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Apple is working on designs for a car that will drive itself. Local officials say engineers for the mega-giant Apple recently investigated GoMentum Station Automotive testing facility that's used as a testing ground for self-driving cars and the other high-tech vehicles. The station located in the San Fransisco City of Concord once was a naval base until around 1994. Of course, we all know that Apple is best known for the every so popular iPhones and Mac computers. But, could we get to know this tech company as an automotive company? Only time will tell. GoMentum Station has been used as a vehicle test facility for many automakers. It is a very secure facility that doesn't offer access to the public. GoMentum is about 40 miles North of Silicon Valley. Concord Naval Weapon Station, California. Self-driving cars may still sound like the stuff of science fiction, but Russ Rader, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety senior VP of communications, told Investopedia in 2014 the technology has been creeping into car manufacturing models for several years now. “Its got all the infrastructure of a city,” Jack Hall, the program manager at GoMentum Station. “There are buildings, streets and intersections, but no people.” The 5,000-acre site has 20 miles of paved roads, including overpasses, tunnels and railroad crossings, according to the agency’s website, which calls it “the largest secure test facility in the world.” Apple is believed to have paired with Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) as a potential partner, likely thatFCA would provide the car body and some or all of the powertrain. Project Titan is what Apple executive's had been calling it, and the project is all but confirmed. It has also been reported that Googles’s self-driving car software and systems will most likely be ready to market by 2017. So even if the project is further along than previously thought, it seems highly unlikely that Apple will beat Google in the race for the 1st self-driving car.

It’s that time of year again: back to school. Some are back already and some have a couple more weeks of summer vacation left. But there’s one main consideration that you have to think about: Should I bring my car to college? Of course everyone would like to have a car on campus, but is it allowed or is it practical? We’ll help you see the pro’s and con’s of whether or not you should bring your car with you. First of all, are you even allowed to have one on campus? That will depend on where you’re attending. Some will flat out not allow freshman or upperclassmen to bring a car with them. Others will allow it, but students will be required to purchase a parking pass. Typically information like this can be found on the college or university’s website, so you will want to make sure you know their policy before you get there for move-in. Cost is another important thing to think about. Many college students are on an Easy Mac and Ramen-Noodle type of budget, so gas, repairs, parking permits, and other costs are out of the question. If this is the case then maybe you should leave the car at home. If you are going to bring it make sure you have some money saved up for these unexpected costs which include parking tickets don't forget. Find out about alternative transportation options too. Many campuses will have a school-operated shuttle system. They even get creative with the names too. For instance, the University of Miami has the Hurry ‘Canes shuttles, and students at UCLA can take the BruinBus. These options can be particularly helpful in urban settings such as D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York City. So you have to weigh your options to see if it would in fact be worth it to bring your car to college. If you need it to get you to-and-from a job or your parents house, then by all means take it. But we suggest that you enjoy your college days without one of the major responsibilities of adulthood: Car ownership.

The Fourth of July Sales Event is going on now at the Preston Autoplex! We have new lower prices on all of our top Fords, Lincolns, Hyundais, Mazdas, Nissan and Pre-Owned vehicles! Top models including the 2015 Ford F-150, Mustang, Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Mazda 3, 6, Miata, Nissan Altima, Sentra, Rogue and more!  With up to $12,000 in rebates and discounts as well as 0% financing for 72 months, we have the deals you want! Lets start off with some Fords.  The F-150 has been the best selling truck in America for 38 years, so you know you're making the right choice when buying an F-150.  We have both 2014 and 2015 model year F-150s too.  On to the Mustang, which has been an American tradition for over 50 years.  We have convertibles, fastbacks, and hardtops all at one location in Maryland.  We also have 2014, ’15 and ’16 model year Fusions on our lot in Preston!  Come in to see which one you like the best!  The final two are the Focus and Fiesta — both of which are fantastic choices because of their fuel-economy and sporty handling. If your more of an Elantra or Sonata person, then good news because we have even more of those! We have over 50 of the brand new 2016 Hyundai Elantra’s and still have over 30 of the 2015 model.  Our Elantra’s start under 16k!  We also have the 2015 and 2016 Elantra GT for those who want a sportier hatchback.  The Sonata is also a popular choice among car buyers, and Preston’s 4th of July Celebration starting price of $17,371 is the best around! As for Mazda, we are confident that we have the perfect Mazda3 to fit your needs somewhere on our lot.  Whether you prefer manual or automatic, sedan or hatchback, we have the perfect combination for you.  The 2015 Mazda3 also gets fantastic gas mileage at 30 MPG in the city and 40 on the highway!  It’s not too often where a car this fun to drive has this outstanding fuel economy too!  The next 2015 model that we want to highlight is the CX-9 SUV.  This is Mazda’s largest SUV, which seats 7 adults comfortably.  If you need room for the kids and all their gear, then the 2015 CX-9 is a solid choice in the SUV category. Something exciting which Mazda has and many other manufacturers do not: 2016 models!  Mazda has already released the 2016 Mazda6 and 2016 Mazda CX-5.  First off, the 6.  This family sedan is packed with technology.  From the heads-up display on the dashboard, to the optional i-ELOOP engine under the hood, this car can do it all.  With great fuel economy AND sporty handling, you’re going to want to drive this for yourself.  Our other 2016 model is the CX-5.  We have over 30 of these crossover SUVs in stock right now.  Be sure to check them out during our 4th of July Celebration now! The 2015 Altima and Sentra are both considered economy sedans.  The slightly smaller Sentra will achieve an outstanding 30 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway!  And the Altima’s numbers aren’t far off at 27 and 38!  The Sentra is priced significantly lower than its competitors and Preston Nissan has them starting at $15,592 as well as 2015 Altima’s starting at $18,992!  With over 50 Altima’s and 25 Sentra’s, Preston Nissan will surely have the right car for you You’ll be ready for summer with any of these amazing vehicles during our Fourth of July Sales Event!  You can find us in Preston, MD 21655.  You could call us at 877-834-3396, or you could of course keep browsing around our website to find the perfect vehicle!

It's Memorial Day Weekend! The Preston Automotive Group is gearing up for their Memorial Day Sales Event this weekend. We are charged up and can’t wait to do what we do best, serve our great customers a quality buying experience and help them get the vehicle they want and deserve. We possess over 2500 vehicles in our inventory. Memorial Day, of course, is a day to remember those who have so bravely sacrificed so much for our country. The Preston Automotive Group is also offering up to an additional $1000 off towards the purchase of a new car  for those members of the military and their immediate family. It’s just our way of saying thank you for all you’ve done. Preston Ford, Denton Ford, Pittsville Ford and Boulevard Ford have the best models available that Ford Motor Company has to offer. With up to $2,000 cash back, 0% Financing for 72 months, and no payments for 90 days, it will be difficult to resist the deals that will be put together by the management team on Memorial Day Weekend. The people of Delmarva are raving about the new 2015 Ford F-150. They are getting great gas mileage, and the toughness isn't compromised. The 2015 Models of the Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Edge, Escape, Explorer and Mustang also all have outstanding deals that need to be taken advantage of this weekend. Preston Hyundai will be as aggressive has ever before, with up to $8,500 cash back and 0% Financing available for an incredible 75 months. The 10 year/100,000 mile Powertrain warranty is still America’s best. 2015 IIHS Top safety picks, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata lets you be more aware of the world around you. The smart cruise control with the stop/start capability is a Sonata class exclusive. It can detect  a vehicle in your lane ahead, automatically slows the Sonata down maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle ahead and will even come to a full stop, then start again without driver input. The Premier and only Mazda dealership on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is Preston Mazda. Preston Mazda has one of the Top 3 in the world cars, according to the 2014 World Car Awards in the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 delivers an unparalleled MPG of up to 40. Mazda owners love the Precise handling, very good fuel economy, quicker acceleration, top crash safety scores and the elegant interior with intuitive controls offered on every vehicle in the Mazda lineup. Preston Nissan will be offering VPP pricing to all military, including immediate family members. What is VPP? The Nissan Vehicle Purchase Program gives the customers the opportunity to buy a new Nissan at pre-negotiated under invoice pricing. The 2015 Nissan Altima has been a long time best seller in the Nissan lineup. The Altima does all the little things right, and goes the extra mile with its driving dynamics and high-end cabin.Preston Nissan has over 200 cars on the lot and they are expecting to make deals on all of them. Memorial Day will be one to remember, says General Manager John Thompson, “With the VPP program, you will be exposed to deals that are unheard of”. The Preston Automotive Group will be open on Memorial Day from 8:30 AM until 6:00pm. With the purchase of any new or used vehicle from now until Monday, aside from the excellent deal you will receive a FREE gas grill or cooler also. The Preston Automotive Group would like to again, thank each and every member of the Military for their Hard work and commitment. Stop by to visit us at any one of our Maryland Dealerships located in Preston, Denton and Pittsville Maryland. Visit www.prestonmotor.com to check out our massive inventory and to see your Memorial Day Sale price.

You’ve been searching everywhere to find the right vehicle for you, and you’ve finally found it. Now comes the part where most Americans struggle, paying for it. As, many of us have been told countless times buying a car is the second most important thing you’ll likely buy next to your home. Our finance & insurance managers in the Preston Automotive Group are often asked, “Should I finance or lease my new car?” The answer depends on your current situation and what your ultimate purpose and goal for this vehicle is. Let's start with a quick survey, ask yourself the following questions: Do I have a small down payment or even no down payment? Do I take care of my vehicles, inside and out? Do I drive between 10,000 to 15,000 annually? Do I like to trade cars every 3 years or so? If you answered yes to all 4 of those questions, leasing sounds ideal for you. First and foremost, “What is leasing?” Dictionary.com defines leasing as granting the temporary possession or use of (lands, tenements, etc.) to another, usually for compensation at a fixed rate. You certainly get more car, for less money when it comes to leasing! Leasing gives your average joe the option and affordability to drive that $30,000 vehicle that would typically be out of his price range if he were to finance it. Unlike finance payments, lease payments are based on a percentage of the vehicle price. The buyer pays the difference between the base price of the vehicle and the expected value of the vehicle at lease end, often referred to as the residual value. Let's say for instance that the car you picked has a base price of $30,000. The market has suggested that the vehicle will be worth $16,000 at the end of the lease term, meaning you would only make payments on the remaining$14,000 as opposed to the $30,000. Technology is getting to be a huge factor in the decision making on whether or not to lease. With so many new innovations happening in the world of cars yearly, it's very difficult to not want the best when the best comes out. Leasing allows you to trade in your vehicle at the end of your lease term with no penalty and best of all no negative equity. As long as the lease is under the allotted pre-determined mileage and free from excessive wear and tear you will be able to walk away free and not upside down on a loan. Although you can select lease terms ranging from 12 months to 48 months, the average term for an American consumer is 36 months (3 years). Did you answer no to most or all of the survey mentioned earlier? Then the option to finance is most likely is the option for you. The best thing about financing is you are actually using someone else's money to purchase the vehicle, and once the last payment has been signed, sealed and delivered, you own the vehicle for good. The desire to customize plays a huge role in the reasoning behind financing. The vehicle is yours to modify or customize as you like. Air intakes, lift kits and sometimes window tinting are very frowned upon and could be very costly in vehicle leasing.  This goes hand and hand with wear and tear. You will not be penalized for any wear and tear on the car once you have taken ownership of it. Typically on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the finance option is exercised 8 out of 10 times. Why is that? When asked around a majority of Preston Automotive customers stated that, “I drive too many miles and I don't have time to worry about minor wear and tear that could cost me more in the long run.” Believe it or not there are additional warranties for exceeding mileage and excessive wear and tear on a lease. When it comes to financing vs leasing, there’s no definite answer on which one you should choose. Certain things you need to consider are your budget, driving needs, lifestyle and credit history before you decide whether to buy or lease. There are plenty of auto lenders who can provide you with financing that works best for you, no matter whether you decide to buy or lease your next vehicle. If you still have questions and would like to schedule an appointment to sit down with one of our experienced finance & insurance managers, please give us a call today at 877-898-2470!

The Preston Automotive Group will organize a walk for the March of Dimes to take place on the grounds of the Preston Autoplex on May 3rd, 2015.  We have done this for many years and this year David Wilson Jr. will be the chairman for the event.  The March of Dimes March for Babies official mission reads, “We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.”  It’s a fantastic cause and we are excited to be participating again! We have already started to raise funds in order to reach our overall, Preston Automotive Group goal of $25,000.  Our accounting office, located in between the Ford and Hyundai Buildings, has had baked good sales, hot dog lunch sales, and 50-50 raffles in order to raise money for this tremendous cause.  We also have several other smaller teams across the Autoplex that have formed to help surpass our aforementioned goal.  Our employees are pushing it on social media because it is such a worthy organization.  You can even join our team if you want OR you can start your own!  You could start a team with your family members or even with your coworkers!  To join our team you will need to follow this link for Preston Automotive Group March of Dimes Team.  If you would like to start your own March of Dimes team then you would follow the second link. The event will kickoff not on the 3rd but rather Saturday, May 2nd at dusk with an awesome fireworks display from Zambelli Fireworks in the field behind the Autoplex.  The walk, as mentioned, will take place on May 3rd.  Registration will begin at 12pm and the walk will begin promptly afterward at 1PM.  The course will start and end at the Preston Autoplex and travel 1.5 miles through the town of Preston and back — totaling 3 miles.  After the walk, at around 2PM, we will have Mike Hines and his band The Look perform and there will be food from local eateries.  In addition, there will be activities for kids as well as mascot appearances by Sherman Shorebird and the Preston Frog! It’s bound to be a great day rain or shine and we are very excited about raising money for the March for Babies Organization.  Please join us on May 3rd for this wonderful event, we’d love to see you there!

Join the Preston Automotive Group in celebrating Car Care Awareness Month!  If you think about it, your vehicle is probably your second largest investment (second to your house if you own one).  If you have a vehicle you probably use it to drive to work every day, transport the kids to their activities, and get you to and from various other places, right?  And if it broke down or started to work improperly, then you might be in kind of a pickle, right?  Well, the goal of Car Care Awareness Month is to make sure people know how they should be taking care of their vehicle. Last year during Nationwide Car Care Inspections, 84% failed at least one component of the inspection.  That means nearly every one of these drivers were potentially driving around in an unsafe vehicle.  Now, that number could be reflecting failures such as faulty taillights, low washer fluid, or some other small issue, but nonetheless it is a safety hazard if it causes your vehicle to fail an inspection.  There are all kinds of numbers that would scare you such as nearly 1 in 5 vehicles needed a new air filter, or 13% had the “check engine” light on.  But here’s the bottom line: most people don’t know what kind of regular maintenance should be completed on a car at each specific milestone. Another part of Car Care Awareness’ mission is to give you the knowledge so you can detect small issues early before they turn into big problems.  Neglected vehicle care almost always means higher costs down the line.  The results found by carcare.org show that the majority of vehicle owners could save a substantial amount of money by being proactive in their vehicle maintenance. So, our goal this month, alongside the Car Care Council, will be to inform you of the best way to look after one of your largest investments.  Whether you have a new or pre-owned vehicle, there are certain steps and precautions to take, and that is what we will be highlighting all month long!

A comeback of Lincoln Continental has been talked about for quite a while now; and, short of this being a very elaborate April Fool’s joke planned by Ford and Lincoln, it looks like it is in the works. Lincoln officially put out a press release outlining everything today, Monday, March 30, 2015.  This comes the same week of the New York International Auto Show – where they were already expected to release the details.  But being that they are battling it out for biggest auto news stories of the week with Cadillac and other automakers, they decided to reward us patient consumers with pictures and tons of info early. The biggest theme of the biggest auto story so far: Technology.  New tech seems to be a hallmark of this new, reimagined, conceptual Lincoln Continental.  We’ll start you off with something easy to digest.  Lincoln says the new-age Continental will have a Premium Revel audio system with three different modes: Stereo, Audience and On-Stage.  Now that’s cool, but how about lights inside and out that turn on when it senses the key approaching?  Yep, it will have that too.  Think that can’t be topped?  Well, try this on for size; the new Continental will have a SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof.  That means, at the touch of a button, you will be able to turn the tint up on the glass, which will enable the interior temperature to be lowered as much as eighteen degrees and block out 99% of UV rays.  This futuristic, full-size luxury sedan will also feature Pedestrian Detection and a 360 degree camera, which will display on the MyLincoln Touch screen.  Under the hood, it is said that it will have a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost Engine.  That would be a Lincoln Exclusive engine and certainly something to be excited about. Now, the 2015 New York International Auto Show will be taking place April 3 rd -12 th with a press preview day on April 1 st.  And the news of this Lincoln Continental is surely just the beginning of many stories to come out of New York in the next two weeks.  Use the hashtag #NYIAS to find interesting articles and pictures throughout the two weeks.  Also keep an eye on our blog for everything and anything auto!

Ford Motor Company has just churned out their 5-millionth EcoBoost engine!  This comes in a relatively short time span too.  Ford started putting out these trademark engines back in 2009 and have averaged production of about 1 million per year. Other automakers had the technology that makes up an EcoBoost engine before; however, no one else came up with a marketable name like Ford did.  There are basically two technologies that make up an EcoBoost engine: turbocharging and direct injection.  When it's put in laymen terms like that you probably realize that you've heard of many other vehicles that have turbocharged, direct injected engines, but unless they're a Ford, then they're not EcoBoost. 2015 Ford Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine While people see the positives of getting the extra Eco (fuel economy) and extra Boost (acceleration), criticisms have come up that say the various engines don't deliver as much on the fuel economy.  As a general consensus people have found EcoBoost Ford's to be more successful at delivering performance than fuel economy.  Evidently, Ford sees their performance potential because they're planning on putting an EcoBoost V-6 in the upcoming Ford GT Supercar. Ford 1.0-liter 3-Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Now, EcoBoost engines are offered in every single Ford and Lincoln model - apart from the SuperDuty pickups and hybrid-only C-Max.  Check out the run down of the current EcoBoost engines. 1.0-liter three-cylinder, 123 hp (Fiesta, Focus) 1.5-liter four-cylinder, 181 hp (Fusion) 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 178 hp (Escape, Transit Connect); 197 hp (Fiesta ST) 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 240 hp (Escape, Fusion, Taurus, 2015 Explorer, MKC, MKZ); 245 hp (Edge); 252 hp (Focus ST) 2.3-liter four-cylinder, 270 hp (est., 2016 Explorer), 285 hp (MKC), 310 hp (Mustang) 2.7-liter V-6, 315 hp (Edge), 325 hp (F-150), “330+” (2016 MKX) 3.5-liter V-6, 310 hp (Transit); 365 hp (Taurus SHO, Flex, Explorer, F-150, Expedition, MKS); 380 hp (Navigator)

Lincoln has been in the midst of overhauling its lineup, as well as introducing some brand new additions like the Compact Crossover MKC, and the next model we're likely to see completely renewed is the MKS.  The source of this information is somewhat unusual - singer Neil Young.  Last December he revealed that he is working in conjunction with Lincoln for his digital music player and download service, Pono, to be put into the new "Continental" for a "2016 release."  This reveal - which was seemingly accidental - gets the gears turning in our heads because we've known for quite some time that Lincoln is looking for a replacement for the MKS. This would make total sense to bring back the iconic Continental name - which went out of production after the 2002 model year - because the MKS is their largest sedan and the Continental was one of the largest/longest cars on the road too.  It's interesting how all of these things add up... We think it's more than just a coincidence, and we're not mad about it. Is this really what the potential 2016 Lincoln "Continental" could look like? Regardless of what the MKS replacement will be called, it will supposedly be revealed late this year and go on sale a year from now - in Spring of 2016. Watch the interview with Neil Young around the 4:00 mark and see if you think there is any meaning behind it or not?  Here at Preston Lincoln we sure hope there is some stock in it!

Preston Automotive Group donates time and money to several charities and organizations throughout the year, and coming up in March, Daria Wilson, Daughter of the Preston Automotive Group President Dave Wilson Sr., will be Dancing for the Dogs.  This annual event raises awareness and money for local animal shelters and animal rescues of Talbot and Caroline County of Maryland. Daria Wilson will be one of the local celebrity's to compete in the fundraising event and Preston Automotive Group is helping her raise money!  This Friday and Saturday, February 27th and 28th, the Preston Autoplex and Denton Ford will donate $100 for each vehicle purchased!  We are expecting the weather to warm up slightly, so come out and look for the car you've always wanted and support a great cause at the same time.  Even if you're not in the market for a car at the moment, you can still donate to help Daria win!  Simply go to http://bit.ly/VoteDaria to vote for Daria!  You can also check out Daria's Dancing for the Dogs Facebook page to see more details. This is a fun event set for March 14, 2015 and will take place at the historic Tidewater Inn of Easton, MD.  She is excited and we are all glad to help promote her endeavor!  The Talbot Humane, Caroline County Humane Society, and Tom Cat Solutions are very worthy organizations that do all sorts of good for our local community.  Be sure to at least check them out and donate if you can!

U.S. News & World Report just released their annual list of Best Cars for the Money and Hyundai, Mazda, and Nissan cleaned up.  Hyundai and Mazda each had two vehicles on the list and Nissan had one.  Their list highlights vehicles across 21 different automotive classes with the best combination of positive reviews and long-term ownership costs.  Specifically, they take the average price paid from TrueCar.com and five-year cost-to-own data from Vincentric combined with the U.S. News Best Cars rankings data.  So let’s get right into it! There was only one winner in the car class that we sell as a part of the Preston Automotive Group and it was the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.  The Sonata won for the Midsize Car category.  This is a true standout car with its new outward design and upgrades to the engine and various mechanical parts that many people don’t really see.  We have over 70 Sonata’s in stock right now at our Preston Hyundai Dealer of Maryland. The remaining four vehicles we sell that made the list came from the SUV and Minivan category.  The first one we’ll talk about the 2015 Nissan Murano, which won for the 2-Row SUV class.  The new Murano looks amazing with its curvy exterior, mean-looking lights, mesmerizing front grille, and huge touchscreen system inside.  We have a handful of these at our Maryland Nissan Dealer on the Eastern Shore, Preston Nissan. The winner for the best 3-Row SUV was the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe.  This SUV is top notch and its 80 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity is a great value for the money.  It’s certainly not tops in its class in terms of cargo capacity, but it certainly is tops for the value it brings; thus, the reason why it is on this list! The two Mazda’s to make the list were the CX-9 and Mazda5 in the Large SUV and Minivan classes, respectively.  The 2015 Mazda CX-9 just recently won another award for Most Popular Large Crossover SUV, so you know this vehicle is legitimate.  It is stylish on the outside and functional with a large feel on the inside.  The 2015 Mazda5 admittedly doesn’t win many awards, but it is extremely functional and you get a fantastic amount of bang for your buck with this minivan.  You may not think of this vehicle as a minivan because it is smaller, lower to the ground, and more stylish than the stereotypical “Soccer Mom” minivans that usually come to mind, but it is in fact classified as a minivan.  With three rows of seats and decent cargo space, this minivan is tops in terms of value in its class. Preston Mazda, a two-time consecutive Gold Cup Mazda Dealer (the highest honor a dealership can achieve), has a small inventory of these vehicles now, but are receiving more every week. There were several other vehicles from the Preston Automotive Group which were finalists too.  The finalists – or honorable mentions if you will – in the overall Car category were as follows: Ford Fiesta, Fusion Hybrid, Mustang, C-Max Hybrid, Mazda Mazda3, and Hyundai Genesis.  The three Preston finalists for the SUV and Minivan categories were the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Lincoln MKC.  At last, the lone finalist in the Trucks category was of course the Ford F-150. *Now, remember this list is naming Best Cars for the Money – in other words, Best Value.  So, when you see the F-150 and Mustang and other popular cars only making it onto the “honorable mentions,” remember that, while being great cars, they just may not be as great of a value as the cars that were ultimately picked by U.S. News.