power.”

Named to the exclusive group of engines last year after its introduction in the 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar V-6 engine is now standard or available on

Editors tested the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, for sale in Everett and the Chrysler 300, for sale in Everett, in this year’s shootout.

Designed to meet a variety of requirements across both front-and rear-drive models, the Pentastar V-6 also is the exclusive engine used with the new eight-speed automatic transmission on Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models. The engine and transmission combination deliver 31 miles-per-gallon (mpg) on the highway.

On the Jeep Wrangler, the 3.6-liter engine improved fuel efficiency to 21 mpg on the highway while delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. This brings the improvement up of 40 and 10 percent, respectively.

“We are continuing development of advance technologies, which will be applied to the Pentastar V-6 as they become available, for even more fuel efficiency and performance,” said Bob Lee, vice president and head of engine and electrified propulsion engineering, Chryler Group LLC.

You can find the entire lineup of Chrysler vehicles at Seattle Chrysler dealer, The Rairdon Group. We have four Washington State Chrysler dealerships:

Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Smokey Point
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham

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Seattle Nissan Rogue Dealer has the 2012 Nissan Rogue

by Admin Rairdon on December 22, 2011

Crossovers have taken over Seattle streets, it seems. Some are beautiful, some are not so much. Luckily, the 2012 Nissan Rogue, for sale in Seattle at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn, is one of the most beautiful on the roads. It is classy with a touch of spunk, affordable but looks rich.

Following the upgraded look of 2011, the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, for sale in Tacoma, adds a new Special Edition for 2012, along with revised content for the various option packages.

The 2012 Nissan Rogue, for sale in Puyallup, is designed to offer excellent value, while satisfying both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space combined with a 60/40 split rear seat and an available fold-down front passenger seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment and a large center console. Rogue also offers 28 mpg fuel economy, as well as a range of standard safety features including six air bags.

Other enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new “Sport Mode” switch on all models, new 17-inch (SV) and 16-inch (Special Edition) aluminum-alloy wheels, and one new exterior color: Graphite Blue. Also, the SL Package adds the innovative Around View™ Monitor, making Rogue the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer this unique, innovative feature.

The new Special Edition was designed to offer excellent value. The package includes steering wheel audio controls, RearView Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights and privacy glass.

Key highlights of the 2012 Nissan Rogue, for sale in Bellevue at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn, include:

• Standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Six standard air bags
• Available with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system
• Available 6-way power driver’s seat, power driver’s seat lumbar support, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, and Nissan Intelligent Key®, Nissan Navigation System and Around View Monitor™

The 2012 Rogue is offered in two trims, S and SV along with three option packages – Special Edition Package, Premium Package and SL Package.

You can find your new or used Nissan Rogue in Seattle at Seattle Nissan dealer, Nissan of Auburn. We are part of the Rairdon Group. You save when your purchase at Rairdon’s!

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Seattle Dodge Dart Dealer Presents Interior and Safety Information on the 2013 Dodge Dart

by Admin Rairdon on December 21, 2011

Your Seattle Dodge dealer, The Rairdon Group, told you last week that the Dodge Dart will be brought back to life in 2013. There hasn’t been a lot of information released yet, but soon we will know more when it is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January. We are getting bits and pieces of what we can expect from the 2013 Dodge Dart, for sale in Seattle. Let me tell you, it’s going to be a game changer for the compact car segment.

Game on!

Setting a New Standard – Quality & Spaciousness

Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart’s interior, which is made with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, high-quality soft-touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

The Dart’s “driver-centric” layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-sized sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

Unmatched Customization
Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart’s development, and with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar will also offer hundreds of customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

Class-leading Technology
The high-tech centerpiece of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, for sale near Skagit County, is the class-exclusive floating island bezel, which houses the segment-exclusive available 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available class-exclusive UConnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia center — the largest touch-screen in its class.

Thoughtful storage options throughout fit today’s technology. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as console map pockets, which are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pen and paper.

Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.

Unmatched Safety
Safety was also at the forefront in the development of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, for sale in Whatcom County. Built on a strong foundation, constructed with 68 percent high-strength steel, engineers added both active and passive safety features, including 10 standard airbags, which is unsurpassed in the segment. The 2013 Dodge Dart is also the only car in its class to offer blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

Continue to follow this blog for all news related to the 2013 Dodge Dart and when Bellingham will see it. You can find the Dodge Dart in Washington State at all four Rairdon Seattle Dodge locations:

Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Smokey Point
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe

When you’re looking for a new or used Dodge in Seattle, come to Rairdon’s and save!

 

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All-new Nissan Armada in Seattle at Nissan of Auburn

by admin on December 20, 2011

The stylish, powerful and roomy Nissan Armada, for sale near Seattle at Nissan of Auburn, is designed to promote complete adventure experiences – with room for the whole family and their stuff. Combining unbridled power, premium interior comfort and a wide range of available technology, Armada continues to stand out in the full-size SUV segment.

The enhancements for the 2012 Nissan Armada, for sale near Tacoma, include the addition of a standard power liftgate on the SV Driver Package and SL model, heated front seats on SL model. 2nd row heated seats on Platinum models, a 2nd row padded center armrest with the Captain’s Chair option (Platinum model). One new exterior color, Brilliant Silver, is also offered.

Key highlights of the 2012 Nissan Armada, for sale near Bellevue, include:

  • Standard 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, along with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission
  • Heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame and comfortable double-wishbone suspension
  • Available All-Mode 4-wheel drive system with Auto/2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case, 3.35:1 4LO crawl gear ratio
  • Standard 2-wheel or 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
  • Standard Dana drive axles
  • 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity with higher axle ratio (when properly equipped)
  • 28-gallon fuel tank
  • Available features include Moonroof, DVD Family Entertainment System, Nissan Intelligent Key, leather-appointed seating and RearView Monitor
  • Available premium Bose audio system with 11 speakers, power-folding 60/40-split 3rd row seat and auto-leveling rear air suspension
  • Available Nissan Navigation system with XM NavTraffic system with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately)

The 2012 Nissan Armada, for sale near Puyallup, is available in SV, SL and Platinum models in 2WD and 4WD drive configurations. It is scheduled to go on sale at Seattle Nissan dealer, Nissan of Auburn, this summer.

Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn is part of the Rairdon Group. Whether you’re looking for a new or used Nissan for sale in Seattle, come to Nissan of Auburn to take advantage of our low prices and save!

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Lease the 2012 FIAT 500 in Washington State for $199 a Month!

by Admin Rairdon on December 20, 2011

Do you want an Italian car but don’t want to pay the six figures it normally takes to purchase or lease one? Consider the all-new FIAT 500, for sale in Washington State at Rairdon’s FIAT of Kirkland. Now you can lease one for next to nothing because Rairdon’s FIAT of Kirkland is offering a new “Sign & Drive” lease for the Fiat 500!

Well-qualified consumers can lease a 2012 Fiat 500 Pop manual for $199 a month with no money due at signing through Ally Financial or US Bank. Tax, title and license are extra. This 42-month lease allows for 12,000 miles per year. Lessees under this program must take retail delivery by January 3, 2012.

Building on the attributes that made the original version an icon more than 50 years ago – the 2012 Fiat 500 models provide an entirely new generation of drivers with the best of Italian motoring: craftsmanship, style and safety, combined with fun-to-drive small-car efficiency.

The 2012 Fiat 500, for sale in Spokane, offers high levels of safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir® engine with eco:Drive™ Application, seven standard air bags and available TomTom® Navigation with standard BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology, the new Fiat 500 offers a unique driving and ownership experience. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, plus a “Top Safety Pick” for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Expanding on the qualities that have made the original Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) a timeless and efficient automobile, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio (500c) adds open-air freedom and even more driving enjoyment. And with its cleverly designed multi-position power-retractable cloth top and iconic body-side silhouette, the new Fiat 500c delivers style with class-leading interior sound quality.

At your Seattle Fiat studio, customers may choose to personalize their Fiat 500 or 500c with selections including as many as 14 available exterior paint colors, 14 unique seat color combinations, three models and two interior environments. And to ensure that every new 2012 Fiat 500, for sale in Tacoma at Rairdon’s Fiat of Kirkland, will be distinct, a full line of authentic Fiat 500 accessories by Mopar® will offer customers even more personalization possibilities, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic FIAT-styled merchandise.

Offering even more exclusivity and style, the limited-edition 2012 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci models now are arriving in your Seattle FIAT dealer, Rairdon’s FIAT of Kirkland . The high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth will arrive into the U.S. market in the first-half of 2012.

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2012 Nissan Juke in Seattle at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn

by Admin Rairdon on December 19, 2011

Last year, Nissan introduced a car that got people talking. Talking about the cool design, head turning sculpted body, roomy interior…the works. That car was the Nissan Juke, for sale in Seattle at Rairdon’s Nissan of Auburn. The 2012 Nissan Juke is available and this is what you have to look forward to!

Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives – fresh, fun and exciting. The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. There are no significant changes for 2012.

JUKE’s standout styling, derived from the dramatic Nissan Qazana Concept, brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. It features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, “hidden” rear door handles and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

Inside, the JUKE interior features the gear shift located on top of the console, with a high-mounted shift lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Available interior features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately). A long list of safety features is also standard, including six air bags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

JUKE’s standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine is rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are offered – Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT® with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only). JUKE’s torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. When cornering, the system helps reduce understeer and enhance the vehicle’s cornering feel.

Another advanced JUKE-exclusive technology is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. It combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency, adjusting throttle, transmission (CVT) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.

You can find the 2012 Nissan Juke in Puyallup at Seattle Nissan dealer, Nissan of Auburn. We are part of the Rairdon Group. When you’re looking for a new or used Nissan Juke in Seattle, come to Rairdon’s and take advantage of our low prices!

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Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!!!!

by Admin Rairdon on December 16, 2011

 

Last year while driving home, we became stuck behind an extremely intoxicated driver. He was weaving all over the road, he kept crossing into oncoming traffic, he continuously hit the opposite road barrier. We were honking, trying to get him off the road, while I was on the phone with 911. He nearly killed himself and other innocent victims. While drunk driving deaths are down, it is still a very real problem. Thankfully, it’s being addressed.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently kicked off a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving coinciding with the 2011 winter holiday season. New data show drunk driving deaths declined in 2010 in many parts of the country. However, the data also show that fatalities from alcohol-impaired driving crashes continue to account for one in three deaths on American roadways each year.

“Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we’re stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans ‘drive sober, or get pulled over,’” said Secretary LaHood. “We’re making gains in our fight against drunk driving, but we cannot and will not let up.”

New state-by-state data for 2010 released by the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show a decline in drunk driving fatalities in 32 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Compared with 2009, California and Florida saw the largest reductions-with each declining by more than 100 fatalities last year.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have outlawed driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Yet NHTSA data show that last year, 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, including 415 during the second half of December alone.

The education and enforcement effort is the latest push in the Department’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign involving thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. The winter holiday enforcement crackdown is supported by a $7 million national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over advertisement campaign that runs from December 16 through January 2. The ads, which first premiered this past summer, feature “invisible” law enforcement officers observing alcohol-impaired individuals and then apprehending them when they attempt to drive their vehicles. The ads are designed to raise awareness and support law enforcement activities in every state. They convey the message that law enforcement officers are vigilant in deterring drunk drivers.

“Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement and safety advocates and the incredible commitment of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, we are making real progress in reducing drunk driving deaths,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “Our message to drivers is clear: if you decide to drink, find a safe and sober ride home or you will be pulled over.”

Secretary LaHood and NHTSA Administrator Strickland were joined for today’s announcement by Virginia law enforcement officials and Jan Withers, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

“The data clearly show that while drunk driving remains the primary threat to American families on our roadways, we have a path to progress,” said Withers. “Increased enforcement efforts around the holidays are a vital part of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®, which relies on proven drunk driving countermeasures to eliminate the leading cause of highway fatalities.”

Everyone at the Rairdon Group would like to make sure you get home safe and sound this holiday season, and every day. Please remember to call a cab or a friend if you’ve had any amount of alcohol. To view the commerical, click here.

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