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Selling made simple with Passport Auto and Kelley Blue Book

Instant Cash Offer Make a confident decision with Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer, an easy-to-use tool with a real guaranteed offer for your car based on trusted KBB values. Get an offer you can trust in 3 easy steps: Tell Us About Your Car Get Your Offer Get Cash or Trade-In Credit How does Instant Cash Offer work? It’s easy! Follow these simple steps to find out how much your vehicle is worth and receive your cash offer today. • Follow this link to get started. • Enter your license plate, vehicle identification number, or make/model. • Answer questions about your vehicle. • Receive the Instant Cash Offer. more What's Next? Got your Kelley Blue Book® cash offer? Congrats! Good news: Offers are good for 7 days! If you haven’t already, schedule your appointment at any one of our dealer locations from Alexandria, VA, Suitland, and Gaithersburg, MD, for in-person verification. Once you’ve dropped off your vehicle, your car will undergo a final inspection by our specialists. Review your paperwork and collect your payment! Questions? We've got answers! • Why Choose Passport? As a trusted partner of Kelley Blue Book®, we keep things simple for you: multiple appraisers, flexible hours, and a streamlined process. • How is the Kelley Blue Book? Instant Cash Offer different from Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In Range? Instant Cash Offer is a fixed offer applied toward your next car purchase or used to sell your current car to a Participating Dealer (pending inspection) that is valid for 3 days (not counting Sundays) and unique to your car condition and features of your unique vehicle. Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In Range is an estimated trade-in value used toward the purchase of another car that could apply to many cars similar to yours and is a generalized value based on a car's year, make, model, style, mileage, features, options, and condition. • Am I obligated to redeem my Instant Cash Offer? Nope! There is no obligation to trade in or sell your car by simply receiving an Offer. The choice is yours.

Save yourself some time and schedule a test drive at one of our Passport Auto locations

A test drive is one of the most important steps in determining the purchase of a new or used vehicle. Test driving works to the advantage of the customer. By test-driving a vehicle that has your interest, you will gain first-hand experience in operating the car. Take note of the vehicle's quality, fit, appearance, and characteristics. Why Schedule a Test Drive? • It will speed up the process and we will have the vehicle you are interested in prepped and parked close by. • We will sit down and review the details of the vehicle you desire so that we can confirm that we have selected the right vehicle. • We will give you a custom-tailored presentation of the vehicle and have you drive the vehicle to make sure it meets your needs. • We will have your current vehicle appraised and answer any financing and payment questions you have so that you have all the information necessary to make an informed purchase or lease decision. • We will ensure that you are comfortable with all of the features, options, and controls on your new or certified used vehicle before you drive your new vehicle home. SCHEDULE TEST DRIVE Please take a moment to complete some information so that we may better serve you. Once you have submitted your information, you will be contacted by a customer service specialist. Click here to schedule a test drive at one of our locations.

Mazda financial services offers payment relief to customers affected by hurricane Ian

Mazda Financial Services (MFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by Hurricane Ian. This broad outreach includes any MFS customers in the designated disaster areas. Mazda Financial Services cares about the safety and well-being of its customers and wants to help those suffering from this natural disaster. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in the affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include: • extensions and lease deferred payments; • redirecting billing statements; and • arranging phone or online payments. Customers who would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to contact MFS directly by calling 866-693-2332. We extend our heartfelt thoughts to those affected by this devastating storm.

Nissan Snug Kids® warns of risks with used, expired or counterfeit child safety seats

September is National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Month, and time for caregivers to review the child safety seats their little ones are using. While inflation and other pressures mean many families are looking to save money, purchasing a car seat is not the time to skimp, due to the dangers posed by secondhand or potentially counterfeit seats. "Don't install a used seat, an expired seat, or a seat that's been in a collision, and make sure it was tested according to federal standards," said Robert Sinclair Jr, senior manager of public affairs at AAA. "It's also crucial to make sure you're using a car seat correctly to keep your child safe in a crash. If installed properly, the car seat should not be able to move more than an inch in any direction at the belt path and there should be no slack if you pinch the strap at the child's shoulder," said Sinclair. more Nissan introduced Snug Kids®, an industry-first program, 20 years ago. It is geared specifically toward safety for children in child restraint systems (CRS), commonly referred to as "child safety seats." Not all CRS fit in all vehicles. Nissan safety engineers have spent thousands of hours evaluating hundreds of CRS by installing them in the rear seats of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles. The result is the Snug Kids® Child Safety Seat Fit Guide, which helps parents confidently select a CRS that fits their Nissan or INFINITI while also providing valuable tips on the proper fit of a CRS. "Nissan prioritizes passenger safety for all occupants," said Matthew Gapinski, senior manager, product safety engineering at Nissan. "Our Snug Kids team of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians works directly with child seat manufacturers to make sure we are checking for a proper fit of their latest seat models in our vehicles." For additional help correctly installing car seats, parents can search a list maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find certified technicians in their area. "Parents and caregivers also should read their child restraint system's owner's manual and vehicle owner's manual to ensure proper installation and use of car seats and boosters," said Gapinski. "I'm often asked which car seat is the best, and my response is ‘the one that best fits your vehicle and that you can install and use correctly every time.'"

The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023

The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023. This is being made possible primarily through the development of innovative materials with leather-like properties. It will also be possible to use these materials for steering wheel surfaces, which must fulfill demanding criteria when it comes to feeling, premium appearance, and wear resistance. Fully vegan interiors will be available for both BMW and MINI models for the first time from 2023. The BMW Group is thus serving the demand for vegan and leather-free interiors, which is set to increase further in the near future, especially in the US, China, and Europe. more The reduction of CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of a vehicle is the central goal of the BMW Group on the road to climate neutrality, which is to be achieved by 2050 at the latest. Material selection has a key role to play in achieving this goal. Replacing raw materials of animal origin makes a significant contribution to increasing sustainability in vehicle production. The introduction of a new surface material for steering wheels will see the proportion of vehicle components that contain traces of raw materials of animal origin fall to less than one percent in the respective BMW and MINI vehicles. As a result, these materials will now only be found in areas that are not visible to the customer, for example in various waxy substances such as gelatine used in protective coatings, lanolin in paints, tallow as an additive in elastomers, and beeswax as a flux for paints. The BMW Group has for a long time been offering various fabric alternatives to leather. Now, for the first time, it is possible to offer a suitable substitute for leather for the most important interface between driver and vehicle. The steering wheel surfaces must fulfill demanding criteria when it comes to appearance, wear resistance, and durability. “With a steering wheel made from a high-quality vegan surface material, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers who do not want to make any compromises in terms of look, feel, and functionality. The innovative material withstands wear and tear caused by abrasion, perspiration, and moisture and has all the desirable properties of leather,” says Uwe Köhler, Head of Development Body, Exterior Trim, Interior at the BMW Group. The only distinguishing feature of the new material will be a new grain effect on the steering wheel rim. Leather-free surfaces reduce CO2e emissions by 85 percent. The fact that there is now a high-quality vegan surface material with equivalent properties to the real leather previously used in the production of steering wheels represents another major step towards CO2 reduction. The new steering wheel surface material reduces CO2e emissions along the value chain by around 85 percent compared to leather. Up to now, most of the emissions produced, around 80 percent, were in the form of methane gas from cattle rearing. The remaining 20 percent was accounted for by processing of the cowhide, which is highly energy- and water-intensive. Climate neutrality and a circular economy are the top priorities. To achieve the goal of climate neutrality, the BMW Group is relying on the use of green electricity in production and in the supply chain, a consistently increased proportion of secondary materials and natural raw materials, highly efficient electric motors and combustion engines, and a high recycling rate in line with the principles of a circular economy. It’s all in the detail: The floor mats for various models are made from mono-material, thus avoiding material mixes that are difficult to recycle. As a result, the BMW Group saves around 23,000 tonnes of CO2 and an additional 1,600 tonnes of waste every year, since the recycled floor mats and waste material are also reused within the production process. Research and development in the field of secondary raw materials and sustainable materials are a top priority. Future vehicle generations will offer other attractive alternatives to leather. The BMW Group is working with start-up companies to develop innovative bio-based materials. Compared to the synthetic leathers previously used, these result in around 45 percent lower CO2 emissions. MirumTM, which is 100 percent bio-based and petroleum-free, has the potential to mimic all the properties of traditional leather. Another new material, DeserttexTM, is made from pulverised cactus fibres with a bio-based polyurethane matrix. With these materials, replacing raw materials of animal origin can be combined with a significant reduction in CO2.

Passport Gives Back to the Community

Community Involvement, Sponsorship & Social Responsibility ​Since 1991, Passport Auto Group has been proud to serve our Washington, D.C. community with excellence in sales, service, and customer care. Philanthropy has been at the core of our enterprise since the very beginning. Collectively, the dealerships and owners have contributed over $4 million to local and international nonprofit organizations. Passport is proud to partner with many deserving charities and outreach organizations that work toward improving the lives of area residents each and every day.​ more Regional and National Support • Alex's Army Childhood Cancer Foundation • Alexandria Seaport Foundation • Bikes for kids (Coming 2022) • Bishop Ireton High School • Brain Injury Services • Campagna Center • Carpenter’s Shelter • Central Union Mission • Blessed to Help Food Donation Program • Genesis Covenant Church • Dollars for Scholars College Scholarship Fund • Key to Karma Inc. • LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation, Inc. • Maple Springs Church Food Donation Program • Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church • Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Youth Summer Camp Program • Project Bridges • Tunnel to Towers Foundation • US Paralympic • Women of Prince George's International Support Our international philanthropy efforts focus on alleviating poverty by providing food, healthcare, shelter, and spiritual nourishment to those in need. • Africa New Life Ministries • American Leprosy • Cross International • Food for the Poor • Helping Haitian Angels • Save the Children Passport's success has been a result of one-to-one relationships with our customers and our employees. With this in mind, we highly encourage employees to belong to clubs, organizations, or networking groups. In addition, we donate both time and money to worthy community requests to thank the community for their support and to make our community a better place to work and live. Do you work for a local non-profit organization or know of a need in our community? Click here to contact us.

Passport Auto Would Like To Wish All Of Our Customers A Happy Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend has remained one of the most popular celebrations in America. After all, it is the last big weekend of the season. We hope you enjoy this long weekend with family and friends. Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Passport Auto Group Donates Nissan Frontier for Ready 2 Work Program

In 2022, Joe Mettimano, President of Central Union Mission, called Everett Hellmuth, President of Passport Auto Group, sharing their need for a truck for their Ready 2 Work program. Everett was sympathetic to their need and happy to give a helping hand. Central Union Mission needed their truck replaced for their program, Ready 2 Work. Ready 2 Work is a job training program that helps men and women get out of homelessness. Having a truck is an essential part of the program, as participants need a way to get around Washington, D.C. On, Thursday, April 14, Passport Auto Group donated a 2022 Nissan Frontier pick-up truck valued above $30,000. “We are so grateful and so honored that God would place it on his heart to bless us the way he did,” said Joe Mettimano. “This truck is going to bless the lives of those men and women who truly have made a change and are continuing to do the hard work.” “Passport Auto Group is a proud sponsor of Central Union Mission and has been for many years.” said Everett Hellmuth. “I’m so glad that our simple donation will have such a huge impact on the men and women who will use it for good. I’m proud we were able to do that.” Passport Auto Group is Central Union Mission’s 2022 Business Sponsor of the Year and is proud to support an organization that does such important work in the community.

Passport Auto goes off-road in the brand new 2022 Tundra to put this truck to the test.

Our daring and dependable DNA has been passed down for generations. It's grown in strength, explored every continent, and conquered impossible obstacles. Now it's time for the latest evolution of our fearless legacy. Introducing the all-new 2022 Tundra. Our most powerful, most capable, and most advanced body-on-frame truck ever. Crawl Control Available on TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road Packages, Tundra’s next-generation Crawl Control (CRAWL) * system helps you smoothly and quietly take on tough terrain. With the simple press of a button, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings, so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain. Multi-Terrain Select When you’re in the thick of it, this available system helps regulate wheelspin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. In 4x4 low and high range, a quick turn of the dial toggles between terrain modes: Mud, Sand, Rock, Mogul (i-FORCE only), or Auto (i-FORCE MAX only). Electronically Locking Rear Differential Tundra’s available electronically locking rear differential for TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road Packages evenly distributes engine power to both rear wheels. Once the system is engaged, both rear wheels move at the same speed and provide more grip in low-traction conditions. Click here to shop the 2022 Tundra

Passport Auto Group Surprises 300 Residents With $16,000 of Free Gas

A driver at the Mobil gas station, Said, said “it's a very lucky day. Any day is lucky when you get free gas. Totally unexpected.” Passport Auto Group shared the locations of the gas stations for their one-day event on Instagram. The gas stations included a Shell station, a Citgo station located in Camp Springs, Maryland, and a Mobil station in Alexandria, Virginia. • Employees of Team Passport, including President Everett Hellmuth and Vice President Jay Klein, pumped gas and distributed water and tips on how to save money on gas. Below are ten money-saving tips at the gas pump: • Check your tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. • Studies show that 20% to 30% of a vehicle's fuel consumption is tire-related. • Buy gas early or late in the day: Gas is cooler and more dense earlier in the day. As temperatures rise, gas density falls, and you get less of it when you pump. Drive at optimized speeds if possible: Cars are optimized for fuel efficiency at speeds between 55 and 65 mph, but always abide by the speed limit. • Cruise control: Use cruise control to maintain a steady and constant speed over long distances. Preserve gas: Turn off your vehicle when waiting; excess idling can waste gas. • Don’t carry extra weight: The more you carry around in your car or trunk, the more fuel you will burn transporting it. Glide in and out of your stops: Abrupt increasing and decreasing can have a real impact on your gas consumption. • Ask about cash savings: Look for stations that provide discounts for paying in cash (not debit) instead of credit; the stations save on credit card fees and pass the savings directly to you. • Download a gas app: Using one can sometimes save you more than $0.20 per gallon. • Acquire a gas rewards credit card: Many pay you back anywhere from 6-8% of your gas purchases. Visit Passport Auto Group’s Instagram page here to see a video on their free gas day event, and follow them to learn more ways they support the local community. Passport Auto Group is proud to support their local community throughout the year through their Passport Cares program.

Passport Toyota along with 450 other Toyota Dealerships Step Up for Back to School with Kids In Need Foundation

This back-to-school season, more than 450 Toyota dealerships are coming together with Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) for the inaugural Big Summer Giveback – all to make sure students are prepared for school. From August 1-31, 2022, Toyota will donate $3.00 to KINF for every paid oil change using Genuine Toyota Motor Oil with a tire rotation at participating Toyota Service Centers, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. Toyota is also promoting equity in education through an additional fundraiser during the month from customers who would like to contribute more, collecting donations at www.kinf.org/toyota. “We are thrilled to partner with Toyota on this initiative, knowing that so many students across the country will start the year with the supplies they need to learn,” said Corey Gordon, CEO of KINF. “Not only does this ease the burden on teachers to provide supplies in under-resourced schools, but it also generates greater awareness to the general public of the need for equitable learning environments in our underserved communities across the country.” From Boston to Charlotte to Los Angeles to Portland, tens of thousands of students will receive a new backpack full of essential school supplies through KINF’s Supply A Student program. Nearly 40 dealerships have committed to $10,000 donations in their community, ensuring that local students will start the school year strong with new supplies. “Toyota joins KINF in its belief that every child in America should have equal opportunity and access to a quality education,” said Mark Nazario, vice president, Guest Experience and Retention, Toyota Motor North America. “By partnering with teachers and students in under-resourced schools, KINF provides the support needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn.” In the schools served by Kids In Need Foundation, nearly 2 out of 3 students arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. KINF is the only national nonprofit that strategically focuses its efforts in schools in the nation’s most underserved communities, those with a student enrollment of 70% or more eligible to receive free or reduced meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). For more information about the KINF and its programs, please visit www.kinf.org.

INFINITI makes impressive progress in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. APEAL Study with QX60 topping midsize premium SUV ranking

The INFINITI QX60 has topped the midsize premium SUV segment in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The segment-top position for the QX60, the latest addition to INFINITI's range, helped drive the brand forward in the premium competitor rankings. In the 2022 Study, INFINITI improved more than any other premium brand, gaining 24 points and moving up three rank positions year over year. The annual J.D. Power Study measures owners' emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle after 90 days of ownership. The APEAL study asks owners to consider 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort they feel when climbing into the driver's seat to the exhilaration they get when they step on the accelerator. more "Since 1989, it's been INFINITI's goal to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction, so to receive a segment-top ranking in a study that truly reflects the voice of QX60 buyers is really encouraging" said Peyman Kargar, Chairperson, INFINITI Global." This accolade is an acknowledgement of the incredible work by our product planning, design and engineering teams who created a vehicle that not only has strong showroom appeal but brings a smile to the face of buyers long after they've purchased it." With the launch of the 2022 QX60, INFINITI set about reimagining the nameplate and creating a luxurious, family-friendly SUV that makes day-to-day tasks, weekend sports, school runs, and road trips easier and more comfortable. The QX60 blends a sleek, modern exterior with tailored, spacious interior, delivering serene comfort for up to seven passengers. A comprehensive suite of technology supports both a confident drive and connected passengers. The 2022 U.S. APEAL Study is based on responses from 84,165 owners of new 2022 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from February 2022 through May 2022, based on vehicles registered from November 2021 through February 2022.

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