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With each successive model year, the second-generation Mazda CX-9 midsize crossover SUV has benefited from refinements, technology updates and performance improvements. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is no different, with a host of improvements led by the addition of factory-equipped Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ infotainment technologies as standard equipment in Mazda CX-9 Touring trim level and above. Mazda’s engineers could have left well enough alone for their award-winning family vehicle but instead continue to make meaningful improvements to benefit drivers and passengers in all three rows. Among the updates are a refined, retuned suspension that offers a smoother, quieter and more natural ride and greater sound suppression by way of a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats, which aid in ease of conversation and enjoyment. The entry 2019 Mazda CX-9 Sport continues to offer strong value, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment screen with revised Commander control knob, cloth seats, LED headlights and tail lights, one-touch front and rear power windows, rear privacy glass, three-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio pairing, keyless entry and push-button start, Smart City Brake Support automatic emergency braking, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. more Available for CX-9 Sport is the Sport Package that includes a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic headlights, High Beam Control, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning, full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control, rain-sensing wipers and Smart Brake Support automatic emergency braking. Upgrading from Mazda CX-9 Sport to the CX-9 Touring model adds standard automatic headlights, heated front side mirrors, power liftgate with adjustable height, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, a power driver’s seat, 8-inch MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment screen, two second-row USB ports (each 2.1 amps), HomeLink, High Beam Control, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning, full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support and Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection. New-for-2019 Mazda CX-9 Touring features include factory-installed Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ infotainment technologies and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. Optionally available, CX-9 Touring’s Premium Package equips the three-row crossover SUV with a power moonroof, BOSE®Premium 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM with a three-month trial subscription, LED fog lamps, Mazda Navigation, front parking sensors and a second-row retractable sunshades. New for 2019, SiriusXM also comes with SiriusXM Travel Link®Services, which enables live traffic updates, weather, sports scores, fuel prices and nearby parking information. Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring builds upon those features and adds a new 7-inch TFT reconfigurable gauge cluster display first seen in the 2018 Mazda6 midsize sedan, ventilated front seats, new power-folding door mirrors and a new 360° View Monitor. These new features supplement Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring’s standard Adaptive Front-lighting System, chrome exterior accents, roof rails, windshield wipers de-icer, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition, heated steering wheel, LED door-pocket and overhead illumination and front and rear parking sensors. Mazda CX-9 Signature represents the flagship of the range with new rear exterior badging, LED grille accent lighting, Auburn Nappa leather seating surfaces, a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped “chidori” steering wheel, new Santos rosewood interior trim and supplemental interior lighting around the transmission shifter. All Mazda CX-9 models come equipped with an innovative, award-winning SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower on 93-octane gas (227 horsepower with 87-octane gasoline) and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque independent of fuel octane. All CX-9 models route power through a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard in CX-9 Signature and available with all other trim levels. Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive uses 27 sensors throughout the vehicle to paint a picture of road conditions and is designed to route power from the front to rear wheels and vice versa so the driver and passengers do not feel wheelslip. It can adjust more than 200 times per second. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 will begin arrive in select dealerships in the U.S. this month and will be in dealerships nationwide in September. Click here for pricing and other details.

Have a closer look at the fourth generation of the BMW X5. We’ll explore the exterior and interior design, the BMW Connected features and we'll take it on an offroad test drive.

Mazda’s Flagship Sedan to Receive Dealer-Installed Upgrade for Touring Trim Level and Above at No Extra Cost Starting this September Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ will be available nationwide beginning in September for the 2018 Mazda6 midsize sedan as a dealer-installed upgrade for Touring trim level and above at no extra cost. Starting in November, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ will arrive in the 2018 Mazda6 as original equipment on the Touring trim level and above. This highly anticipated update for 2018 Mazda6 Touring owners and above will enable drivers and passengers to access phone applications through the MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system. Owners of 2018 Mazda6 Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models should reach out and schedule an appointment with their local Mazda dealerships starting in September to have the upgrade service performed at no extra cost. The hardware and software updates take approximately two service hours to perform. In addition to installing Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, those Mazda6 models upgraded will also receive a more powerful, faster-charging 2.1-amp USB port in addition to the latest software version of MAZDA CONNECT™. Making the MAZDA CONNECT™ integration unique is the use of Mazda’s Commander knob and buttons that ease the ability to switch between different user interfaces and manage the different capabilities. The integration adheres to Mazda’s Heads-Up Cockpit philosophy and was designed to help lessen cognitive distraction and even allow users to perform native functions and smartphone-based functions such as listening to terrestrial radio while simultaneously using a compatible phone-based navigation app. The 2018 Mazda6 is the first Mazda vehicle in North America to offer Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility via dealership installation.

up to $3,000 on select BMW models Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. The up to $3,000 Credit is applied against MSRP of final purchase, not tax, title, destination, or handling charges. Must take delivery by July 31, 2018. Up to $3,000 off of new 2018 BMW 3 Series where available, up to $3,000 lease credit toward capitalized cost reduction OR up to $3,000 finance credit through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC. Availability of Lease or Finance credit dependent on location. Other credits available: $1,000 Lease Credit is for the 2018 5 Series Sedan. $2,000 APR Credit is for the 2018 5 Series Sedan. $1,500 APR Credit is for the 2018 X3. $1,250 Lease Credit for the 2018 X2. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Click here for more details. ©2018 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

ReachNow, the mobility services division of the BMW Group, became the first company to operate both car sharing and ride hailing within a single app. The company’s suite of mobility solutions is now available in one redesigned and reengineered ReachNow app, creating an ecosystem aimed at easing many of the transportation challenges facing residents of urban communities. ReachNow Members can now seamlessly choose to drive themselves, hail an immediate ride, or schedule a pick-up for later, all within a single ReachNow app. This is a significant milestone for ReachNow, which first unveiled its multimodal strategy at Automobility LA in November 2016. It also marks the company’s step toward scaling the mobility services that it has been testing beyond free-floating car sharing, including ride hailing, multi-day rental and fleet services for residential and corporate partners. “From day one, we’ve said that car sharing alone isn’t enough to solve the transportation challenges facing major cities. There are plenty of use cases for how people take advantage of a matrix of transit solutions – from bikes and buses to ride share and ferries – to make their way around their world every day,” said Dr. Simon Broesamle, Chief Customer Officer at ReachNow. “As the first company to bring together car sharing and ride hailing into one app, the new ReachNow experience is an important step in our commitment to a multimodal future.” “For mobility services, a key metric is the number of trips a member takes with a service,” says Dr. Bernhard Blättel, Vice President Mobility Services BMW Group. “ReachNow’s multimodal service offering gives Members more choice in how they get where they need to be by seamlessly integrating multiple services into one app. We believe this approach is critical to increasing loyalty, as Members have no need to look elsewhere for their mobility needs.” Your urban compass for every journey For the first time, ReachNow Members in Seattle are now able to access both ReachNow “Drive,” free-floating car sharing to drive themselves, and ReachNow “Ride,” ride hailing service to be driven by a professional driver, from within a single app experience. These services, in addition to the multi-day rental and dedicated fleets for residential buildings and corporate partners, all leverage the existing ReachNow shared fleet. This is a unique model enabling more utilization of the same cars instead of adding more cars to the streets. For Members, this a key benefit because they can access multiple services to meet their transportation needs without needing to switch between multiple apps. Some of the key enhancements to the ReachNow member experience include: • Drive or Ride. Members can now seamlessly choose between driving themselves via car sharing or getting a ride from a professional driver with the ride hailing service from the same interface. If a member chooses to drive, they are able to select from a fleet of hundreds of BMW, BMW i and MINI vehicles, and pay by the minute, by the hour or by the day. • Go now or go later. With ReachNow Ride, Members have the choice between an immediate, on-demand pickup or planning ahead by scheduling a pick-up – from 20 minutes to up to 7 days in advance. This provides more convenience and control during the workday or frequent travelers. • Personalized comfort. Personalize the in-vehicle ReachNow Ride experience by selecting temperature and music preferences, in addition to a “quiet time” feature for Members who wish to not be disturbed during their trip. All ReachNow Rides use professional drivers to ensure a consistent, quality experience. • Plan based on convenience or cost. The new destination bar is key to unlocking the benefits of ReachNow services and allows Members to choose their mode of transportation based on estimated time of arrival and price. As an added benefit, once a car is held, the destination will be sent automatically to the in-car navigation for easy turn-by-turn directions. The new features are complemented by a fresh redesign, which makes navigating the app, and Members’ transit experience, even easier. Functions like “Park & Keep” and “End Trip” are newly optimized for in-app use, so Members can select to park and return to their vehicle and end reservations directly from the app. Coming soon, ReachNow will roll out the “Enter PIN” feature, a faster and more convenient way to start the trip from their phone. Members can expect additional new updates and features in the coming weeks and months, aimed at creating an experience as close to owning a personal vehicle as possible. Members in Seattle will be the first to access the full ReachNow experience. Existing ReachNow Members have immediate access to Ride by updating the app. For a limited time, the sign up fee is waived for new Members who want to try Ride only. Standard ReachNow Ride pricing will start at a $3.24 minimum, incurred at $2.40/mile plus $0.40/minute with no surge pricing. At launch, members in Portland and residential fleet members in New York City will have access to an all-new Drive experience only.

The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupé has just been presented. Now let’s have a closer look at this car. In this clip, you’ll get more details of all the important aspects of this car. We’ll explore the exterior and interior design, the BMW Connected features and we'll take a test drive.

As Americans enjoy the holiday week and prepare for their summer adventures, preparations of a different kind are nearing completion at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina: the final phases of gearing up for production of the all-new BMW X5, which begins later this summer. Four generations of leadership. As the fourth generation of BMW X5, the all-new model joins a proud lineage and history of leadership. When it was introduced nearly 20 years ago, the original BMW X5 launched not only the BMW X model family, but launched the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment for the industry. Since then, the BMW X5 has firmly established itself as one of the pillars of the BMW model line, selling more than 2.2 million examples world-wide across the first three model generations. In the US, the BMW X5 has ranked in the top three best-selling BMW models every year since 2001. This tremendous success has come with several expansions of BMW Plant Spartanburg – now the largest BMW plant in the world. From South Carolina, BMW X models for the US and the world. The all-new BMW X5 will be the tenth X model to be produced at Plant Spartanburg since it began operations in 1994. As the BMW global center of competence for X models, Plant Spartanburg has already been busy in 2018; the all-new BMW X5 was preceded by the launch of the all-new BMW X4 in April. Plant Spartanburg also builds the BMW X3 and X6. With these all-new models and tremendous demand for BMW X models around the world, production in Spartanburg will further grow in the next years and is planned to ramp-up to fully utilize the yearly capacity of 450,000 units. BMW’s manufacturing plant in South Carolina is the single largest exporter of automobiles by value in the United States. Since the introduction of the original BMW X5, two of every three vehicles produced were exported for sale to customers outside the US. When considering the Spartanburg-built X3, X4, X5, and X6 together, more than 70 percent of the annual production is shipped to export markets. Plant Spartanburg. The size of the workforce has also grown substantially at Plant Spartanburg, from an initial 500 people in 1994 to more than 10,000 people today – with another 1000 expected to join by 2021. A 2017 study by the University of South Carolina finds that for every 10 jobs that are directly generated at a U.S. BMW facility, an additional 90 jobs are created elsewhere in the U.S. economy as a direct result of these BMW jobs. BMW U.S. purchasing of parts and materials for production at our U.S. plant totaled nearly $6 Billion (USD) in 2017 from more than 300 U.S. supplier companies. Training at the plant employs a dual apprenticeship training system that combines classroom learning with practical experience. In the past ten years, the BMW Group has invested more than 220 million US dollars in vocational and continued training at its Spartanburg facility, with another 200 million US dollars planned over the next five years. The training programs are run in cooperation with local colleges. Click here to read more.

We are the land of the free, we are the home of the brave. Let's pay tribute to our brave American Heroes on this special day and forever. Happy Independence Day!

Open Sunday, June 24th Passport BMW: 11AM to 5PM Passport Nissan MD: NOON to 5PM Passport Nissan VA: NOON to 5PM Passport MINI of Alexandria: 11AM to 4PM Passport INFINITI: NOON to 5PM INFINITI of Suitland: NOON to 5PM

We Hope Father’s Day brings you some time to relax and to celebrate in your favorite ways.

BMW launches the all-new 4th generation 2019 BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle with two variants, the X5 xDr40i and the X5 xDr50i. Since its introduction almost 20 years ago, the BMW X5 has been built exclusively in Spartanburg, SC. To date, more than 2.2 million X5’s have been sold worldwide, one third of those sales being in the U.S. more The all-new 2019 BMW X5 will again be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg, SC. This center of competence for BMW X models also handles production of the BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X6 and will soon add the BMW X7. New design language exudes confidence and authority. A wheelbase that is 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor’s, a 1.1 inches increase in vehicle length, an extra 2.6 inches of width and a 1.0 inches increase in height give the all-new 2019 BMW X5 both a muscular appearance and a more generous level of space for passengers and their luggage. The latest X5 retains the hallmark proportions of an SAV, but the pared-back design language – clean surfacing and precise lines accentuating elegant poise and authority – is new. A sculpted hood a short front overhang, lightly hexagonal wheel arches and the dynamic sweep of the roofline exemplify the sporty yet rugged character of the all-new 2019 BMW X5. “The BMW X5 embodies the origins of the BMW X family and, in its fourth generation, sends out its most powerful message yet in terms of presence and modernity,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It defines a new X design language – robust, clear and precise.” The most striking feature of the front end is the large BMW kidney grille with single-piece surrounds. The all-new BMW X5 comes standard with Adaptive LED headlights, while BMW Laserlights are available as an option and feature blue x-shaped elements, which split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights, make a distinctive visual statement. The precise character line in the X5’s flanks, rise up at the rear door, contributing to the modern appearance of the all-new BMW X5. It defines the car’s powerful shoulders and feeds into the rear lights, which extend well into the flanks. At the rear, all lights feature LED technology. xLine and M Sport model variants, options from BMW Individual. Distinctive design features differentiate the xLine and M Sport model variants of the all-new BMW X5. The standard xLine model uses exterior cues including kidney grill bars finished in matte aluminum, underbody protection, roof rails and side window surrounds in satin Aluminum, plus other accents in Pearl-effect Chrome, to accentuate the off-road character of the all-new 2019 BMW X5. M Sport specification sees the wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underbody protection and side skirts painted in body color and complimented by matte aluminum kidney grille bars, and roof rails and side window surrounds in high-gloss black. The all-new BMW X5 comes standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, the M Sport brings 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. Wheels in 21-inch and 22-inch sizes are available as options. Interior design and controls Modern and elegant surfacing radiates a feeling of space inside the all-new 2019 BMW X5. The front and rear occupants all enjoy generous accommodation amid an exclusive ambience. The instrument panel is broken up by sweeping horizontal lines, which combine with electroplated trim elements to emphasize the width of the interior. And with its large trim finisher and surrounds likewise made up of electroplated elements, the center console – rising up to the instrument panel – contributes to the handsome overall impression. The raised seating position, driver-focused cockpit and new design and arrangement of the controls offer the person in the left seat the best possible view to enable him or her to maintain complete command over the task of driving. The fully-digital instrument cluster and the center display are connected visually by consistency of design and share the same graphics. The center console hosts the iDrive Controller, the newly designed transmission selector lever and all other driving-related controls – i.e. the Driving Experience Control switch, the start/stop button and the buttons to activate the air suspension settings and off-road modes (if equipped). A similarly new-look for the heating, air conditioning and lighting functions is on hand. Carefully selected materials in the interior include a new Vernasca variant for the leather upholstery. Like the optional BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, it is available in five colors. The all-new BMW X5 is fitted with standard electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Customers can also specify optional multifunction seats with massage function and seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. The standard xLine and optional M Sport models also come with specific design features that bring a distinctive flair to the interior. The interior appointments for the standard xLine model accentuate the car’s versatility and luxurious ambience, while the optional M Sport model enhances the on board driving experience. The two lines include illuminated door sill plates specific to each variant and an anthracite headliner. M Sport trim also includes an M sports steering wheel, M-specific pedals, driver’s footrest and piping on the seats, plus exclusive interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon. Click here to view the full article.

Why You Should Trade In Your Car vs Selling It Yourself: Looking to sell your vehicle? Trade it In or Sell it to us instead! Before you place that classified ad, read below and see why it actually SAVES you money and time to sell it to Passport instead! Trading A Car Can Save You Money: In many states, you only pay sales tax on the “Price Difference” as opposed to the full selling price when you buy without trading. For example, if you buy a new car for $25,000 and trade-in your old car for $8,000 you will only pay $1,200 in taxes vs $1,500 if you did not trade-in your car. more Trading A Car Helps Protect Your Privacy and Your Safety: In today’s complex society with identify theft and so many other hazards, selling your car yourself can be potentially dangerous. The process of selling a vehicle privately can expose you and your family to identity thieves, fraud, counterfeiters, or possibly carjacking. If you do choose to sell your vehicle yourself, be extremely careful and take the proper precautions to insure your personal and financial safety. When setting up appointments with potential buyers that you don't know, only schedule meetings when a friend or family member can be there with you, and ALWAYS meet in a well-lit, crowded, public place OTHER than your home. Trading or Selling to a reputable dealership like PASSPORT is simple, easy, and helps protect you and your family. Trading A Car Saves You Time and Effort: Selling a car requires significant effort on your part. In order to sell your used car, you'll have to do things like running and paying for classified ads, taking professional photos of your vehicle, taking and handling phone calls and allowing complete strangers to test drive your car! Then of course, you'll have to negotiate for your final price, and most customers need financing, so that adds another layer to the transaction. Trading or Selling your car to Passport Saves You Time, Effort, and Aggravation! Trading A Car Helps You Avoid Costly Last-Minute Car Repairs: If you decide to sell your car, you will need to ensure it is well-maintained and all parts are working. You must also ensure that all recalls are performed and that any special requirements are met for your state. If you trade the vehicle to a reputable dealership like PASSPORT, we will gladly take care of ALL reconditioning and then we assume ALL liability for reselling the vehicle. Making sure your car is mechanically sound and ready for market only adds extra worry and expense on your part, including fixing brakes, tires and other pricey items. Trading or Selling your car to Passport gives you peace of mind, and helps remove legal complexity and potential legal pitfalls from your life. Trading Or Selling Your Car To Us Lets You Walk Away Hassle and Worry Free: When you trade-in or sell your car to a PASSPORT dealership, you'll prevent any issues with a dissatisfied customer later on. What happens if the engine light comes on, or if the transmission or brakes go out? If you sell your car privately, the new owner knows where you live and may contact or harass you, or even obtain legal representation and potentially sue you in small claims court. When you trade-in your vehicle or sell it to a Passport dealership, we assume all of the responsibility and you can walk away hassle and worry free. When you add up the potential liabilities and the exposure to your privacy, it just makes sense to protect your privacy and save yourself time, effort, and money and sell or trade your car to a Passport dealership. Contact us today and let us show you how easy it can be to get rid of your old vehicle for a fair, easy price. We will make you a customer for life at Passport Auto Group!