Yark Automotive Group Celebrates the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the month of December

Yark Automotive Group celebrates the Make A Wish Foundation NW Ohio Region this December!  For each vehicle purchase, Yark Automotive donates a portion to the Make A Wish Foundation.  This is the 8th consecutive year Yark Automotive Group has teamed up with the Make A Wish Foundation to raise money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening conditions.  To date, Yark has donated over $110,000 to the local chapter.

On December 17th, Yark hosted a special Test Drive Event to celebrate Kaylee Halko, a local Make A Wish recipient.  Any vehicle that was taken on a test drive that day, the customer received a copy of the Make A Wish Holiday Wishes CD and Yark made a donation to the foundation.  This CD is compromised of local talent reading and singing holiday classics.


The 'Holiday Wishes' CD features local artists like Kyle White, Ramona Collins, Pat Dailey and special guests like Chrys Peterson, Jamie Farr lend their musical talents while Fox Anchors Laura Emerson and Shaun Hegarty read the story of Frosty the Snowman.


In addition, our special guest Kaylee Halko, contributed to the CD reading, "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus' with Crystal Bowersox, and she was on hand to sign autographs and our Yark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram store.  Kaylee is a 6 year old girl who suffers from Progeria, a rare genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early ago.  Kaylee and her family were granted a wish of making Kaylee a star.  Her talents and wish landed her on the Holiday Wishes CD for Make A Wish.


Join Yark Automotive Group and Make A Wish Foundation and help in sharing the power of a wish this holiday season.  Yark's Make A Wish campaign ends this Saturday, December 31st.  To learn more about how you can help "share the power of a wish" contact us today.


Yark Automotive Group is conveniently located at 6019 West Central Avenue, a half mile east of I-475 on the Central Avenue strip.  Visit us online at www.yarkauto.com

Yark Automotive Group awarded the Better Business Bureau's Highest Honor

TOLEDO, OH Yark Automotive Group was awarded the 2011 Winner Better Business Bureau Torch Award on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at the Annual BBB Torch Award Luncheon.  

The BBB Torch Award recognizes businesses and organizations in Northwest Ohio and SE Michigan that maintain a solid commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical fashion. Other factors that are assessed are the businesses‟ current BBB rating, fiscal responsibility, excellence in customer care and consumer leadership. 

Yark has been a finalist for this prestigious award 2 previous years taking home the top honor this year. Yark‟s commitment to treating customer‟s fairly and ethically in their everyday business practices, having a strong commitment to educating their employees on ethics and ensuring all employees „do the right thing, even when no one is watching, even if it costs us money‟ were foundations for receiving this award. 

“It was a privilege to accept this award on behalf of the collective organization, our employees, our management teams and our partners that work with us tirelessly to provide a world-class experience for our customers,” said John Yark, company President. “We simply could not be viewed by the people who purchase or service their vehicles with us as an ethical business unless each and every one of our employees believe that doing the right thing, every day is how we should do business.” 

The BBB will automatically forward the winners of Torch Award to the International BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition where Yark Automotive will compete with all local Torch Award winners from across the US and Canada. 

“The Torch Award says a lot for everyone in our company,” said Yark. “We truly believe our employees are the backbone to our customer experience and without them, without having the best employees,, we would not be able to give our customers a world-class experience.” 

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Founded by Jim Yark in 1981, Yark Automotive Group has grown from 50 employees and less than $20 million in sales to more than 300 employees and annual sales of over $200 million. For the last 16 years, Yark Automotive Group has been the Largest Volume New & Used Vehicle Dealership in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan showcasing 9 vehicle franchises: BMW, Nissan, Subaru, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, & FIAT. 

The Yark family is originally from Toledo and both Yark brothers, Jim and John, graduated from local high schools and The Ohio State University. After acquiring the organization in 1981, Jim Yark, Owner & President implemented a detailed business plan and grew the dealership to include its 9 franchises, 6 Pre-Owned vehicle lots, a body shop, a car rental 

company and the area’s largest retail and wholesale parts department. Today, the business continues to grow and the family tradition continues with 4 of the Yark children now working in various positions within the company. 

Jim attributes his success to the people in the organization; “Anybody can get a piece of ground and maybe a car franchise, but clearly, we have found fabulous people! Our employees have strong customer awareness, a good sense for the car business, high ethics, stability and positive attitudes.” 

Eight Chrysler Group LLC Vehicles Take Home a Consumers Digest 'Best Buy' for the 2012 Model Year

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The Chrysler Group vehicles that received Consumers Digest automotive “Best Buys” for the 2012 

model year are:  Chrysler: 300, Town & Country, Jeep®: Grand Cherokee, Dodge: Durango, 

Grand Caravan, Challenger Ram: 1500 FIAT 500

“It’s a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ by Consumers Digest,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. “We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we’re producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers – and critics – appreciate.”

As testament to the improvements made to Chrysler Group’s vehicles in terms of quality and desirability, the Company earlier today announced that vehicle sales are up for the 19th consecutive month. 

The Consumers Digest automotive “Best Buys” issue is an annual publication in which editors judge vehicles on many build quality and performance attributes such as ergonomics, fit and finish, utility, acceleration, fuel economy and many more. They also look at cost of ownership variables such as resale value, warranty, maintenance costs and annual operating expenses. The top vehicles in 12 separate categories are then chosen as “Best Buys” by the publication. 

FIAT 500

The 2012 Fiat 500 caters to a new generation of Americans who want their vehicle to be as engaging, individualized, ecologically responsible and technologically savvy as they are. This modern-generation Fiat 500 offers safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology perfectly balanced with iconic Italian style.

With its city-friendly proportions, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter FIAT MultiAir® engine delivering up to 38 highway mpg and a best-in-class 30 mpg city (with manual transmission), standard state-of-the-art BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology, seven standard air bags and new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a unique ownership experience.

Chrysler 300

Once limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the new segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 300S (V-6) and 300 Limited models and offers class-leading fuel efficiency

Packed with a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine including innovative Fuel Saver Technology, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Auto Stick, performance-tuned suspension and larger performance disc brakes, the V-8 models deliver world-class power and refinement.

Chrysler Town & Country

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan builds upon the dramatic, and well received, changes made in the previous model year. Already imbued with innovative technology, unparalleled functionality, classic design, and a long list of standard convenience and safety features, enhancements in refinement make the 2012 Town & Country a true stand-out in the minivan segment.

Improvements for 2012 include standard leather seating and rear-seat DVD for all models, new Sapphire Blue interior lighting scheme and a combination leather and wood steering wheel for Limited models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee delivers with even more refinement and features that can be appreciated on the road and off. Since its introduction, the 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has captured more than 30 awards from an array of opinion-leading organizations making it the most awarded SUV ever.

The most capable Grand Cherokee ever with available Jeep Selec-Terrain™ system, Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, and front and rear independent suspension also has V-6 and V-8 engine choices that offer class-leading driving range (550 miles with V-6) or class-leading towing capability (7,400 lbs. V-8). Jeep grand Cherokee truly is a no-compromises, go anywhere and do anything SUV. 

Dodge Challenger

The 2012 Dodge Challenger delivers exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want — a powerful and efficient engine lineup, a performance suspension designed for maximum grip, and athletic head-turning styling — all executed with quality and precision.

The Dodge Challenger SXT model and Challenger SXT Plus package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 27 mpg highway. With legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines under their hoods, the 2012 Challenger R/T model delivers up to 375 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque and 25 mpg highway.

Dodge Durango

Durango has driving dynamics unlike what you typically find in a Sport Utility. No other SUV on the road compares with the all-new Dodge Durango’s distinctive bold Dodge design that craftily houses a spacious three-row, seven-passenger functional, flexible and premium interior, covered in soft-touch materials.

Durango offers standard seven-passenger seating, best-in-class power, best-in-class towing, best-in-class driving range of more than 550 miles, more than 30 storage areas, 28 seating configurations and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet that fits a six-foot couch with room for coffee table or a 10-foot ladder with the front passenger seat folded flat.

Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to lead the segment it created. New for 2012, Dodge is offering a new American Value Package (AVP), which makes the best-selling minivan ever the most affordable minivan with a starting U.S. Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,995 (all prices exclude destination).

Chrysler Group invented the modern minivan in 1983 with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Seventy-five minivan-first innovations and 13 million minivan sales later, the company still leads the way with the best, most innovative vehicle to move people and things.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 offers a variety of models for customers who rely on their trucks for work and play. In addition to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 which produces 390 horsepower, 407 lb.-ft. of torque and 20 mpg, the 2012 Ram 1500 offers a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque; five and six-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.

The 2012 Ram 1500 is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab® and Crew Cab models, with three box lengths: 8-foot (Regular Cab), 6-foot-4-inches (Regular Cab and Quad Cab), and 5-foot-7-inches (Ram 1500 Crew Cab). Thirteen trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: Tradesman, tradesman Heavy Duty, Express, Outdoorsman, ST, SLT, Sport, Sport R/T, Lone Star, Big Horn, Mossy Oak, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn.

Ways to stay safe while driving in the rain!

The elements make it difficult to get around by car at times, but by taking a few precautions and changing the way you drive will definitely help to stay safe on the roads.   By making sure you have enough tread on your tires and operating windshield wipers are just a few examples of what you can do to prevent an accident.   It's also a great idea to allow for more travel time.  It may be hard to tell what traffic will be like and most people travel at a slower pace to reduce the risk of an accident.

Here are good driving tips in the rain:

1) Brake earlier to increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you
2) Stay toward the middle of the road to avoid hydroplaning on deep puddles
3) Do not use your cruise control because if you hydroplane you car could accelerate and your stopping time will be delayed because your foot is not on the brake
4) Drive around puddles- not through them
5) Don't attempt to drive through running water because if the force of the water is greater than the weight of your vehicle, you will be pushed sideways!
6) Watch out for pedestrians
7) Track the car ahead of you
8) Give a truck or bus extra distance
9) Defog your windows
10) Turn on your headlight


If you have an questions, let us know!  We're always here to help!

75 Reasons to Buy a FIAT 500 over a MINI

Here is a great article we found about reasons consumers should buy a FIAT 500 over a BMW Mini Cooper!

This compares the overall vehicles, the exterior, interior, performance, safety & heritage.

Reasons to Buy a FIAT 500 over a BMW Mini

Fiat 500 dealership opens in Toledo

Away from American roadways for nearly 30 years, Fiat drives back into the Toledo area at Yark Fiat.

Local Auto Dealers Spruce Up Showrooms

Article  & Picture Courtesy of ToledoBlade.com by Larry P. Vellequette - Blade Business Writer

The Blade/Andy Morrison

Having survived the worst decline in auto sales in decades, several metro Toledo-area auto dealers have launched renovation and expansion plans to better position their businesses for a recovery.
From the reappearance of a brand that left the region nearly three decades ago to import and domestic-brand dealers putting new public faces on their stores, local auto dealers are investing in their facilities to greet their returning customers.
The most active upgrades under way are in Sylvania Township, where Vin Devers Autohaus is investing several million dollars in its Mercedes-Benz and Audi dealership, and where Yark Automotive Group recently opened metro Toledo's first Fiat dealership in 30 years and moved its Subaru dealership into newer, larger facilities.
Vin Devers Autohaus, 5700 Monroe St., is using the renovation to add a service entrance, a new vehicle-purchase delivery center, separate showrooms for its Mercedes-Benz and Audi vehicles, and upgraded service waiting centers, the dealership said in a written statement. The project began last month and is expected to be finished this summer, co-owner Paul Devers said. In the interim, the dealership is operating from its preowned car offices.
A few miles south, Yark Automotive this month began selling the Fiat 500 subcompact from a newly remodeled showroom at 6000 West Central Ave., the former home of the group's Subaru franchise. The new "studio-style" showroom features kiosks where customers can customize their Fiat 500 in one of more than 500,000 variations, and though its first cars have arrived, the dealership ultimately will feature a larger inventory as production of the 500 ramps up in the plant in Toluca, Mexico, where it is assembled, owner John Yark said.

Yark Automotive Group, the area's first Fiat dealership, sells the 500 from what was its Subaru showroom, which is across the street. 

The Fiat franchise moved in after the group's Subaru franchise moved across the street to occupy the former Saturn of Toledo building, which also received significant upgrades, Mr. Yark said.
"We're putting in all new signage by the end of the month, and on the inside, we literally went from the front of the building to the back of the building and upgraded everything. It really turned out nice," Mr. Yark said.
Yark also recently moved into its new Nissan store on the same section of West Central Avenue, adding more than 11,000 square feet of new showroom and service write-up area, along with other substantial upgrades, which, like the Fiat and Subaru locations, cost "millions and millions," Mr. Yark said.
"[We're] trying to do what we can do to get the construction industry back on its feet in northwest Ohio," Mr. Yark said.
Asked whether he was nervous about making such an investment in today's economy, Mr. Yark said he believes business will continue to improve.
"There's got to be pent-up demand. We've been scrapping more cars than we've been selling new," Mr. Yark said.
East of the river, Dunn Chevrolet Buick has not only recently upgraded an off-site used car lot at Navarre Avenue and I-280, it's moving toward a summer renovation that will bring the store in line with new requirements from General Motors Co. on how their Chevrolet-Buick stores should look, owner Greg Dunn said.
"We're supposed to start in about 90 days, and we're hoping to be done in about 90 days," Mr. Dunn said of the renovation, which will cost between $500,000 and $1 million and change the appearance "of everything a customer comes in contact with."
Among the many changes on tap, the dealership's fascia will get a new Chevy-blue wrap and threshold, its showroom area will be upgraded, as will the main service receiving area, Mr. Dunn said.
All of GM's Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealers are encouraged to adopt the new standards for their facilities and business practices under a voluntary program called Essential Brand Elements, which was launched after the automaker's 2009 bankruptcy, GM spokesman Ryndee Carney said.
Similar upgrades are either proceeding or under consideration at several area GM dealers, including Yark Chevrolet in Whitehouse. The renovations, part of which are being funded by GM, come as auto sales are rebounding from their lowest levels in 40 years in 2009.
Said Mr. Dunn: "Our sales have been going up quite a bit here in the last six months, but after what we went through, everybody is still quite gun-shy.

Best Ways to De-Ice Your Car

Credit cards and kitchen utensils may seem ingenious when faced with icy car windows, but when it comes to de-icing your car’s frozen windows, having the correct equipment can help you to avoid hefty repair bills and car insurance claims.

One popular belief is also one of the costliest mistakes - pouring hot water onto the windows to dissolve ice. The drastic change in temperature can cause the windshield to crack.

And many motorists jump into their cars and switch on their heaters full blast, creating the same problems as pouring hot water on to the windshield.

So what should you do to properly de-ice your car?

Some recommended options are:
• Run your car for ten minutes to warm up before turning on the heater. 
• Make the de-icing process easier by coating your windows with a lightly oily spray. In the case of windshields, one of the handiest and most economic de-icing solutions is Rain-X. This will not prevent ice from forming on the windshield, but it will make ice removal a quick and easy process because it doesn’t allow the ice to directly bond to the glass.
• Use a de-icer spray. It makes ice on windows, doors, handles, and locks instantly disappear. And it doesn’t hurt the surfaces underneath (paint, wax, etc.)
• Use an ice scraper. Ice scrapers allow you to safely remove ice without scratching the windows – or breaking your credit card.

Get more winter car advice with AAA Inclemental Weather Tips.