Drive Whatcom Fall 2016

The Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record present

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

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A supplement of the

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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The Passat Challenge

to

A driver's side-by-side comparison Coming soon to a Volkswagen dealer near you...it's the Volkswagen Passat Dare to Compare challenge-where you can see the Volkswagen Passat R-Line in all its glory. Why the Passat Dare to Compare challenge? Well, frankly, the 2017 Passat R-Line is in its own league. Thanks to standard features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert.

Plus, a whole lot more. See for yourself. Visit Roger Jobs Volkswagen, Inc. through 10/31/2016 and check out the Volkswagen Passat R-Line, take it for a spin, and see why it's un-comparable. We double-drive dare you.

2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line, 1.8L (A/T) $23,975 (MSRP)

Roger Jobs Volkswagen, Inc. 2200 Iowa Street • (360) 734-5230

www.rogerjobsVW.com Offer only valid 10/04/2016 through 10/31/2016. All vehicles are one of each. All Pre-Owned or Certified vehicles are Used. A dealer documentary service fee of up to $150 may be added to the sale price or capitalized cost. Prices exclude tax, title, and license. All transactions are negotiable including price, trade allowance, interest rate (of which the dealer may retain a portion), term, and documentary service fee. Any agreement is subject to execution of contract documents. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this data. Please verify any information in question with a dealership sales representative.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Bellingham’s Wilson Motors sells its two dealerships Toyota and Mercedes-Benz remain part of Wilson Motors family

By Cameron Van Til sports@lyndentribune.com

BELLINGHAM — Wilson Motors has announced the sale of its two dealerships to separate owners.

The Nissan dealership at 1516 Iowa St. has been sold to Chris Russell, an Idaho-based owner. The dealership’s name will change from Wilson Motors Nissan to Nissan of Bellingham and will no longer be part of the Wilson Motors family.

The Toyota and MercedesBenz dealership at 1100 Iowa St. has been sold to Al Monzajeb, who owns multiple dealerships in the Seattle area and is an associate of Wilson Motors dealer principal Rick Wilson.

The dealership will now have two names: Mercedes-Benz of Bellingham and Toyota of Bellingham.

“I am confident that we have found a new owner that will continue to uphold the high standards that have made Wilson Motors a community champion,” Wilson said in a press release.

The sellers of the two dealerships were Wilson and general manager Julian Greening.

Wilson is retiring after more than 50 years of operating the family business, which was established in 1960. Greening will continue to serve as general manager and stated in the release that operations won’t change within the dealership’s sales, service and parts departments.

“Wilson’s has always had a strategy of being the best community member we can be and

Wilson Motors sales consultant Jeremiah Decker sits at the wheel of one of the dealership's many vehicles. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

utilizes a community marketing plan that encompasses helping and connecting our communities,” said business and market-

ing director Pete Nelson. “I expect this to grow even stronger with an amazing new owner and one who embraces com-

munity and customer service.

“The entire staff welcomes Al Monzajeb and is incredibly excited about what our new

owner offers all stakeholders involved. We expect every facet of our business to grow.”

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Jeep celebrates 75 years Company’s anniversary line features exclusive badging, colors

By Brent Lindquist news@ferndalerecord.com

BELLINGHAM — Rairdon’s of Bellingham floor manager Jay Leclair knows Jeep customers well, and he knows that they like their vehicles unique.

Leclair has especially seen this affinity with the 75th-anniversary edition models released for 2016. These models include the Wrangler Unlimited, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade and Compass.

“They did a lot, but it’s not a total redesign,” Leclair said. “The biggest thing that you will notice is the badging.”

The 75th-anniversary badge features the year “1941” and a silhouette of the Willys MB, the legendary U.S. Armyrequested vehicle produced from 1941 through 1945. The MB wasn’t the first Willys ever produced; the Willys MA was built in 1941 and sent mostly to U.S. allies in Russia and England. Only 30 of these are known to exist today, making it the rarest of the pre-production Willys. The MB is considered the iconic Jeep, hence its presence on the 75th-anniversary badge.

Jeep is embracing its military heritage with a variety of colors available exclusively on 75th-anniversary models.

This includes the “Sarge” green on the Wrangler Unlimited and Recon Green on the Grand Cherokee, among others.

“You get a lot of the standard features, but you also get a lot of cool colors,” Leclair said. “It’s been a huge success for our store in Bellingham.”

The Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary edition carries on the tradition started by the Willys MB in 1941. (Courtesy photo/Jeep)

In true Jeep fashion, the company built a special Willys MB-inspired concept Wrangler at its Toledo, Ohio plant, the same facility that has produced Wranglers for decades. It runs on a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a six-speed manual transmis-

sion. The concept, named the “Salute,” is a one-of-a-kind modern interpretation of the classic MB, springing from the twodoor Wrangler Sport. While it isn’t available commercially, it’s an embodiment of the Jeep heritage, and a symbol of what

customers can expect when purchasing a 75th-anniversary model Jeep this year.

Visit Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham at 1615 Iowa St., or call 255-4800 for more information.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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VW Passat 2017 improves upon 2016 Best Midsize Sedan

Passat, the largest car in the Volkswagen lineup, is now built in the United States specifically for the North American driver. (Courtesy photo/Volkswagen)

Passat beats out eight other competing models for Cars.com's top spot

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM ­— The 2016 Passat was declared the best midsize sedan of the year by

Cars.com — no easy achievement among nine models vying for the top spot.

After all, in order to qualify for the 2016 Midsize Sedan Challenge, vehicles had to have an automatic transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy of at least 28 mpg combined, and be priced at an MSRP below $28,000.

To determine the winner, the vehicles were taken on a 220-mile real-world drive around the Atlanta area. In addition, both

qualified judges and a couple in the market for a midsize did their evaluation of ride, handling, acceleration and more.

In the end, the 2016 Passat beat out other comparable models including the Honda Accord (fifth), Toyota Camry (seventh) and Nissan Altima (ninth). Among the reasons cited for winning were spaciousness, available technology and safety, especially the vehicle’s autonomous emergency braking system.

And, of course, it gave a fun driving experi-

ence.

The 2016 Passat represented a significant facelift, both inside and out.

“The model really shook up the midsize sedan segment” says Douglas Volkswagen Official Blog, and yet, amazingly ... “things may be even better for the 2017 model year.

Volkswagen has found a way to make the Passat even more appealing with a few generous adjustments to its trim level offerings including Forward Collision Warning and Autono-

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

DRIVE WHATCOM mous Emergency Braking becoming a standard feature.”

For Travis Graddon, manager at the Roger Jobs Motors dealership in Bellingham, it all adds up to “getting the word out” about his product, and getting people inside a car and on the road to give the Passat a serious try.

He is sure the experience will bear out what the independent evaluations say.

The rest of the world knows all the rave about VW — it’s just a little tougher go in the competitive American market, Graddon explains.

What comes with the 2017 upgrade of the sporty Passat R-Line? Blind Spot Monitor With Rear Cross Traffic Alert becomes standard. It also gets the larger Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system. Continue to expect a USB port, free trial of Serius XMSatellite Radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The R-Line also now comes with the VTex leatherette seats — and heated seats in front, to boot.

The 2017 Passat SE Trim Level adds some upgrades of its own: keyless access and pushbutton start across the board and in the Technology trim now remote start, Park Pilot, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The 2017 Passat receives the top 5-Star Safety Rating of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, joining several other Volkswagen models, Graddon points out.

Roger Jobs is at 2200 Iowa St., Bellingham. Call 1-888-251-5340 for sales.

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Passat is offered as a front-wheel-drive four-door sedan with choice of either a four- or six-cylinder engine. (Courtesy photo/Volkswagen)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Local VW club has a unique bonding with the community Death By Volkswagen thrives on helping those around them

By Ashley Hiruko ashley@lyndentribune.com

Events coordinator John Harlow drives his Volkswagen GTI in Bellingham on Tuesday. He has been a member of Death by VW for over two years. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

WHATCOM — The name might sound scary. But what this Volkswagen enthusiast car club is doing is anything but alarming.

Death by Volkswagen members discuss car modifications and bond over their love for the German car company, but they also aim to benefit the community by holding numerous fundraisers, donating to food banks and hosting food drives.

“We work really hard to instill a sense of paying attention to the people around you and stepping outside yourself and doing something for them,” said Steve Perret, club president. “It’s really important for us to have that whole heart and soul to our group.”

The car club meets a couple of times a month for dinner and breakfast, choosing a local business to benefit.

This Thursday, members will be gathering at Coconut Kenny’s in Ferndale and, as always, plan on remaining respectful of the establishment.

“We want to sit down and BS with our friends,” Perret said. “At the same time, we want to be invited back next time. It’s about fun. It’s about family. It’s about responsibility.”

The club was begun in 2002 by Nate Doherty and Kyler Lee. What started off as just “some guys who enjoyed Volkswagen hanging out in a garage” has blossomed into multiple chapters of the club with over 200 members around the Pacific Northwest.

“You know Volkswagen has always had its own following,” Perret said. “Always been unique in what it’s done. You get the Volkswagen thing or you don’t, and if you do you kind of have a tendency to follow it pretty heavily.”

The car company, which began in 1937, is known for its older retro-styled compact models of the Beetle and Rabbit as well as the Microbus. But over the years, these air-cooled models have been harder and harder to obtain.

Perret said other Volkswagen clubs often distinguish themselves by the type of cooling the vehicle uses, whether air

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Caption. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) cooling or water cooling. Death by Volkswagen is an all-encompassing group that allows not only members with ei-

ther air-cooled or water-cooled vehicles, but people that don’t even own a Volkswagen.

“It goes back to the type of people involved, that family atmosphere,” Perret said. “Even though people may live

different lives, they have that common thread — they enjoy what Volkswagen brings to people.”

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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2017 Kia Sedona lands safety award New car features autonomous braking system WHATCOM — The Korean brand has been regaining momentum by landing numerous awards for the 2017 Kia Sedona.

Earlier this year, the Sedona landed the 2016 top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This was in part due to newly added safety functions.

Kia representative Bob Cesena said in an email that the new Sedona is equipped with a variety of safety systems meant to protect passengers by monitoring the environment while the vehicle is in motion.

One of the most noteworthy features is the addition of the autonomous braking system.

Vehicles are becoming more and more self-reliant when it comes to driving capabilities, closely resembling vehicles out of a science-fiction movie.

The Sedona is no exception with its new braking system.

Using a laser mounted to the front of the car, the vehicle will automatically stop if it comes close to hitting a vehicle or pedestrian in front of it.

Cesena said that this feature is one of the most important the new Sedona has to offer.

Other safety features are electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill start assist control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brakes, rollover mitigation and cornering brake control.

“When compared to the competition, it provides a higher quality experience at a lower entry price,” Cesena said.

The 2017 Kia Sedona in base trim has a starting price around $27,000. (Courtesy photo/Kia Motors)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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Adults must set a good example at the wheel Fend off distractions for job No. 1 — driving Today’s teens — and not just teens — face more distractions than any generation before.

Those under 20 don’t recall a time when they weren’t continuously connected to their friends. Cell phones — which might have been provided as a safety precaution in case Mom or Dad was running late picking them up from school — are now the source of constant messaging, sharing and media consumption.

Teens send texts instead of passing notes in class. They share moments with their peers and the world in the form of photos and short videos. Music, food and transportation can arrive on demand, all with the swipe of a finger. Being away from their phones, even for a short period of time, can cause a form of separation anxiety expressed in the acronym FOMO (fear of missing out).

So it should come as no surprise that cell phone use is the offense most commonly associated with distracted driving.

However, it’s not the only type of distraction.

“A lot of people think they’re better drivers than they actually are, which is why they take unnecessary risks when they’re behind the wheel,” said Randy Petro, chief claims officer for Mercury Insurance. “We see a lot of claims related to distracted driving, including parents turning to scold arguing children, adjusting the infotainment system and even taking photos while driving. Your first priority once you start piloting any vehicle should be to focus on the task at hand — driving.”

Ten percent of all drivers ages 15 to 19 who were involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA also reports that 660,000 people drive distracted every day.

In our ever-connected times, it can be hard to shut out the distractions. But safe driving requires it. (Courtesy photo) Teens aren’t the only ones who feel the need to be connected. Adults are guilty of it, too.

Many of the teens who are glued to their smartphones have witnessed their parents answering emails at the dinner table or have seen them shoot a “quick text” while driving. Teens have grown up learning that this type of behavior is acceptable and maybe even expected. However, there’s a right time and a right place for everything.

“The first thing parents need to do

is practice what they preach. Teenagers won’t always be receptive to ‘because I say so’ or ‘because I’m the adult,’ especially if they witness their parents actively engaging in a behavior they’re being told is bad,” adds Petro. “We as adults need to set a proper example. After all, we do have the advantage of more life experience.”

Parents should set a powerful example by committing not to drive distracted if they want their children to do the same.

If necessary, parents can also invest in technology to monitor and disable phones

while their teens are driving to eliminate the temptation altogether.

“No Instagram post, bite of a burger or playlist selection is worth someone else’s life. People are mainly in a car to get from point A to point B, and our wish is for them to do it safely,” said Petro.

Several excellent online resources provide tips and information to help prepare teens for life behind the wheel, including Mercury Insurance’s Drive Safe Challenge and NHTSA’s Distraction.gov.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | Ferndale Record

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