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Do you eat, breathe, and dream about cars?  Do you spend your downtime and weekends off puttering around under the hood in your garage?  Are you the person your friends and family call to diagnose a problem before it goes to the mechanic?  Do you spend hours and hours online watching YouTube videos and tutorials on how to DIY an upgrade or mod for your vehicle? Yeah, same here!  We’re right there with you, so that’s why today’s post is all about helping you find your footing in the automotive field.  We’re sharing some great ways that you can turn your hobby in automotive mechanics into the career of your dreams.  We’ve got a great list of suggestions for technical schools, classes, and books to get you started on the path to evolving from hobby to paid venture!  Check it out on today’s blog. more Trade Schools and Technical Institutes with Automotive Courses in Illinois and Wisconsin From auto mechanic trading courses to professional driving lessons to automotive and industrial design, you’ve got lots of avenues to explore! College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Technical College in Milwaukee, WI Ashworth College in Milwaukee, WI Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI Penn Foster Career School’s Online Auto Repair Tech Program Ashworth College Online Automotive Technician Career Diploma Best Books To Learn About the Automotive Industry How Cars Work by Tom Newton Auto Repair for Dummies Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service Auto Repair and Maintenance: Easy Lessons for Maintaining Your Car So It Lasts Longer Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Basic Machines and How They Work Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems Auto Fundamentals (Eleventh Edition) Auto Fundamentals (Twelfth Edition, Workbook) Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair (6th Ed)

Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! more Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Wintertime here in the Northern United States can be a real challenge!  The unpredictability of winter storms can mean sleet, slush, snow, and ice on the road as well as our vehicles. It’s important to make sure that you’re well equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to convenient winter weather car gear and gadgets.  Check it out! more The Heated Ice Scraper is an essential tool for every driver tackling winter weather muck.  Speed up the process of clearing your car windows and mirrors with this convenient 12V powered heated ice scraper for under $20! Get it for a steal right here. For those that prefer an ice scraper with reliable ol’ “manpower” you can ceheck out the Better Stuff Ice Scraper which chips and clears ice at the same time!  That’s right, it’s patented design is crafted to conform to the shape of your windshield to slice up hard-to-clear coatings of ice and frost while sweeping away the slush simultaneously.  You can grab a single or a two-pack and give one to a friend. Get it right here for under $25! Using the reliability of Amazon Confirmed Fit to find the right option for your car, this EcoNour Car Windshield Cover for Snow and Ice is one of the best buys for the snowy season.  Place one of these all-weather covers on your windshield to reduce your need to clear snow and muck and ice off the glass. Choose from the Standard or Extra Large sizes. Affordably priced under $30 right here. When paired with the convenient EcoNour Car Windshield Cover, your car can have all-season protection from the elements thanks to the EcoNour Car Side Mirror Snow Covers.  Check the Amazon Confirmed Fit feature to find the right option for your vehicle.  Affordably priced under $20, and currently on sale for $9.99! Get them right here. For the shorter drivers in our midst, the Astro AI 47,2” Ice Scraper with 360 pivoting head is going to be a godsend.  Choose from Medium or Large sized options in two colorways. Quickly clear the snow off of the top of your car, truck, SUV, or van with a convenient brush head or ice scraper at either end. Get yours here for under $30. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents do happen to the best of us!  Being stranded in a slushy snow puddle, icy patch, or other inclement weather hazard can be a real struggle.  But with the Tracgrabber tire traction device for snow and mud, the struggle will be a thing of the past!  With plenty of size options for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and even oversized vehicles, you can get a set of 2 or 4 of these easy install straps.  They’ll give your tires a little bit of stability and traction to get you out of many sticky situations.  Priced between $99 and $150, but this type of safety and comfort is priceless! Get yours here. We want to hear from you! Do you have a favourite item that’s been a lifesaver in inclement weather? Tell us in a comment and we may feature it in a future blog post update!

Today is National Hugging Day, and with the pandemic in swing, we realize this may not be the easiest holiday to celebrate for everyone, but if you’re able, give your loved ones a hug and let them know you care! (Don’t forget to hug your pets, too!)  And if you can’t see your loved ones for whatever reason, we’re here to share some great ways you can “hug” your community and show them you care! Today we’re highlighting a wonderful local charity who needs your help providing not just hugs but safety and security to our local community here in Lake County.  Additionally, we’ve got a short list of more ways you can help local organizations and individuals. more We Support COOL Ministries, and so can you: COOL Ministries is a not for profit charitable organization serving families in Illinois.  Founded by members of six Lutheran Churches, the organization first opened its doors to the community in 1983 with its inaugural COOL Food Pantry project.  They opened an additional location in 2007, COOL Pantry West, in Ingleside by way of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which remained in operation through 2018. COOL pantry provides local families and veterans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they also provide accommodations for cardiac and diabetic diets, as well as options for those with allergies, and a wide array of ethnic food offerings. Since 2015, COOL Ministries is now a fully recognized social services organization run by the COOL Board of Directors who put their heart and soul into their work.  In 2016, after 30 years of operation out of a storefront in downtown Waukegan, headquarters relocated operations to a beautiful facility downtown at the Glen Flora Building on West Glen Flora Avenue. The COOL pantries receive an immense amount of community support from everyone here in Lake County; everyone from churches to individuals to the United Way of Lake County, and incredible grant funding and corporate donations.  We are also proud to count ourselves in the midst of those who support the efforts of COOL Ministries as they help local families and veterans find their footing on stable ground!  The support for COOL Ministries and the COOL Pantries is as diverse as the beautiful community we all love, work, and live in. Please, join us in supporting our community by helping raise funds and collecting donation items for COOL ministries from this list: Other fantastic ways you can support your community: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage Create care packages for the local homeless population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town. Donate or volunteer at events with other local charities and nonprofits: American Cancer Society in Lincolnshire, IL Barrington Area Community Foundation in Barrington, IL Beyond Sports Foundation in HIghland Park, IL Hands of Hope Foundation in Barrington, IL Jac Education Foundation in Highland Park, IL Jewish Council for Youth Service in Ingleside, IL Lake Forest Open Land Association in Lake Forest, IL Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation in Highland Park, IL United Service Organizations in Great Lakes, IL (And many, many more!) And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Pardon our cheesy demeanor, but we’re a little excited today.  We’re celebrating National Cheese Day with an awesome list of local cheesemongers who have everything you need to make delectable dairy treats. Whether you’re cooking up a feast to take to tailgating parties, or you’re hosting a race-day party at home, we’ve got lots of ways for you to prep this delightful dairy food, whether it’s diced, sliced, fried, or fondue’d! more Image via Kia Grab your favourite cheeses for a wine-and-cheese dinner at home with your friends, or grab some sharp cheeses and delectable bites for a fondue or charcuterie for a race day party! And if we may be so bold as to boast, we’re really thrilled with our proximity to the great state of Wisconsin, home to the “cheeseheads” of Green Bay, as well as some of the country’s top dairy farms and cheese shops. 5 Cheesy Fun Facts About Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry 90% of the milk made in Wisconsin gets turned into cheese, equating to over 2.8 billion pounds of this dairy delight! There are over one dozen cheese-themed festivals in Wisconsin Wisconsin is home to nearly 100 cheese production facilities More than one million cows call Wisconsin home, which equates to 1 cow for every 5 people living in this great dairy state. The average American citizen eats over 25 pounds of cheese per calendar year We love shopping locally at neighbouring businesses, and that’s why we’re sharing our picks for great local cheese mongers and delis in Southern Wisconsin, Waukegan, and the Greater Chicago Area that you can support with your patronage.  And check out our picks for great recipes to share with your friends. Top Notch Cheesemongers and Shops That Are Worth the Drive Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI Tim & Tom’s Cheese in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee, WI The Village Cheese Shop in Wauwatosa, WI Fromagination in Madison, WI The Cheese Box in Lake Geneva, WI Highfield Farm Creamery in Walworth, WI Wildmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI Beautiful Rind in Chicago, IL Great American Cheese Collection in Chicago, IL Augusta Food and Wine in Chicago, IL Rogers Park Provisions in Chicago, IL Provisions Uptown in Chicago, IL Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits in Skokie, IL Vintages Cheese Shop in Arlington Heights, IL Movie Night and Race Day Recipes to Share with Friends Impress your friends with these great cheese centric tailgating recipes if you bring your grill, crockpot, or other portable warming stations. And if you’re spending the day at home watching our recommendations for car themed movies, or watching a televised Formula 1 or NASCAR race, you’re going to need lots of snacks to nosh on!   No matter how you slice it, these are some great shareable recipes featuring delectable dairy delights: Brown Eyed Baker’s Game Day Dip Just a Pinch Blog’s Chili Game Day Cheese Dip Lane’s BBQ Blog’s Game Day Pretzels and Beer Cheese Kingsford’s Game Day Grilled Cheese Sliders Old House to New Home’s Mini Mac & Cheese Bites Fountain Avenue Kitchen’s Cheesy Game Day Charcuterie Board Dinner at the Zoo’s Cheese Fries with Bacon America’s Test Kitchen’s Kid Friendly Cheese Quesadillas Meg’s Every Day Indulgence Blog’s Four Cheese Flatbread Tasty.co’s Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb Sliders Make Joshua Weissman’s Super Cheesy Homemade Deep Dish Pizza for a taste of Chicago right at home: And check out this fun video from celebrity chef and talk show host Rachel Ray featuring 5 NASCAR drivers as they race for the perfect cheeseburger!

Celebrating National Movie Day with Movies That Feature Great Stunt Car Driving and Getaway Scenes We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now!  So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue. more But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood: Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000. Most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities.  Professional filmmaking ventures will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways in order to film. Nearly all vehicles used in motion picture stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury to the stunt driver.  Many of them include a roll cage as well as using heavier steel construction.  Other modifications include overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions.  In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps. Many stunt cars, such as the ones in the Fast and Furious Franchise have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism.  Other cars, such as the ones used in Mad Max: Fury Road, are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view of all the action as the cars are in motion.  Before technological advancements which allowed for this modification, camera crews and directors often followed the action by motorcycle or adjacent car riding alongside! Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood! Getaway Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube. Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal.  Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone.  This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills.  Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism. Watch the Trailer here: The French Connection Starring Gene Hackman Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring.  Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US. Watch the trailer here: American Factory A Documentary Streaming on Netflix. This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman.  An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement.  Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles. Watch the trailer here: Gran Torino Starring Clint Eastwood Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu Korean War Veteran and Retired Automotive Worker Walt Kowalski spends most of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who attempts to steal his car.  Kowalski is forced to examine his perspectives and begins to understand they may have more in common than he realizes in this heartfelt drama. Watch The Trailer: Drive Starring Ryan Gosling Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play Gosling stars as a man who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals.  Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intense drama/thriller. Watch The Trailer:

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones!  So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry.  That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase. more Today we’re going to explore Automatic Transmissions! Automatic transmission A transmission that uses a torque converter, planetary gearset and clutches or bands to automatically change a vehicles gears. Automatic transmission bands In an automatic transmission, adjustable circular straps lined with a friction material which are actuated to tighten around and stop the rotation of a drum as part of the shifting process. Automatic transmission cooler hoses Flexible tubes that carry transmission fluid to and from a heat exchanger or oil cooler. Automatic transmission filter A component in most automatic transmissions that is fitted over the fluid intake, usually in the pan, that prevents debris and other contaminants from circulating throughout the transmissions inner workings and potentially causing unnecessary wear or damage. Some transmissions use a reusable metal or nylon mesh-type screen in place of a disposable filter. Automatic transmission fluid The fluid used for lubricating and cooling an automatic transmission. A car’s transmission is a vital part of your vehicle’s operation system, and one of the most important components.  It is a gearbox containing gears and gear-trains which provide power from your car’s engine to the wheels, and prevents the car from overheating and reaching max velocity..  If you want to visualize this process more simply, think of a bicycle’s gear and chain pulley system which moves its wheels in synchronization, and ensures they move at the same rate of speed. The transmission helps ensure that the engine is spinning at the right rate, transferring the correct amount of power to the wheels, and it changes gears depending on how far you push down on the accelerator pedal.  It regulates the engine’s RPM to avoid overloading the engine and also to decrease your fuel consumption, allowing you to regulate your vehicle’s energy.  Driving slowly with an automatic transmission means your car is operating in a lower gear; accelerating will switch the car into a higher gear, and thus rotating the wheels faster. The transmission directs the vehicle to idle when its wheels are not in motion by disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels. Automatic transmissions feature a computer-operated clutch that contains special sensors and processors to monitor your vehicle’s speed, directing the actuator to operate the clutch based on your speed and how hard you press on the accelerator.  Many drivers prefer automatic transmissions due to their ease of use, and the lack of multi-tasking required while driving.  If you listen carefully while you drive, you can notice when the automatic transmission’s mechanisms switch into another gear as you drive. The easiest way to monitor your transmission is by checking the fluid, which should be a bright red color; dark red or brown tinted fluid indicates it’s time for a flush and fluid change.  For those cars with a sealed transmission, there are a few sounds and sensations to look out for. If you notice that your car is having a rough time switching gears and you feel a slight pop sensation as it switches gears, or you notice that it is delayed in shifting gears while accelerating or decelerating, these are common signs your vehicle may need a service call with an experienced transmission.  Likewise if you notice any grinding, squealing, or a burning smell while shifting gears during your drive, these also point to a need for troubleshooting. Call one of our experienced service technicians today to schedule an appointment!

We admire the thrifty car owner who prefers to mind their budget with a purchase of pre-owned cars, but we know it does mean forgoing some modern amenities.  Well, there’s good news!  You can now have your cake and eat it, too!  Spruce up your older model vehicles or pre-owned cars by bringing them into the 2020s with these amazing high-tech gadgets at affordable prices!  We’ve got great ways to add heated seats, digital security, and even wireless audio options.  As an added bonus, we’ve also included some great safety gear for a bit of “DIY Roadside Assistance.” more Check it out on today’s post!  And as always, feel free to suggest your own recommendations in a comment on our blog or social media. This Car Cushion with Massage and Heat is perfect for winter weather travel and commuting in inclement weather.  You’ll stay warm and comfortable no matter how long you’re stuck on the road in weather conditions.  Plus, it’s a great stress reliever and relaxation tool so you can arrive at your destination comfortably and calmly. Get yours here under $100! Be prepared or ANY situation with this all-in-one multitool for car emergencies by The Sharper Image.  It’s perfectly sized to fit in the side pockets of your doors, the center console, or the glove compartment.  It’s got an easy to read digital gauge on the side for tire pressure, too! Get yours here for under $100! These fabulous portable DVD Players mount to the headrests of your car to bring a little “in flight entertainment” to all your passengers, even if there’s no infotainment system. They’ll last on a charge for about 2-3 hours if both in use simultaneously, or you can get one solitary 5hour charge with one powered off.  Either way, it’s great for kids to give a limited screen time option in between car-games! Get it here for under $200! One you’ve vacuumed up the grit and crud from the hard to reach places and upholstery, you can give your car a full cleaning with this detailing tool from Sharper Image. It has multiple attachments to thoroughly clean every inch of the surfaces inside the cabin and trunk. Get yours here for under $200! Survival Supply has fantastic All-In-One kits for Winter Weather car safety and emergencies.  You’ll find a portable shovel, flares, work gloves, a utility knife, and more.  Makes a great kit for teenagers and younger drivers, and for those who commute frequently. Get yours here under $100! If your car doesn’t have a sentry recording style alert system, you can keep your property and your loved ones safe with this affordable Dash Cam model. It's great for those who park in the street or public areas thanks to its Night Vision, Three Way Camera, and 24 Hour Parking Mode. Get yours here under $300! The Anker Bluetooth Receiver turns just about any smartphone or music player into a wireless carplay device, even if you only have an AUX hookup!  Say goodbye to tangles of wires and messy cords by plugging this into the AUX jack in your car’s stereo.  Connect via the phone’s wireless menus and then cue up your favourite tuns on the streaming app of your choice. Get it here for under $50. The SHEROX Heads Up Display is a great tool to modernize your vehicle and keep your eyes ahead of you on the road. It projects your speed/RPM and other metrics on your windshield so you can stay focused and up-to-date! Get yours here under $100!

Kia America News Release Fast-Growing Kia Beats Previous Annual Sales Record Set in 2016 by 8.3-Percent; Sales of Kia’s Hybrid and Battery-Electric Vehicles Nearly Doubled Year-Over-Year more Kia America announced December sales of 48,506 units, pushing the company’s annual total past the 700,000 mark for the first time in company history. Kia’s 2021 performance represents a 20-percent increase over last year with five of the brand’s most popular sedan, SUV and crossover models – Forte, Niro EV, Seltos, Sportage and Telluride – reaching all-time annual sales records. In addition, 2021 saw a big jump in demand for Kia’s hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, sales of which were up 97-percent year-over-year. “Announcing best-ever annual sales is always a moment of pride, but for Kia to reach such heights in light of the ongoing pandemic and supply chain issues clearly illustrates the strength of our product line-up and the demand we have created for the Kia brand throughout 2021,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.  “With arrival of the all-new, all-electric EV6 and all-new Sportage in the first half of 2022, it is clear we are ‘firing on all cylinders…and battery cells.’” In addition to sales, December saw a number of significant announcements coming from the brand, including: The Telluride SUV named “Edmunds Top Rated SUV” for the third consecutive year The Kia Telluride and Seltos SUVs announced as repeat category winners of Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Awards, marking three years in a row for Telluride (Best 3-Row Midsize SUV) and two for Seltos (Best Subcompact SUV) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifying a maximum all-electric range (AER) of 310 miles for the 2022 Kia EV6 when equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive The Telluride SUV and Carnival MPV received The Car Connection’s annual “Best Car To Buy” awards with Telluride taking “Best Family Car To Buy 2022” and Carnival as “Best Minivan To Buy 2022.” Kia America: Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. MONTH OF DECEMBER YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2021 2020 2021 2020 Rio 2,800 2,052 31,362 23,927 Forte 8,639 7,119 115,929 84,997 K5/Optima 5,505 6,053 92,342 80,140 Cadenza N/A 129 249 1,265 Stinger 918 904 13,517 12,556 K900 N/A 33 85 305 Soul 3,987 5,446 75,126 71,862 Niro 2,448 1,534 26,192 17,434 Seltos 3,053 6,107 51,368 46,280 Sportage 6,034 7,915 94,601 84,343 Sorento 6,490 5,415 81,785 74,677 Telluride 7,519 9,824 93,705 75,129 Carnival/Sedona 1,113 1,233 25,155 13,190 Total 48,506 53,764 701,416 586,105

Not everyone is home for the holidays. Or even home at all. Join us in helping our local veterans this season. Next time you shop - think of vets in need & pick up some extras. more How to Help: 1. Donate money at coolministries.org/veterans-assistance/ 2. Donate time at coolministries.org/volunteer-opportunities/ 3. Donate essentials at 800 W. Glen Flora Avenue, Waukegan 10am - 2pm M-F

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones!  So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry.  That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase. more Today we’re discussing all things environmentally friendly, and covering alternative fuel and energy sources, and defining PZEV/ZEV in layman's terms.  Check it out! AT-PZEV Advanced technology-partial zero emission vehicle. An emissions standard that meets PZEV requirements and has additional zero-emissions characteristics, such as operation by natural gas or hybrid vehicle batteries. DUAL-MODE HYBRID A hybrid vehicle with two different drive systems, referred to as Modes. In the first mode the vehicles runs solely on an electric motor powered by the vehicles battery system. When the electric-only mode is low on power, or during harder acceleration and faster speeds, a gasoline engine mode will initiate. The second Mode uses a gasoline engine to help power the vehicle and recharge the electrical system batteries. EMISSIONS SCORE A score from zero to 10 given by the EPA to each new vehicle that represents the amount of total emissions produced during a laboratory driving simulation of the vehicle. GAS/ELECTRIC HYBRID ENGINE A powertrain that combines an electric motor and a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine. PZEV Partial zero emission vehicle. A vehicle that has zero evaporative emissions and meets the EPA?s SULEV standard. ZEV Zero emission vehicle. The most restrictive emissions standard. Learn more about Environmentally Friendly Vehicles from Kia and Toyota by clicking here! Got a word or term in the automotive industry you’d like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to decode it in a future post.

Welcome to the “New Year!”  If you’re one of the many folks who prefer a fresh start and a clean slate, you’re going to really love today’s blog post.  Today we’re focusing on all the different ways you can reorganize your workspaces, workshops, and garages.  You’ll find lots of helpful hints and tips along with all the tools you’ll need to keep your space in tip-top shape. more If you're the DIY mindset person, we’ve also got some helpful YouTube videos that show you how to get the job done yourself.  All that and more with just a click of the button, so what’re you waiting for?  Let’s get your New Year, New Garage goals checked! Check out our handy guide to learn how to go from Mess to Less! Little Things Make a Big Difference: Why You Should Paint Your Garage Image from Home Depot A fresh coat of paint may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to livening up the workspace and protecting it from spills, messes, and mishaps in your garage, you can’t skip it!  We recommend giving the walls and ceiling of your garage and workspace a fresh coat of paint in a gloss or semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning.  Choose something that’s kid-friendly even if you don’t have any, as these are often low-odor, fast drying, and easy-to-clean options!  Alternatively, a great exterior paint will hold up to just about all the elements (manmade or natural!) and make cleanup a breeze.  They’ll keep your space looking fresh and pleasant for years to come no matter what mess you fling at it.  Clear out the space and give the room a fresh coat before installing your new organizers, cabinets, and other gadgets. Image from Exterior Performance Coatings Once you’ve painted the walls and ceiling, but before you install your hardware, furniture, and organizers, you’ll want to also consider painting the floors.  Providing the floors with a protective coating can prevent motor oil, household chemicals, and other fluids from damaging the foundation and flooring. Consider hiring a professional to install and apply a polyaspartic coating on the floor, or at the very least applying a primer + sealant + paint to any concrete base.  This will keep your garage looking smart and also prevent costly repairs due to damage.  Plus, it really brightens up the space which can be a big help when working indoors. Now It’s Time To Get the Ball Rolling: Organizers, Workbenches, Cabinets and More! The Gladiator Garage Overhead Storage Rack gives you a fantastic way to use unconventional storage in spaces people usually overlook!  Place seasonal items up overhead when not in use, and take advantage of the space while leaving room to park your cars during inclement weather. Clean, simple, easy to use, and bright.  Those are just a few of the reasons we love the WFX Utility shelving option sold on Wayfair. It has lots of options to reshuffle and reorganize your tools for easy storage and removal; great for rakes, shovels, snow scrapers, and more.  It comes with a set of hooks and bins to get you started, too. Looking for something even more simple and basic?  You can go the utilitarian route with the Holeyrail Garage Organizer for under $50 on Amazon right now. It makes a great alternative to the slatboard and pegboard options, and everything will be ready to go at your fingertips.  It’s versatile, simple to install, and best of all it’s ultra budget friendly! If your garage has lots of open wall space, consider mounting some cabinets and shelves above your workspace.  If you don’t like the look of tools hanging about in the open, this Hanging Tool Cabinet from Harbor Freight is a great way to tidy up your workspace as well as maintaining a neat appearance.  As an added bonus, the doors lock to keep curious kiddos out of the danger zone, and to help prevent theft of your valuable tools should you forget to lock your garage. Every good workshop needs a sturdy workbench or work table.  They’re great for planning and prepping, great for spreading out while mid-project, and even double as extra storage while you’re rearranging your space. Harbor Freight has a wonderful mobile 46” Mobile Workbench with plenty of drawers and cabinet space that can fit just about anywhere!  Use it indoors or outdoors for flexibility and versatility, and the 1200lb storage weight capacity makes it the perfect place to stash hefty tools without worry. Helpful DIY Videos