Do you know about Electric Bikes?

Herb Chambers Ultra Motor

Herb Chambers Ultra Motor Electric Bicycles

If you have visited Europe or the Far East in recent years, you were probably amazed at the number of electric powered bicycles that share the roads with other motorized vehicles.

In China alone there are more than 120 million electric bikes on the road.

In Germany there are more than 232,000. Italy is one of the fastest growing electric bike markets in the world with sales in 2012, scheduled to top 50,000 units. Worldwide sales are expected to top 47 million bikes this year alone.

What are electric bikes, what is causing this phenomenon and what is the future of electric bikes in the U.S.?

Electric bikes are just like regular bicycles but they have a rechargeable battery to either drive the bike on its own or to supplement power when needed. There are kits to convert regular bikes to electric bikes but most don’t stand up to the expectations of the customer. True electric bikes, manufactured to be such from the ground up, are far more reliable, far more user friendly and account for most of this industry’s growth. True, electric bikes can cost between $1,100 to $20,000 with the vast majority of them selling between $1,200 to $3,000. Their range is twenty-five miles plus with the latest technology.

Acceptance of electric bikes in the U.S. has been slow but growing. Sales of electric bicycles will triple in the US by 2018 to 265,000 a year, predicts Pike Research, the considered industry expert in this market. That’s still is a very small number, but much higher than the 89,000 e-bikes expected to be sold this year. The major problem cited for this lack of acceptance is considered to be a lack of distribution.There are far too few dealers who sell and support the product.

The Herb Chambers Companies are an early adopter of electric bikes.

Herb Chambers Ultra Motor Electric Bicycles

A year ago we took on the line of Ultra Motor bikes (see www.ultrabikes.com) at Ultra Motor Electric Bikes of Boston located at our Vespa dealership in Boston: 866-724-5395.

We think that the greater Boston market is an ideal location to sell and service this exciting new product and after exhaustive research, we think that Ultra Motors is the best fit for the majority of our clientele.

Consider the Ultra Motor Fast4ward Edge. This bike sells for only $1,149. It has a full charge range of 20 miles. You can unsnap the battery and recharge it fully from any household outlet virtually anywhere. The bike weighs only 40 lbs.; it folds up and will fit into a bag to carry in your trunk, on a train or on your boat or camper. It is so light and easy to fold and unfold it can be used by practically anyone. This bike is ideal for campers, boaters and commuters. Imagine taking your Ultra-Edge on a commuter train to Boston. Unfold it and ride it to your office without any stress or strain.

Who buys electric bikes?

Herb Chambers Ultra Motor Electric Bicycles

According to Eco-Wheelz a major dealer of electric bikes in Michigan, the buys for these products include:

1.) Savvy Financial Cost-Cutters

One of the main reasons so many people are choosing electric-powered bikes! Electric is just plain cheap when compared to gas-powered vehicles.

2.) Retirees and Middle-Aged Baby Boomers

Electric-power makes life easier for everyone! For retirees and baby boomers this is especially true. Things get a little harder as you get older, but riding a bicycle doesn’t have to be one of them! Electric bikes are great for trips to the corner store, for taking on RV and boat trips — or for just getting around the neighborhood. They make riding fun and enjoyable again no matter what your age.

3.) Environmentally Conscious Green Advocates

Another point we continue to stress, is the eco-friendly nature of electric-power. This makes electric bicycles especially appealing to anyone who cares about the environment. Although this may not be important to all of our customers, it’s important to us! Electric-powered bikes DO NOT BURN FOSSIL FUELS and release no harmful carbon emissions. They’re great for air quality and our environment as a whole.

4.) Traffic Doomed City Dwellers

Transportation can be a headache in the big city. Depending on where you live, your options may be limited, or they might be a big hassle. An electric bike is perfect for navigating through heavy traffic and makes commuting a breeze. No need to worry about being sweaty or exhausted when you arrive at your destination. Electric bikes are great for commutes to work, to the park or any big city location.

5.) University and College Students

On most college campuses there’s no need for automobiles. Many times, first year students can’t have a car on campus or the cost makes it ridiculously expensive (car payments, insurance, parking, etc.). Electric bikes are ideal for college students. They make getting around campus fun and easy! At just a fraction of the cost, you can easily bring your transportation into your dorm room or lock it up outside on a bike rack. No insurance, parking fees or high car payments.

6.) Kids and the Entire Family

Of all the benefits associated with electric bikes, one always seems to get lost in the shuffle – they’re lots of fun! And because they’re safe and easy to operate, they’re great for families. In particular, kids love electric bikes! They come in a variety of sizes, so Mom and Dad can join in with their own – or they can share.

I’m an owner!

I am an avid boater.

I have two folding Ultra Motor electric bikes on my boat. They take up very little space and they are great when we are at the dock and have to run to a convenience store, want to go sightseeing or just want to get a little exercise. They are light, easy to unfold and a lot of fun. I couldn’t recommend them more.

If you want to know more call 866-724-5395.

Or, better yet, visit our state-of-the-art showroom at 22 Brighton Avenue Boston, MA 02134.

We hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Herb Chambers

PS. Could you imagine a better Christmas or holiday gift?

Herb Chambers Ultra Motor

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Redesigned luxury SUV is big, seats seven
Courtesy New Car Test Drive

Herb Chambers 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The second generation of Mercedes’s full-size, seven-seat SUV has been completely redesigned for the 2013 model year and it’s big in form as well as function.

Model Lineup

GL550

GL350

The 2013 GL-Class is available in a choice of models built around their engines.

GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ($61,570) comes with a 240-horsepower biturbo diesel engine with 455 pound-feet of torque, 4MATIC all-wheel drive and Airmatic suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard features include MB-Tex upholstery, SmartKey, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, in dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer. Leather upholstery with walnut trim comes standard. (All prices are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices, which can change at any time without notice, and do not include $905 destination fee.)

GL450 4MATIC ($63,900) comes with a 362-hp V8 rated at 406 foot-pounds of torque, with LED taillights and daytime running lamps, privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats, mbrace2 system. GL550 4MATIC ($86,900) features 479 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque, wood/leather multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, Keyless-Go, privacy glass, power telescoping and tilting steering wheel, Parktronic with active parking assist, 21-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels, AMG styling.

Options for GL-Class include the Active Curve System ($2,900) for flatter handling on paved roads, the Off Road package ($2,050) for rugged terrain, Bang & Olufsen sound system ($6,400), rear-seat entertainment system ($1,950), heated windshield washer reservoir ($105), heated steering wheel ($225), a parking assistance package ($1,290), three-zone automatic climate control with rear AC ($1,450), and a light package with bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination.

Safety features common to all models include airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, and windowbags for all three rows of seats, Steer Control assistance, an active Blind Spot assist function that illuminates in the side mirrors, and ESP with Crosswind Assist, a novel feature that users sensors from a myriad of systems to reduce the effects of cross winds on the high-riding truck during brief, strong gusts of wind. The new Collision Prevention Assist system can sense an impending collision and automatically tighten the front seat belts. An optional Driver Assistance Package alerts the driver when the car drifts out of its lane.

Walkaround

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class presents a mildly aggressive posture, with handsome flanks and tasteful character lines, and a sweeping glass greenhouse that allows very good visibility from most angles. The GL-Class reeks of luxury, and its designers have restrained the bling factor, presenting a fairly subdued architecture and a form that’s a bit more curvaceous that the previous models.

From the rear, the GL-Class shows a bit of poundage but the mass is broken up by a pair of rectangular exhaust tips and LED taillights. Riding on a long wheelbase of 121.1 inches, the GL-Class avoids the slab-sided stance that often affects large SUVs. The high-profile, 20-inch wheels provide handsome comfort on rough tarmac.

Up front, the GL-Class wears the trademark vertical front fascia, with the two-bar grill dominated by an uber-sized chrome three-pointed star that is about as subtle as Michael Phelps.

Below is a mesh lower grill and skid plates. LED daytime running lights are tucked into the lower bumper and the projector-beam headlamps slice slightly into the fenders. The running boards are metal and there are some deft touches of chrome around the greenhouse.

Most of all, the GL-Class is big, so make sure there’s enough room in the garage: The GL-Class stretches to 202 inches in overall length, nearly 17 feet.

Interior Features

Massive outside, the GL-Class models are surprisingly cosseting inside.

Serenity at all speeds helps the effect, as do the stunning optional marshmallow-colored bucket seats from Mercedes’s design line in one of the models we tested. Eye-catching stitching in contrasting colors decorates the length of the posh instrument panel. MB-Tex upholstery comes standard, and it looks and feels more like leather than vinyl; it’s durable and easy to clean, according to Mercedes.

The upright view is excellent.

Contrast that feel with the stats on cargo room: the GL-Class delivers 143.6 cubic feet of cabin volume, with up to 93.8 cubic feet of cargo area with both rear seat rows stowed. Both rear rows are powered, and can be folded by pushing a button. Nifty.

The second-row seats offer ample space, with ample foot and leg room and nicely padded seats.

The third-row seats are roomy enough for six-footers to fit neatly in the way back. When equipped with the panoramic sunroof, third-row passengers can enjoy open-air motoring with the rest of the cabin crew.

Bluetooth is standard on the 2013 GL-Class, and so are HD radio, a conventional sunroof, a power tailgate, and those power third-row seats. The higher trim level models add as standard iPod connectivity, satellite radio, a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a navigation system. Many of those features can be had as extras on lesser trims.

The COMAND system is standard on the GL, utilizing a control wheel, and information is displayed on a 7-inch LCD.

The center stack is stacked indeed, with buttons. Switchgear will be familiar to most Mercedes drivers; it’s appropriate without being overly confusing.

Another screen, tucked between the speedometer and tachometer, lets the driver glance down to see important information (phone, navigation, entertainment), and it’s clear and sharp. The four-spoke steering wheel with smooth wood trim adds some sex appeal, as do the cup holders, which can be selected to keep Big Gulps cold.

Driving Impressions

Dynamically, the GL models chew up interstates, tackle washboard roads at brisk speeds with minimal shake, and feel far more like a land yacht that a Mack tractor. Kudos to the AIRMATIC system.

The 2013 GL-Class comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard equipment, giving drivers traction in wintry conditions and on slippery surfaces.

The Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t released official mileage figures for the GL-Class.

The GL550 generates more power than does the GL450, but it felt like it had only minimally more thrust.

 

The diesel advantage of the GL350 BlueTEC is fuel efficiency.

The 7-speed automatic transmission shifts very quickly in Manual mode, the driver changing gears using paddles on the steering wheel.

In a vehicle with a high center of gravity, like most sizable SUVs, the Airmatic is a bit of a miracle in this application; it that employs air bladders instead of coil springs to adjust ride height. Adaptive damping allows the driver to select the Comfort or Sport setting for a softer ride or sportier handling.

Most of the nanny systems incorporated in these models work seamlessly, although it took a bit of getting used to the lane departure check, which operates at speeds above 37 mph, using a small camera in the windshield that recognizes lane markings. Using the electronic stability program to intervene, the system will vibrate the steering wheel or bump the steering back on course if one strays over the lines. Blind-spot is a no-brainer: very useful.

The brakes are big and commendable, which is important on a 5,400-pound vehicle: On GL450 and GL550, 14.8-inch ventilated and perforated rotors provide stopping power up front, and there are 13.6-inch disc brakes ventilated and perforated in back. The GL63 AMG employs larger front discs (15.4 inches). The less powerful GL350 uses smaller front discs (13.8 inches) and they are not perforated.

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class heralds a major makeover for this seven-seat luxury SUV, with refreshed styling inside and out, a slew of new safety functions, and a boost in power output. The GL-Class comes loaded with advanced technology. It offers three roomy rows capable of seating adults and lots of cargo space, and quality fit and finish. There’s generous power available from the engines.

Stephen Williams filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after his test drive of the GL350, GL450, and GL550 in northern New Mexico.

Courtesy New Car Test Drive

2013 Infiniti JX
Totally new luxury crossover SUV seats seven.
Courtesy New Car Test Drive

The 2013 Infiniti JX is a totally new mid-luxury crossover sport-utility with three-row seating.

Model Lineup

Herb Chambers 2013 Infiniti JX

Walkaround

In addition to preserving an Infiniti family look, the design team managed to imbue the Infiniti JX with respectable aerodynamic properties. Its coefficient of drag is 0.34, excellent by SUV standards and a plus in terms of fuel economy.

Interior Features

Inside, the Infiniti JX is distinguished by high quality materials, soft touch surfaces, touch-sceen secondary controls mitigated by some conventional buttons, and electroluminescent instruments that are simultaneously easy to read and a treat to the eye.

Cargo volume is another strong suit. The Infiniti JX has a cargo volume of almost 16 cubic feet behind the third row, as much as 47 cubic feet with the third row folded down and the second row adjusted all the way forward, and just over 76 cubic feet total. Minivans offer more, but of course they’re minivans, hopelessly low on the cool ride meter.

Driving Impressions

On the road the Infiniti JX is quiet, mannerly, competent, and exactly as exciting to drive as your living room sofa. Expect 60 mph to come up in about 7.5 seconds, and passing acceleration to be unhurried. This may not be particularly important to someone in the market for an upscale family wagon. The JX delivers adequate acceleration, and adequate will probably fill the bill.

Summary

The Infiniti JX35 rolls into the marketplace as one of the more attractive offerings in its class. It’s handsomely appointed, smooth, quiet, and roomy, with versatile interior adjustability to accommodate passengers and/or cargo in comfort. Standard equipment is comprehensive, optional goodies tempting, and optional safety features are innovative, particularly the new backup intervention system. Pricing is competitive by the standards of this class.

Herb Chambers Companies Exotic Cars Line the Streets!

September 7th 2012 –  Last night the city of Boston celebrated it’s second annual Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). The evening drew fashionistas, designers, models, students and, you know, just people who wear clothes in general, all of whom came to celebrate Boston’s fashion industry during one very stylish night. For this year’s Fashion’s Night Out, Newbury Street was  swarmed with shoppers, Copley Square was the center of a beautiful fashion show and Downtown Crossing displayed some of the most prominent fashion startups in Boston.

Fashion’s Night Out 2012 brought a variety of events to Boston’s stores, including fashion shows, makeovers, food, drinks and discounts, all in celebration of the local fashion industry.

On Newbury Street, vehicle traffic was shut down, allowing shoppers to flood the streets. Herb Chambers also lined its exotic car collection over six blocks showcasing over 80 vehicles, including a Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari Dayton Spyder and a McLaren F1.

Herb Chambers Companies Fashion Night Out Facebook Photos Galleries

CLICK HERE as well as HERE

Overall, the evening was fun, filled with energy, vibrancy and enthusiasm for the burgeoning fashion community here in Boston. Until next year, my friends

For the Complete article by Lisa DeCanio please click HERE

The Herb Chambers Car Location Map for 2012 Fashion’s Night Out

2013 Dodge Dart – An old name for a nifty new package with a hint of Italian spice.

by Courtesy New Car Test Drive

2013 Dodge Dart – Herb Chambers

If you’re old enough to remember the Carter administration, the name may be familiar but that means you’re beyond the target demographics for the Dart revival.

A fixture at the entry end of the Dodge lineup from 1960 through 1976, the Dart was discontinued in 1977 and its badge went into mothballs, forgotten, but obviously not gone.

Now it’s been resuscitated, and affixed to this all-new line of compact sedans.

So the name is the same, and the new 2013 Dodge Dart occupies the same position in the Dodge passenger car hierarchy as the original.

But the similarities end right there. The first car to incorporate engineering elements from corporate parent Fiat, the revival Dart is a contemporary front-drive compact facing a considerably stronger competitive environment than its 20th century namesake. Does it have the chops to be a compelling alternative to the others in its class?

The answer is a definite maybe. Its styling is crisp, if not exactly head-turning, the structure is solid, the engineering credentials look good, and the number of equipment and trim choices exceptional.

Like other cars in the compact class, the Dart is aimed at young adults, primarily in their early to mid-20s, many of them married, many of them with young kids. The Dart makes a good case for itself with young parental types, thanks to an exceptionally roomy interior by compact sedan standards, and a respectable complement of standard safety features.

Basics. The Dodge Dart is as all-new as all-new gets in today’s car business. Although fundamental elements of its unitbody foundations were adapted – they’ve been stretched to accommodate the sedan body style: longer wheelbase, longer overall, wider track, wider body. The dimensional expansions are accompanied by structural enhancements; 68 percent of the bodyshell is composed of high-strength steel, according to the Dart development team, yielding a chassis that feels exceptionally solid.

Just as important, the Dart presents one of the broadest range of choices in its class: five trim levels, contemporary safety features, a dozen exterior colors, 14 interior trim variations, six different wheel designs ranging from 16 to 18 inches, four different grille treatments, three different four-cylinder engines (160-horsepower 2.0 liter, 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo, 184-horsepower 2.4-liter, limited to the R/T model), three different transmissions (6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed dual clutch automatic).

The Dart has a strong made-in-America story. Though some of the engines incorporate the innovative Multi-Air induction technology pioneered by Fiat, Chrysler’s corporate parent, all three engines are assembled at Chrysler’s Dundee, Michigan plant, and final vehicle assembly is at Chrysler’s factory in Belvidere, Illinois.

Most important, the Dart stacks up well in today’s two most critical considerations: MPG and MSRP. EPA fuel economy estimates range up to 41 mpg on the highway (for the yet-to-be-seen Aero model). Suggested retail pricing for the five trim levels opens at $15,995 and climbs to $19,995 for the Limited model. The sporty R/T version carries a $22,495 base price.

Demerits: just one. For all the emphasis on the weight-saving benefits of high-strength steel, the Darts are a little pudgy by compact standards. Listed curb weights start at 3186 pounds for a Dart 2.0-liter with manual gearbox and go as high as 3348 pounds for a model equipped with the 2.4-liter engine and automatic transmission.

It might also be noted that the wide array of models and trim packages could pose an assembly quality challenge for the Belvidere factory.

But the cars presented at the Dart’s press preview measured up well in this regard.

2 Convenient Dodge Dealerships to Serve You:

• Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Danvers
• Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Millbury

2013 Dodge Dart – Herb Chambers

Model Lineup
The Dodge Dart SE ($15,995) comes standard with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, four-speaker AM/FM radio, power windows, and a 12-volt outlet.

The Dart SXT ($17,995) upgrades with premium cloth seats and door panels, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-color power mirrors and locks, six-speaker audio system, front center console/sliding armrest, rear seat armrest, split folding rear seat.

Dart Rallye ($18,995) gets upgraded cloth seats with accent stripes, trip computer, vehicle information center, fog lamps, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, painted 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and dual clutch automatic transmission are optional.

Dart Limited ($19,995) includes upgraded interior cloth, door and seatback pockets, overhead console, front passenger under-seat storage, illuminated front cup holders, vanity mirrors, premium instrument panel with contrast stitching, thin film transistor instrument cluster, LED interior lighting, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated power mirrors, active grille shutters, 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen.

Dart R/T ($22,495) includes most Limited standard features plus 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, sport suspension tuning, heated leather sport seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 184-horsepower 2.4-liter engine.

Safety features on all Dodge Darts includes 10 airbags, ABS with brake lock differential, stability control, traction control.

Walkaround

The Dodge Dart looks athletic, with the skin tightly wrapped around the wheels, and a hint of Coke bottle contours: wider at the front and rear axles, slimmer between. A hint of forward-leaning rake, plus modest front and rear overhangs, suggests sportiness.

The design team took great pains with aerodynamics. The shape evolved through extensive wind tunnel time, and thoughtful details include active grille shutters that close to restrict radiator airflow when cooling air isn’t needed, to reduce aerodynamic drag. The underbody is fully enclosed, and a rear diffuser manages underbody airflow to enhance stability.

The net of all the aero attention is a praiseworthy drag coefficient of 0.285, enhancing fuel economy and also helping to minimize wind noise.

Dodge signature elements for its latest offering are a new interpretation of the division’s crosshair grille, and a taillamp treatment, adapted from the Dodge Challenger, that spreads across the entire rear end, incorporating 152 LEDs.

One other exterior note, that relates to the interior. At 183.9 inches long, 72.0 inches wide, and 57.7 inches tall the new Dart is one of the biggest of the current compact crop, and the designers have put those dimensions to work inside, creating one of the roomiest interiors (over 97 cubic feet) in this class. The 13.1-cubic foot trunk can be expanded by folding the rear seatbacks forward. In the base model the seatback is one piece. In other trim levels it’s a split-folding setup.

Interior Features

Roominess is always a plus in a family sedan, but it’s much more compelling when it’s nicely appointed. Here, too, the Dart scores well. Nothing inside these new cars looks cheap, even in the most basic model, and soft-touch surfaces abound, dashboard, door panels, center console and elsewhere.

The basic cloth upholstery is attractive and looks durable, denim inserts are offered in the SXT trim level, and leather is an option in the top-of-the line Limited model. The seats are long-haul comfortable, with enough lateral support to feel sporty. Like all sedans, the cabin is rated for five, and like all of them the center rear position will accommodate an adult occupant. There’s not enough shoulder room for three adults in the back seat, but it’s okay for two adults for short distances.

Thoughtful storage touches: a glovebox big enough to swallow a laptop computer, and a bin under the right front passenger seat, accessed by folding the seat cushion forward.

As we expect of new cars today, there are plenty of optional electronic goodies. Foremost on this list is an 8.4-inch touch-screen display, dominating the center dash of the higher trim levels (not available on the base Dart). A nav system is offered for the Limited model, as well as a configurable electronic instrument package and an LED-powered light pipe surround for the entire instrument panel, which some may like.

Like other carmakers, Chrysler has taken notice of the success of Ford’s Sync infotainment system and responded with one of its own, called U-connect. As expected, there’s good audio, upgrade audio, satellite radio, and connections for MP3, your iPod, Pandora, or what have you.

Driving Impressions
Chrysler calls the Dart’s two naturally aspirated engines Tigershark. This appellation is a little difficult to fathom with the basic 2.0-liter version, which doesn’t feel very tigerish, particularly mated with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. This was our primary test sample, and the combination that will probably make up the biggest percentage of Dart orders: 2.0-liter engine, 6-speed automatic, in the SXT trim level.

So equipped, the Dart is a rather ho-hum performer off the line, with so-so throttle response and some reluctance for the transmission to kick down a gear or two in passing situations. The Fiat-sourced 6-speed manual improves performance slightly, as well as the fun-to-drive index, and generates EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/39 mpg City/Highway.

The 1.4-liter turbo engine, shared with the Fiat 500 Abarth, delivers a little more verve. Its 160-horsepower rating is the same as that of the 2.0-liter, but it generates more torque, 184 pound-feet versus 148. The trick with this engine is keeping it in the sweet spot of its torque band, from 2500 to 4000 rpm. Otherwise, the engine bogs.

Although we have yet to drive it, the 2.4-liter R/T version, slated for showrooms in the third quarter of 2012, should be distinctly livelier, and will also feature sportier suspension tuning.

We should also note that ride quality, the objective of the Americanization, is excellent. Firm enough to retain a strong suggestion of Euro feel, supple enough to take the hard edge of sharp bumps and warty pavement.

A little more power, or a little less curb weight, or both, would make the 2.0-liter Dart a little more entertaining, but even so the fun-to-drive index is well above average. The engineers also get high marks for quiet operation. A little road noise finds its way through the suspension, depending on pavement composition, but wind noise is nil, thanks to the aero refinements.

Summary
The Dodge Dart proves that Chrysler hasn’t lost its design mojo, and that Fiat’s stewardship is a positive arrangement. Attractive, roomy, comfortable, and handsomely turned out within, it also has an exceptionally solid feel, with above average road manners. Attractive pricing and an array of optional goodies make the Dart a compelling choice among sport compacts.

Tony Swan filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drives of Dodge Dart models near Austin, Texas.

2 Convenient Dodge Dealerships to Serve You:

• Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Danvers
• Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Millbury

Herb Chambers Donates $50,000 to Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Holiday Toy Drive

Article Courtesy of:  Sharon Patch

Herb Chambers Donates $50,000 to Mayor Menino Toy Drive

Bay State businessman and Boston resident Herb Chambers made a $50,000 donation to Mrs. Angela Menino today towards Mayor Menino’s City of Boston Holiday Toy Drive, which helps distribute toys throughout Boston’s neighborhoods to children in need.

This collaborative effort will ensure hundreds of children have toys under their Christmas trees this year.

Chambers helps get toy drive in gear

Herb Chambers Donates $50,000 to Mayor’s Toy Drive

Photo by Angela Rowlings

By Colneth Smiley Jr. | Article Courtesy of: http://www.bostonherald.com

Bay State businessman Herb Chambers spread some Christmas cheer, donating $50,000 to Mayor Thomas M. Menino‘s holiday toy drive earlier this week.

“The holidays are about giving back to the communities in which we live and work, and it warms my heart to be able to support children in need through Mayor Menino’s annual holiday toy drive,” said Chambers, president and CEO of the Herb Chambers Cos.

Angela Menino accepted the donation at City Hall from Chambers, who is a Boston resident, on behalf of the Fund for Boston Neighborhoods.

The donation will help ensure that children in need in Boston’s neighborhoods will receive toys this Christmas.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1061178574

About Mayor Menino’s Toy Drive

The Holiday Season is upon us once again in Boston, and not only is it a joyous and beautiful time of the year in our city, it’s also an opportunity to come together in our neighborhoods, give back to our community, and support local businesses. 

I urge you all to explore all that our neighborhood business districts and Main Streets have to offer during the holidays. Rather than leaving family and friends for midnight lines and mall traffic, shoppers need only travel to their local Main Street district to find unique gifts and holiday experiences close to home.

Our annual Holidays on Main Streets campaign, a small business initiative highlighting the many events taking place in and around the City’s 20 Main Streets districts, kicks off this week and will run through the end of December. The campaign will once again feature the Deck the Windows holiday storefront decorating competition that will test business’s creativity in three categories: best representation of local style and history, most inviting for customers, and most festive.

We’ve also launched a city-wide residential lighting contest, Deck the Rooftops, so that residents can join the fun. A panel of judges will evaluate residents’ lighting displays in categories including one- or two-family, three-decker, porch/balcony, multi-family and apartment building. I hope you’ll join your neighbors in this new, Deck the City tradition. To be entered in the competition, windows and homes must be decorated by November 28, and public voting will begin December 11.

More information is available at www.cityofboston.gov/deckthecity.

As is tradition in Boston, weekend shoppers will enjoy two free hours of metered parking at all City meters, including downtown, starting on Friday, November 23, and continuing on six consecutive Saturdays through December 29. While meters will be free on these days, a two-hour time limit will be enforced to accommodate as many visitors as possible.

Any driver issued a non-public safety parking ticket on Boston’s streets November 29 through December 1 will be offered the option of resolving their ticket by providing a toy of equal or greater value than the ticket fine. To participate in Toys for Tickets, drivers have from Thursday, November 29 through Friday, December 8 to turn in the toys. During last year’s Toys for Tickets campaign, we were able to collect more than $3,000 worth of toys. For information regarding toy drop-off locations, times and dates, visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/parking/toystickets.asp.

Our 9th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Special website offers special deals on tickets to holiday shows and shopping in Boston. There, you can learn about all of this year’s holiday events, including a comprehensive list of neighborhood tree lightings, this year’s trolley tours, and local holiday markets, plus special discounts for local dining options and shows such as The Nutcracker and Boston Holiday Pops. Visit www.mayorsholidayspecial.com to find holiday events in your neighborhood.

Finally, I encourage you to give back this holiday season. Last year, Bostonians donated nearly 44,000 pounds of food to local families through our bostonCANshare food drive.

This year’s campaign runs through November 30, with both canned goods and cash donations welcome. For more information, visit www.cityofboston.gov/food/canshare.

I’m looking forward to a festive month, celebrating another tremendously successful year in the City of Boston. From my family to yours, wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season.

On Sale: Summer 2012

2013 Cadillac ATS

Three direct-injection engines will appear on the Cadillac ATS, including a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, likely to be the most fuel-efficient ATS, bumps power up to 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A top-of-the-line 3.6-liter V6 puts out 318 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, and will be available only in North America. A 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and the turbo will offer an optional 6-speed manual. The 2013 ATS will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with optional Magnetic Ride Control sport suspension.

Four trim levels will be offered on the 2013 Cadillac ATS: base, Luxury, Performance, and Premium. Options will include sport seats with power-adjustable bolsters, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, a rearview camera, adaptive headlamps and collision-sensing brakes. Premium models come standard with an upgraded Bose audio system and satellite navigation. Standard safety features will include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control and stability control. Options will include adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning system.

Also noteworthy on the 2013 ATS is the inclusion of Cadillac’s latest infotainment interface, CUE (Cadillac User Experience). The system’s 8-inch touchscreen display works very much like a tablet computer, allowing users to swipe, pinch and zoom to access data and change functions. CUE also uses haptic feedback, which senses when a user’s fingers are near, changing menu options accordingly. A variety of functions can be synched from a mobile device, which virtually eliminates the temptation to pick up the phone while driving. Also on CUE is a voice recognition system that’s much improved over previous versions.

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