Volkswagen Introduces Electric Concept Car

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Volkswagen has introduced an electric concept car set to hit the market in 2020. The I.D. concept car made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and is expected to offer fully automated driving by 2025.

Currently, Volkswagen offers the e-Golf, an electric car that goes about 83 miles on pure electric charge. The I.D. concept car is expected to have up to 373 miles of range per charge. It will be recognized as a zero-emissions vehicle, which means it puts off no pollution when in electric mode.

The design for the I.D. include interactive lights, ample open space inside the vehicle, and cameras rather than side view mirrors. This electric concept car is ahead of its time in every aspect!

Do you think Volkswagen's introduction of an electric concept car is too tech-y? How do you feel about fully autonomous vehicles? As Volkswagen attempts to dive head first into the future of car manufacturing, we think it's incredibly exciting to watch all of the technology unfold! It seems a little bit like we're living in the future of a sci-fi movie, but big things are on the horizon! In addition to their release of the I.D. concept car, Volkswagen has also set a goal to sell 1 million electric cars per year by 2025. This type of lofty goal is exactly why we love VW!

If you want to get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen for yourself, head over to Serra Volkswagen of Traverse City! We'd love to have you test drive a vehicle and help you pick one that matches your lifestyle needs!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

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Get Your Home Ready for Fall

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Fall has officially arrived! The days are getting shorter and cooler, but don't let that get you down! Fall is an exciting time! From spooky Halloween decorations to fall harvest produce, like pumpkins and gourds, fall is the perfect time to step up your decor game! Keep reading to see our favorite DIY decor projects. To see how to complete these projects, or for more fall decoration ideas, head to our Serra of Traverse City Pinterest page for tons of other ways you can get your home ready for fall!

1. Fall Simmer Pot

Getting your home ready for fall doesn't just mean putting out decorations! You can make your home smell like fall too! Simmering some fresh items like cinnamon, oranges, and cranberries in a pot on the stove will give your home an inviting fall scent without all of the harsh chemicals from a store bought air freshener. 

2. DIY Doormat 

Pick up a plain doormat from the store and paint it with craft store paint for a personalized outdoor decoration! You can create a Halloween themed mat like the one shown above, or customize your design in any way you see fit! 

3. DIY Skull Centerpiece 

You can create this piece with some supplies from the craft store. You'll most likely have to alter the fake skull to make room for the flowers. For a fresh touch, try using live flowers, or if you want a low maintenance, reusable, centerpiece, you can use fake flowers from the craft store.

4. Watercolor Fall Mobile

This project can be completed with the kids if you want to get the whole family involved. Have the kids paint with autumn colors on construction paper. Then you can cut their artwork into the shapes of leaves! Attach the leaves to a small branch from outside using fishing line and a hot glue gun. Hang your project on the wall and it will feel like fall inside your house!

5. Creative Pumpkin Carving

Of course you'll want to carve pumpkins for Halloween, but get a little more crafty this year. You can use stickers and permanent markers, as well as your carving knife, to create haunted house pumpkins! Craft stores may carry reusable pumpkins to make your creation a little more permanent. 

Get creative as you get your home ready for fall! DIY decorations usually look a bit nicer, and last a lot longer than store bought holiday decor. Get the whole family involved in making the house feel a little cozier as the weather starts to change! As you get wrapped up in your decorating plans, don't forget to stop by Serra of Traverse City to buy your raffle ticket for the Gladhander Auction Event! The proceeds will benefit the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, and you could win a brand new 2017 Cadillac XT5! Check out our website for more details! 

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

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Cadillac XT5 Earns Top Safety Pick+ Rating

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – The 2017 Cadillac XT5 has earned Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This rating is the highest rating a vehicle can earn in this category.

When the Cadillac XT5 is equipped with optional front crash prevention, it is able to earn good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests administered by the IIHS. A vehicle must also receive an advanced or superior rating in the front crash prevention test. It is these qualifications that earned it its TSP+ rating.

The Cadillac XT5 was designed with passenger safety in mind, and comes standard with 7 airbags. Emergency services provided by OnStar are also available to create an even safer environment for drivers. There are also other safety packages available that include driver awareness and driver assist technologies.

In addition to its advanced technology systems, the Cadillac XT5 design is also what makes it a TSP+ rated vehicle. Extensive computer simulations were created in order to make the XT5 an extremely safe crossover vehicle. A revised front structure on this year's model improves its safety rating as well.

Cadillac knows that your safety, as well as the safety of your family and passengers, is important. Serra of Traverse City is proud to supply buyers with the safest luxury vehicles on the road. The Cadillac XT5 Top Safety Pick+ rating means we feel confident that you'll stay safe, no matter where your adventures may take you.

As well as proudly providing customers with top of the line vehicles like the Cadillac XT5, Serra of Traverse City is excited to be a part of the 2016 Gladhander Auction Event for the second year in a row. At this years auction, which benefits the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, you have the chance to win a 2017 Cadillac XT5 or $32,000! Be sure to stop by the dealership to purchase your raffle tickets!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street. 

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

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Cider Mill Destinations in the Traverse City Area

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – It's that time of year again! Time to venture to your favorite cider mill or apple orchard to indulge in some sweet cider and donuts! If you're not sure where to go this fall to curb your craving, take a look at our suggestions below to help you decide which cider mill destinations in the Traverse City area you'd like to visit! Each location is unique and offers something fun for the whole family! Will you make it to all five locations this fall?

1. Hoxsie's Farm Market

Get your fill of cider and donuts, assorted baked goods and farm fresh produce, or pick your own apples or pumpkins! Hoxsie's also has a corn maze and wagon rides throughout the season! 

2. Friske Orchards 

Make a day of it when you visit Friske's! Enjoy lunch in the cafe, followed by cider and donuts, shopping in the market, and visiting the petting zoo! 

3. Buchan's Blueberry Hill

Don't let the name fool you, they offer much more than just blueberries! Buchan's offers pick your own apples and peaches this time of year, as well as fresh cider and in-season produce! 

4. Gallagher's Farm Market

Gallagher's is open from June-October to offer you a wide variety of farm-fresh products. They boast a corn maze and pumpkin patch, and provide customers with a huge selection of fresh baked goods. 

5. Jacob's Corn Maze

Jacob's is much more than just a corn maze. This farm offers horse-drawn wagon rides, fresh produce, pick your own pumpkins, cider and donuts, and more!

We don't know which one sounds the best! We hope you'll check out a few cider mill destinations in the Traverse City area this fall, and let us know which one is your favorite! At Serra of Traverse City, we're excited for the fall weather and colors to arrive. In addition to the beauty and fun activities arriving with the fall, we're also excited about the Gladhander Auction event happening in October. For more information you can visit our webpage! Be sure to stop in at the dealership to purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win a Cadillac XT5 or a number of cash prizes!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Audi R8 Hits the Red Carpet with Airbnb

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Audi is excited to return as the sponsor of the 68th Emmy Awards! For the past six years, Audi has been the official automotive partner of the Television Academy. This year, they will also partner with Airbnb to promote the Audi R8 through their television commercial titled "Desolation." As Audi hits the red carpet with Airbnb this fall, the R8 will make many special appearances in Hollywood.

In addition to providing transportation to celebrities at the Emmy Awards, Audi appeared at the Governors Ball Preview on September 7, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 10 and 11, and the press event held on September 14. Today they will appear at the Nominee Reception.

In order to promote the new Audi R8, Audi has partnered with Airbnb to offer customers the travel experience of a lifetime. Starting on September 18th, you will be able to book a stay at the Rondolino Residence. This home is located in Death Valley, the perfect setting to drive the high-performing Audi R8. For three days, you'll have unlimited access to the Audi R8, a personal chef, and personalized entertainment. Check out the commercial, titled "Desolation," which features the Rondolino Residence.

We're proud to support Audi in their sixth year of partnership with the Television Academy and we thinking it's really exciting the Audi R8 will hit the red carpet along with Airbnb. Right now at Serra of Traverse City, you can drive away in a red carpet-worthy vehicle. We want to keep the drive alive with some great deals! Head over to the dealership or start shopping online today!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

5 Recipes to Make on National Milkshake Day

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Today is National Milkshake Day! What a wonderful excuse to get out the blender and make some yummy after school treats for the kids, or for yourself! You don't need to go out to enjoy these delicious drinks, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now! Check out these 5 recipes to make on National Milkshake Day!

Prefer to have your shake served with a burger and fries? Head over to Don's Drive-In to get your sweet-tooth handled!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte Milkshake

It's only fitting that we include a pumpkin spice flavored milkshake for National Milkshake Day, as fall has just arrived. This recipe is super easy to make and tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass! Note that the recipe only makes one milkshake (obviously not enough) so be sure to multiply ingredients accordingly!

2. Peach Milkshake

This recipe is slightly more summery than it's predecessor. You might be able to find fresh peaces at the grocery store still, but if not you can always use the canned version. A little more creative than your average fruit flavored milkshakes, you could always alter the recipe to include other fruits as well.

3. Birthday Cake Milkshake

Celebrate your birthday anytime with this birthday cake flavored shake! All you really is milk, ice cream, and cake mix, sprinkles are optional, but in our opinion, necessary.

4. Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake

The picture tells it all! A few simple ingredients and you'll be sipping this delicious drink! Be careful, you might drink it all before you have a chance to share!

5. Galaxy Vanilla Milkshake

Although it's technically just a vanilla milkshake, who wouldn't want to eat these pretty creations? Sprinkles and food dye give this treat it's distinctive color, and make it just a little more fun to consume. 

Hopefully our 5 recipes to make on National Milkshake Day inspire you to treat yourself and your family to some fun desserts! Don't forget, you can always head to Moomers if you're not in the mood to whip up your own treats! You can also take advantage of the Keep the Drive Alive event happening now at Serra of Traverse City! Save on select Nissans, Toyota RAV4s, and AWD vehicles! 

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street. 

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

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10 Tailgate Recipes to Try this Football Season

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Football season is upon us and that means it's time to tailgate! You will inevitably be invited to some form of Football-related fun this fall, so be prepared by reading our list of 10 tailgate recipes to try this football season! You can prepare them for a tailgate, sport viewing party, or at home! Either way, they're sure to be crowd pleasers!

1. Jalapeño Poppers

This classic, cheesy appetizer is fairly simple to prepare and awesomely delicious to eat! 

2. Buffalo Chicken Roll-ups

These tortilla roll-ups are the perfect finger food to eat while you cheer on your favorite team!

3. Spinach Mushroom Dip

How could a tailgate be complete without spinach dip? This version with mushrooms is to die for!

4. Popcorn Toffee Bars

Perfect handheld dessert bars to satisfy your sweet tooth!

5. Chili Verde

This veggie-friendly classic will keep your friends warm on those chilly fall game days!

6. Spicy Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are the most cliché party snacks, but this spicy version will have you headed back for seconds.

7. Touchdown Turnovers

These easy, tasty desserts are the perfect compliment to any football party.

8. Mini Meatball Sandwiches

Finger food is key to a successful football gathering. These meaty, cheesy sandwiches are perfect bite size snacks!

9. Spiced Chicken Wings

You have to have wings at a tailgate party! Try these dry-rubbed wings with their delectable dipping sauce. 

10. Broccoli Rabe Provolone Grinders

Another dish that your vegetarian friends will appreciate! These grinders can be prepared ahead of time and be served hot or cold!

We hope you'll give our 10 tailgate recipes a try this football season! As the weather cools off, and the sports heat up, be sure you're not neglecting your vehicle! You can conveniently schedule a service appointment on our website! Feel free to browse our online inventory of foreign and domestic, new and used, vehicles!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street. 

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Nissan Pathfinder Revamped for 2017

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – The Nissan Pathfinder has been revamped for 2017, and it’s new features are definitely something to get excited about! The Pathfinder, one of Nissan’s best known vehicles, will give you a new level of style and performance. Some new improvements include:

All New Interior

The Pathfinder’s interior has 173.8 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space. Its 3 row/7 passenger seating accommodates a large crew and tons of stuff! You won’t feel squished for space in this large crossover vehicle.

Towing Capacity

The new 2017 Pathfinder features a towing capacity up to 6,000 pounds, a 1,000 pound increase from it’s predecessor. This makes the 2017 Pathfinder best-in-class for towing when it is properly equipped with the updated 3.5L V6 engine.

Enhanced Safety Features

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has new safety features to keep you and your loved ones out of harm's way on the road. Available safety features include, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Cruise Control. All of these new features are designed to provide safety in everyday driving situations. You can learn more in the video below:

Entertainment System

The entertainment system in the 2017 Pathfinder includes navigation display on the 8-inch monitor with touch screen, and at-a-glance navigation directions for the driver on the dashboard. Dual screens in the backseat provide passengers with the ultimate on-board experience. Bluetooth connectivity and Bose speakers offer music entertainment for the whole family! 3 USB ports and an HDMI cable hook-up make this the most advanced Pathfinder yet!

We think the Revamped Nissan Pathfinder for 2017 is something to get excited about! It’s not here yet, but in the meantime, you can come down to Serra of Traverse City to test drive a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. If it doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, we’ll help you find a vehicle that is!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube