Mercedes-Benz Debuts S400 HYBRID

Mercedes-Benz is launching an innovative S400 HYBRID model for the 2010 model year. Featuring V8-like power, the S400 HYBRID comes with the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The company’s flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is viewed in many circles as the finest car in the world. The S400 HYBRID joins the restyled 2010 S-Class line, which includes the 382-hp V8-powered S550 and all-wheel-drive S550 4MATIC as well as the high-performance 518-hp S63 AMG. V12 cars include the 510-hp S600 and the 604-hp S65 AMG.

30 Percent Better Fuel Economy with S400 HYBRID
The new Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, a magneto-electric motor and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable S550 model. Not only does the electric motor make 20 horsepower, but it also produces an impressive starting torque of 118 lb.-ft., while the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.
The 120-volt lithium-ion battery weighs less than most other batteries and takes up less space, but has high energy density for its size. As a result, it can be installed in the engine compartment, so the car’s ample trunk capacity and spacious interior are not affected. The lithium-ion battery has a high-strength steel housing, a separate cooling circuit, and its cells sit in a special gel that dampens any jolts and vibration.
Characterized as a “mild hybrid,” the S400 HYBRID’s gasoline engine and electric motor work together for responsive performance, and its driveline includes a specially configured seven-speed automatic transmission, a transformer to power the 12-volt vehicle system and intelligent operating electronics. The disc-shaped electric motor is mounted in the torque converter housing, between the engine and transmission.
The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. When the brakes are released, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and works with the electric motor for seamless performance.
During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and storing it in the lithium-ion battery. Under heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the electric motor is running.

Hybrids Ideal For Atkinson-Cycle Engine
Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motor compensates for this disadvantage by working with the V6 to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.

No Sacrifice in Convenience or Roominess
The S400 HYBRID has the same interior room, luxury and convenience features as other S-Class vehicles. The new model is differentiated by unique seven-twin-spoke 18-inch wheels and HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dash as well as BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders. A special hybrid pictogram within the speedometer shows the energy flow, energy recovery and battery charge.

For more information, please visit Rusnak Mercedes-Benz Arcadia, located at 55 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, or call one of our Experienced Sales Associates at (888) 829-3912.

Driving Youth To Success

The San Gabriel Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with Rusnak Auto Group and other participating Auto Dealers throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys invite all potential car buyers to come in and buy a car in the month of August. For every car sold, a donation will be made to the Boy Scouts in direct support to youth in need.
For seven years now, the ‘Driving Youth to Success’ campaign has made a considerable impact on Scouting and the youth it serves. With the repeated support of our dealers and the various media outlets that cover this joint venture, the San Gabriel Valley, BSA has continued to serve more youth every year with the value based program that is Scouting.

Today more than ever, the Boy Scouts of America is relevant to society and its future standing. The gangs of today are far from the ‘Little Rascals’ of yesteryear and the varied character based programs of the BSA are just the ticket to get kids off the street and in so bringing positive experiences home to their families. The San Gabriel Valley Council proudly serves over 40,000 youth annually and with the continued support of our area Car Dealers and your purchases, we will continue to grow.

For more information on ‘Driving Youth to Success’ or any other Scout related inquiry, please call (626) 351-8815.

Rusnak Audi Westlake Blood Drive

On Thursday, August 13, Rusnak Audi Westlake held a blood drive in partnership with United Blood Services “Hero In Me” Program. The event turned out to be a smashing success, with Rusnak Audi employees donating blood for the non-profit organization.

United Blood Services exists to make a difference in people’s lives by bringing together the best people, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and embracing continuous quality improvement.

Founded in 1943 as the Salt River Valley Blood Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, today United Blood Services non-profit community blood centers provide blood, blood components and special services to patients in more than 500 hospitals in 18 states, from California to the Gulf Coast, from the “Tip o' Texas” to the Canadian border. More than 15 million people in communities throughout these states depend on United Blood Services' generous volunteer blood donors and our dedicated staff to make sure lifesaving blood is available when and where it is needed.

The Rusnak Luxury Consignment Group

Having owned close to 40 cars in my lifetime I must say I look forward to buying new ones but never selling the old ones. Over the years I have become quite savvy when it comes to vehicles; knowing what is fair market value and what to look for in a prospective buyer. At the end of the day though, selling a car has always been an arduous task and when it comes down to it, time is money and I value both greatly. To be honest, many of us can enjoy the lifestyle we indulge in because we are smart with our time and money. So when it came to selling my 2005 Bentley Continental GT I considered the traditional options. First I went on www.kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book) to get a general idea of what my vehicle was worth. Not helpful, as Kelley Blue Book didn’t even have any used car values for Bentley. I double checked Edmunds.com, another reputable website for used car values and found nothing there. So my last resort was to hop onto www.traderonline.com and look at what dealerships and private parties were selling used Bentley Continental GTs for. Of course there weren’t many of them on there.
So I opted to head to my local dealership to get a trade-in quote, and knowing the history of the vehicle and a rough idea of what it should be worth, the typical trade-in amount was offered to me. Now for some, this may be the most painless process; trading the vehicle to a dealership and picking up a new one. But for those that are really smart with their money, trading in a vehicle normally nets you a wholesale price so that the dealership can make what they want. I wanted top dollar for my car so option two had arise - list it myself sell it to a private party. But then I started recalling all the nightmares of selling a used car on my own. The endless phone calls and questions, the price haggling and desires for weekend test drives. Ultra-luxury vehicles aren’t exactly the cars you want to hand the keys over to any potential buyer, especially when it comes to having them visit your real estate.
I started feeling like I had ran out of options, so I gave my friend Andrew Arizmendi, General Manager of Bentley Pasadena and Rolls Royce Motor Cars Pasadena a phone call. Since I had purchased my Bentley from Bentley Pasadena, I gave them an opportunity to solve my dilemma. I gave Andrew a brief overview of what I wanted to do and he surprised me with his reply, “James, you should come on in and I can discuss to you our newest consignment program.” Consignment? I thought to myself. Here’s something new to me and I was definitely interested.

Liz Rusnak Arizmendi, Andrew Arizmendi and James Chen of Vantage Magazine

MBUSA’s National Salespersons Walkaround

Round One in MBUSA’s National Salespersons Walkaround competition is over. Rusnak Wins with Shaqunda Cooper!

Sales personnel from all 355 Mercedes-Benz Dealers were recently invited to compete in a nationwide walkaround product demonstration competition. MBUSA field personnel visited each dealer, and the sales team competed for the honor of representing their dealer against the dealers in their market. Shaqunda Cooper was chosen to represent Rusnak against Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, South Bay, DTLA, Santa Monica and Long Beach. Against some 20 year Mercedes-Benz veterans, Cooper placed first in the Market 4 Finals, and will go forward to the Western Regional competition where representatives of the 10 markets that make up the Western Regions 77 dealers will compete to represent the Western Region in the national championships.
Cooper has only had one year of Mercedes-Benz experience during her year with Rusnak Mercedes-Benz/Arcadia, making her win all the more remarkable. The pool of salespeople taking part in the competition in Market 4 was over 100 participants.
Congratulations Shaqunda!

Pasadena POPS

Summer 2009

September 11, 12, 2009
Genius Loves Company
Abraham Lincoln loved Verdi, Stephen Hawking loves Wagner, Dave Brubeck loves Bach, Frank Zappa loved Varèse, and Leonard Bernstein loved everyone! Geniuses have always been drawn to other geniuses.
All concerts take place at Descanso Gardens,
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.
Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Pasadena POPS season at Descanso Gardens are proudly sponsored by Rusnak Audi Pasadena and Rusnak Volvo Pasadena, part of the Rusnak Auto Group.

Descanso Gardens is just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. The Gardens are located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge (take the Angeles Crest Highway exit from the 210 freeway). Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night.
For more information, call (626) 793-7172 or visit www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org.

Ronald Mc Donald House Shine Gala

Hosted by The Butterfly Guild of the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House.
Please join us for a nostalgic evening of Old California.
Saturday - September 12, 2009
For more questions or sponsorship information, please contact Carol Horvitz at chorvitz@rmhcsc.org or Charlotte Harrison at charlotte@dynaroll.com or by calling (626) 585-1588.

Eye On Fashion 2009

Giving back never looked so good! Rusnak Jaguar joins Sonia Desormeaux in supporting Eye on Jacob Foundation Funding Research for Usher Syndrome at Eye on Fashion Show and Live Auction at Frockx Boutique located at 1111 B Foothill Blvd in La Cañada Flintridge on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 5:00 in the afternoon. Fashionable attendees will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an exclusive fashion show featuring Lia Kes New York, Walter, Sue Wong, Ximena Valero Designs and Edwards-Lowell Furs Beverly Hills. The live auction items include a Swarovski Crystal Purse, Vacation Packages, Precious Jewelry, Fur Coat, Fine Arts, Cosmetic Procedures and generous donations from local businesses. “Rocking the crowd” will be provided by The Original Party Master. With a percentage of sales from Frockx Boutique benefiting the Eye on Jacob Foundation, great fashion will not be the only incentive to shop. Admission $20 per person benefiting Eye on Jacob Foundation, limited seating available. RSVP by September 18 to frockxstore@sbcglobal.net or Joanna Nelson (818) 949-4429.
Eye on Jacob Foundation Founded by Sonia Desormeaux for son Jacob, who is affected by a rare genetic disorder called Usher’s Syndrome, the Eye on Jacob Foundation supports research and awareness of the disease, which profoundly affects hearing and vision. For more information about the Eye on Jacob Foundation, visit EyeOnJacob.org.

4th Annual Sierra Madre Wine & Jazz Walk

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Liz Rusnak Arizmendi:

Hi Liz,

My name is Jennifer Berke, I work with Kathy Ignacio at Wheel of Fortune. I just bought a new 2009 BMW 128i on Saturday July 25th. I just want to tell you what a great sales team you have at your New Thousand Oaks dealership. Scott Smith, your finance Manager, Bradford Stewart, Drew and the other General Managers that were working that night were so helpful and worked out a great deal for me. Everything went so smoothly and I just love my new car.
My parents have bought cars from Rusnak many times when you were in the old location on Thousand Oaks Blvd and your dealership is amazing. Between the great selection of cars to the waiting lounge before signing all the paperwork, I will tell anyone who is looking at BMW’s to go to your dealership. Everyone is so helpful and I really appreciate all the personal attention that I received.
I also really appreciate Scott Smith, he listened to what I was looking for and helped me with out being pushy, he was very helpful and found what I was looking for and more.

Thank you again so much
Have a great day,

Jennifer Berke
Assistant Prize Coordinator
Sony Pictures Television
Wheel of Fortune

Dear Mr. Rusnak and Rusnak Auto Group,

It was a pleasure to meet you at Terranea. Thank you for bringing your events to Terranea Resort. I hope you and your guests enjoyed the experience. We look forward to working with you again.

Warm Regards,
Terri Haack
Executive Vice President &
Managing Director
Terranea Resort

Hi Michael Bradford (General Manger, Rusnak Audi Pasadena),

Thank you for your e-mail. Out of all the years I have experienced interacting with dealerships,Rusnak Audi Pasadena and their employees, surmounts them all! I will be glad to submit this on the report.

Best,
Emily Santana,
Los Angeles

Dear Ari Calderin (Rusnak Audi Pasadena Sales Consultant),

Thank you, again for the great service you showed me and my daughter, Camille, on Saturday, August 8th. I love my Audi A4 more everyday!
It is because of your expertise and professionalism that Rusnak Audi Pasadena can count on my business now and in the future as well as many referrals from me. You are an amazing salesman.
By the way, I told my co-worker about the sale and she is passing on my appreciation to Liz Rusnak. See you on Wednesday for the LoJack installation.

Valerie Jackson,
Administrative Assistant to
the Executive Director
Five Acres - The Boys' & Girls' Aid Society of Los Angeles

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