My day in Wonderland AKA Evo Motorsports

by Rod Zervakos

You no doubt remember that upon entering the rabbit hole, Alice is transported to a magical world where the impossible is reality and the norm is nowhere to be found; A world where conventional right and wrong is tossed out the window and replaced by abstract dimensions, governed only by those with the imagination and foresight to forge their own path. I am happy to say that I have found the rabbit hole.

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few hours with the crew from Evolution Motorsports, a world leader in aftermarket exotic car modification, and I gotta tell you, I felt my inner Alice pushing her way through. I had entered a fairy tale land where a 5000 lb SUV could send shivers up your spine with its menacing scowl and sinister growl and, more importantly, its ability to leave your average prancing pony or raging bull owner rethinking their place in the automotive food chain as you leave them in the dust. A place where 1100 horse power Lamborghini’s, 231 mph Porsche’s and super exotic Gumpert Apollo’s all play together harmoniously. A place where innovation and creativity rule the land a place where conventional wisdoms, rules and regulations are tossed right out the window and replace with passion, dedication and advancement.

As my time at Evo was coming to an end and I knew my journey back up the rabbit hole was nearing, I couldn’t help but take note of one last thing, and quite possibly the most impressive. The staff. It is very easy, and sadly very common, for leaders in this industry to be self absorbed and in many cases not very pleasant to be around. If you are at the pinnacle of your game, or in this case industry, you can sometimes have a feeling of entitlement that convolutes your true purpose. I have seen it before and it always made me wonder. I have always believed that if you are truly passionate about what you are doing and you are a good person, you will reflect that to the people around you. This is not something that you can hide, and despite all of the incredible machines in the showroom or the unbelievable dyno room or the absolutely spotless installation bay’s, the thing that impressed me the most were the people behind it all.

It’s funny, we spend so much of our time these days running around in a fog just trying to make it from day to day, always needing to get something done, always running behind screaming I’m late I’m late. Every once in a while you have to live a little. Next time you see that white rabbit, with the EVOMotorsposts banner across its forehead, do your self a favor and follow it down the hole. See for yourself at http://www.evoms.com/

Another Award for Community Tire and Auto Service

Cathy and I take great pride in the people that help us put our radio show on the air and it makes us even more proud when they win awards for outstanding service to the community. Once again Howard, Patty and their staff has been named as the 2009 BBB's Business Ethics Award winner.

We know how hard they work to take care of their customers so it makes it very easy for us to recommend Community Tire to our listeners and readers.

Here's a vignette of Howard talking about Community Tire.

Congrat's guys, we're very proud of you.

Camelback Ford Lincoln Mercury hosts…2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid test drive and alternative fuel overview..

Two for the Road USA were guests at the Ford Fusion Hybrid event on April 20, 2009.

There was an Engineer, Doctor, Clean Air Specialist, Ford executive and dealer all speaking within their category of expertise with praises for Ford past, present and future.

Each professional had a few words about alternative fuels with the Ford Fusion in the spotlight. Over 100 people were in the audience and verbalized how good they felt about the direction of Ford Lincoln Mercury and then had the chance to test drive the new 2009 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The Fusion and Milan deliver an amazing 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Fusion hybrid has a base price of $27,995 the well-equipped Milan Hybrid is priced at $31,300.

We understand that with the purchase of a new Fusion or Milan Hybrid by March 31, 2009 a buyer may qualify for a $3,400 federal tax credit on their 2009 Tax Return. This is a nice added incentive.

What’s new for 2010? Six speed transmission, 2.5 liter 1-4 engine, 3.0 liter , V-6 Durantec, Flex-Fuel engine, variety of 16 to l8 inch painted and aluminum wheels, easy fuel capless refueling, available reverse camera system, available 12-speaker Sony sound system, available voice-activated navigation system and SIRIUS, Travel Link, available SYNC with 911 assist and vehicle health report.

The interior has a more contemporary technical look with metallic finishes all the way through. The display and switches have fashionable Ice Blue Lighting which makes night driving, while checking gauges a breeze. The exterior of the Fusion is both sportier and more upscale. The new Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields surely helped further boost Fusion’s fuel economy.

In talking with the crowed that generally feel in the over 40 range, we found that they indicated that the Fusion might be their next car. The other comment was what a great first car for their teens and young adults. The word out there is that the 20+ generation likes the Fusion as well. The SYNC availability is a must for the technically savvy drivers.

Bill and I will have a Ford Fusion Hybrid to test drive for a week in April so that can then give you a more detailed report at that time.

We want to thank Darrin Delfelder of Camelback Ford Lincoln Mercury for hosting this event and inviting the Phoenix Press Association.

Get Ready for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Article By Cath and Bill
for ASA of AZ May Newsletter

Two for the Road USA was recently invited by Ford to check out the new Fusion Hybrid, and in listening to the presentation about where Ford is heading with regards to alternative fuel vehicles, we started thinking about the impact it would have on repair centers. Trying to keep up with the exponential changes in technology is challenging to begin with but here’s what’s coming down the pike as we speak with regards to drive train changes.

Most everyone is familiar with the hybrids on the road today from Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM but not many are aware that in 2009 Ford adds the Fusion and Milan hybrid iterations to the line up, Mercedes is planning to start selling an S-Class hybrid this year as BMW works on a 7-Series hybrid. Not to mention the rush to plug-in hybrids. And that’s just the beginning as electric vehicles will also be on the road in the next couple of years.

How will this impact you will depend on how ready you are for the renaissance. There’s no question that owners of these vehicles will be predisposed to taking their vehicles to the dealership after the base warranty expires because of the “technology” of hybrids. So, how do you let people know that they are not obliged to take the car to the dealership for regular maintenance and repairs like brakes, belts and hoses etc.?

First and foremost is making sure that the motoring public knows that you employ technicians today, not mechanics. Also, your customers know that your technicians are constantly being schooled on the new technologies in vehicles today? Do they know that you and your techs spend thousands of dollars on training and purchasing the technical tools necessary to maintain and repair the electronic components in vehicles today?

The landscape of automotive repair is rapidly changing and being in the forefront in your industry will guarantee sustainability. Our experience shows; that how you manage and market your business with regard to alternative fuel vehicles will determine how you will survive and thrive in this exciting new age of automotive repairs.

Bill and Cathy can be heard every Saturday from 6-8pm on KKNT 960AM and anytime on http://www.webtalkradio.us/ or visit the website at http://www.twofortheroadusa.com/.

Driving MBA and Community Tire Team Up Again

For Teen - Parents- New Car Owners and Driver

Parent Class and Car Maintenance Program Schedule
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Parent ClassA 2 1/2 hour class that provides parents with resources and tips on how to practice driving with their teenager. When: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at DrivingMBA Scottsdale located at 9089 E. Bahia Dr., Ste. 102; Thursday, April 23 and Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at DrivingMBA Chandler located at 1760 W. Chandler Blvd, Ste. 3Time: 6:30pm to 9pm

Cost: $50/family Car Maintenance Class This 1 1/2 hour class covers the basic operation of a vehicle, the importance of checking fluids and other maintenance items, how to change a tire, and jump-starting a vehicle. The class features minimum class time and maximum hands-on training to help drivers, new and old, understand what to look for when replacing automotive parts; and to be better prepared for roadside emergencies. .

After attending this event, your family will receive a FREE lube, oil filter change, tire rotation and vehicle inspection for one vehicle courtesy of Community Tire. Details in the coupon below. When: Thursday, April 23 and Monday, May 4, 2009 at Community Tire located at 15812 N. 32nd St., Phx., 85032;

Wednesday, April 15 and Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Dana Tire located at 725 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler. Time: 6:30pm to 8pmCost: $40/familyTo RSVP for the above events please email judys@drivingmba.com or call 480.948.1648.

Can Congress do Better?

While hearing a lot about the demise of the auto industry recently, I came across some information in that I found very interesting, information one doesn’t normally hear a lot about from mainstream media. This information actually offers some hope for the recovery of the industry much sooner than a lot of people may think. That idea doesn’t really surprise me because I’m convinced that some, if not most of the news about how American manufacturers haven’t been building or planning the right products is, simply stated, hyperbole.

Here’s what the gist of the information is and why I believe a relatively quick recovery almost has to happen. The average age of cars on the road today is aver 9 years old. The age of light trucks is over 7 years old and by 2011 there will be some 35 million cars on the road at least 10 years old. When one does the math, even at 15,000 miles a year, a very conservative number, what that means is that those vehicles have at least 150,000 miles on them. That many miles means lots of dollars have to be spent on maintenance and upkeep.

There are some 250 million vehicles on the road, 5% of which are scrapped every year. 12.5 million cars off the road every year while at present, only 9 million cars are being built. According to industry metrics, three quarters of current sales are replacement vehicles and that demand will increase to 13 million cars by 2012. Now while some people say these numbers are a little optimistic because people are driving less and keeping cars longer, keep in mind that there are 2 million new drivers coming on line every year. Also, based on historical data, GDP directly correlates to auto sales and a 4% increase in GDP propels auto sales up some 7% and when you combine that with cars being scrapped, demographic changes from boomers children beginning to drive along with economic recovery which will happen, it isn’t unreasonable to expect sales of new vehicles to reach the 16 million mark again in 5 years. And by the way, that doesn’t include sales in China and Russia where GM has a very strong presence.

Interestingly it seems as though used car prices are starting to rise which makes new cars more attractive and with the inventory of new homes finally dwindling, construction will spool up and that means sales of trucks will improve. Also, congress is mulling the idea of a 3 to 5 thousand dollar voucher to people to junk older cars, which will not only help stimulate sales but will help get polluting cars off the road.

A lot of people are unaware of is the fact that the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Malibu have earned best in class in reliability studies from J.D. Powers & Associates, and the Ford Fusion won a comparison study against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Edge is a very solid car and the new F150 is top drawer once again. The problem U.S. automakers face is one of perception and that takes a lot of time to overcome. While Ford, GM and Chrysler are working on smaller platforms, we need to hope that China doesn’t import the Chery and India doesn’t bring the Nano to America before U.S. automakers get it together.

With regards to the Congressional Auto Task Force, well let’s just acknowledge that there have to be some changes made with the Detroit three but those changes have been in the works for some time and I’m no fan of government dictating to the auto industry. There need to be some serious changes and that will be painful. And like it or not, new labor contracts have to happen to make profitability possible on smaller, lower grossing platforms. But all of that will take time and serious negotiations and sacrifice as well trimming the number of dealerships across the country, something that will in fact be very painful but will have to be done. U.S. automakers may have been a bit slow on the uptake, but they didn’t and don’t need government telling them how to build cars.

TOYOTA AND LEXUS HYBRIDS TOP ONE MILLION SALES IN THE U.S.

March 11, 2009 Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced today that total combined Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. have topped the one million mark.The sales milestone was achieved with an industry-leading six Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid and the all-time worldwide leader in hybrid sales.
Two for the Road USA will be test driving the new 2010 Prius in Tucson this March