To all the Commuters out there, News for you!

This month, since we are all dropping our kids back off at school and real life is setting back in, we focus on the commuters out there.  You loyal workers who park in traffic on whatever Interstate highway you obey each morning between 7am-9am and again, in the evening from 4:30pm-6:30pm.  We know you like to carpool, especially when you have a new car, with fun new toys in it.  You can drive all of your co-workers to work and on a lunch break.  Here are a few new thoughts for you. 

Hyundai's Blue Link: Daily Traffic Report  

You can set up a few routes, and Blue Link will update you each day.  Find the fastest route to work! You can get real-time information for traffic and alternate route guidance based on your surroundings.  Genius!

According to NewCars.com the 2012 Best Compact Commuter:

2012 Hyundai Elantra

Base Price: $15,345
Fuel Economy Ratings: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined

"The Elantra got a complete makeover in 2011 transforming it from a car that blended in with the pack into one of the most efficient and good-looking cars in its class. It returns for 2012 with the same "fluidic motion" design that many Hyundai's are sharing and more importantly, the same fantastic fuel economy. Another note on that 40 mpg highway: all trims and styles of the Elantra hit that lofty number, while the other cars in this class that hit that magical 40 mpg highway number only do so when equipped with special packages or trims that add a couple thousand dollars onto the base price. That's why the other contenders we considered all start at almost $4,000 more than the Elantra. Inside there is plenty of standard equipment, something true of most Hyundai cars, including power windows/locks, USB/auxiliary audio inputs, and remote keyless entry. The Elantra also offers plenty of interior room (it has more passenger volume than a Nissan Maxima) and some premium options you won't find in the competition, like its class exclusive heated rear seats. All of these factors combined to make the Elantra an easy choice in this category.)" --NewCars.com

Are you Ready for Some Football?

Football Season is coming and since we live in Texas, it only seems appropriate that we write about some tailgating ideas.  Hopefully the weather will cool off and you, your friends, and loyal followers of your favorite team can enjoy barbecue and some wins!

This website is full of tips, recipes and funny videos.  Here are a few of my favorite tips:

• When tailgating in warm weather, make sure your beverages are real cold before placing in a cooler of ice helps to slow the ice melt. It sounds simple but it works, along with freezing some bottles of water to throw in the cooler, too.
• Laminated Check List. Develop your check list and laminate it. On Fri/Sat as you are packing, simply check off the items with a dry erase marker. When all done, wipe it off and you are ready for the next game!
• Always bring your own personal "jumbo" beverage glass with me. When you set your beverage down for any reason, having a distinguishable cup makes it is easy to spot and retrieve. That prevents you from grabbing someone else's cup.
• Line your portable grill with aluminum foil for easy clean-up and disposal of spent charcoal.
• A recipe for "Rick's Awesome Chili" 
• Make hamburgers in advance (make sure they are no thicker than 3/4 inch) and freeze between sheets of wax paper. Put on grill still frozen and cook 3 to 4 minutes each side.

  
  

   

  
  

  Also, while it's still over 100 degrees we hope that you'll consider a Carside Awning.  Here's a link to my favorite one.  I think it would look perfect on the Veracruz, Santa Fe or Tucson.   And if you don't have the perfect tailgating car, come on in and test drive one, before the first kick off, none of this preseason stuff counts!  Have a great Monday!

  
  
   

Eckert Hyundai Backpack Giveaway

Happy Monday and welcome back to an exceptionally hot work week in the DFW area!  Here's something to brighten your day.  Eckert Hyundai is giving away not just one but TWO fully stocked backed packs, full of back-to-school essentials for your children this fall!  One less expense you have to incur during the dreaded back-to-school shopping!  You can pocket that cash for a down payment on a new Hyundai!

Contest Details: 

 

All you have to do is "like" us on Facebook, and comment on your favorite backpack for a chance to win.  

The contest winner will be notified on August 15, via Facebook!  Good Luck!

July: National Grilling Month

Grilled Appetizer Recipe from Mark Eckert

In observance of National Grilling Month, Mark Eckert is sharing one of his favorite recipes.  He makes these grilled appetizers for family get-togethers and has even brought them to work here at Eckert Hyundai.

Grilled Macho Munchies

Ingredients:
2 pounds duck meat or sirloin steak, cubed in bite-size pieces.
2 small cans of whole water chestnuts
1 can of sliced jalapenos
2 packages of bacon, slices halved
Worcestershire sauce
Toothpicks
Ranch dressing
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Spicy Mustard

1) Marinate duck or beef in Worcestershire sauce a Ziploc bag for 2-4 hours.
2) Marinate water chesnuts in Worchestershire sauce in a separate bag or bowl for 2-4 hours.
3) Soak toothpicks in water so they don't burn on the grill.
4) Assemble your bite-size appetizers by threading a piece of meat, a jalapeno, and a water chestnut on each toothpick.  Wrap a half slice of bacon around each piece and secure the bacon ends on the toothpick.
5) Grill.
6) Serve with 3 sauces: ranch dressing mized with Louisiana hot sauce, ranch dressing mixed with spicy mustard, or plain ranch dressing.
* This recipe can also be made with chicken or dove and marinated in Wishbone Italian dressing.

Enjoy!

Hyundai Undead

Hyundai is a sponsor for the popular television series The Walking Dead and has come together with other zombie killers to produce a special Hyundai Elantra Coupe "Zombie Survival" edition.

Hyundai's Zombie Survival Machine showcases tons of world-ending modification:

• a front-end custom zombie plow with spikes
• armored window coverings
• roof hatch to allow passengers to fend off attacking walkers
• trunk stocked with electric & pneumatic weaponry
• front & back end floodlights
• spiked all-terrain tires 
• CB radio system & much more

"Our custom Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans and anyone who wants to survive a zombie invasion," Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America, said in a prepared statement. "We are excited for fans to come and experience the Elantra Coupe and GT in a unique, post-apocalyptic way."

The heavily customized version of the automaker’s new compact coupe was designed by creator/writer of The Walking Dead TV show and graphic novel series Robert Kirkman, and was fabricated by Design Craft Fabrication in Westminster, California.

We may not have the Zombie Survival Edition of the Hyundai Elantra Coupe but we do have some more normal ones for you to try out!  So come on in to Eckert Hyundai for your very own test drive and imagine fending off zombies in this brand new ride.  

2013 Elantra Coupe

Hyundai is once again branching out their vehicle lineup and adding a new member to the Elantra Family. The all-new Elantra Coupe proceeds with Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture Design Language, impressive 40 mpg highway, class above interior roominess, and even sportier handling.

Design:

Hyundai is continuing to embrace the Fluidic Design Sculpture and is pushing the bar even farther with this new Coupe. Hexagonal front fascia, a design trademark for Hyundai, and jeweled swept-back headlights give the Elantra Coupe a lean, aggressive demeanor. The SE model employs a sportier look with 17 inch alloy wheels, dark spoke inserts, and widened fender flares attracting attention through the wheel arch creases and giving the Elantra a dominating presence.

Efficiency:

Hyundai continues to offer all of these additions without sacrificing gas mileage by employing the 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine (from the sedan). Continuing to put out 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, this high power-density 4-cylinder creates 6% more hp than the Civics 1.8-liter!

Functionality:

The Elantra Coupe still leads the class in interior volume with more room than the Civic, Altima, Forte, and even Accord coupe. The car's longer wheelbase, allowing for more interior space, supports Hyundai's commitment to provide compact coupe efficiency with leading comfort levels.

2013 Elantra Coupe Highlights:

• 11% more fuel efficient than Honda Coupe
• Re-calibrated steering responsiveness
• Standard heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Fun to drive!!

This car legitimately has something for everybody. We are proud to announce that that our Dealership will be receiving a few coupes any day now! So if you want to be one of the first ones to have this exciting new car, give us a call or come see us!

Go ahead, you know you want one!

July: National Theft Prevention Month

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July is National Theft Prevention Month and we want to show you some new ways to back up your Hyundai!  Did you know that July is one of the most popular times of the year for Auto Theft?  "According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau in July and August 2008, close to half a million automobiles were stolen and never returned to their owners, this is the highest tally in two decades." --Autobytel.com

Makes you want to keep reading, huh?

Some very obvious anti-car theft tips are:

• Lock your doors
• Roll up your windows
• Remove keys from the ignition
• Keep valuables out of sight (or better yet, with you!)
• Theft prevention devices

Sometimes we forget these obvious things because we have been lulled into a deep sense of safety due to our routine driving habits.  Though this isn't always the case.  Don't forget the basics, and here are a few NEW tips: 

• Turn your vehicle's wheels all the way to the curb, even if you're in a large lot, this makes your car very difficult to tow (which has become a popular form of theft lately, to export or strip your car of parts).
• Don't hide a second key on your car.  This is easy for experienced car thieves.
• Use your emergency brake when parked.
• Keep registration card and title outside of your car

Blue Link also has some incredible features, "Now, stolen vehicles have a lot better chance of being recovered. In the event a vehicle is reported stolen and a report has been filed with the appropriate police department, the response center can provide assistance to the police in an attempt to locate and recover the vehicle. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown enables law enforcement to gradually reduce the engine power of the vehicle, slowing it down to safe levels. A warning is also transmitted to the driver prior to the slowdown procedure. Stolen Vehicle Immobilization enables law enforcement to send a signal to the vehicle, which immobilizes the engine management system, preventing it from starting." --Blue Link Technology Website.