Hyundai may not be the first to unveil a hybrid, or as they are calling it Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive, but it is raising the bar over it’s competitors. Set to be released later this year, the 2011 Sonata will be Hyundai’s first model to be equipped with hybrid technology. The delayed unveiling of Hybrid Blue Drive has allowed Hyundai to “incorporate lithium-polymer battery technology” which will be a smaller, lighter and more durable battery.

Total horsepower output is estimated to be about 209 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, besting the hybrid versions of the Camry, Fusion, Milan and Altima. The Sonata hybrid will also have a top speed of 62 mph in all-electric mode, surpassing the Fusion and Milan hybrids by 15 mph and will have a fuel range of 37 mpg city/39 mpg highway.

Don’t worry about looks either. The Sonata hybrid will have a separate look from it’s all gas twin. This will not only differentiate it, but also to improve aerodynamics, including unique head and tail lights, front and rear fascias, grille, wheels and front air dam and aero-friendly side sills.

Pricing has not been set yet for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, but it is estimated to be below $28,000.00. Check back with Lester Glenn Auto Group often to see when the new Sonata Hybrid reaches the showroom floor.

On Saturday, August 7, 2010, Lester Glenn Auto Group will be supporting Lisa’s Light Foundation’s Family Fun Day at Blackbeard’s Cave on Route 9 in Bayville. This event will be from 11:00 a.m. To 2:00 p.m. For $15.00 you will receive a special discounted bracelet that allows you unlimited use of Blackbeard’s Cave’s attractions (batting cages, archery, kiddie park, miniature golf, driving range, go carts, bumper boats, water wars, euro-bungy, and climbing wall, with a discount on paintball).

Lisa’s Light Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to domestic violence intervention and education. The foundation was founded in honor and memory of Lisa Zindell.

“Lisa was raised in Island Heights New Jersey and graduated from Central Regional High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey, her first Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University and the second in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Lisa settled in Toms River, New Jersey where she worked for the Division of Youth and Family Services. While working with DYFS received her Certified Child Advocate from Montclair University.

Lisa was the type of person to excel at everything she put her mind to. She was well loved by her family, friends and anyone who met her. She enjoyed her mother’s cooking, dancing with friends and Walt Disney World. A loved one once said, “When Lisa walked into a room everyone would notice her not only for her beauty, but how she radiated happiness and joy. You wanted to be next to her.”

On June 21, 2009 Lisa ended her relationship with her fiancee before they were to be married due to his escalating rage. She obtained a permanent restraining order against him, which was continuously broken on multiple occasions ending with his arrest. However on August 13, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Lisa’s ex-fiancee was released from jail even though he owed more than $25,000.00 in back child support along with the repeated disregard for the restraining order. The next day Lisa was discovered strangled to death in the back seat of her car and her ex-fiance was found by police hanged in the attached garage of their old residence. Police determined it was a murder-suicide.” (From Lisa’s Light Foundation website, www.lisaslight.org)

Please join Lester Glenn Auto Group to support this very worthy cause. All proceeds raised will go directly to Lisa’s Light Foundation and the Letizia Zindell Scholarship for Young Women.” If you cannot attend please visit their facebook page or their website for more information or to donate to Lisa’s Light Foundation.

My first day was full of excitement and nervousness of the unknown. I had just left a small company of nine to go to a company of over 250 employees. As I walked up to the service door entrance I was greeted with a smile and hello by a few sales employees, as well as the receptionist as I made my way to the front desk.  I knew the feel as a customer of Lester Glenn having bought my car here only a few months before, but this time I was there as an employee. I asked the receptionist where to go for the new employee orientation. She politely directed me upstairs.

One of the first co-workers I met was Sylvia, one of the bookkeepers. She took on the job of ensuring that all new employees that day completed the training program and filled out the proper paperwork. The paperwork was a lot more than expected but Sylvia walked us through everything that needed to be done with encouraging words and a smile on her face the whole time.

After the training and paperwork, it was off to the office I will be spending a good majority of my time in. I am convinced my manager, Chris, is part Eskimo. The office is kept cold, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. I made a very quick mental note to bring a fleece in the next day. Chris introduced me to Stacy, Kyle and Joe, whom I would be sharing the office with, and then Chris showed me what projects were in the works and gave me an idea of what was expected of my position. After a bit of familiarizing myself with the programs and researching ideas, the day came quickly to an end and my first day came to a close.

I know a lot of friends that say their first day was something they will never forget. For me, it was a day of uncertainty met with a sense of home. Everyone I had met made it feel like I had been here for years. I am one of the few customers that gets to not only experience the high regard this company has for its customers, but also the respect and appreciation Lester Glenn Auto Group has for its employees, no matter if they have been there for years or in my case hours.

Looking forward to a great career here.

The “New” Ryan

Lester Glenn Auto Group has been in this particular building since 1956, which was year one of the business. I wouldn’t be surprised by the following two possibilities:

1. The coat rack has been here since 1956
2. The coat rack has not been used since 1956

If the coat rack could talk, what would it tell us about the past 50+ years? Would it tell stories of salespeople who’ve come and gone? Of good times? Of hard times? Although this has little to do with Lester Glenn’s usual business, I’d like to honor the coat rack with the following poem. The spoken word was provided by Bill “T.S”. Mallek, a Lester Glenn employee/poet who shares my appreciation for the little things.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJhi3z8hxNg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmc1PYj84OQ

The video is temporarily unavailable; stay tuned!