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It’s an exciting time to be a part of the automotive industry. Technology is developing quickly, and we’re often surprised at the many ways our vehicles can ease our customers’ lives. If you haven’t purchased a vehicle recently, you may not recognize the dashboard and its sleek touchscreen tucked in between secret storage spaces and wireless charging stations. We’re always proud that our companies put the customer first when designing their vehicles. We’re also proud that these brands seem to be using their influence to help the environment. From developing eco technology to changing the way their factories operate, Toyota, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram have proven their commitment to going green, and are already seeing dramatic results. As Earth Day approaches, we want to highlight each of our companies and their approaches to sustainability. Toyota: In addition to all Prius models, our Toyota store currently has hybrid models of the following on the lot: Avalon, Camry, Highlander, RAV4. Toyota’s sustainability plan is divided into five priorities: Carbon, Water, Materials, Biodiversity and Outreach. From cultivating beehives on their Kentucky assembly plant to recycling the water used to rinse new vehicles as they're being painted in the Ontario assembly plant, Toyota’s strategy extends far beyond their finished products. However, their vehicles are truly impressive. As of 2014, their hybrids had saved approximately 500 million gallons of gas each year. For almost two decades, the word “Prius” has been synonymous with the eco-car movement. Now, all eyes are on the Toyota Mirai. The fuel cell car is fueled by hydrogen and emits only water vapor. Toyota’s plan is so comprehensive (and so result-producing) that in 2015, Toyota Motor North America won the Partner of the Year Award, Large Business Category, in the E.P.A.'s WasteWise Awards. Chevrolet: At the push of a button, this 2015 Chevy bi-fuel Impala runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), saving you money and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. While the Malibu hybrid has an estimated 47 MPG in the city and the company’s work with E85 ethanol and CNG vehicles is inspiring, Chevy’s line of electric vehicles is exceeding expectations. The all-electric Bolt will debut later this year, and has an estimated range of 200 miles. Meanwhile, the Spark EV is paired with a lithium-ion battery, and the Volt EV seamlessly switches between an electric charge and a tank of gas. With the number of EV charging stations growing in the CSRA (including public places like Whole Foods, the Georgia Power Customer Service Center and yours truly), electric vehicles are only becoming more efficient for daily use. Chevrolet’s parent company, General Motors, focuses on “Customer-Driven Sustainability” instead of separating their sustainability initiatives from other areas of their mission. This strategy has evolved in recent years, and now prioritizes the following: Identifying areas of impact and value creation Establishing and aligning corporate policies and positions Designing and implementing processes for consistent global execution Developing sustainability reporting practices and publishing reports By utilizing advanced technologies to create quality products in the form of sustainable vehicles in factories that minimize their environmental impact, GM aims to build a culture that promotes these values. GM's changes are tangible. For example, in this article posted to their website, the company argues why producing zero waste is a desirable business strategy. Our 240-volt EV (electric vehicle) charging system fully charges a Chevy Volt in about 4.5 hours. The Volt comes with a 120-volt portable cord that recharges the vehicle in approximately 13 hours. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep,  Ram: Last year, the CEOs of both General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, among others) signed the CEO Climate Leadership for Automotive Declaration to decarbonize automotive transport. In alliance with this goal, FCA added more than 4,300 environmental projects to their plants worldwide. In addition to saving millions of dollars during production, these implementations resulted in 38 percent less water being used per vehicle produced (vs. 2010) and 1.2 million pounds of materials kept out of landfills. This 2015 Dodge Durango on the lot has a Flex Fuel engine, meaning that gasoline or gasoline-ethanol blends of up to 85 percent ethanol can both be stored in its tank. Between 2014 and 2015, fuel economy in FCA cars in the U.S. rose 6.4 percent (2.7 percent in trucks), due in part to a variety of efficient design changes like improved aerodynamics and weight reduction. Specific fuel saver technology in V-8 5.7 and 6.4 liter HEMI eight-cylinder engines improved automatic versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Durango, the Dodge Charger, the Dodge Challenger and the Ram 1500. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and its hybrid version are almost here, and we have several Flex Fuel vehicles on the lot already. Additionally, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG is the only natural gas pickup truck in the country. CNG vehicles generate significantly less CO2 emissions, and can be renewable, unlike traditional gasoline. An EcoDiesel engine is currently available for the Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, resulting in less stops at the pump and lower CO2 emissions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine can tow up to 7,400 pounds (best-in-class), and the Ram 1500 HFE (with 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 engine) has the best fuel economy of any full-size pickup.

This past May, General Motors and Chevrolet revolutionized their “infotainment” efforts by announcing that 14 of the new 2016 Chevrolet models will contain support for Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay. Beginning with the production of the 2016 Tahoes, Suburbans and Volts, Chevy will allow your automobile to essentially turn into a smartphone at the touch of a button. Sales Consultant Benjamin Ivey connects his iPhone to the new 2016 Chevy Impala to activate CarPlay. Android Auto, with its many features from Google, has been released and is already compatible with many cars in 11 countries. The app features space for third-party apps, opening up potential expansion in the future. Apple announced plans for a similar app in 2014, and premiered CarPlay earlier this year. CarPlay is currently available on applicable 2016 Chevy models. Android Auto for these models is scheduled to be released later this year, and will be installed through a quick update at their dealership. While many auto brands are already compatible with the Android app, Chevy and GM’s 2016 announcement is the largest offering of both systems, and will lead the way for modern cars. As Apple introduces CarPlay, Android Auto premiered its first update this week, just in time for 2016 models to become available. Milton Ruben Chevrolet tried out CarPlay on the new 2016 Impala. While Apple’s goal is to eventually activate CarPlay wirelessly, Sales Consultant Benjamin Ivey connected his iPhone 6 Plus to the car through a charging port. Using the touchscreen and buttons on the steering wheel, he was able to navigate through music, podcasts and audiobooks, as well as texting and calling contacts using Siri. Sales Consultant Benjamin Ivey demonstrates how to connect an iPhone to the 2016 Chevy Impala. After connecting an iPhone to a 2016 Chevy Impala, select "Apple CarPlay" on the car's touchscreen to access the device's features. After selecting "Phone" on the touch screen, you can use Siri and the car's speakers to select who to call. Even if your car does not have a navigation system, Apple Maps will guide you upon selecting "Maps" in Apple CarPlay and entering a destination. While the integration will undoubtedly be successful for Apple, Android and car manufacturers, the true value will be measured in safety. Drivers who connect their smartphone to their car will use voice activation as well as the car’s familiar touchscreen displays, buttons and knobs instead of looking down to use their phone. Currently, 9 people are killed and 1,153 people are involved in accidents each day due to distracted driving. Can we change that number? There’s an app for that.

Buying vehicles is such an exciting experience, people oftentimes are overwhelmed with information once the salesperson starts teaching about the features on your new car. This is why we have started our New Owner’s Clinic, for recent buyers who have questions about their warranty, parts & accessories, routine maintenance, technology, or anything else. And as a thank you for your purchase and attendance, dinner is on us! Here’s a synopsis of our first New Owner’s Clinic at Milton Ruben Toyota in April of 2015! Did you miss it? Get in touch with your salesperson to find out about our next New Owners Clinic! Must be recent buyer of a vehicle from Milton Ruben Toyota to attend. See some cool Parts & Accessories go to work on a Toyota Tacoma in our #TacomaTough customization series! Video, photos, and post by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

Everyone has seen the viral advertisements from Toyota about the new 2015 "Swagger Wagon."  We have all laughed at the truth in the ad about parenthood and being "cool" enough to embarrass your kids sufficiently, partying hard until 9pm, and sneaking sips of apple juice from the toddler's sippy cup.  Let's be honest, we love those ads.  It has been connecting parents everywhere to the beautiful chaos that is having kids, commiserating in the joyful, crazy lives we lead day in and day out, so much so that finding the humor in it is just as beautiful as your kid saying "I love you," through choking sobs while you're trying to scrub a mystery substance scented with banana and mud off of their face.  "Messy but great," right? Well, the 2015 Toyota Sienna acknowledges the messiness of parenthood, and offers you a sweet window of hope in the form of a minivan that is anything but a compromise.  Allow us to elaborate in these 15 things we love about the new 2015 Toyota Sienna! Driver Easy Speak The Sienna sees your screaming and raises you a speaker system that will transfer your voice to the rear seat.  By touching a button on the screen of the new dash, you can project your voice through the speaker system to your passengers, helping you maintain control of your adorable hooligans! Smart Key System Who hasn't had that moment of baby on the hip, purse on your shoulder, and key that has sunk to the bottom of the diaper bag in pouring down rain and frigid winds?  You no longer have to dig around in the diaper bag with your one free hand and miraculously juggle child, purse, and bag around to open the door and lock baby into the car seat.  You can just touch the door, and the vehicle will sense the proximity of the key, and unlock for you.  I'm pretty sure a mom of two toddlers thought up this one! Sliding Center Console Speaking of toddlers... as they outgrow those car seats, and their hands are still only so big, spills in the car are an accepted reality of parenthood.  But we can minimize those spills with an extended sliding center console, putting cup holders within reach of those little hands. Dual View Blu Ray No more arguments over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Frozen on the next long holiday drive - you can have both in the 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium with the Dual Screen on the Blu Ray.  It even comes with head phones so you can rock out to Kenny G (just kidding) and don't have to hear Let It Go for the fifty millionth time. Recline and Relax Again, as the kids get older - there are advantages.  Teen driver can help with the road trip while you kick back, prop your tired feet up on the ottoman (yes, ottoman), recline a tad bit, and take a nice snoozer in the 2015 Toyota Sienna Limited.  Toyotas are a long-term investment, so let's think long-term! Easy Access Kids climbing around on your upholstery  in their dirty shoes are a thing of the past - finally!  Second row seating slides all the way forward, with backs of the chairs closing in for easier access to third row seating. Power Lift Gate Another battle of arms full vs. access won!  Your smart key has a button, the lift gate has a button, your driver's seat has a button - there are multiple ways to conquer  the "You forgot to close the trunk!" debacle with the Power Lift Gate! Split N' Stow Seating I remember as a kid, watching Dad haul the seats out of the back of our minivan before a ski trip.  Those things looked heavy, and we always ended up with the seats in our dining room for a few days until Dad regained the strength to reinstall the suckers.  No worries for my generation of parents! Not only do our minivans have a bucket in the rear to store third row seats, but several trim levels even have electronic buttons - no hauling necessary! Convertible Cargo With those seats stowed in their buckets, you can convert 39 cubic feet of storage into up to 150 cubic feet of cargo area. Soft Touch Leather That sticky squeaking is soooo last decade! Our soft touch leather offers the luxury of leather with the comfort of quality fabric. (And I hear it's easy to clean to boot!) Available Dual Moonroof Be it for a little extra light for Abbey to teach Aiden how to read, or to watch the stars as they fall asleep, the dual moonroof is a luxury we love in the new Sienna! Seats Up To 8 With convertible seating and an extra option to insert a center seat on the second row, there's no way you can't take on the U-8 soccer team's spontaneous victory pizza lunch! Toyota Care There is so much that can be said for Toyota Care, that we could go on all day.  But the basics is that Toyota is here to take care of you, with a warranty and service coverage that covers the first two years of your new Sienna! New Wraparound Dash By far our favorite new feature in the new 2015 Toyota Sienna is the dash.  Designed with safety in mind, Toyota created an easy one touch system, and re-organized it to be closer to the driver, easier to reach, and thus easier for you to stay focused on the road. Safety Features With 8 standard airbags (up to 12), a 24/7 emergency response center called Safety Connect, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, standard back up camera, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and so much more, the 2015 Toyota Sienna is built to get you and your family from Place A to Place B as efficiently and as safely as possible. The 2015 Toyota Sienna "Swagger Wagon" truly is the minivan that doesn't compromise, for those who live lives all about compromise.  Live a little, gain some swagger, and check out the new 2015 Toyota Sienna at http://www.miltonrubentoyota.com.   For more information on the latest vehicles, offers, and events at Milton Ruben Toyota, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Post, Photos, GIFs, and Graphics by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

Has anybody else been battling with this consistent love-hate / why-am-I-wasting-my-time-on-this-trash guilty-pleasure of quizzes on buzzfeed?  Between finding out which Disney Prince you're destined to marry and what kind of Vampire would drink your blood rather than your celebrity doppelgänger who makes fun of your street to first pet ratio-ed Rapper Name, there are the classics.  Like the personality test.  And go figure - according to the author, who I'm sure is a clinical psychologist with all sorts of legitimate certifications, degrees, doctorates, and a highly impressive Rapper Name street cred, I'm Type A Personality - the organized planner.  Who shows up on time, is reliable, a leader, generally accomplished, focused, ambitious, and has a pretty elaborate idea of what the perfect car is. It might be true.  We may all be doomed to hours and hours of weathering the elements in search of the perfect vehicle - yes to those tires, no to that body style, etc. We had customer that needed his FJ Cruiser decked out and ready for some off-road action. When we were done with it, it looked so nice, we decided to modify one of our own.  (Photo on left provided by Milton Ruben Photographer Kris Olsen.)   Or we might just shop at Milton Ruben.  And we just might take those tires and put them on this body style. Ah, the miracles that can occur at the hands of a certified technician! Meet Certified Toyota Technician Jimmy Berry, who took on the task of lifting and "shoeing" an FJ Cruiser for our lot.   With great pride in the capabilities of our highly trained team, we present a visual representation of a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, transforming to an off-roading beast of a butterfly. STEP ONE After removing the manufacturer tires that came on the FJ Cruiser from Toyota, Jimmy disassembles steering components to gain access to the shocks.  Jimmy must remove the shocks, install a lift kit, and replace the shocks. Service Director Kevin Woodard dropped in to check on Jimmy's progress. He inspected the installation of the spacers on the lift to ensure that the complicated inner-workings of the FJ's suspension were secure. Lifting a vehicle is a multi-phased process, beginning with removing the tires and rims, and then taking off the shocks (it looks like a spring), and placing a spacer between the shocks and the suspension to literally "lift" the body of the vehicle up from the tires. Here, Jerry disassembles the steering component to gain access to remove the shock. STEP TWO Put on the tires. Each of these tires, built on a 18" aluminum rim, weighs roughly 45 pounds. "I'm not going to the gym tonight," Jimmy said while heaving the tire up onto the wheel. Jerry places lugnuts that will secure the wheel onto the wheel hub.  If lugnuts are not properly tightened, the wheel could shake as they rotate, damaging the interior of the wheel well. Using an impact wrench to tighten lugnuts onto wheel hub, Jimmy is careful to tighten to torque specifications. STEP THREE Re-calibrate microchips in each of the tires, as well as on the motherboard in the dashboard of the vehicle so they communicate properly.  If this step gets skipped, the computer on the car will always read that the vehicle has improperly inflated tires. Jimmy uses an Electronic Calibration Tool, to re-calibrate the TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System.  The ECT basically activates the sensors in the tire, which will then send a signal to the ECT with the necessary numbers for the tires.  Jimmy will take that information and transfer it to the TPMS on the vehicle. Jimmy ensures that the TPMS has properly re-calibrated the motherboard in the dash of the vehicle. This way, the tire pressure monitoring system will only flash a notification on the dash when the tires are no longer properly inflated. A dangerous mistake some people may make is to forget the spare.  Jimmy was sure to include the spare in his initial calibration, as well as his double check of each tire's pressure. STEP FOUR Step back and enjoy the view. To keep meeting your mechanic, taking a peek behind the wrench, and stay in the loop on new cars to customize into your very own, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, and Pinterest! Photos by Heather Cortright, Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist.

When I was in college, I drove that stereotypical " first car."  It was a hand-me-down from my sister, who had gotten it after my dad upgraded to a new model.  The headliner was torn so badly it was wrapped in a re-fashioned fabric book sock so the foam wouldn't rain down into the eyes of the driver at random.  The A/C only worked between 35 and 60 mph, and even then it was 78 degrees or bust.  The radio dial took up residence in a cup holder since no variety of glue could hold it in place anymore.  It took fourteen years of faithful service to my family before it finally died on me in my junior year of college. In the middle of the night.  While I was driving it.  Through the backwoods of West Columbia, SC.  Twenty years old, female, unaccompanied and clueless about cars at the time, I found myself being told by a private shop technician that it would cost nearly a grand to fix my car.  I learned 48 hours later in the parking lot of Walmart trying to coax "Big Red" to start that I had been swindled quite badly.  It was that moment that it dawned on me - I needed to learn more about cars.  Particularly their regular maintenance and mechanics.  After all, $1000 was a lot of Easy Mac. Here at Milton Ruben, our service departments do their best to keep our customers updated and informed, answering any questions you may have about repairs to avoid the above situation from happening.  But it has occurred to us that some questions could be easily answered at any hour of the day with a nice, informative video.  And you guys have always been the best source for what we should focus on - so we turn to you to learn what you want to know about basic maintenance and mechanics of your car. Who knows - if it's a good suggestion on how we can teach you to keep up the upkeep of your vehicle, we might even throw out a gift or two. So, tell us, what question do you have about vehicle maintenance that we could focus on in our upcoming videos? Feel free to comment, private message, or e-mail socialmedia@miltonruben.com with your feedback! Check up on if we've answered your question by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, and Pinterest! This post and graphics were created by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

Today, we are going to delve into the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. The ECOTECH 1.4L turbocharged engine holds the performance standards high, while the optimized aerodynamics and over 100 pounds less weight bolsters the fuel economy. The car is lowered, has a smaller 10.5 gallon gas tank, and a simplified rear suspension. It has an active front fascia, which has slats that close in higher speeds to reduce drag. Chevy also made the forged alloy wheels standard on this model. The 42 mpg highway gives the Chevrolet Cruze Eco the best highway mileage of any gasoline engine in America. Both the manual and automatic Eco models feature a clutch-based, variable-displacement A/C compressor for reduced parasitic loss when the air isn’t on. It has a higher beltline and a chiseled front end, giving a deliciously masculine feel. Regardless of the higher beltline, the car remains easy to see out of in all directions. The 2013 Cruze Eco has a five-star crash test rating all around, and all of the standard safety features we have come to expect, such as automatic crash response and traction control. You can also opt for a few other safety features like heated side mirrors and a back up camera. To learn more about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, take a test drive, or talk about financing options, call Milton Ruben Superstore at (706) 868-5454 or visit the Milton Ruben website at www.drivebaby.com.

The innovative HawkEye Elite, by Hunter Engineering, is here, at Milton Ruben Chevrolet. The system 's three interchangeable sets of arms grip the tire, rather than your expensive rims. There is also a protective rubber ring at the point of contact with the rims to ensure no damage. The entire target assembly is lightweight, easily installed and handled. The target has a polymer construction and no electronics, allowing for resistance against breakage and very little maintenance required. The sensors and console together use high resolution cameras and intel processors to instantly update the adjustment readings. Enjoy our walk through video with Aaron Thompson, then come check it out for yourself at Milton Ruben Chevrolet.

Discover some of the benefits and convenience of a Toyota Smart Key. In this video, you'll see an overview of Smart Key features. Ready for your next Toyota or Scion? Check out our online inventory at www.MiltonRubenToyota.com, or go for at test drive at Milton Ruben Toyota on Washington Road in Augusta, GA.

Peering into the future of automotive technology, we take a look at the features that are likely to be big sellers. Safety will always be a top concern to consumers, and car companies will continue to develop technology to help reduce accidents. Fuel-efficiency will be a concern for both consumers and automakers, as fuel costs and government regulations continue to change. Here's a list of ten features you can expect consumers to be willing to pay for by 2020: 1. Collision Mitigation Systems: Radars sense when you are driving too fast or too close, and the vehicle warns the driver with auditory or visible cues. The brakes may be "precharged" with extra stopping power, and the seat belts may tighten. 2. Rearview Cameras: Rearview cameras are likely to become standard equipment, thanks to a proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that would require all light passenger vehicles to have the technology by 2014. 3. Pedestrian Detection and Night Vision: System can bring the vehicle to a full stop if it detects a pedestrian. Night-vision systems detect infrared light or amplify available light to help you see a person who is out of range of your headlights. 4. Adaptive Cruise Control: Radar keeps you at a safe distance from the car in front while cruising at highway speeds, so that you don't have to constantly hit the brakes and reset your cruise control. 5. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications: Transmits your vehicle's location and recognizes other vehicles surrounding you. It can warn you of an oncoming car when you want to pass a vehicle, warn you of a vehicle about to go through a red light, and let you know if there's a traffic jam. 6. In-car Communications: Navigation, music, phone, and apps like Facebook and Twitter. Tech is here to stay. 7. In-car WiFi: Surfing the web via voice commands. 8. Fuel Consumption Reduction Tech: Regenerative brakes to recharge the battery when you step on the brake pedal, and a system to turn off the engine and restart it when you take your foot off the brake (similar to today's hybrids). 9. Advanced Engines: Hybrids, mild hybrids, turbocharging and direct injection. Plus transmissions with more gears. 10. Lightweight Materials: Carbon fiber is likely to replace some of the steel and aluminum components. A lighter vehicle increases fuel efficiency. Come see the latest technological advances from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chevrolet, Toyota and Scion at Milton Ruben Superstore in Augusta, GA. Visit our online inventory at www.DriveBaby.com!

With the FMV Mirror, OnStar connects you in ways you never thought possible. Whether you find yourself in an accident, needing directions, or on the side of the road with a flat tire, OnStar FMV is the rearview mirror that is always looking forward to offer whatever help you need. See a demonstration of its benefits here: Ready to test drive your next Chevy vehicle outfitted with OnStar? Come visit Milton Ruben Superstore on Washington Road in Augusta, GA, or visit our online inventory at www.DriveBaby.com.

Toyota has developed a safety system that can automatically stop a car in the moments before a collision with a pedestrian. The technology is one of several the company's Higashi Fuji Technical Center in Japan is working on to make driving safer, and will begin appearing in Toyota cars in the near future. Built on existing pre-collision detection technology, the new system uses a millimeter wave radar and stereo camera to constantly monitor what's in front of the vehicle. Check out a demonstration here: According to the World Health Organization, 1.2 million people are killed in road accidents every year, and road fatalities are expected to rise as the number of cars on the world's roads increases. Technologies like the pedestrian detection system are meant to make driving safer and advance Toyota towards its goal of zero fatalities on the road. Ready to take your next Toyota or Scion for a spin? Come see Milton Ruben Superstore at 3514 Washington Road in Augusta, GA, or check out our online inventory at www.DriveBaby.com.