Wednesday, May 8, 2019

2019 Nissan Kicks Offers Appealing SUV Crossover Option


The president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group in New Jersey, Patrick Dibre has nearly three decades of experience managing a multi-franchise network of automobile dealerships. With an impressive list of franchise awards, five of Patrick Dibre’s Nissan dealerships were named among the company’s “Top 50 Dealers in the World.”

Nissan recently released a new crossover hatchback, the 2019 Kicks. Reminiscent of the contemporary-looking Nissan Juke, the Kicks belongs to an economical class of subcompact SUVs that are equipped with only front-wheel drive. With the rear seats folded down, the Kicks has a cargo capacity of 32.3 cubic feet, with a large rear hatch that makes it easy to load and unload the vehicle.

Standard features on the Kicks include the Nissan Connect infotainment system, Siri Eyes-Free, Bluetooth phone support, and a basic rear-view camera. For under $23,000, buyers can get the Kicks with top-level trim and premium features like an alarm system, Bose premium audio, heated front seats, LED headlights, and Prima-Tex upholstery.

Friday, May 3, 2019

2019 Altima Makes Autotrader’s List of the Best Cars of 2019


Living with his wife Dina in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Patrick Dibre serves as the president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group, a multi-state network of retail automotive businesses. Under Patrick Dibre’s leadership, PSD dealerships have won a variety of sales awards, including being named among Nissan’s “Top 50 Dealers in the World.”

The completely redesigned 2019 Nissan Altima made Autotrader.com’s list of the “12 Best New Cars for 2019.” Each vehicle selected for the Autotrader list is marked by innovations beyond those of its competitors, including features like advanced technology and better-than-average road handling capabilities. The 2019 Altima stands out from other sedans in its class because of the premium feel of its interior and its available all-wheel drive.

In addition, the new Altima is available with a VC-Turbo variable compression engine, which allows drivers to use power when they need it, but maintain good fuel efficiency at cruising speeds. With a starting price around $24,000, the 2019 Altima’s standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

Friday, April 26, 2019

Nissan Dealers Optimistic About New Product Offerings


Patrick Dibre and his wife Dina live with their children in New Jersey. Drawing on 30 years of wholesale and retail car-dealership management experience, Patrick Dibre serves as the president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group, the holding company for a multistate, multi-franchise network of dealerships selling vehicles ranging from Volvos to Nissans.

Although concerns about the economy and high interest rates persist in the auto industry, there is a silver lining for Nissan dealers. In January, Tim Hill, chairman of the Nissan National Dealer Advisory Board, expressed optimism for the future due in part to the brand's pending rollout of new products. According to Hill, almost 70 percent of Nissan's volume of vehicles will turn over during the next two years, meaning its portfolio will be comprised of more new automobiles than most of its competitors. 

In 2019, Nissan is redesigning its Sentra and Versa, as well as its Titan truck and midsize crossover Murano. In addition, it recently introduced the new LEAF, which is completely electric and capable of driving for 226 uninterrupted miles. The previous model had a driving range of 150 miles. This year's sales are expected to be driven by the sixth-generation Altima, a midsize sedan that includes features such as all-wheel drive and the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous system.

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Average Vehicle Loan Payment Reaches Decade-Long High


A resident of Mendham, New Jersey, Patrick Dibre is the owner of Nissan of Garden City, which has consistently been among the highest-volume dealers in North America and one of Nissan's top-five stores in regard to overall profit. Additionally, Patrick Dibre oversees accounting functions for an extensive car-dealership group that includes Honda, Volvo, Chrysler, Dodge, and Volkswagen franchises.

According to Edmunds, the average loan for new and used cars during the fourth quarter of 2018 in the United States was $545 and $387, respectively, per month. Moreover, the average interest rate had reached 6.3 percent. All of these figures were at the highest point they had been in 10 years. 

In the early 2010s, consumers became more interested in purchasing larger trucks and SUVs, as opposed to small and mid-sized automobiles, and that pattern is reflected in the decade-high average of car loans. Jeremy Acevedo, who serves as Edmunds' manager of industry analysis, notes that increased loan sizes coincide with Americans' desire to purchase bigger vehicles. 

As a result, the average price for a new vehicle is near $36,000. By 2022, industry experts anticipate SUVs and trucks will comprise 65 percent of all new-car sales. Automotive companies are already noticing the trend and adapting. According to LMC Automotive, 84 percent of General Motors vehicles sold in the United States by 2022 will be trucks or SUVs. Similarly, 97 percent and 90 percent, respectively, of Fiat Chrysler and Ford sales will be either of these automobiles.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Nissan LEAF Surpasses Sales Milestone


Serving as the CEO of PSD Automotive Group, Patrick Dibre oversees a multi-franchise, multistate network of retail automotive businesses from his headquarters in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Under his leadership, Patrick Dibre’s dealerships have received many sales awards, such as recognition among Nissan’s top 50 dealers in the world. 

One of the most popular electric cars on the market, the Nissan LEAF has a 10-year history of helping to spearhead the global shift to sustainable transportation. First introduced in 2010, the LEAF hit a major milestone in March 2019 when it became the first-ever electric-car model to sell 400,000 units. Even more promising, the LEAF vehicles sold since 2010 are now estimated to be saving some 3.8 million barrels of oil a year. 

As more consumers are focused on reducing their carbon footprints, electric cars like the LEAF are becoming more attractive. In addition to zero tailpipe emissions, the automobile features powerful performance, agile handling, and advanced technologies like the ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Volkswagen Announces Carbon-Neutral Plan


An auto-sales executive with three decades of experience, Patrick Dibre has led the New Jersey-based PSD Automotive Group as the president and CEO since 2011 with the support of his wife Dina. Patrick Dibre and his team at PSD own and operate numerous auto dealerships across the East and West coasts of the United States under Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, and other brands.

One of the most popular car brands in the world, Volkswagen has been a leader in automotive innovation since the business was founded more than 80 years ago. Today, the manufacturer continues the tradition with its push into the electric-vehicle (EV) market and environmentally-sound production methods. Among other initiatives, in recent months, the company has outlined plans to release portable charging units, develop a nationwide network of charging stations, and accelerate its assembly of electric automobiles. 

In February 2019, Volkswagen further committed to these goals when it announced its intention to make production of its EVs carbon-neutral. At an event in Dresden, Germany, Volkswagen officials described the plan, which involves relying completely on green power to manufacture the company’s EVs at its Zwickau plant. Additionally, Volkswagen stated that the commitment to green power would extend to the creation of the power cells required for the new automobiles.

According to the company, the shift to green power could reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 1 million tons per year.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Steps to Take When Researching a New Car Purchase


As the president and chief executive officer of PSD Automotive Group, Patrick Dibre leads a coordinated network of auto dealerships across several states that have achieved top sales and customer-service rankings. Patrick Dibre emphasizes the importance of providing customers with a full range of information about new and pre-owned vehicles from manufacturers such as Volvo, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler.

When selecting a new car, it makes sense to ask several hypothetical questions, including how many people will regularly ride in it. Also, consider the likelihood of an addition to the family, as that will alter your requirements for the vehicle within its lifespan. Moreover, make sure that the automobile is spacious enough to accommodate all potential loads by accounting for specific equipment-transportation needs.

Before test-driving, identify which aspects of the vehicle are most important. Personal priorities can include fuel economy, interior design, safety, and the overall look and feel of the car. Decide if you want an automobile that is crafted to impress or one with a focus on functionality.

Once the attributes of an ideal car are settled, establish a budget and research which models go the furthest in meeting expectations within the set price range. Additionally, determine whether leasing or buying outright makes the most sense and find out about available plans by checking websites, calling dealerships, and visiting them in person.

It is also crucial to remember that many variables differentiate even similar models within the same price range and the best way to ultimately decide will involve sitting behind the wheel.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Nissan's 2019 Altima Impresses with Design, Technology, and Controls


An accomplished automotive sales executive based in New Jersey, Patrick Dibre has, with the support of his wife, Dina, built a successful network of automotive franchises. As the president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group, Patrick Dibre has led several of his dealerships to earn placement among Nissan’s top 50 dealers in the world. 

Nissan has updated the popular Altima model for 2019, and the critics are pleased. For the first time, all of the Altima trims, including the S, SL, SV, SR, and Platinum, are now available with all-wheel drive. For those who enjoy a sporty look, the SV features carbon-texture plastic trim and polished metallic accents.

The gauges and controls on the 2019 model received high marks for clarity, adequate nighttime illumination, and ease of reference. The dashboard’s infotainment system offers a row of improved touch-sensing buttons that allow drivers access to technology like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and hands-free text messaging.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Three Benefits of Using a Dealership Service Center


Since founding his first auto sales company in 1989, Patrick Dibre has held nearly every position in the auto industry. Today, Patrick Dibre is the president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group, a holding company that operates numerous auto dealerships across the country. In addition to selling and leasing new and used cars, these dealerships maintain professionally staffed service centers to assist customers with their maintenance needs. 

A new car is among the biggest purchases many people will make in their lives, and regular maintenance is one of the best ways to protect that investment. Here are three reasons why your dealership’s service center might be the best option for regular service and repair. 

1. Hassle-free warranty service. Since dealerships represent the manufacturer, they honor all warranty requests for covered parts and maintenance. Many independent garages are not aware of warranty guidelines or do not provide warranty repair service, which can lead to unnecessary expenditures.

2. Technicians who specialize in your vehicle. Perhaps the biggest advantage of bringing your vehicle to a dealership service center is that factory-trained technicians will be working on your car. These technicians are experts in your specific make and model, which often results in repair work that is of higher quality and lasts longer.

3. High-quality replacement parts. In addition to receiving specialized training related to your specific vehicle, technicians at dealership service centers have access to high-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. While using secondhand or generic parts might save money in the short run, there is no guarantee they will precisely fit your vehicle or last for very long, which can cause bigger problems in the future.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Volkswagen Announces New Mobile Charging Stations


Residing in Mendham, New Jersey, with his wife, Dina, Patrick Dibre has spent nearly three decades in the automotive sales industry. Today, Patrick Dibre leads PSD Automotive Group, a company that operates dealerships comprising Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and other brands. PSD also owns an award-winning Volkswagen dealership in Huntington, New York. 

One of the most successful vehicle manufacturers in the world, Volkswagen has built a reputation for innovation through clever design, precision engineering, and legendary models such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Volkswagen Bus. The company continues to stay at the forefront of automotive innovation, as evidenced by its recent advances in electric vehicle (EV) technology.

Electric cars have surged in popularity in recent years. However, one major obstacle to ownership for many is the relative difficulty of keeping the vehicles charged, as many individuals lack space to keep a charging station at home and public charging stations are still few and far between. 

To solve this problem, Volkswagen recently announced a mobile charging station concept. The new stations, which will hold a whopping 360 kWh per unit, can easily be transported and placed in areas lacking EV charging infrastructure or urban areas where EV owners must park on the street. The mobile station also promises to charge quickly, with Volkswagen engineers claiming a charging time of just 17 minutes per vehicle.

Though the mobile stations are still in the concept stage, they are expected to roll out by 2020, starting in Wolfsburg, Germany, home of Volkswagen’s corporate headquarters. The stations are part of a larger move into the EV category for the manufacturer, which plans to release 30 EV models within the next few years.

Monday, January 7, 2019

2019 Nissan Murano Offers Advanced Safety and Technology Features


Patrick Dibre draws upon three decades of experience in the automotive retail industry as the president and CEO of PSD Automotive Group. Under Patrick Dibre’s leadership, the New Jersey-based company oversees dealerships across the country that offer new and pre-owned vehicles from brands such as Volkswagen and Nissan.

In 2019, Nissan will release its newest model of the Murano, the original of which first hit the market in 2003. Updated design features include a deeper V-motion grille and sharper LED headlights on the exterior in addition to semi-aniline leather seats and armrests for the interior. A panoramic moonroof also lets in natural light and air while giving passengers a view of the sky.

Furthermore, the 2019 Nissan Murano boasts a number of new technologies, including Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This patented driver-assistance system incorporates a number of safety and navigation features, from blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking to live-traffic and weather alerts. The console also has two USB ports with improved charging capabilities.

Under the hood, the vehicle has a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine that enables it to reach speeds of 60 MPH within 7.3 seconds. Fuel-economy tests using 75-MPH real-world highways also found that it can achieve a 27 miles-per-gallon ratio.

The 2019 Nissan Murano has yet to receive a release date, but interested parties can sign up for updates at Nissan.com.