On Sale: Spring 2010
courtesy New Car Test Drive

An all-new lineup of Infiniti M luxury sedans goes on sale in late March 2010. The 2011 Infiniti M37 and Infiniti M56, revealed at a press function in Beverly Hills, will add considerable power, technology and style without a commensurate increase in weight.

Just half an inch longer than the outgoing model, the 2011 Infiniti M looks better because it is lower, two inches wider, and the roofline flows into a brief decklid with curved upper lip. Jaguar’s XF profile comes to mind. However, the M’s compact nose with sloping hood and mild fender bulges mixes Infiniti FX elements with wheel arches like Mazda and Mercedes sedans. The unique point is the door treatment with parallel rails running along the bottom Infiniti dubs wave-style, and in Infiniti fashion the car is aero sleek (cD of 0.27) and has zero lift for high-speed stability.

Beneath the hood are two new engine choices both connected to a seven-speed automatic. The new M37 gets a new 3.7-liter V6 rated at 330 horsepower, while the new M56 features a direct-injected 5.6-liter V8 sporting 420 hp, nearly 100 more than the old M45. The M37 and M56 are rear-wheel-drive cars.

All-wheel drive comes on the M37x and M56x. The system splits power between the front and rear wheels. The torque split varies from 50/50 to 100 percent to the rear wheels, depending on conditions.

A Sport package is available for the rear-wheel-drive models featuring a unique front bumper, dark trim, larger brakes, active rear steering, 20-inch wheels, sport seats, magnesium shift paddles.

The suspension architecture for the new M is similar to that of the previous generation, though recalibrated to provide a better ride without sacrificing the precision or grip that made the Infiniti M a viable alternative to the BMW 5 Series. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, as are numerous electronic stability and safety aids.

Good finish and interesting materials characterize the cabin, including an ash wood grain oriented opposite the norm and a textured aluminum trim. Two types of leather and headliner trim are available. Touring models have quilted, piped upholstery. A 7-inch screen features controls at a 45-degree angle for easier operation. Two new features are added for 2011: active noise cancellation in the sound system and a feature called Forest Air, designed to make a better cabin environment.

Standard features will include leather, backup camera, moonroof, bi-Xenon headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB input, intelligent key, and driver memory (including audio and climate control settings). Options include adaptive headlamps and two audio system upgrades (top is 5.1-channel, 16-speaker surround with in-seat speakers framing each front headrest), and heated wheel and climate-controlled seats standard on M56 and M56x.

Joining Infiniti’s lane departure warning system is a prevention system that uses individual brakes to urge the car back in its lane. A similar intervention has been added to the blind spot warning system. Collision warning with interlinked braking is also available.

A new M35 Hybrid is expect to debut in early 2011.

Though most of us watched the Super Bowl recently and witnessed one really great game (especially when you consider that the Patriots were not there); we at The Herb Chambers Companies look forward to your participation in a Super Bowl of another kind.

Yes! It’s the event you’ve been waiting for: The Herb Chambers Incredible President’s Day Sale beginning today, Friday February 12th and continuing non-stop through Monday, February 22nd!

If you’re even thinking about buying a new or pre-owned car, truck, van or SUV now is the time!

• Over 10,000 vehicles in stock!!!

• Over 2,000 Herb Chambers Certified Pre-Owned vehicles in stock (3-day money back guarantee)

• HUGE Markdowns

• Low Finance Rates

• Special Programs

• High Trade in Allowances

• And MUCH more! During our Annual Presidents Day Clearance Event you’ll capture the sweetest deals of the year!

Imagine savings on any new or certified vehicle including: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Mini, Pontiac, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Smart, Toyota and even Vespa Motor Scooters (starting at ONLY $3,199).

So, why not call, email or stop by today and talk to any one of our 2,000 associates….and drive away a real winner!

Let’s do a deal!! As usual; at Herb Chambers, We’ve got it!

Sincerely, Herb

All New Herb Chambers KIA of Burlington Officially Opens Doors Just in Time for Busy Presidents Day Weekend

BURLINGTON, MA— New England’s largest automotive dealer, Herb Chambers, opened the doors to the all new Herb Chambers KIA of Burlington dealership today. The official opening comes only days before Presidents Day Weekend, traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year for the automotive industry.

The newly renovated building, conveniently located at 93 Cambridge Street (Route 3A) in Burlington off of Route 128, will service the North Shore community and beyond.

“As a company we experienced significant growth in 2009, and this opening marks our first new dealership in 2010,” said Herb Chambers. “We look forward to continuing to grow our company and service our expanding customer base, and adding the KIA brand to our family of dealerships is something we are very excited about.”

The new dealership features a beautiful six car showroom, ten service bays, and a customer waiting lounge. The dealership is now officially open for sales, service and parts and has created 25 new full-time jobs.

Herb Chambers KIA is located at the former site of Audi Burlington and Herb Chambers Porsche of Burlington which were recently moved to new facilities down the road at 62 Cambridge Street in Burlington.

The new location is Chambers’ fourth in Burlington, joining Audi Burlington, Herb Chambers Porsche of Burlington, and Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington all of which are located on Route 3A.

“This new dealership creates jobs and further enhances our presence in the Burlington community, both of which are important to us,” said Herb Chambers. “We are proud to offer customers the high quality KIA brand at a location that is very convenient, and we look forward to servicing our customer’s needs at this new location.”

In 2009, Chambers opened four new dealerships including Porsche, Audi, Infiniti and BMW, completed major renovations at his Lynnfield Mercedes-Benz and Smart Center dealerships, and also opened a new truck service and collision center in Braintree.

About Herb Chambers Companies

Herb Chambers purchased his first car dealership in 1985 and has grown his company into the largest automobile dealership group in New England. Today, the Herb Chambers Companies are comprised of 45 automotive dealerships throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  For a list of dealership locations visit www.herbchambers.com.

Chambers opens new KIA dealership

Boston Business Journal – by Lisa van der Pool

Herb Chambers has opened a new KIA dealership in Burlington , Mass. , the company said on Wednesday.

The new dealership, located on Cambridge Street , has six car showrooms, services bays and employs about 25 people.

“As a company we experienced significant growth in 2009, and this opening marks our first new dealership in 2010,” said Herb Chambers, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to continuing to grow our company and service our expanding customer base, and adding the KIA brand to our family of dealerships is something we are very excited about.”

The new location is Chambers’ fourth in Burlington . Last year, Chambers opened four new dealerships.

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Article Courtesy of:  Providence Journal

By Barbara Polichetti – Journal Staff Writer

WARWICK — Drivers may have noticed that the gargantuan American flag that long flew over the Herb Chambers Cadillac dealership off Route 95 in Providence is no longer there.

That’s because the dealership itself has moved –– to the suburbs.

Shortly after the first of the year, Chambers moved its Escalades and other vehicles to 1151 Bald Hill Rd., in Warwick, the site of Chambers’ Saturn business until General Motors pulled the plug on that line.

The move is being applauded by city officials who said they enjoyed a good relationship with Chambers and wanted to keep the jobs and the taxes in the city. Mayor Scott Avedisian and City Councilman Raymond Gallucci both worked to encourage the move to Warwick, which will involve a total overhaul of the site to bring it in line with Cadillac design specifications for its dealers.

The move is important, Avedisian said, because it not only prevents a fallow spot from cropping up on Route 2 (which is called Bald Hill Road in Warwick), but it also brings in property taxes and considerable inventory taxes because of the cars that Chambers will keep on the lot.

For decades, the Chambers Cadillac dealership was located on the fringe of Route 95 south, off Elmwood Avenue in Providence.

Unfortunately, Warwick’s gain is a loss for neighboring West Warwick, where Chambers had been considering opening up a dealership for the past couple of years. The West Warwick location, also on Route 2, which is known as Quaker Lane in that town, is little more than one mile south of the Warwick spot.

“The mayor and Councilman Gallucci definitely worked to make it clear that they wanted the dealership in Warwick,” said K. Joseph Shekarchi, lawyer for the dealership. “And we had a good history with the city.”

Herb Chambers, who owns 47 car dealerships in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, said that Warwick’s courting was a factor, but the move to Route 2 was also a good business decision. Not only can he make use of some of the existing Saturn facilities, but he can also take advantage of the heavy traffic that travels the retail strip daily.

“At our old location, we were more of a destination stop,” Chambers said Tuesday. “Now, we’re really in a retail mecca, and it presents us with a world of opportunity.” He estimated that sales are up 30 percent to 40 percent since the move to Warwick.

“We also want to make sure that people know that they can still get their Saturns serviced at the same spot and they’ll see many of the same folks,” he said.

Chambers said that the West Warwick land is for sale. According to town records, Chambers owns nearly 3.4 acres at 561 Quaker Lane, just north of the Quaker Valley Mall shopping center.

As for the 50-by-30-foot flag that flapped above the old dealership, Chambers, who prominently displays American flags at all his businesses, said it will appear over Route 2 if he is able to secure the proper pole and comply with city zoning requirements.

bpoliche@projo.com

“As soon as I walked in, they treated me like the king of the world…not only was the sales experience great, the dealership was unlike any I’d ever been in! It was beautiful, clean and welcoming… for me that really registered”.

Billy Costa, Host of Kiss 108 radio’s Top 30 Countdown and NECN’s TV Diner

“This is true ‘Beverly Hills’ service…my car comes back fixed, washed and cleaned inside …Herb Chambers understands that busy business people just can’t ‘drop everything’ and make time to service their car, it’s wonderful!”

As a long-time resident of Lynnfield, MA Billy Costa was very aware of Herb Chamber’s stellar reputation as a leading new vehicle dealer—so when ‘new car’ time came, he shopped at Herb Chambers. Of his car shopping experience Billy comments, “It was an amazing experience…the idea of being involved in any type of hassle whatsoever went right away…Herb’s people really get customer service and know how to make you feel special!” Ever since then, when any of his friends or family ask him where the best place to shop for a new vehicle might be (having introduced well over 50 happy customers to many dealerships) …there was never a question…it was always Herb Chambers!

Billy’s favorite ride happens to be his present Mercedes-Benz GL 320 SUV with its Bluetec diesel engine. “…The car hums, it’s very powerful and quiet and because of the amazing diesel engine technology, I get twice the miles per gallon than I did in my old SUV! I’m just so impressed with Chambers’ service; I had a small electrical problem with my vehicle the other day and called the dealership. Not a half-hour later, they showed up with a flatbed truck and loaner car to use, while my SUV was being fixed. This is true ‘Beverly Hills’ service…my car comes back fixed, washed and cleaned inside …Herb Chambers understands that busy business people just can’t ‘drop everything’ and make time to service their car, it’s wonderful!”

Al Melanson, frequent Herb Chambers Client and advocate

Like many of his generation, Al Melanson believed that purchasing a car was at best ‘a thankless chore and an exercise in futility’ in which the dealer ultimately prevailed. In 2001, after tirelessly shopping several local dealerships for a Mercedes-Benz SUV, Al visited Herb Chambers and was ‘won over’ by “the simply royal treatment, great deal and a fantastic overall purchase experience.”

“A deal really isn’t a good deal, unless both parties walk away satisfied”, commented Herb Chambers client Al Melanson

An informed shopper and staunch believer in the saying, “A deal isn’t a good deal, unless both parties walk away satisfied”; Al readily acknowledges this level of satisfaction with every one of his own and extended family’s multiple Herb Chambers vehicle purchases (they’ve included: multiple Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet and Hummer purchases). What’s more, personal experiences with several Herb Chambers Sales & Leasing consultants in several stores, (of which he now counts as near members of his family), have led Al to refer well over 200 additional friends and associates to Herb Chambers!

Huge Markdowns – Click Here!

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by Russell J. Moore – Courtesy of:  Warwick Beacon

Warwick will soon be home to the only Cadillac dealership in the state when Herb Chambers Cadillac, formerly located in Providence, moves into what was the Saturn dealership on 1511 Bald Hill Road.

Earlier this year, General Motors announced it would eliminate the Saturn brand of cars by 2011. Saturn, which had never been profitable in its 20-year history, was eliminated as part of GM’s restructuring plan submitted to Congress and President Obama after having received bailout funds.

Herb Chambers, which owns the dealership, was considering building a state-of-the-art two-story dealership in West Warwick, just a mile or so up the street.  Herb Chambers, however, was convinced by Mayor Scott Avedisian and Warwick attorney Joe Shekarchi (who does legal work for the company) to remain in the city. That means the city will retain the tax revenue that otherwise would have been lost had the dealership opted to move.

Contacted yesterday, Chambers said he was happy to retain a presence in Warwick.

“General Motors has been pressuring me to move (Cadillac) there for a long time. Finally, we’re able to do it,” said Chambers.

Chambers pointed out that while the dealership will sell Cadillac exclusively, people who own Saturns will still be able to have their cars serviced at that dealership.

“We will continue to service Saturns forever, basically until there aren’t any more of them on the road,” said Chambers.

Chambers said the consolidation of two dealerships (Saturn and Cadillac) into one would result in some job losses, but he hopes that increased Cadillac sales will result in future job gains.

“We expect an increase in Cadillac sales because of our new location. Hopefully we’ll be able to add more employees in the near future,” said Chambers.

Chambers said Warwick is a great place to do business.

“There is so much retail in Warwick. That strip on Route 2 has to be one of the busiest in New England,” said Chambers.

Avedisian said that the addition of Herb Chambers Cadillac represents a much-needed end-of-the-year boost in economic development.

“Herb Chambers Cadillac is a wonderful addition to the city. We had many discussions about getting them here, as they are a well-known and respected entity in Rhode Island. We are pleased they will call Warwick home,” said Avedisian.

“This is a great end-of-the-year economic boost for the city.”

Councilman Steve Merolla (Ward-9), contacted on Friday, said he too welcomes the dealership into the city.

All-new, with more technology but less complexity.

courtesy New Car Test Drive

As vehicles become more complex, driving becomes more like operating a computer. Yet the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h seems uncommonly easy to operate. And they are brimming with new technology. If the RX were a computer, and in more ways than ever it is, it would have a plug-and-play operating system and an inviting, engaging user interface.

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RX 450h

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Edging away from the current RX look, the 2010 RX 350 has a wider stance, with more pronounced front fenders and crisper lines overall. As in the previous generation, the grille is placed lower than the headlights, so the Lexus family resemblance carries on, but the headlights are more sharply defined and the roofline is flatter. In essence, the rounded egg-shaped body has been redefined at the corners to retain fluid RX cues in an updated format.

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It’s strangely exciting to sit in the cockpit of the new Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. There is a sensation of having so much to do, just like configuring a new computer. There are seating adjustments to lock in, preferences for the Remote Touch controller, operating modes to select and dashboard combinations to try out. We have a feeling an RX owner would be surprised to discover new features after months of ownership.

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Over the period of two days in Sonoma, California, we had the opportunity to switch in and out of standard a RX 350, both with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, plus an RX 450h hybrid, and a brief drive in the current RX 330. We spent most of our time in a Matador Red RX 350 AWD with the Navigation package.

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This third-generation Lexus RX has been updated in dozens of ways to make it more efficient, more comfortable, and broadly more advanced than the previous generation. It’s quieter, safer, and more driver-friendly. And in our opinion, better looking as well. If you like the current RX 330, you’ll love the Lexus RX 350. It’s a good choice for people who don’t tow much or need to move more than five at time. The RX 450h offers a clear step forward in hybrid technology.

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A True Movie Experience

Kevin James and Friends

No sooner did I give them the “green light” but it seems all of Hollywood arrived! Set guys, lighting guys, camera crews, loads of “assistants”, tractor trailers trucks, miles of cable, electricians, carpenters and more …it was truly transformational… and transform they did! You see this movie plot called for several scenes in a truly ultra high-end exotic vehicle showroom, (This place even had a bar!) the ultimate “Auto Toy Store” if you will. Sprinkled among the set, were several carefully positioned rare and classic cars…Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, a McLaren, Bentley’s, Maybach, a Porsche or two… and more. A car guy’s heaven!

The shooting and festivities went on for a few days…our Herb Chambers Lexus General Manager, Giovanni Tosti, and yours-truly even managed to be “extras” in a scene or two! I can only hope that we both don’t end up “edited” on the cutting room floor… no matter, we’ll look forward to seeing this hit when The Zookeeper premiers next year! And remember, at Herb Chambers… when it comes to your dream vehicle… We’ve Got It!

Sincerely,

Before

After