Monday, December 31, 2012

Announcing Bluetooth Streming Audio in the NEW 2012 Nissan Altima!!

Enjoy Bluetooth Streaming now Standard on the ALL NEW 2013 Nissan Altima!! Effortlessly stream aduio from any Bluetooth capable phone. Anything that can be played on a smart phone can be streamed!

- Pandora
- iHeart Radio
- Spotify
- Shoutcast
- Slacker Radio
- Aha Radio
- Audio from YouTube Videos
- Audio from Movies
- Audio Books
- Playlists
- Ect...

Your phone never has to come out of your pocket or purse! No need for a USB cable or audio wires and your streaming stops when the vehicle is turned off and resumes playing when you turn your vehicle back on! Once you have paired your Bluetooth phone with your stereo you are good to go every time you are in your car!!

Click HERE to find out more about the NEW 2013 Nissan Altima and visit our Inventory Page to see all the NEW Altima's we have in-stock and ready for you to drive home today!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Presenting the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition

Chrysler has partnered with award-winning designer and Detroit native John Varvatos to create a new Chrysler 300 with strong design cues, high-end finishes and emboldened performance. It's the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition. We can't wait for you to see it.

From the outside in, it reflects the renowned designer's hard-edged style with muted metallic details, hand-stitched accents and textured metals. And beneath it all is the exceptionally engineered Chrysler 300 — the brand's flagship sedan.

The hardcore style of John Varvatos meets Chrysler pedigree to give this Chrysler 300C an edge that can only come from Detroit. Find out more about the world of John Varvatos at johnvarvatos.com

To see this fashion-forward vehicle and learn more about the partnership between Chrysler and John Varvatos, click HERE to Sign Up for Updates.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

2012 Elf on the Shelf Adventures!

Have you been following our "Elf on the Shelf" Adventures? Visit our Facebook Pages to meet Journey, Ramsey, Zee, Chief and Buddy and find out what our Dealership Elves have been up to this Holiday Season! 

Here are just a few pictures of just some of the fun things they have been getting into around the dealerships so far!


Also, has your Elf done something even more fun or crazy than our Elves have?? Send pictures of what your Elf has been up to this Holiday Season to Elf@DickScott.com and we will post your pictures too!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Our 5th Annual Toys for Tots Drive is going on NOW!



Our 5th Annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Drive is going on now and we are off to a GREAT Start!!!! We will be collecting New, Unwrapped Toys until Monday, December 10th at ALL Dick Scott Automotive Group Locations! Please keep this great F
oundation in mind this holiday season as you are out shopping!

As our economy has changed over the years this Foundation has really become important to many family's in our area than struggle to provide gifts for their children this time of year. Thank You to all the generous community members, customers and our employee's for continuing to make our Toys for Tots Drive a success year after year!

Friday, November 16, 2012

5th Annual Toys for Tots Drive



Join us for this years Toys for Tots Drive!

Our last four years have been a huge success and we have been able to donate
TRUCK LOADS of Toys to kids in need! We are collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED toys!

(Please no stuffed animals as they can no longer be distributed because they can harbor germs.)

As our economy continues to change we are finding more and more families each year struggling to make ends meet not to mention all the added expenses the holiday's bring. This generous cause is making HUGE Differences in so many local families lives!!  

Thank you to our many Community Members, Customers and Employee's who help make our Toys for Tots Drive such a success year after year!!
 
PLEASE NOTE: Toys for Tots is always in need of gifts for 9 to 12 year olds, both boys and girls. Craft or hobby kits, makeup kits, electronics and CD's, are always great choices!

You may drop your unwrapped Toys off at ANY
Dick Scott Location:

  Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
684 W Ann Arbor Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 451-2110
www.DickScottDodge.com 

Dick Scott Nissan
42175 Michigan Avenue
Canton, MI 48188
(734) 495-1000
www.dickscottnissan.com 

Dick Scott Motormall
3030 Fowlerville Rd
Fowlerville, MI 48836
(517) 223-3721
www.dickscottmotormall.com 

Dick Scott Classic Motorcycles
36534 Plymouth Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
(734) 542-8000
www.dickscottclassicmotorcycles.com

Dick Scott Pre-Owned Center
1645 S Telegraph Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
248-409-0600
www.DickScott.com

Dick Scott Collision - Plymouth
1035 S Mill Street
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-451-2555
www.DickScottCollision.com

Dick Scott Collision - Fowlerville
3030 Fowlerville Rd
Fowlerville, MI 48836
517-223-3721
www.DickScottCollision.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

THE CHRYSLER 300 GLACIER

Winters in the cold-weather states are far more enjoyable when you embrace and take advantage of the season. That’s a much easier proposition when you drive a vehicle that (1) handles well even in poor conditions and (2) looks good while doing it. With a capable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system not to mention an icy-cool demeanor and “athletic-luxury” styling, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier is a vehicle that meets and exceeds both of those demands.

What is it that makes the AWD system in this car so capable? The Chrysler 300 Glacier features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance inherent to rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

In our opinion, no other major automotive manufacturer can boast a car that looks this icy cool. We know claims like that are always subjective, but given that the Glacier builds on the avant-garde appearance of the Chrysler 300S, we feel it’s a statement that is accurate nonetheless. Here are some of the finer points of the vehicle’s fit and finish:

- Unique body-color fascia accents
- Black chrome sculpted horizontal grille blades
- Unique 19-inch, eight-spoke aluminum wheels finished in -Satin Carbon with P235/55R19 all-season performance tires
- 12-way power driver and passenger sport seats with -leather-wrapped bolsters in black, finished with black French-seamed stitching and with black seat centers featuring black “Falls” cloth
- Exclusive use of Piano Black on interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements
- Matte carbon hydrographic accents and black floor mats with black velour binding and “Glacier” logo embroidered.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the all-new 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier.

As read on: http://blog.chrysler.com/news/the-chrysler-300-glacier/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=jpNov0212Facebook1&ism=jpNov0212Facebook1

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Dick Scott Motor Mall is Giving AWAY $5,000!!

Click to see Full Size

Friday, September 28, 2012

Dick Scott Classic Motorcycles 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Charity Ride

Join us for our 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Charity Ride! This year we will have a Police Escort. Registration begins at 8:30 am and then it's KICKSTANDS UP at 10:00 am SHARP!
Join over 300 other bikers to rumble into the chili cook-off and enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the smell of CHILI!! Our ride arrives in Downtown Plymouth around 11:15 am and there will be VIP Parking for all of our Riders! This year's event will once again benefit the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

Cost is $10 per person. Registration begins at Dick Scott’s Classic Motorcycles in Livonia at 8:30 am and the Ride departs at 10:00 am SHARP!

The Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook-off has donated over $275,000.00 to local charities. The 2012 charities are Habitat for Humanity and Penrickton Center for Blind Children. This year's event on Sunday, October 14th. in downtown Plymouth, runs from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Entertainment at the cook-off includes….
Red, Green Chili & Salsa Competition
The Restaurant Chili Challenge
Great Music including “Steve King and the Dittilies” Band
A Motorcycle Show - Dance Performances
Kids Activities

Fore more Ride info, call Dick Scott’s Classic Motorcycles at 734-542-8000 and talk with Jeff Scott, Terry or Mike.

We hope to see you for a day of FUN & SAFE RIDING!

Dick Scott Classic Motorcycles in Livonia, MI - Indian Victory Motorcycles, Polaris ATV's and Side-x-Sides, Aprilia Scooters, Used Bikes All Makes

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Art of Building with LEGO® Exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum

Draw inspiration for creating your own designs from the LEGO® Architecture: Towering Ambition exhibition in Henry Ford Museum. LEGO® Certified Professional Adam Reed Tucker has re-created famous landmarks entirely with LEGO® bricks. The exhibition includes 13 models: Fallingwater, 7 South Dearborn, Chicago Spire, John Hancock Center, Marina City, Willis Tower, Trump Tower, Burj Khalifa, Empire State Building, St Louis Arch, TransAmerica Building, Jin Mao Tower and one of the World Trade Center towers.

Explore the architectural wonders, and then start your own construction project in the nearby play pit. When finished with your masterpiece, place it on our large-scale LEGO® city map that will grow in size with every new builder’s addition.

LEGO® Architecture: Towering Ambition was developed by the National Building Museum, Washington D.C. Play area sponsored through in-kind donation from LEGO® Systems, Inc. LEGO®, its logo and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2010-12 The LEGO Group.
         

Download a digital flyer for this event
activities
Opening Weekend, November 3 & 4
See architectural artist Adam Reed Tucker build a LEGO® version of the Detroit landmark Ford Field.

LEGO® Create
After drawing inspiration from awe-inspiring structures, visitors are encouraged to create buildings to include in a LEGO® community. Using principles of good urban design, you'll be invited to create a building from one of the four categories — residential, commercial, institutional and industrial — and then place the LEGO® models on a large-scale city map.
Daily through February 24, 9:30am–5pm
Inside Museum Gallery

LEGO® train
Don’t miss our LEGO® train created by Michigan LEGO® User Group
Daily through February 24, 9:30am-5pm
Near Allegheny Locomotive

Duplo® & Soft LEGO® Play Area
1- to 5-year–olds.
Daily through February 24, 9:30am–5pm
Depot Town - near the Allegheny Locomotive

Learn to Build Saturdays!
Make and buy OR make and leave.
Every weekend December 1–30, 10am–4pm

Brick Challenge with Nick Brickly
A double-dare-style LEGO® challenge with Michigan LEGO® User Group
Every Saturday, January 5–26, 11:30am–2pm

Adam Reed Tucker Returns!
Last time to see and meet architecture artist Adam Reed Tucker.
February 23–24

As read on: http://www.thehenryford.org/events/legoArchitecture.aspx

Friday, September 7, 2012

Interactive Google Doodle Honors Star Trek: The Original Series


Google today paid homage to Star Trek with an interactive homepage doodle that celebrates the 46th birthday of the original TV series.
Google has dressed up the letters in its logo as Star Trek cast members, and with the click of a mouse, you can beam Kirk to an adventure beyond the confines of the starship USS Enterprise.
The doodle opens on some familiar faces in the Enterprise control room, including Spock, Uhura, Kirk, McCoy, and Sulu. Hover over the image for some Easter eggs. Click the elevator, for example, and journey to the transporter, where you'll be sent to do battle in the outside world. Be sure your speakers are on for some authentic sound effects.
The first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series aired on Sept. 8, 1966, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, Google posted its doodle a day early so users would have time to play around with the detailed creation.
Star Trek Google Doodle The original series aired on NBC for four years, but really took off in syndication during the 70s, spawning various Star Trek franchises.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Google doodler Ryan Germick said "it's a testament to the power of the show, and how iconic it is, that you can just put a couple details on anything, even a letter 'G' and know it's a Vulcan."
For more on Google's doodles, meanwhile, see the slideshow below. Recently, the company has honored Amelia Earhart, jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé and Robert Moog, considered by many to be a pioneer in the electronic music space, as well as artist Keith Haring, zipper pioneer Gideon Sundback, and Howard Carter, a British archaeologist best known for uncovering the tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt.

As read on: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409414,00.asp 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Winner of Best Oil Change Spot!


Thank You to all who took time to vote for Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for the Patch Readers' Choice Awards for Best Oil Change Spot! All summer long Patch Readers have nominated and voted for their favorite local businesses in categories ranging from best burger to Best Park in Plymouth and Canton. 

Thanks to your votes Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram was the Winner!! Click HERE to see the complete list of winners!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Life Remodeled Redford build is underway and more help is needed to get it finished!

This week started the Life Remodeled Build in Redford to build the home for recipient Tanya Ray and her four children! The corner of Poinciana and 7 Mile has been full of activity and went from just the foundation to a framed housing structure in just a couple days!
The build is far from over and every day is posing its own set of new challenges but no challenge is too big to bring this deserving single mom and her four children closer to moving into their new home!! You can read the original article written earlier this summer when Tanya first found out that Life Remodeled was about to change her and her children's lives, not just by giving them a new home but guiding them in their life even after they have moved in!
If you would like donate your time and expertise toward this project you can stop by the build site any time! Someone will be on site 24/7 this whole week August 20 - 26th!! There is much to be done and they are always looking for additional skilled tradesmen in all area's of home building, including cement work and landscaping! You can also visit www.MercyRoadChurch.org or Contact Mike Gorr directly @ 248-910-3331 or by e-mail at info@mercyroadchurch.org for More information about what is needed.
You can also visit www.LifeRemodeled.com or www.Facebook.com/LifeRemodeled for more details about Life Remodeled and the other builds scheduled and already completed.
Below is the original article about when Tanya found out she was selected as the recipient of the Life Remodeled Home!....

It was the best birthday present Tanya Ray had ever received.
Out to lunch with some family members to celebrate earlier this summer, she received a phone call. It was from the Life Remodeled people.
She and her four children had been selected as recipients of a new home.
“It was just unbelievable to know it went, from 93 applicants, to us. We were the final family,” she said. “It was like I went numb. It was the best birthday gift ever.”
Ray and her children will take control of a new home in the 19100 block of Poinciana later this month after it's built by Life Remodeled volunteers. They were selected after months of thought and consideration by Life Remodeled in Redford, being run by several area churches.
The program selects a family to be the recipient, and donates materials and labor to build a home for them. After owning the home responsibly for three years, the family receives the title.
Homes have been built for families in other communities, including Westland and Farmington Hills.
The Rev. Mike Gorr, pastor at Mercy Road Church and leader of the Life Remodeled project in Redford, said while it was difficult selecting just one family, he's happy Ray and her children will be able to settle into the new home once it's complete.
The field was eventually narrowed down from nearly 100 to three before the final selection.
“Of those three, a single mom with four kids was chosen to receive the benefits,” Gorr said. “There's a need there. We felt like this was the best choice at this point.”
Construction on the home will begin Aug. 20, and will wrap up by Aug. 26. A celebration to pass over the keys to the home is planned for 2 p.m. Aug. 26 at the home on Poinciana, near Seven Mile and Inkster.
Volunteers and financial donations are still needed to complete the project, Gorr said. Anyone looking to donate can do so by going to mercyroadchurch.org and clicking the Life Remodeled tab. Checks can also be mailed to P.O. Box 401466, Redford, MI 48240.
Gorr said the project has raised more than $20,000 already. He's anticipating getting to building later this month.
“If we're going to serve the world, we believe it starts in our hometown,” he said. “It was a project that fit with our mission as a church.”
Ray, who has lived in Redford for the last three years, said the opportunity to settle down will benefit her children greatly.
“They're literally remodeling our lives top to bottom. That's where me and my kids are going to plant our feet,” she said. “They're not giving us a house, they're giving us a home.”
As read on: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20120812/NEWS16/208120490/Life-Remodeled-recipient-gets-8216-best-birthday-gift-ever-

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Have you Placed your Vote For Your Plymouth and Canton Favorites for a Patch Readers’ Choice Award Yet??


There is a lot to celebrate about our town: great family-friendly activities and great local businesses.
But who do you think is the best? 
Help Patch determine the best of the best by voting for your favorites in each one of the categories listed.
Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's Service Department (formerly Dick Scott Dodge) is honored to be nominated in the category "Best Spot for an Oil Change"! Thank you to those who nominated us and have voted so far!
You can follow the link below to the official Patch Article to cast your Vote for Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's Service Department and all the other business in each category!!
Cast your vote by August 17 and help decide who's best. Whichever business gets the most votes will be named the Readers' Choice winner.


'via Blog this'

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Old Village Restaurant Crawl in Plymouth Michigan is TONIGHT!

It's that time again!! Time for the Old Village Restaurant Crawl!

TONIGHT, Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 from 5:30 - 8:30pm come on down to Old Village Plymouth and sample GREAT Food and Drink from Local Restaurants!!


This year's participants include:
Hermann's Old Towne Grille,
JoJo's Treats N' Sweets
Liberty Street Brewing Co.
Plymouth Fish & Seafood
Station 885
Jeff Zak Catering

Tickets are ONLY $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office (850 W. Ann Arbor Trail) and at the participating restaurants.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

DICK SCOTT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM HELPS RAISE $470 FOR AREA SCHOOL

Plymouth, MI – Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram helped raise $470 for Moraine Elementary School with Chrysler brand’s Drive for the Kids ™ program. The fundraising event was held on June 1, 2012 by the Moraine Elementary PTO.

Forty seven participants earned a $10 contribution to the school from Chrysler brand by taking a brief test drive in a Town & Country, the company’s award winning minivan. Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram supplied the vehicles, and volunteers from the dealership were on hand to assist in fundraising drives.

”Drive for the Kids ™ is a mutually beneficial program. We’re pleased to support our local schools, and enjoy demonstrating a terrific, world class product,” said Nichole Scott, Director of Dealership Operations at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. “Parents are genuinely interested in testing our 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan with all the advanced safety, technology, and economy features; and we are happy to help raise extra dollars for the school. We all work together for the kids. Everyone has a great time!”

Chrysler supports schools in the communities where the company does business. Since 1993, when Chrysler introduced Drive for the Kids ™, Chrysler dealers have worked with parents and educators in communities across the nation. Chrysler has contributed over $4 million, directly to local schools, for student needs from playgrounds and field trips to reading programs and computers. Chrysler is proud of this tradition of community involvement. To learn more about Chrysler Group LLC, visit the website at www.Chrysler.com, or visit your local Chrysler Dealership at www.DickScott.com.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Importance of Regular Washing of your Vehicle

It's always important to remember to wash your vehicle regularly and with that in mind we're offering up a few friendly reminders regarding the proper way to wash your vehicle.  

Wash as often as your vehicle needs it - No one would suggest you wash your vehicle every day, or even every week, but it's important to note that regular washing will indeed keep your vehicle looking pristine. Among other benefits, washing removes dirt, grit, dust, pollutants, and hazardous material (aka bird droppings) that will in time and if left alone adversely affect the finish of your vehicle.
  • Only use products designed for cars & trucks - All soap is not created equal, or, rather, all soap is not created to do the same job. While dish detergent might be just the thing to cut through bacon grease, when used on a vehicle, it can have the unwanted consequence of stripping away wax. In this and in all jobs, be sure to use the right tools. The initial investment for the right kind of soap, wax, etc., will be worth it in the long run, both in terms of how your car looks (great!) and how long the finish stays good (years!).

  • Dry thoroughly - Using a clean cotton towel or shammy to dry your vehicle after washing will help prevent against the formation of water spots. These blemishes occur when water evaporates and leaves behind a mineral residue. More than just looking bad, the excess minerals can, in time, do harm to the paint.

  • Find a spot in the shade - Unless you drive only at night (or in an Alaskan winter), the sun will in time take a toll on your vehicle's finish. This is true despite all preventative measures, which drastically slow the rate of sun damage but cannot arrest it completely. To slow the rate even more, take steps to keep your vehicle out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Park in the shade, a garage, or carport. Think about covering your vehicle when, for whatever reason, it will be sitting unused in the driveway for extended periods of time.
  • Wax poetic - Waxing your vehicle will keep it looking shiny and new. It will also help maintain a protective barrier between the finish and certain harmful elements of the environment, including dirt, dust, and the sun. In fact, you can think of wax as a kind of sun screen for your vehicle.
To keep your vehicle looking like it did they day you brought it home follow these tips and it will help prolong your "New Vehicle Look" for years to come!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

How Tonneau Covers Increase your Fuel Economy

Increased Fuel Economy
One of the biggest advantages to having a tonneau cover is the positive effect it will have on your wallet - tonneau covers save gas! While the effect may not be immediately noticeable, most people agree that having a tonneau cover does lower fuel consumption.

Every Little Bit Helps
According to EPA Emission Facts, the average light truck is driven about 12,400 miles per year. Given that the average domestic pickup truck has a fuel economy of around 16 miles per gallon, you can expect to burn around 775 gallons of gasoline each year. At $3.00 per gallon, you're spending about $2,325 annually. According to a fuel economy study conducted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), tonneau covers increase gas mileage by around 11.81%, for an average increse of 1.18 miles per gallon. That increase in fuel economy can reduce your annual gas consumption by about 53 gallons per year, for an annual a savings of around $160.

Over the life of your vehicle, the cost savings can be significant. If you were to drive your pickup truck with a tonneau cover for 100,000 miles, you could potentially save 430 gallons of fuel - that's $1,290 in savings! Some people drive that in a year. Of course there are many factors to take into consideration, such as engine wear, tire pressure, driving habits and more - but the fact remains that tonneau covers help improve fuel economy.

Tonneau Covers vs. Lowered Tailgates
Many people still believe that you'll get better gas mileage with the tailgate down. However, this is simply not true. In fact, having your tailgate down may actually reduce gas mileage! The Discovery Channel's MythBusters actually tested the lowered tailgate myth in a series of tests during episode 43 and 64, in which they proved that driving with your tailgate down decreases gas mileage.

Reduced Pain at the Pump
Gas prices are at an all-time high and show no signs of returning to the low prices we once enjoyed. The reality is that gas prices will continue to rise as we drive along in the twenty-first century. Savvy consumers can recognize the benefit that tonneau covers offer. Increased fuel economy means fewer trips to the gas pump, and more money in your pocket to pay for other expenses.

Good for the Environment
Although pickup trucks are not the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today, there are ways you can help improve your gas mileage, which is always good for the environment. Tonneau covers reduce the amount of drag caused by wind while you drive down the road. Everyone knows that as you reduce drag, you increase performance, which saves gas. A tonneau cover combined with good driving habitis and a well-tuned engine can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus help the environment.

The Tonneau Cover Debate
There have long been many controversies surrounding the relationship between tonneau covers and gas mileage. While it is accepted that truck bed covers help improve gas mileage, many people refuse to believe this at face value. Most people cannot detect the improvement in gas mileage because the change is so slight. Online forums are filled with positive and negative results, but most of these comments are far from scientific. While its true that individual results may vary, tonneau covers have been proven to increase fuel economy.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

DNS Changer Malware: What to Do If Your Computer's Hit

The FBI's temporary Internet servers will go dark Monday, leaving thousands of unsuspecting malware-infected individuals without online access.

What temporary Internet servers, you ask? They might have been connecting you to Facebook, YouTube, and -- ahem! -- ABCNews.com for the last month, and you didn't even know it. Really.

Why is this happening? It all has to do with a piece of computer malware called DNS Changer.

It started in 2007, when a group of hackers -- six Estonians and one Russian -- allegedly started masquerading as Internet advertisers who were paid by the click, according to an 2011 indictment from the U.S. Attorney General's Office in the Southern District of New York. In other words, if an ad got more clicks, they pocketed more cash.

So they figured out a way to beat the system, according to the indictment. They created a piece of malware, called DNS Changer, that tampered with the DNS -- the thing that takes a website address and finds the numerical IP address to connect you to that website -- redirecting millions of Internet users to sites they didn't search for.

For instance, if your computer was infected and you clicked a link to go to Netflix, you would wind up at "BudgetMatch," according to the FBI. The practice is called "click hijacking."

Once the FBI got around to fixing the problem in 2011, it realized it couldn't simply shut down the rogue servers because infected computers would be left without a functioning DNS, leaving them virtually Internet-less. So it set up temporary servers to give malware-infected Internet users time to fix their computers.


(There isn't a planned attack this Monday that will shut down the Internet; those whose computers are already infected will lose the Band-Aid the FBI put on the problem more than a year ago.)

Who Is Affected?

Initially, there were more than 4 million infected computers in 100 countries, including 500,000 in the United States, according to the indictment.

As of July 4, there were only about 46,000 in the United States, FBI spokeswoman Jenny Shearer told ABCNews.com today. (That's out of nearly 300,000 worldwide.)

PCs and Apple Macs have been infected. Routers and iPads were hit, too.

As of June, the United States had more infected computers than any other country, according to data from the DNS Changer Working Group, or DCWG, a group working on cleanup resulting from the malware.

How Do I Know if My Computer Is Infected?

You can check to see whether your computer is infected by clicking on this link, http://www.dns-ok.us/ which is run by DCWG.

If the page is green, you're in the clear. If it's red, your computer is infected.

On Thursday the site got 2 million hits, but very few of those computers were infected, DCWG volunteer Barry Greene told ABCNews.com.

Google and Facebook say they have also set up notifications for infected users. If you type in a search term and see a message that says, "Your computer appears to be infected" at the top of your screen, guess what. Your computer is infected.

Comcast, AT&T and Verizon are among the other organizations notifying customers if they have infected machines.

Important: According to DCWG, you should not need to scan, make changes or download anything to tell whether your computer is infected.

My Computer Is Infected. Now What?

The good news is DCWG has put together a page of trusted tools and a step-by-step guide for how to fix your computer.
CLICK HERE to view the Page.

The bad news is it can take a day or two actually to fix the problem, Greene told ABCNews.com. That's because the malware is in a deep section of the hard drive called the "boot sector."

"The malware problem out there is nasty, and it's impacted society on multiple levels," Greene said. "It's extremely hard to get rid of. In most companies, if they get infected with it, they throw away the hard drive."

If you can't do that, follow the instructions. They include backing up your files and reinstalling your operating system.

What Do I Do if I Lose Internet on Monday?

The FBI and DCWG recommend contacting your Internet service provider. They'll be able to give you instructions on what to do next.

As read on: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/dns-changer-malware-300000-people-worldwide-lose-internet/story?id=16726397#.T_nokpGDmSo

Monday, July 2, 2012

Signs of Heat Stroke and How to Avoid it While Riding a Motorcycle in 90+ heat

With temperatures in the 90's so often lately here are some warning signs about Heat Stroke and other good tips on staying cool while riding during the hot summer months!

Riding in temperatures reaching triple digits can be as dangerous as riding in freezing temperatures. The beginnings of a heat stroke, as with hypothermia, can affect your judgment and impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.

 The Warning Signs:

 Symptoms include pale clammy skin, headaches, dizzy, nausea, loss of memory and fainting, muscle tremors, cramping and being tired and weak. Red skin with little or no sweating indicates a dangerous level of heat exhaustion. At this point immediate action must be taken to prevent a heat stroke.

 The treatments are mostly common sense, but remember the victim may not be mentally capable of making the right decision. Move them into the shade or preferably air conditioned space. Spray water on the person, and get some air circulating around the victim with a fan and have them drink non-caffeinated fluids, cool but not ice cold.

 Rinsing with cool water is fine, but do not apply ice to the victim as it will fool the body into closing skin pores to retain heat, making the situation worse.

Be aware that individuals with high blood pressure, those who are overweight are at a higher risk to suffer heat exhaustion and/or a heat stroke. High temperatures with high humidity combined with these risk factors and alcohol use or certain medications and the ingredients are all present for a tragic end to the ride.

 Stay Cool on the Bike:

 It’s not always possible to avoid riding when the temperatures reach triple digits, and even with temperatures hovering between 90-98 Fahrenheit the combination of high humidity exposes the rider to dangerous heat stress.

 The best course of action may be to wear long sleeves and or a good mesh leather riding suit, especially on rides where the temperatures reach north of 98 degrees.

Our body is wonderfully adapted when it comes to keeping us cool. We can cool off a lot easier than we can warm up.

 Motorcyclists however, are at a disadvantage when it comes to cooling because in extreme heat, the wind is not our friend. Temperatures over 100 degrees turn the environment around our motorcycle into a convection oven. Strong winds, even as low as 35 mph, snatches away our perspiration before it has had time to cool our skin, leaving us dehydrated and hot.

 Add to that the radiant effect of sunlight on uncovered skin (such as wearing thin t-shirt, tank top or no shirt) and serious sun burn isn’t far behind. Wear long sleeve technical style shirts that runners wear made with a cotton/synthetic blend that keeps sunlight off your skin, but the fabric is breathable so you can feel the sweat cooling your skin as it evaporates.

 You could also add a full face hybrid flip style helmet and evaporative vest on long hot rides to help keep you cool.

 The vest helps lower your core temperature. But to maximize its benefit it must be worn next to the skin preferably under a lightweight vented or perforated jacket.  An extra idea too maximize the vest benefits even more is to soak the vest  in water before riding.

 You can probably expect stares of disbelief as you cover up with a jacket in 100+ heat but you’ll be the one staying cool on the road!

The bottom line is when the temperature reaches triple digits, try to keep as much of your skin covered as possible and to drink fluids at every gas stop while cooling in the shade or inside the store. Riding through "Hell" is never fun, but at least it gives you something to talk about at your next bike night!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fuel Conservation Tips - NINE WAYS TO CONSERVE YOUR GASOLINE

With the help of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), we put together nine easy ways to save on gasoline.

1. Slow Down
One of the best ways to save on gas is to reduce your speed. According to the DOE, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph represents a 7 percent decrease in fuel economy.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which causes you to burn more fuel to keep the car moving. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped), or the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) label on or near the driver's side door. Properly inflated tires may improve your fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent.

3. Accelerate With Care
Fast acceleration wastes fuel. Accelerate modestly so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears more efficiently. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by up to 33 percent on the highway and up to 5 percent during city driving.

4. Drive A Consistent Speed
Follow the lead of trucks and keep a consistent speed. Constant slowing down and speeding up reduces fuel economy. Consider using cruise control when appropriate.

5. Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling your vehicle gets 0 miles per gallon.

6. Stick With Stock
New wheels and tires may look cool, but if they're not the same as the OEM specifications, they could create more resistance, thereby reducing fuel economy.

7. Clean Out Your Car
Carrying around extra baggage — or anything that you don't need for that trip — only adds extra weight to your car and impacts fuel economy. For example, depending on your vehicle's weight, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could decrease your MPG by up to two percent.

8. Plan Your Trips Better
Consider grouping your trips instead of making several trips to accomplish your daily tasks. Several short trips may use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.

9. Use The Proper Maintenance Fluids and Replacement Parts
Always use the engine oil, replacement parts and any other fluids that the manufacturer recommends. Change your oil at the recommended intervals and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for all routine maintenance.

As read on: http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/fuel_conservation_tips/index.html?pid=HR&adid=DodgeQ2eNews&sid=Ram&channel=e_News

Monday, June 25, 2012

Looking for an affordable way to go on vacation this year?

Despite record high fuel costs, RV vacations remain affordable!

The experts are predicting fuel costs will reach $4 a gallon this summer. Don’t let this affect your vacation plans! Even if you factor in higher fuel prices, RV vacations remain the most economical. In fact, A recent study by PKF Consulting found that fuel prices would have to triple for RVing to be more expensive than other forms of travel.

A typical vacation, even with just a family of four, can become quite expensive. There are costs for transportation, lodging, food—and don’t forget the entertainment. Amusement park tickets, museum admission, historic tours, boat rentals and the like all add to vacation expenses. RV family vacations are, on average, 26 to 74 percent less expensive than travel by personal car, airline or cruise ship.

The RV combines your transportation, lodging and restaurant all in one. RVs come fully equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens, bathrooms, central air and heat, king-sized beds, entertainment systems and more, allowing you to bring all the comforts of home when you travel. Here are some tips that will help you save money on fuel while still enjoying all the fun, freedom and flexibility that RVing has to offer.

    Camp closer to home. There’s no need to venture outside leave the state! There are over 1,000 campgrounds in Michigan, located near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in metropolitan areas. You’re always on vacation at the campsite, even if it’s only an hour drive home.

    Stay longer in one place. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right, offering something for everyone—swimming pools, playgrounds, game rooms, boating, fishing, nature trails, planned activities and more!

    Eat in. Cook your family favorites in the convenience of an RV to avoid the high costs of eating out. Better yet, cook over your campfire!

    Drive 55 instead of 65. AAA reports, for every 1 mph increase over 55 mph, fuel efficiency decreases 2.2 percent.

    Adjust home thermostats to save energy when traveling.

    Pack light and purchase firewood, water and other camping materials at the campground to keep the RV lightweight while traveling.

    Tune up the engine of your motorhome or tow vehicle, inflate tires properly and conduct regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.

    Use the grade of fuel recommended by the engine manufacturer to increase miles per gallon.

    Travel during off-peak times. Avoid rush hour or travel at night when the weather is cooler and the vehicle air conditioning is needed less.

Veteran RVer, Jayne Kasper travels nearly 2,000 miles in Michigan each year with husband Ted and dog Jasper. Jayne doesn’t let the cost of gas slow her down, “We stay at campgrounds closer to home. I’m on vacation the moment I step into my motor home, whether we’re 20 minutes or 2 hours from home.”

Here are some other facts to remember:

    Airfares and hotel rates are rising rapidly as fuel costs increase and fuel surcharges are added. You can avoid those costs in an RV. Fuel prices would need to triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.

    Fuel is typically only the fourth largest expense on a road trip, behind lodging, food and vehicle payment and maintenance.

    Save on entertainment costs by bringing along your family’s favorite DVDs and game systems.

    Memories made on RV trips will last a lifetime—as will the physical and mental health benefits. With a few simple adjustments for fuel price increases, RVing remains as affordable and as fun as ever.

RVing is still one of the most cost effective ways to explore Michigan. Replace family memories of airport delays, cramped hotel rooms and expensive restaurants with those of scenic drives, comfortable, amenity-filled campgrounds, campfire cookouts and outdoor adventures. There’s so much to see and do right here in your home state! RV owners surveyed by Robert Hilton Associates cited the most important benefits of family camping are bringing the family closer together, having new experiences and teaching a respect of nature.

As read on: http://www.marvac.org/rv-fuel-costs-affordable.htm

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The NEW 2013 Dodge Dart is HERE in our Showrooms!


The NEW 2013 Dodge Dart has made it to our Showrooms and we are excited to show it off!! 


We are also very excited to announce that we can OFFICIALLY start taking orders on your very own 2013 Dodge Dart! Our knowledgeable sales staff is ready and waiting to show you all the 2013 Dodge Dart has to offer you starting at ONLY $15,995!

Experience the largest touchscreen in the compact car class, available Uconnect® 8.4, featuring AM/FM/CD/MP3 and available SiriusXM Satellite Radio+ with replay mode. Get up-to-the-minute weather, fuel prices, sports and movie listings with available Garmin® Navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link™+. Crank up your own tunes via remote SD card or remote USB Port with iPod® mobile device control and more!
Stop in today and see it in person!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Chrysler: 'Imported from Gotham City' contest to promote new Batman 'Dark Knight Rises' movie

DETROIT - Warner Bros. Pictures and Chrysler have teamed up to bring fans the opportunity of a lifetime surrounding next month's release of "The Dark Knight Rises," the conclusion to the blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy.

Playing off Chrysler’s "Imported from Detroit" campaign, the "Imported from Gotham City" contest allows fans to create an original TV spot featuring Chrysler and Batman. Director/writer/producer Christopher Nolan will select the winning spot, which will debut on television around the release of the film.

Contestants will have two weeks to create their "Imported from Gotham City" original spot by using Chrysler 300 car footage, film footage, and music from the movie trailer.

A gallery of submissions will go live on Saturday, June 30th. Then the public will be able to vote on their favorite Gotham City collaboration.

How the winners will be chosen

The top three finalists will be announced online and Nolan will personally choose the winner. The winning spot will be determined by public vote, originality, creativity, memorability and brand effectiveness. Warner Bros. and Chrysler will debut the winning spot on national TV the week of the film's release. The winner will receive a trip to Hollywood to finish their spot alongside a professional editor before traveling to New York City to attend the red carpet premiere screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," on Monday, July 16th.

In addition to the winning Contest spot, Chrysler will unveil a 30-second, commercial titled "Imported from Gotham City." The ad was designed and shot to look and feel similar to the world of the "The Dark Knight Rises." Featuring a 2012 Chrysler 300.
Broadcast debut on WDIV-TV Local 4

It will make its broadcast debut on Tuesday, July 19th on NBC. A 60-second spot will also run online. Once live, both spots will be available on the Chrysler brand YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/Chrysler.

"The 2012 Chrysler 300 featured in this marketing and advertising campaign was created intentionally to look as if it could be driven on the streets and fit in to the nightlife of Gotham City; it’s clearly a vehicle that stands out and makes one take notice," said Saad Chehab, Chrysler Brand CEO.

"Imported from Gotham City" merchandise including t-shirts and hats will also be available for purchase.
How to enter

For more information and the official rules regarding the "Imported from Gotham City" contest, visit www.importedfromgothamcity.com.How the winners will be chosen

The top three finalists will be announced online and Nolan will personally choose the winner. The winning spot will be determined by public vote, originality, creativity, memorability and brand effectiveness. Warner Bros. and Chrysler will debut the winning spot on national TV the week of the film's release. The winner will receive a trip to Hollywood to finish their spot alongside a professional editor before traveling to New York City to attend the red carpet premiere screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," on Monday, July 16th.

In addition to the winning Contest spot, Chrysler will unveil a 30-second, commercial titled "Imported from Gotham City." The ad was designed and shot to look and feel similar to the world of the "The Dark Knight Rises." Featuring a 2012 Chrysler 300.
Broadcast debut on WDIV-TV Local 4

It will make its broadcast debut on Tuesday, July 19th on NBC. A 60-second spot will also run online. Once live, both spots will be available on the Chrysler brand YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/Chrysler.

"The 2012 Chrysler 300 featured in this marketing and advertising campaign was created intentionally to look as if it could be driven on the streets and fit in to the nightlife of Gotham City; it’s clearly a vehicle that stands out and makes one take notice," said Saad Chehab, Chrysler Brand CEO.

"Imported from Gotham City" merchandise including t-shirts and hats will also be available for purchase.
How to enter

For more information and the official rules regarding the "Imported from Gotham City" contest, visit www.importedfromgothamcity.com.

As read on: http://www.clickondetroit.com/money/automotive/Chrysler-Imported-from-Gotham-City-contest-to-promote-new-Batman-Dark-Knight-Rises-movie/-/2318858/15155328/-/20scmt/-/index.html

Friday, June 15, 2012

Win 500 Gallons of Fuel!

It seems these days the only thing stable about fuel prices is their instability. Well, that and the fact nobody ever enjoys paying higher prices at the pump.

Let RAM ease that pain by giving you free fuel. In the coming weeks, RAM will be giving away one grand prize of 500 gallons of fuel in addition to smaller-yet still significant-weekly prizes of 32 gallons, which just happens to be the size of the largest fuel tank available on the new 2013 RAM 1500. Coincidence, we think not.

Click here to enter for your chance to win.
And good luck!




*As read on: http://blog.ramtrucks.com/features/win-500-gallons-of-fuel/#more-6866

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

THE DODGE BRAND AND DICK SCOTT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM HELP RAISE $1,540

From left to right Jason Scott, General Manager at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Liz Salliotte, Administrative Assistant at Northville High School; and Bryan Masi, Athletic Director at Northville High School.
Northville, MI – Northville High School students and families participated in a Dodge Booster Club
Fundraiser on April 19, 2012, and raised $1,540 for the school’s Turf Club. The Dodge brand contributed
$20 for each new test drive in a new 2012 Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey or Dodge Grand Caravan.

“The Dodge brand and our dealers are committed to giving back to the communities where we do
business,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “That is why we’re
proud to support organizations that encourage student development and growth.”

“We love working with the parents and students in our community,” said Nichole Scott, Director of
Dealership Operations, at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. “We were very happy with the
community turn out at the Dodge Booster Club school fundraiser. It is our pleasure to present the
contribution check to the Northville High School Turf Club in the amount of $1,540. We also enjoyed the
community’s enthusiastic response to our new 2012 Dodge Durango SUV, Dodge Journey crossover, and
award-winning Dodge Grand Caravan minivan.”

The Dodge brand donated nearly $467,000 to high school booster clubs last year.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Value, Safety, Luxury – the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is the ultimate family vehicle – and the ultimate value. That’s why we’ve spent the past month delving into how we’ve engineered the latest iteration of our legendary minivan to satisfy everyone in the family – mom, dad, the kids, and the checkbook.


The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is fuel efficient. Don’t worry about rising fuel costs hampering summer vacation plans, because the Town & Country delivers an EPA estimated 25 MPG on the highway. The Town & Country is the best way to travel with your family.

The Chrysler Town & Country is a leader in segment firsts. Chrysler never stops innovating and the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is a product of that unwavering dedication to making the best family vehicle imaginable.

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country Limited has more features for less. The 2012 Town & Country Limited is a value that competitors can’t match. Premium features come standard: a class-exclusive heated steering wheel, heated 2nd row seats, power 3rd row folding seats and more.

The Chrysler Town & Country is the “Most Awarded Minivan Ever”. With over 50 accolades since its inception, the Town & Country continues to rack up awards, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012.

Now is the time to buy your new minivan, before the summer vacation season really ramps up. So visit Chrysler.com for information about the right 2012 Chrysler Town & Country for you and your family and head on over to your local Chrysler dealer to test drive the “Most Awarded Minivan Ever.”

*vehicle shown is 2012 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

As read on: http://blog.chrysler.com/vehicles/town-country/value-safety-luxury-the-2012-chrysler-town-country/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=KMMay0812Facebook1&ism=KMMay0812Facebook1

Thursday, May 3, 2012

No summer shutdown for Chrysler's Jeep Grand Cherokee plant in Detroit; third shift to be added

Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant will keep producing Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos straight through the customary two-week summer shutdown in early July, CEO Sergio Marchionne said Monday.


Sales of the mid-size SUVs are running ahead of last year’s pace through March by 44% for the Grand Cherokee and by 33% for the Durango. Chrysler’s U.S. sales have increased 39% for the first three months of 2012 from a year earlier.


All automakers will release their April sales in the U.S. on Tuesday.


The plant on Detroit’s east side, which employs about 2,900 workers on two shifts, has been working overtime on two of every three Saturdays, said Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson. The plant will be adding a third shift of about 1,100 workers next year.


Normally, the Detroit Three automakers and the UAW agreed to half production in the two weeks around July 4 because it enables the companies to balance their inventories with consumer demand and gives skilled trades workers to install new equipment needed for the upcoming model year.


Separately, Chrysler canceled the Monday morning shift at its Windsor assembly plant because of a strike by Canadian Auto Worker employees at a nearby plant that supplies instrument panels. Workers at Dakkota Integrated Systems in Lakeside rejected a contract offer late Sunday.


Tinson said workers on the second shift at Chrysler’s Windsor plant were asked to report to work. Chrysler assembled the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans at the plant.


As read on: http://www.freep.com/article/20120430/BUSINESS0103/120430046/No-summer-shutdown-Chrysler-s-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-plant-Detroit-third-shift-added

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

POLARIS REPORTS RECORD FIRST QUARTER 2012 RESULTS; EPS INCREASED 27% TO $0.85 ON 25% SALES GROWTH

First Quarter Highlights:  

  1. Net income increased 27% to $60.1 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, with sales climbing 25% to $673.8 million, representing a record for first quarter sales and earnings.  
  2. Off-Road Vehicle sales increased 30% and On-Road Vehicle sales increased 44% during the 2012 first quarter.
  3. North American retail sales remained strong, increasing 17% in the first quarter compared to a year ago.
  4. Gross profit margins expanded 60 basis points to 28.9% due to manufacturing realignment savings and lower product and warranty costs.
  5. Raising guidance for full year 2012 earnings to a range of $3.85 to $4.00 per diluted share, an increase of 20% to 25% over 2011 based on expected full year 2012 sales growth of 10% to 13%.

MINNEAPOLIS (April 18, 2012) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today reported record first quarter net income of $60.1 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  By comparison, 2011 first quarter net income was $47.3 million, or $0.67 per diluted share. Net sales for the first quarter 2012 totaled $673.8 million, an increase of 25 percent from last year’s first quarter sales of $537.2 million.

“Our record first quarter results reflect not only the continued strength of our business and solid execution of our strategy, but also a healthy start to the year for our end markets,” commented Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chief Executive Officer.  “Retail sales in the North American off-road vehicle and motorcycle industries are off to their best start in years, and through our innovative products and motivated dealers, Polaris continued to gain market share.  We have significant work to do, but as momentum built throughout the first quarter, we gained confidence that 2012 will be another record year for Polaris, as indicated by our increased full year sales and earnings guidance.”   
“Sales increased 25 percent during the first quarter 2012, driven by robust sales of our Off-Road Vehicles and motorcycles.  Customer demand for our broad array of RANGER® and RANGER RZR® side-by-side vehicles continues to exceed our expectations, both in North America and our international markets.  Our international sales, which include the recent acquisition of Goupil, grew 20 percent for the quarter in spite of the continuing EU economic uncertainty.  We are well positioned to meet this higher demand, as we have increased production at our Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin plants, while our Monterrey, Mexico plant continues to raise production levels.  In addition, North American dealer inventories remain in line with our previous projections, with decreased ATV inventory year over year and increased side-by-side vehicle dealer inventory to meet the higher demand.  Season-end snowmobile dealer inventory is higher than a year ago due to the poor snowfall, but remains at manageable levels.”
“Looking ahead, strong retail demand in the first quarter and our expectations for the remainder of the year underscores our confidence in raising our full year 2012 guidance for sales and earnings,” continued Wine.  “Cash flow is expected to remain strong and our balance sheet remains solid with $286 million of cash on hand and minimal debt.  Additionally, we are realizing the expected savings from our manufacturing realignment project, which provides support to our ongoing margin expansion efforts.  Given our excellent start, and despite continued caution about the economy in the second half of the year and particularly the fourth quarter, we believe 2012 is shaping up to be another record year for Polaris.”  

2012 Business Outlook
Based on Polaris’ performance during the 2012 first quarter and projections for the remainder of the year, the Company is increasing its 2012 full year sales and earnings guidance.The Company now expects full year 2012 earnings to be in the range of $3.85 to $4.00 per diluted share, an increase of 20 to 25 percent over earnings of $3.20 per diluted share for the full year 2011.  Sales for the full year 2012 are now expected to grow in the range of 10 to 13 percent.
First Quarter Performance Summary  (in thousands except per share data)
Three Months ended March 31,
Product Line Sales
2012
2011
Change
 Off-Road Vehicles
$ 504,567    
$ 388,019    
30%
 Snowmobiles
4,647           
8,935           
-48%
 On-Road Vehicles
64,656
44,908
44%
 Parts, Garments & Accessories
99,880
95,336
5%
Total Sales
$  673,750  
$  537,198  
25%
Gross Profit
$ 194,963
$ 151,835    
28%
Gross profit as a % of sales
28.9%
28.3%
+60 bps
Operating Expenses
$ 110,599    
$ 87,538    
26%
Operating expenses as a % of sales
16.4%
16.3%
-10 bps
Operating Income
$ 91,547    
$ 69,583    
32%
Operating Income as a % of sales
13.6%
13.0%
+60 bps
Net Income
$ 60,078    
$ 47,310    
27%
Net income as a % of sales
8.9%
8.8%
+10 bps
Diluted Net Income per share
$ 0.85    
$ 0.67    
27%

Off-Road Vehicle (“ORV”) sales increased 30 percent from the first quarter 2011 to $504.6 million.  This increase reflects strong market share gains for both ATV and side-by-side vehicles, primarily driven by new product offerings, including the recently introduced RANGER RZR XP4® 900, and increased sales in our military business.  North American consumer ORV retail sales increased mid-twenties percent for the 2012 first quarter from the first quarter last year, with side-by-side vehicle retail sales once again increasing significantly and ATV retail sales increasing double digits percent.  North American dealer ORV inventories for the 2012 first quarter were up slightly from the first quarter of 2011, as additional side-by-sides were shipped to meet increasing demand.  Sales of ORVs outside of North America increased 15 percent in the first quarter 2012 when compared to the first quarter 2011, due to market share gains and positive mix benefit from greater sales of higher priced side-by-side vehicles.  
Snowmobile sales totaled $4.6 million for the 2012 first quarter compared to $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2011.  Historically, the first quarter is a slow quarter for snowmobile shipments to dealers.  The North American snowmobile industry finished the selling season in March 2012 with retail sales down less than five percent compared to the prior season, in spite of unusually warm weather and minimal snowfall in many parts of the U.S. Snowbelt regions, whereas Polaris’ retail snowmobile sales for the season were about even with the prior season’s results.  Polaris led the North American industry in market share gains, and recorded its highest season-ending market share since 2004.  Season-end North American dealer inventories for Polaris snowmobiles are higher than last year, but remain manageable given the previous season’s very low dealer inventory levels.  During the first quarter the Company introduced ten new or significantly updated model year 2013 snowmobiles with industry-leading innovation, technology and value, including updated PRO-RMK® models, now lightest in the industry at 417 pounds and an all new version of the legendary Indy model, the new Indy® 600.  
On-Road Vehicle sales, comprised primarily of Victory motorcycles, but also including Indian motorcycles and our GEM and Goupil electric vehicles, increased 44 percent over Q1 2011 to $64.7 million.  Notably, the 2011 acquisitions of Indian, GEM and Goupil contributed about half of On-Road Vehicles first quarter revenue growth.  North American industry heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle retail sales increased mid-teens percent during the 2012 first quarter compared to the prior year’s first quarter.  Over the same period, Victory North American unit retail sales increased approximately 40 percent, while North American Victory dealer inventory increased slightly versus 2011 levels to support these sales and market share gains.  During the 2012 first quarter the Company began shipments of two new Victory models, the Victory Hard-Ball™ and the new Victory Judge™, an American muscle motorcycle.  Polaris sales of On-Road Vehicles to customers outside of North America, now including Goupil, increased over 100 percent during the 2012 first quarter compared to the prior year’s first quarter.
Parts, Garments and Accessories (“PG&A”) sales increased five percent during the first quarter 2012 compared to the same period last year.  The increase was primarily driven by higher RANGER™ side-by-side vehicle related sales, largely offset by weak snow related PG&A sales due to the unseasonably warm winter.  
Gross profit was 28.9 percent of sales for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 60 basis points from the first quarter of 2011; while over the same period gross profit dollars increased 28 percent to $195.0 million.  The first quarter 2012 increase in gross profit dollars and margin percentage was driven by volume, cost savings from the manufacturing realignment project, continued product cost reduction efforts, lower warranty costs, and higher selling prices, partially offset by commodity cost increases and negative product mix.
Operating expenses for first quarter 2012 grew 26 percent to $110.6 million or 16.4 percent of sales, compared to $87.5 million or 16.3 percent of sales for the first quarter of 2011.  Operating expenses in absolute dollars for the first quarter of 2012 rose primarily due to planned strategic investments and increased research and development activities related to new products under development.
Income from financial services was $7.2 million during first quarter 2012, an increase of 36 percent compared to $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2011, largely due to increased profitability generated from the retail credit portfolios with Sheffield, GE and HSBC.  
Non-operating other income was $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2011.  The change in income stems from foreign currency exchange rate movements and the resulting effects on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet positions related to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries from period to period.   
The provision for income taxes for the first quarter 2012 was recorded at a rate of 35.1 percent of pretax income compared to 34.5 percent of pretax income for the first quarter 2011.  The higher income tax rate for the first quarter 2012 is primarily due to the United States Congress not yet extending the research and development income tax credit as of March 31, 2012.

Financial Position and Cash Flow
Net cash used for operating activities was $0.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2011.  The quarter over quarter change in net cash from operating activities is the result of higher net income for the quarter, offset by a higher investment in working capital in the 2012 period, primarily due to the payment of certain accrued compensation liabilities.  Total debt at the end of the first quarter 2012 was $108.1 million.  During the 2012 first quarter, the Company increased its quarterly dividend payment 64 percent to $0.37 per share and paid a total of $25.3 million in dividends to shareholders.  The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 16 percent at March 31, 2012, compared to 34 percent a year ago.  Cash and cash equivalents were $285.9 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $345.9 million for the same period in 2011.

As read on: http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/Company/News/Pages/News-Item.aspx?articleID=57