Tips on how to keep a freshly cut Christmas tree healthy!

For those of you who insist on using an awesome REAL Christmas tree, first we would like to congratulate for keeping the tradition going. Secondly, we know it's hard work and it deserves a certain salutation to have such a tree in your home during the holidays.

In this post, we will be giving advice on how to keep your tree as fresh as possible during this Holiday Season.

1. Refresh the tree by making a straight cut, taking one inch off the bottom of the tree and immediately placing it in water. This will improve water uptake.
   
2.  Place the tree in a stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water. You should expect the tree to take up more water as time goes by. Water the new tree until water uptake comes to an end.
   
3. Always keep the base of a tree in water, no matter what you do. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. You don't need anything other than regular tap water. If the bottom of the tree becomes dry and closes off with resin you will have to cut your tree again, which you want to avoid at all costs. Commercially prepared mixes like aspirin, sugar and other additives introduce into the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh, so save yourself some time and money.
   
4. Check to make sure all your Christmas Lighting apparel is up to date and fully functional. You should also make sure you are using UL accessories only. We also suggest you use smaller lights to minimize heat generation on the tree itself, reducing the chances of fire.
   
5. Remove your tree before it dries out, you don't not want to take down your tree once it's already dried. If you've followed our steps you're looking at keeping your tree for about 5 weeks but some exceptions Some species keep their moisture longer that others.

Tips to help you save money on gas!

We all know gas can be expensive, and the truth is, prices rarely go down over time. You might want to read our fuel-saving tips to help you commute efficiently.

 
Remove any excess weight and cargo from your trunk and backseat. It takes time, and can be annoying to clean up the car, but it's a great way to save on gas. Without realizing you might be losing a few MPG (Miles Per Gallon) by just having things in your car!

Respecting the speed limit might sound boring and hard to do, but it actually is a great thing to keep your RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) low, which, will help you drive at a smooth and reasonable pace.

Avoiding excessive idling and also be a great way to save gas.
Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, so don't forget that when you're at the grocery store waiting or picking someone up. Keep in mind that you should also avoid to restart your engine excessively.


Use cruise control on long drives and on the freeway. Using Cruise Control will help you keep your foot off the pedal, because we are not robots, and our foot continuously goes on and off the pedal at some point for no reason.

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Hyundai releases a R-Spec Veloster!

The Veloster R-Spec is revealed at the LA Auto Show 2013!

That's right, there's a Sport Version of the 3-door Sports Hatch by Hyundai. It comes with more aggressive styling, beautiful colors, a Sport Shifter by B&M Racing and some radical colors: Marathon Blue, Sprint Gray (exclusive to the R-Spec), Elite White and Ultra Black.

This version of the Veloster is made for the ones that enjoy curvy roads because it will have stiffer transmission mount, a heavier (sportier) feel at the wheel and higher front and rear spring rates. It will also be lighter than its predecessor, which equals better MPG, better braking, better handling and better acceleration! 

Hyundai hasn't actually released any official pricing yet but some clues lead us to believe this will be around the $20,000. 

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2015 Hyundai Sonata confirmed for New York debut

Hyundai to release a new 2015 Sonata at New York auto show

The New York auto show is one of the greatest in the world and will be taking place from April 18th to the 27th of 2014. That is usually an excellent place to see new releases and especially for Hyundai in 2014. The new Sonata will be revealed but we have found some spy shots (autoblog.com). This was confirmed by the Hyundai's North America CEO John Krafcik, also, it was added that the Sonata was going to be one of three major launches during 2014. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan should be expected at the Detroit Auto Show, along with a new fuel-cell vehicle.

This is going to be another exciting year for Hyundai, make sure you follow Lake Norman Hyundai to stay up to date on special deals and dealership news. As soon we receive the new vehicles you will be able to come in for a test drive and maybe walk away with you dream car!

For more information on Lake Norman Hyundai please visit our official website.

HYUNDAI HCD-14 GENESIS CONCEPT NAMED 2013 CONCEPT CAR OF THE YEAR

Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” title for scoring the highest among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.

The twelfth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. This marks the second time Hyundai has received an award, having been named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the Genesis Coupe.

According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”

The “Concept Car” category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers. HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER and Toyota Corolla Furia. The Hyundai concept was recognized for its state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience. HCD-14 Genesis reveals the technological future of Hyundai’s premium line-up with driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.

“Hyundai’s California Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille; it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I applaud the lack of a center stack—provided Hyundai has figured out new controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”

More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and feedback we have received for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design, North American Design Center. “HCD-14 Genesis provides a glimpse of Hyundai’s future and showcases the emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the ‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and technological prowess.”

HYUNDAI NAMED BEST OF THE BEST BY U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE

COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 22, 2013 – U.S. Veterans Magazine ranked Hyundai Motor America among the nation’s top veteran-friendly companies. The results were announced via their 2013 Best of the Best Lists, which evaluates employment, business and supplier opportunities for returning U.S. veterans. Hyundai Motor America was the only automotive manufacturer to receive this honor.

In addition to being a company that provides employment opportunity for veterans, Hyundai also offers the best automotive rebate program in the industry. Hyundai’s Military Rebate Program provides anyone who has served a single day in any branch of the U.S. Military, including Reserve and National Guard forces, with a $500 rebate towards the purchase or lease of a new Hyundai vehicle. The program similarly applies to spouses of military personnel.

Last year, Hyundai Motor America paid more than $24 million in rebates to U.S. military and family members, making Hyundai one of the most veteran-friendly car companies in America. This year, U.S. military personnel and veterans account for a remarkable 1 in 10 Hyundai vehicle sales.

“The goal of our annual evaluation is not only to bring information and guidance to our readers, but also to encourage active outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies,” said Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher, U.S. Veterans Magazine. “Hyundai Motor America offers veterans the opportunity to quickly and easily transition into civilian life by providing engaging and valuable career opportunities.”

The 2013 Best of the Best Lists were compiled from a multitude of sources including market research, independent research, diversity conference participation and survey responses. More than 250 companies and institutions participated in this year’s evaluation, resulting in lists of the nation’s top veteran-friendly companies, top supplier diversity programs, top Veteran Business Owners (VBOs) and Disabled Veteran Business Owners (DVBOs), top government and law enforcement agencies and top veteran-friendly schools.

“Providing valuable employment opportunities to returning veterans remains one of our most mutually-beneficial hiring strategies,” said Erwin Raphael, director, Engineering & Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Veterans possess the character, discipline and personal drive that we look for in our employees. Making it a priority to provide veterans with valuable careers and rebates on new vehicles is an opportunity for us to give back to those who have dedicated their lives to our country.”

- Courtesy of Hyundai