May 27, 2010

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 7:57 am

2010 Nissan Versa (© Nissan North America)

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer

Top 10 Cars under $15,000 from MSN Autos

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall has a Huge inventory of the Nissan Versa

It is no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days.  In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets.  The Nissan Versa falls into that category.

The Versa is Nissan’s entry-level subcompact offered in both hatchback and sedan version that is the most affordable vehicle in the Nissan lineup. Built on Nissan’s “B” platform, the Versa name reflects the “versatile space” provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model 5-door hatchback, the sedan version was added to the lineup later in 2006.

The Versa packs a relatively spacious interior in a short body. The engine is civilized but not overly powerful. The ride is comfortable and the rear seat is roomy. Handling isn’t particularly nimble. The antilock brakes are standard on all trims with the 1.8-liter engine and ESC is standard on the SL trim for 2010.

Web: HawkinsonNissan.com

It’s no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days. In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from. But which ones are the best? To answer that question, we took a long look at the current crop of less than $15,000 rides, comparing them based on price, style, functionality and utility, and here are the 10 best from the 2010 model year.

onsumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days. In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from. But which ones are the best? To answer that question, we took a long look at the current crop of less than $15,000 rides, comparing them based on price, style, functionality and utility, and here are the 10 best from the 2010 model year.

  Emerican consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days. In terms of the automobiles the buIt’s no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these day

It’s no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days. In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from. But which ones are the best? To answer that question, we took a long look at the current crop of less than $15,000 rides, comparing them based on price, style, functionality and utility, and here are the 10 best from the 2010 model year.

s. In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from. But which ones are the best? To answer that question, we took a long look at the current crop of less than $15,000 rides, comparing them based on price, style, functionality and utility, and here are the 10 best from the 2010 model year.

It’s no surprise that American consumers are looking to save money wherever they can these days. In terms of the automobiles they are buying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from. But which ones are the best? To answer that question, we took a long look at the current crop of less than $15,000 rides, comparing them based on price, style, functionality and utility, and here are the 10 best from the 2010 model year.

ying, that means more people are seeking quality and value from the shallow end of the pool, rather than in the luxury or near-luxury markets. As a result, there are plenty of inexpensive machines to choose from.

  

The Nissan Versa

The Versa is Nissan’s entry-level subcompact offered in both hatchback and sedan version that is the most affordable vehicle in the Nissan lineup. Built on Nissan’s “B” platform, the Versa name reflects the “versatile space” provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model 5-door hatchback, the sedan version was added to the lineup later in 2006.
The 2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 Sedan and Hatchback receive exterior and interior upgrades, additional standard safety equipment and more standard equipment. The Versa 1.8 SL offers a new low-cost Navigation/Satellite Package that includes a 5-inch color monitor, XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTrafffic with Real-Time Traffic Information. Updates for the Versa 1.8 trims include a new grille, new interior fabric patterns, white-illumination gauges, red/orange interior illumination, 15-inch wheel covers and optional 16-inch alloy wheels. New standard equipment for Versa 1.8 SL includes an Interface System for iPod, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System. The Sport Package body kit is standard for Versa 1.8 SL Hatchback.

 

 

May 26, 2010

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 7:53 am

  Revealed: 2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Car  

Hawkinson Nisssan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer 

Nissan LEAF

 13,000 advance orders for the Nissan Leaf electric car

Nissan CEO Ghosn Sticks With Bullish Electric-Car Forecast Carlos Ghosn, credited with turning around ailing Nissan a decade ago, said today he’s confident sales of electric cars will account for 10% of the market by 2020. He isn’t worried by naysayers who, he says, are often car makers who simply aren’t prepared to compete in the rising electric segment.The Nissan and Renault CEO said in a meeting with Wall Street Journal editors and reporters that the two car companies plan to roll out several electric models in the next few years. If anything, he says, that pace may still be too slow because demand for electrics is almost certain to accelerate once consumers see them in action. His biggest worry: that demand for electric vehicles “will take off faster than expected and we will be under capacity.”

So why he so bullish on electric cars when many analysts and industry watchers predict they will account for only about 2% of the market in 10 years? Part of the reason is infrastructure. Ghosn says Nissan is pursuing agreements with governments and businesses to install charging stations in parking garages, shopping areas, office parks and elsewhere so drivers won’t have to worry as much about range, a nagging disadvantage for electrics compared with gasoline-powered cars.

Ghosn also says there are charging systems in development that can cut the time it takes to recharge electric car batteries from hours to minutes. Nissan is focused on the U.S. launch in December of the Leaf, an electric sedan with a range of about 100 miles. Ghosn says the company is in contact with 130,000 “hand raisers” — people who have expressed interest in the Leaf, and 13,000 advance orders for the car. He says these numbers represent individual consumers, not government and corporate fleets.

 

Web: HawkinsonNissan.com

 

May 24, 2010

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall | Orland

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 10:28 am

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer

Customer review

5 STARS - Westville, Indiana Nissan Customer buys from Hawkinson Nissan in Matteson

by: Jadwiga B. (Westville, IN) on May 21, 2010

Salesperson: Tim Curran
Department: Sales
I came in looking for a used Armada, and what I found was a Great place to do business! Everyone from my salesman T.J., and the managers were very friendly and helpful.
Our reply 

Jadwiga,

Thank you for the 5 star review.  I am glad you had a great experience yesterday with Randy buying your Nissan Armada.

Bob Hawkinson, Hawkinson Nissan, Matteson

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall Nissan

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 10:21 am

Hawkinson Nissan Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Dealership

Customer Review

5 STARS - Chicago Customer finds Hawkinson Nissan in Matteson

by Robin L. (Chicago, IL) on May 22, 2010

Salesperson: Randy Cowley
Department: Sales
Randy was a very pleasant and helpful everything your looking for in a salemen  very informative and knowledgeable about the vehicle warm and friendly definitely straight-forward, honest, patient  great customer service quality just a wonderful guy highly recommended. 

Chicago Nissan customer

Our reply 

Robin, Thanks for buying from us today.  I am glad you had a great experience with Randy and that you will recommend Chicago Nissan customers to Randy.

Bob Hawkinson, owner

Chicago Nissan dealer in the Matteson Auto Mall

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Orland Park, IL | Matteson, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 10:11 am

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall

Customer Review

5 STARS - Braidwood, IL Nissan Customer buys from Hawkinson Nissan in Matteson

by Marlene S. (Braidwood, IL) on May 22, 2010

Salesperson: Ron Hayes
Department: Sales
Salesman very nice and pleasant.  It was a pleasure to deal with your company.  Thank you!
Our reply   

WOW  Braidwood, Il?  That’s a hike!  Marlene, thank you for buying form our

dealership in Matteson….

Bob Hawkinson, owner, Hawkinson Nissan in Matteson

 

Web: http://www.hawkinsonnissan.com

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall Nissan | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 10:00 am

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer

Customer Review

5 STARS - Tinley Park Nissan Customer buys in the Matteson Auto Mall

by Karen E. S. (Tinley Park, IL) om May 22, 2010

Salesperson: Jay Gorzinski
Department: Sales
Jay was very informative and knowledgable. He encourage me to call if I had any questions in the future. Great personality.   

 

Our reply
Karen, 

We appreciate all Tinley Park Nissan customers who buy from our Nissan store in Matteson.  Many Tinley Park customers have found our dealership convenient to Tinley Park.  Thank you for buying form Hawkinson.   

Bob Hawkinson

Web: http://www.hawkinsonnissan.com

 

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall Nissan | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 9:52 am

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer

Customer Review

5 STARS - Chicago Heights Nissan Customer thanks Hakwinson Nissan in Matteson

by: Eduardo H. (Chicago Heights, IL) on May 22, 2010

Salesperson: Tim Curran
Department: Sales
I have been looking for a used truck for a couple of months. Been to a few different dealers in that time span, and finally found the one that was willing to work for me. I had a good salesperson name T.J, he took the time to hear what I wanted, not what they want to put me in. I will definitely recommend T.J and the dealership to everyone I know. Thanks Guys!!
Our reply   

Ed,

Thank YOU for buying from us today.  I am glad you had a great experience with TJ.  And thanks for shopping at Hawkinson Nissan in Matteson

Bob Hawkinson

 

Web: http://www.hawkinsonnissan.com/

 

 

May 21, 2010

Chicago Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall | Hawkinson Nissan | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 10:29 am

Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer 

Nissan says cheaper U.S. Leaf price due to Tax, Incentives Gaps 

By Alan Ohnsman and Makiko Kitamura

May 21 (Bloomberg) — Nissan Motor Co., aiming to be the biggest seller of electric cars, said a lower U.S. price for its Leaf hatchback compared with Japan and Europe reflects differences in local taxes and incentives and that the vehicle will eventually make money in all markets.

Nissan said this week its battery-powered Leaf will cost about $37,000 in Europe after incentives. That compares with $32,780 in the U.S. before incentives and a base price in Japan of more than $40,000. Variations in import fees, taxes and incentives account for the disparities, said Tom Smith, Nissan’s chief marketing manager for European electric auto sales.

“If you just translate the U.S. price into euros, you seem to get a significant difference,” Smith said this week in a phone interview from Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. Excluding Europe’s higher tax on the vehicle and an import duty that’s four times that in the U.S., “we are priced at exactly the same level in both markets,” he said.

The Leaf, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, will go on sale in Japan and the U.S. this year and in Europe next year. Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has set a goal of leading sales of rechargeable vehicles, which he estimates may make up 10 percent of global auto demand by 2020.

While competitors Toyota Motor Corp., General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are preparing to sell battery-powered and plug-in hybrid models, none has announced plans matching Nissan’s goal of being able to sell as many as 500,000 electric cars by 2012.

Too Low?

Nissan aims for the Leaf to compete in price with Toyota’s gasoline-electric Prius and Honda Motor Co.’s Civic Hybrid in the U.S. The vehicle qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit and may get an added $5,000 rebate in California, where large automakers are required to sell electric vehicles.

Based on cost estimates for Leaf’s battery pack, electronic components and production, the U.S. price seems too low, at least initially, said John Kluza, a battery analyst at Lux Research in Boston.

The current cost of the 24-kilowatt-hour battery pack, capable of propelling the Leaf as far as 100 miles (160 kilometers), may be about $20,000, Kluza said. Nissan has declined to provide cost details.

“It seems the goal was to price Leaf to get sales volume even if there’s some initial loss,” Kluza said. “In the first year or so, perhaps they’ll take a hit of $2,000 on each car, maybe more. Over time, as battery production scales up, that price will start to look more appropriate.”

‘All the Information’

The U.S. price excludes local sales taxes, which vary across the nation, and a destination and handling charge of about $800, according to Jung.

Takeshi Miyao, a Tokyo-based analyst for consulting company Carnorama, estimates battery-pack and component costs for the Leaf are about 2.45 million yen ($26,900), excluding labor and other expenses.

Analysts such as Kluza and Miyao “don’t have all the information,” said Nissan’s Trisha Jung, chief marketing manager for U.S. electric vehicle sales, who oversaw local pricing for the model. “We are the first affordable, mass- market electric vehicle. We’re pricing appropriately to ensure that.”

Nissan is factoring into the price the longer-term impact of state and U.S. federal incentives it won to produce the Leaf at its Smyrna, Tennessee, plant and build a lithium-ion battery factory next to it, said KG Duleep, who researches advanced auto technologies for consultant ICF International. Those incentives included a $1.6 billion low-cost federal loan won in 2009.

Advance Orders

“When automakers price, they build in all aspects of capital costs over a multi-year period, and Nissan is getting a substantial amount of assistance,” said Duleep, who is based in Washington. “There’s probably some loss on the first few thousand cars, but perhaps by 2013 or so their costs might be at or below $30,000 a vehicle.”

It took Toyota at least 10 years to make a profit on its Prius, which was introduced in 1997, when research, development and capital costs are included, said Koji Endo, managing director at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo. It may take Nissan about the same amount of time, he estimated.

For a new car powered by a conventional gasoline engine, it usually takes about four years to make a profit, he said.

Nissan has a goal of 20,000 advance orders for the Leaf, which is set to begin arriving in the U.S. late this year. The company will mark the start of construction of its U.S. battery plant in Smyrna on May 26. The facility, to open in 2012, will have capacity to make lithium-ion battery packs for as many as 200,000 vehicles annually.

Nissan’s North American unit is based in Franklin, Tennessee.

Web: www.hawkinsonnissan.com

Chicago Nissan | Matteson Auto Mall | Hawkinson Nissan | Orland Park, IL

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 7:47 am

Nissan’s New Leaf Aligns with

Healthy Lifestyles

    

Nissan’s New Leaf

Nissan has more than 40 of its new Leaf vehicles riding along as support vehicles with an 800-mile, eight-day cycling road race. Of course, it is also showing off the cars benefits of being 100% electric with zero emissions to its target group of people living healthy lifestyles.

The promotion is part of Nissan’s two-year deal to be the official vehicle of the Amgen Tour of California that features elite professional teams from around the world. The sponsorship officially kicks off Nissan’s fully integrated 2010 “Master the Shift” campaign, which has been active for three years.

The race is now underway and ends May 23. Nissan is also activating its sponsorship of one of the teams, Team RadioShack, the cycling team led by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and three-time defending Amgen Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer. Lance Armstrong is a spokesperson for the Leaf and will be the first to receive and own one in September, Erich Marx Director of Marketing and Media for Nissan, said. The car rolls out to consumers Dec. 1.

Marx said Armstrong’s legacy, fitness and push for excellence are a perfect fit for the Leaf.

In addition, Nissan will have a consumer experience at the MBT Footwear Lifestyle Festival at the finish of each stage. The Nissan experience at each location will feature a Nissan LEAF display and debut Nissan LEAF virtual augmented reality technology. Cycling enthusiasts also will have an opportunity to check out a Team RadioShack Nissan Rogue, enter the Nissan Leaf sweepstakes and meet Team RadioShack riders.

The 2010 program will add on a number of additional running and cycling events, elite athlete endorsements and exclusive online content.

“Wherever Team RadioShack goes to race we will be there. Cause this is a global partnership.

The “Master the Shift” Facebook page acts as a central hub for the campaign.

The 16 host cities for the ride include: Nevada City, Sacramento, Davis, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Modesto, Visalia, Bakersfield, Palmdale, Big Bear Lake, Los Angeles, and Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills.

Web: http://www.hawkinsonnissan.com

 

Facebook: http://www.FACEBOOK.com/pages/HAWKINSON-NISSAN/122076703978

May 20, 2010

Chicago Nissan | Hawkinson Nissan | Orland Park, IL. | Matteson

Filed under: What's happening at Hawkinson Nissan — Bob @ 8:56 am

 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL Station Wagon Shown

 Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer 

The Cube is the “Wallet-Friendly Car chosen by Edmunds and Parents Magazine 

What Edmunds.com says

The 2010 Nissan Cube’s quirky demeanor and whimsical styling make it an interesting choice for a small hatchback.

The Cube has peppy performance, generous passenger space, easy to park, generous standard features list, and unique customization opportunities.

What’s New for 2010

For 2010, the Nissan Cube S and SL trims gain standard Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The S also adds two additional speakers and an iPod interface. The Krom edition gets keyless ignition/entry, a color audio display and a rearview camera. The latter two items are also options on the SL trim. Finally, last year’s Ginormous package has been discontinued to the lament of those with juvenile senses of humor.

Have you ever wondered: “Why can’t my car’s dashboard have a shag-carpet toupee on it?” Or perhaps: “Why can’t my car look like a washing machine and have hot pink interior trim?” Well, if you’ve pondered either of the above possibilities, your boxy chariot has arrived. The 2010 Nissan Cube hatchback is an unusual form of transportation whose styling certainly lives up to its name. Such vehicles are all the rage on the other side of the Pacific, but really, the Cube almost seems like a Japanese caricature, akin to a ninja dressed in Hello Kitty pajamas riding on the back of Godzilla. We’re not sure a caricature makes for the best transportation.

Under the Cube’s weird exterior is essentially a Nissan Versa, a small and comfortable hatchback that unfortunately has all the personality of plain steamed rice. In that way, the Cube provides ample amounts of flavor for those who seek it, plus more maximum cargo capacity courtesy of its boxy shape. The comfortable ride, relatively strong engine and impressive available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are shared virtues.

The Cube also provides plenty of passenger space. Of particular note is the backseat that reclines and slides. Nissan has also taken care to fill its Cube with plenty of goodies like available keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth, a color audio display and a Rockford Fosgate stereo. Then there are the various dealer-installed accessories, including 20-color interior mood lighting, multiple choices of colored trim pieces, exterior body kit items and even that infamous shag dash topper.

Put it all together and you’ve got plenty of reasons to purchase a 2010 Nissan Cube.

Web: www.hawkinsonnissan.com

 

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