2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reveal Event

On September 22, Central Illinois Jeep enthusiasts  were treated to an exclusive look at the long-anticipated 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee  and 2011 Jeep Wrangler  at Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep in North Pekin. After months of buildup, numerous new Jeeps were on display from 6pm to 8pm both inside and outside the dealership. General Sales Manager Steve Porter and Sales Manager Don Twidell went to extra lengths to secure multiple models of both the new Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, including a sharp black 2011 4-door Wrangler  that was parked right in the middle of the showroom floor. The reveal was part of Jeep's national "Celebration" event, aimed at drawing attention to the franchise's top two models for many years running. When an iconic vehicle like the Grand Cherokee receives a complete redesign, it's not small news. This 2011 has been rebuilt from the ground up and has been receiving rave reviews from both our staff and our customers.


 The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee  boasts a brand new Pentastar V6 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power for your Peoria and Pekin area travels. The Grand Cherokee earns 23 miles per gallon on the highway with the Pentastar engine. A 360 horsepower Hemi V-8 Engine will also available if you really desire some extra hauling capabilities.  

A 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sits perched outside Uftring Pekin

This vehicle is loaded with the latest technology and it comes standard on every model. FloTV, satellite TV, satellite radio, and even an internet router for access to the world wide web on the go. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also has keyless entry, trailer sway control, stability control with anti-roll, power driver's seat, fog lamps, power adjusted heated mirrors, active head restraints, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and hill start assist. The interior contains 17 percent more cargo space, and that's with the spare tire resting snugly on the inside. The rear seats enjoy 4 more inches of legroom than in the previous Grand Cherokee, so your kids and friends won't mind riding in the back on extended excursions outside of Peoria.

Attendees enjoy new and used vehicles in the Uftring Pekin showroom

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler, while not wrapped in wholesale changes, is different nonetheless. Changes include larger rear windows for increased visibility, a totally redesigned instrument panel and conveniences like steering wheel stereo control, bluetooth connectivity, USB input and additional sound-deadening material for a quieter cabin. There are also a few new paint colors to choose from, including Bright White, Cosmos Blue, Deep Cherry Red, Detonator Yellow and Sahara Tan.

It was a beautiful day to see some new Jeeps!

At Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep in North Pekin, we like Jeeps as much as our customers. Our Reveal and Customer Orientation event was a chance for us to spend quality time getting to know our customers and hopefully providing them with information about their favorite Jeep vehicles. Attendees enjoyed catered food, refreshments, giveaways and raffle tickets and as many new details about the new Jeeps as we could possibly provide. Our team is currently undergoing product training on these new vehicles and there's no doubt about it - we're just as excited about them as everyone else. Stop by Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep in North Pekin today to test drive the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2011 Jeep Wrangler. We'll see you soon.

11th Annual River City Mustang And All Ford Car Show

It was time to take a look back this past weekend during the 11th Annual River City Mustang and All Ford Car Show held at the Uftring Automall. Despite storms early in the morning and overcast skies through the afternoon, hundreds still made their way to see the new, the old and the "I can't believe that still runs" Ford cars on display.

Mustangs show off their goods

 There were 120 cars present, a great turnout especially given the weather. Participants enjoyed seeing a ton of classic and new Mustangs nearly every era. In addition to the deluge of Mustangs, other unique automobiles from Ford's storied past made an appearance, such as the Cobra Mark III, Thunderbird, Country Sedan, Model T, Mercury Cyclone and even a first generation Econoline complete with motorcycle in the back, among others. If you were a Ford lover there surely wasn't a better place to be on Sunday.

Crowds enjoy the great Fords on display. Note the Econoline on the right - sweet!

Car lovers enjoyed delicious grilled food and classic hit music played in the background while families walked about the event. Kids danced in jubilation and rode around on their scooters. It was a great atmosphere and the crowd enjoyed examining and talking about the cars with one another. It's the community that makes these events so worthwhile.

This owner had a great Mustang and a great mustache - a potent combo.

The River Valley Drifters were present and raising money for the Children's Hospital by selling raffle tickets to win a Mustang. Tickets are still able to be purchased through the Children's Hospital of Illinois website and the drawing will be held in December.

One of the Cobras at the show.

Thanks go out to the owners who brought in their cars, everyone who stopped by to see the fantastic cars and to all of the volunteers who helped make the show possible! We can't wait for next year.

Children were so happy to be in front of this Ford Taurus that they spontaneously broke out in dance. Or it was Simon & Garfunkel.

If you are interested, you can see more pictures of the 11th Annual River City Mustang and All Ford Car Show on the Uftring Automall Facebook page. Don't forget to become our fan while you're there!

Jim McComb Chevrolet Receives Mark of Excellence

It's always nice to have your hard work and dedication recognized by someone on the outside. Jim McComb Chevrolet was just recently recognized for their accomplishments by none other than General Motors.

The Mark of Excellence is an award given by General Motors to dealerships that achieve a superior sales volume and exceptional dedication to customer service and satisfaction.

From Left: General Manager Kevin Lundquist, President Mark Weston, General Manager Jeff Loucks

"It's really about the customer service. This award is due to the hard work of everyone here, from service and sales to the receptionists and those in the shop," said Mark Weston, President of Jim McComb. Weston received the award on behalf of the dealership and he was thrilled with the team effort put forth to attain the Mark of Excellence. General Manager Kevin Lundqust said the award is something the whole dealership is proud to have achieved.

It may be good news for the dealership, but it's great news for current and future customers of Jim McComb Chevrolet. General Manager Jeff Loucks said, "This is a dealership that you can walk into with confidence knowing you'll receive an exceptional level of customer service." No arguments there!

Mark Weston Accepts the award from Chevy District Sales Manager Nancy Dowdle

The Mark of Excellence is actually the name of the GM logo and the words could be found written underneath the logo for many years. Stop by Jim McComb today for a Mark of Excellence Experience! Don't forget to fan us on Facebook.

Peoria Promise "Dream Car Raffle"

One of the great local organizations is Peoria Promise. They have provided hundreds of eligible Peoria area students with an education at ICC. This year alone they will support over 350 students - quite a feat. It's a great mission that should only serve to make Peoria stronger and more successful. All of the support these young adults receive is made possible by the generosity of area citizens and businesses.

Uftring Auto Group formally announced our plans to help Peoria Promise at a press conference this morning. A 1974 Corvette Convertible will be donated to Peoria Promise for the Dream Car Raffle. The money from the raffle will help pay for local area students college education at ICC.

Gary Uftring speaks at the Dream Car Giveaway Press Conference

Gary Uftring and the Uftring Auto Group have donated a restored 1974 Corvette Stingray Convertible to Peoria Promise to serve as the Dream Car. It's a beautiful machine that should have no trouble bringing joy to its new owner. Only 2000 tickets will be sold at $50 each, or 3 for $100. Buy one before they run out!

1974 Stingray Corvette

 The great thing about this raffle and event is that it's making multiple dreams come true, all through one car. One lucky person wins a stunning car, the Uftring Auto Group is able to support the community through an outstanding local organization and many hard working students will be able to realize their dreams of a college education. It's a win all around if you ask us. Now it's time to play your part! Purchase a raffle ticket from Peoria Promise. Not only will you help provide someone with an education, you could also win one sweet car.

Mayor Ardis at the Peoria Promise Press Conference

Purchase raffle tickets and read about the Corvette at the Peoria Promise website here.
View new and used Uftring Auto Group Corvettes.

Saab Safety With Lee Ranson

If you haven't already seen it on television, watch this video. Lee Ranson of Uftring Chevy Saab tells how his son's life was saved by driving a Saab.