Win A Trip For 2 to Super Bowl 50 from Hyundai!

We just knew something great was going to come of Hyundai’s partnership with the NFL. We were disappointed to hear that this year’s Super Bowl MVP wouldn’t be driving home in a Hyundai, but what better way to deal with that disappointment than watching the big game in person?

Hyundai is sending 50 people to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California, and time is running out for your chance to win a trip for you and a guest to witness football history in person. There are three ways to enter the competition, allowing for up to 16 entries per person.

1 – Go for a test drive – This is the easiest way to enter Hyundai’s Road to the Super Bowl sweepstakes, and also by far the most fun. Simply go for a test drive at Butler Hyundai, and you can submit 10 entries for a chance to win tickets.

2 – Enter online – If you want to pad your odds, you can always enter online, although this method only allows to to submit 1 contest entry.

3 – Share and Get Friends to Enter – If you share Hyundai’s contest, you get to submit an additional entry for each friend who enters because of your referral for up to five additional entries.

Sadly, we’re prohibited from entering this contest, but we would like little more than to see Butler Hyundai friends and customers in the stands come February! The contest ends on January 15th, 2016, so come in and test drive today!

Why Airbags Don’t Always Deploy (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) rear-end collisions account for 23-30% of vehicle accidents every year. We know that airbags are an essential part of how car manufacturers keep drivers and their passenger’s safe, so, as a friend recently asked us: why don’t rear-end collisions set off a vehicle’s air bags?

In short: because while airbags help to keep passengers safe in many situations, they also have the capacity to do a great deal of damage.

In a head-on or side collisions, airbags inflate to dampen the impact for the vehicle’s occupants. Air bags are designed to deploy in such a way that passengers will make impact with them as the air bag begins to deflate, thus significantly decreasing the impact experienced.

But in rear-end collisions, passengers are likely to lurch forward with impact, meaning that an air bag could potentially make contact with their head as it expands at 200 miles per hour. In an otherwise harmless rear-end collision, an airbag deploying could cause infinitely more damage than the actual accident.

To ensure safety in the event that you are rear-ended, keep two things in mind. First, always be sure to wear and securely fasten your seatbelt while driving. A simple fender-bender can turn very serious without the use of a seatbelt. On a related note, always be sure to drive with the steering-wheel at least 10 inches from your body. This will not only allow the airbags to deploy as intended, but will also help ensure the seatbelt prevents you from making contact with the vehicle in case of a minor collision.

Winter means bad weather and plenty of places to go, so please join us in making safe driving a priority this Holiday season.

IIHS Determines the Right Headlights Make Vehicles Safer

Despite being one the most respected and cited authorities on vehicle safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is widely misunderstood. Like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) the IIHS painstakingly researches the effectiveness of vehicle safety features, but unlike the NHTSA, which is part of the department of transportation, the IIHS is an independent, nonprofit organization.

For an independent research company, the IIHS has had a remarkable impact on carmakers. Innovations like rollover testing and the small overlap test have helped keep car companies prepare for real-world situations and save lives in the process. The IIHS has now turned its attention to a new frontier of safety innovation: headlights.

Specifically, the IIHS has identified adaptive headlight technology, which Hyundai and Kia have recently introduced on select models, as a promising emerging innovation in accident prevention. As soon as 2017, carmakers that want to achieve IIHS’ coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation, which highlights vehicles that use technology to enhance their already industry-leading safety features. So what can adaptive headlights do to make driving safer?

In short, by using cameras and wheel-direction to aim headlights in line with the vehicle’s trajectory, adaptive headlights make driving at night safer. The Highway Loss Data Institute, IIHS’ research division, found that vehicles with adaptive headlights are considerably less likely to be involved in property-damage liability claims than vehicles with traditional, fixed headlights.

As a result of this research, the IIHS will make headlight technology a focus moving forward, and carmakers will almost certainly start adopting headlight tech they would have waited to implement as a result of new IIHS standards. By releasing vehicles with adaptive headlights before most of the world’s automakers, Hyundai and Kia have cemented themselves as frontrunners for future IIHS safety rankings. Gorgeous, safe, and fun to drive, things are looking good for Hyundai and Kia!

Genesis Earns its Wings

The Hyundai Genesis has always been in a league of its own, and now Hyundai is giving it a brand of its own to match.

What Lexus is to Toyota and Infiniti is to Nissan, Genesis will now be to Hyundai. While we loved the fact that the Genesis was perhaps the only car of its caliber to share the same brand-name as entry-level vehicles, this change of strategy on Hyundai’s part spells exciting things for the future of the Genesis.

Keen-eyed observers may have seen this move coming; the first Genesis to be released in the U.S. kept Hyundai’s trademark ‘H’ logo, but in 2014 the Genesis arrived with a distinctive winged badge, marking it as the lone luxury vehicle in the Korean automaker’s lineup. Hyundai is now banking on those wings – and the remarkable vehicles they adorn – to carry the company’s luxury aspirations to new heights.

Hyundai could hardly have found a better individual to spearhead their goals. Luc Donckerwolke, whose  fingerprints are on generations of Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and Audis, all of which he oversaw as Design Director, called the invitation to take over design for the Genesis line “the offer of a lifetime.”

Genesis (we’re going to have to get used to saying that!) plans on releasing six new vehicles by 2020, including a sports coupe, a replacement for the Hyundai Equus, an SUV, and several other, unnamed models. We’re glad to know that one of our favorite vehicles is garnering enough interest to spawn its own line, and we’re thrilled to be part of this new luxury brand!

“Bare Necessities” Fundraiser for Family Nurturing Center

Giving just feels better than receiving. We truly believe in that sentiment, and the Butler Family of Dealerships, along with Radio Medford’s NOW 93.7, 105.1 the WOLF, 880 KCMX AM, and ESPN Radio 580 AM and 96.1 FM the BULL are partnering for the Bare Necessities holiday promotion to benefit the Family Nurturing Center in Medford. Our goal is to help children between the ages of 0 and 6 years old who are less fortunate than others.

“When children come to us, they often need the bare necessities that many others take for granted,” stated Lisa O’Connor, Executive Director of Family Nurturing Center. “This wonderful creative holiday fundraiser is exactly what we need to serve those less fortunate in our community. I couldn’t be more excited.” The Bare Necessities fundraiser will run from now through Wednesday, December 23^rd.

The Family Nurturing Center, which opened its first center in Jackson County in 2006, has grown from a small operation serving two toddlers and their families to an organization that has supported more than 1,000 children. Our goal for this fundraiser is simple: do what we can to help one of the most incredible resources in the Rogue Valley prevent the abuse and neglect of young children.

The Butler dealerships in Ashland and Medford will be participating by encouraging their staff, families and friends to help by providing an item from the “Holiday Wish List.” The radio stations will be encouraging the public to drop off donations at Butler Ford, Acura, Hyundai or Kia. The wish list items are not extravagant or spendy, but play essential roles in the health, safety, and happiness of young children growing up in difficult circumstances.

Please join us in giving back to those who stand to gain the most from generosity at this giving time of year: underprivileged children. There are few ventures we engage in as a company that we believe in as deeply as this one, and with your help, we hope to make a very real difference this holiday season.

The Bare Necessities Wish List includes:
Booster Seats

Car Seats

Cooking Supplies (Crock Pots, Griddles, Pots and Pans)

Gift Cards (Target, Walmart, Fred Meyer)

Pull-Up Diapers

Wipes

Baby Formula (Similac or Enfamil)

Baby-Proofing Supplies

Children’s Underwear 2T-6X

Children’s Socks

Boy’s Clothing 3T and Up

Boy’s Shoes (ages 2-5)

Twin Bedding and New Pillows

Baby Dolls

Books

Construction Paper

Crayons

Water-based Markers

Lice Shampoo, Spray, Combs

 

We thank you for your generosity, all of our radio partners for theirs, and hope that we can team up to make this the best holiday season ever for some local families.

Hyundai Excels with 10 Million Vehicles Sold in US

What a difference 30 years makes. Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the Excel, a car whose biggest selling point was its low selling price. The largest Korean carmaker may have gained momentum with affordable vehicles and an unbeatable warranty, but it was Hyundai’s award-winning lineup of vehicles that allowed them to sell their 10 millionth vehicle in the United States last month.

Nearly half of those sales have come from the Sonata and Elantra, cars that have improved and evolved for nearly as long as Hyundai has. Both were introduced into the North American market as little more than bare-bones sedans, yet both now offer quality and technology that put most sedans on the road to shame. The 2015 Sonata was the first vehicle to come with Android Auto, which allows the Android smartphone operating system to run through the car’s infotainment screen.

Fittingly, Hyundai’s milestone in the American market would not have been possible without the 2005 opening of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), whose Montgomery automotive assembly and manufacturing plant has accounted for 2.66 million of the Hyundai’s 10 million vehicles sold in the United States. At present, over 50% of Hyundai’s sold in the U.S. are manufactured at HMMA.

This is a very exciting time for Hyundai, and it’s clear that the company will reach the 20 million vehicle mark much faster than they reached the 10 million mark. We’ve come a long way from the Excel, and those changes are felt not just in the quality of our vehicles, but also in Hyundai’s overall philosophy. Hyundai kept its industry-leading warranty program, but started making vehicles with an eye towards exceptional quality, not just exceptional value. There has never been a better time to buy a Hyundai, and we look forward to whatever comes next from this incredible company!

The Hyundai Genesis – World Class Sports Sedan

When the first Genesis hit the road, Hyundai marketed it as a world-class sports sedan with a down-to-earth price, offering “the performance of a BMW 5-Series and the interior packaging of a 7-Series at the price of a 3-Series.” Yet despite managing to follow through on such lofty pronouncements, Hyundai’s outdated reputation as a bargain brand meant the Genesis competitive price-point has tended to overshadow its comfort and performance.

Perception may continue to skew in favor of Hyundai’s discount roots, but getting behind the wheel of the 2015 Genesis is more than enough to drive home the reality: the Genesis is a driver’s car, and a force to be reckoned with in its segment.

New to the second generation of Hyundai’s top-shelf offering is the Genesis’ bold styling, which has abandoned the stately-yet-understated body it debuted with in 2009 for swooping lines that are reminiscent of the German luxury incumbents it gives a run for their money.

The Genesis’ crowning achievement may be how deftly it navigates the divide between comfort and performance. Its interior is refined bordering on opulent, sporting premium leather, beautiful wood trim, heated seats, and a surprisingly intuitive infotainment center. Yet when the Genesis gets on the road, its more-than 300 horses hit full stride in a manner not typically associated with an outstandingly comfortable car. Want a car that feels palatial but sports incredible steering-feel? The Genesis may be for you.

We love many of the cars we test drive, but the Genesis we took for a spin is one of the few that sorely tempted us to “accidentally” miss our exit on the way home. By not creating a separate brand for its luxury division, Hyundai makes it clear that they are not emulating the Genesis’ European competitors in pretention; rather, the Genesis is designed to prove, once and for all, that a Korean car manufacturer has what it takes to make a vehicle that, like the heavyweights it puts itself in direct competition with, is an absolute joy to drive.

Hyundai is Going Pro

The company that leads the automotive pack in customer loyalty is focusing its efforts on supporting one of the only demographics that can match its drivers’ enthusiastic devotion: die-hard sports fans. This year, Hyundai will make a splash in the world of professional and collegiate athletics like never before in celebration of the people who love their teams the way Hyundai owners love their vehicles. In addition to its partnership with the National Football League, Hyundai will continue its College Football themed “This is Loyalty” program, and will also be a primary sponsor of the upcoming Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Hyundai’s new partnership with the NFL has already made waves. At the NFL’s opening-day celebration in San Francisco, fans interested in posing with the Vince Lombardi Trophy could also pose with a gold-wrapped Hyundai, accompanied by a banner stating, “Hyundai Goes Pro.” The opening-day festivities culminated in a free concert in the heart of San Francisco, headlined by Ellie Goulding and Train, and sponsored by Hyundai.

While its relationship with the NFL has reached new heights, Hyundai’s engagement in College Football is building off of last year’s successful This Is Loyalty program. This year, Hyundai will be hosting events at 17 games, featuring autograph booths with former players and coaches, games and giveaways, and a sweepstakes for a chance to win a new Tucson.

Hyundai has also announced its sponsorship of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeonchang, South Korea, along with fellow Korean carmaker Kia. The two companies will provide 4,100 vehicles to enable the transportation of athletes and VIPs in addition to their monetary sponsorship of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Hyundai has finished atop Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for six consecutive years, and their continued push to increase their media presence and pay tribute to sports fans the world over is a testament to the company’s upward trajectory. Sports fans love their team, win or lose. Hyundai is working to ensure that no matter who its drivers cheer on the playing field, they can rest assured that they have a winner in their driveway.

Butler Hyundai’s Annual NFL Tailgate Event Benefits the Community

Butler Hyundai hosted our second-annual NFL Network Tailgate Tour event on Saturday, and we could not have had a better time! Over 500 people joined us for what is quickly becoming one of our favorite events of the year.

Our Cheer Fest featured 6 local high school cheer teams and 5 independent cheer clubs. Ashland, Medford, Central Point, Eagle Point, and Grants Pass all participated, and the crowd of spectators were treated to a full serving of team spirit and each squad went home with $150 to support their school!

Our service drive, which is normally a very safe place to park a vehicle, transformed into our tire toss event. Kids and adults did their best to throw footballs through tires hung from the ceiling, and everyone who participated came away with a greater appreciation of their favorite quarterback.

A number of vendors and local businesses were in attendance as well. Home of the Future and Triple-A RVs both held raffles, as did our good friend and former co-worker Jim Nolan, who now represents Allstate Insurance. Wok Star and Yogurt Hut provided food to those in attendance, but the most prominent representative in attendance was probably the monster truck provided by Monster X Tour.

All in all, this year’s tailgate event managed to be everything we could have possibly hoped for: a safe, fun gathering that brought our community together. It’s a long way off from the beginning of next football season, but we’re already looking forward to next year!

September Open House One for the Ages

We recently held our September Hyundai Open House and Owner’s Clinic, and once again it was simply amazing! Many of our wonderful customers attended, which meant there was no shortage of engaging dinner conversation, and more than a few great questions for our technicians.

Part of what makes our Open Houses so special is how rare it is for our technicians to be available to connect with the people that buy vehicles. This is a rare occasion at any dealership. These hard working and highly qualified people spend all of their time in vehicle maintenance areas working on customer’s vehicles. Their average day revolves around a constant stream of repairs and procedures, and the only time they typically spend away from their work is during their lunch break. But during Open House, our techs become teachers, a role in which they excel. At an Owner’s Clinic our technicians answer questions ranging from the proper techniques used for towing a trailer to the advantages of Android Auto.

When customers purchase a vehicle from us, they establish a real relationship with the product specialist they work with; after all, when purchasing a new car customers will spend a good deal of time in conversation with their product specialist. The Open Houses provide the opportunity for employees from every department of our company to get to know the people who drive our cars and we heard stories and make acquaintances that will stay with us for years to come.

One customer described his first road-trip in his new Elantra, which took him to British Columbia, Alaska, and back. Another customer told us about his great-grandfather, a deputy sheriff in Texas, who found himself in a deadly duel with his boss and opponent in a local election, the sheriff. And we met several people who told us they had only dreamed of driving a new car off the showroom floor, but saw that dream become a reality at Butler Hyundai.

We do everything we can to make the car buying process as pleasant as possible, but purchasing a vehicle involves financial planning, paperwork, and big decisions– activities that many people find a bit stressful. Our Open House – Owner Clinics, are designed specifically to be sales and stress-free events, allows us and our customers to “let our hair down” and truly get to know each other.