The Volvo Ocean Race

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Have you seen the sailboats out in the bay this summer? We bet that those boats have never seen anything like the Volvo Ocean Race! The Volvo Ocean Race is a 9-month journey around the world, and it’s not for the faint of heart. The 2017-2018 race route has been announced and it’s tougher than ever before. Here are the details:

The race is 45,000 nautical miles long.

The boats will travel across four oceans and stop in 11 major cities on five continents. Cities include:

Alicante, Spain (Start)
Lisbon, Portugal
Cape Town, South Africa
Hong Kong, China
Guangzhou, China
Auckland, New Zealand
Itajai, Brazil
Newport, Rhode Island
Cardiff, Wales
Gothenburg, Sweden
The Hague, Netherlands (Finish)

12,500 of the 45,000 nautical miles will be spent traveling across the Southern Ocean, the brutal waters around the Antarctic, known to be rather tumultuous to sailors.

The Volvo Ocean Race is the most prestigious race of its kind. Grueling weather conditions and its unprecedented length make it a true test of character and teamwork.

The Volvo Ocean Race reflects its counterpart, Volvo Cars, in its desire for engineering greatness and unmatched design qualities. Both attributes which can be found in the boats of the race and the cars on our lot today. Take a look at our new vehicle inventory online! We also offer used vehicles in many foreign and domestic makes and models.

To test drive a Volvo today, visit us at our dealership in Traverse City, Michigan! 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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Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – If your summer plans involve your four-legged companions, be sure you know the best ways to keep your dog cool this summer! It’s important to keep your dog hydrated and out of the direct heat as much as possible! If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!

Great Ways to Stay Cool

• Provide your pet with a kiddie pool to splash in! The pool makes a fun, cool place to play outside! 
• Make your own homemade doggie pupsicles or ice cream by following these recipes, or by freezing your pup’s favorite treat in an ice cube tray. It’s a nice treat and it will help them to keep cool.
• Most dogs like to swim. If yours does, find a nearby pet-friendly beach and take them for a dip! Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog without causing them to overheat.

Always…

• Always have a cool place for your dog to rest. If they’re outside for an extended period of time, make sure there is shade. Inside they will probably find their own cool place like the tile floor, but you can give them a cooled towel to lie on too.
• Always have water available wherever you go! At home, make sure your dogs water dish is full and fresh at all times. Make sure you bring water on long walks and car rides as well. Don’t forget to have a place for them to get a drink when they’re outside.

Never…

• Never shave your dog! You might think they’re too hot with all that fur, but it actually regulates their body temperature by providing a sort of insulation. Not to mention, cutting their fur short could cause them to get sunburned outside.
• Never exercise your dog if it’s too hot. If you would be uncomfortable exercising due to the temperature, they would be too. Instead, take walks in the morning or evening when it’s cooler, or allow them some swim time.

We hope these tips will help you keep your dog cool this summer! One more thing to keep in mind! Never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle! Even if you leave the windows down, it could still get too hot for them. Leave them at home where they can stay safe and cool!

Don’t forget to schedule your routine summer maintenance at Serra Traverse City! You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (866) 249-1772 to reserve your spot! Don’t get left in the heat! You can also use our FAQ page if you have any car service questions!

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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2017 Toyota Camry is Here

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – The 2017 Toyota Camry is here, and it’s a better deal than ever. The Toyota Camry has been America’s best selling car for 14 years and it appears Toyota hopes to continue this upward trend with their latest pricing options.

Toyota’s mid-size sedan offers the comfort and safety its drivers are looking for. With more standard equipment than ever before, the 2017 Toyota Camry is the best value yet! Standard safety features are also included on all models. These features include advanced airbag systems, vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS, and brake assist. The latest models of the Toyota Camry are expected to get miles per gallon between 21-30, varying between four-cylinder and V6 models. Hybrids are expected to reach up to 40 miles per gallon.

Pricing options for the 2017 Toyota Camry vary from as low as $23,070-$31,370 depending on the package and model. Hybrid pricing ranges from $26,790 to $30,140.

We’re pretty excited that the 2017 Toyota Camry is here! If you’re interested in buying or leasing a 2017 Toyota Camry, take a look at our entire Toyota inventory online! We would also like to invite you stop by our North Campus to take one for a test drive! If the Toyota Camry isn’t the right choice for you, explore all of our other new and used vehicle options on our website! A sales professional would love to help you find the perfect vehicle to match your lifestyle and your budget!

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

10 Camping Hacks Everyone Should Know

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Summer is the perfect time to go camping, especially in Northern Michigan! If you’ve planned any camping trips this season, be sure to read our list of 10 camping hacks everyone should know! We think these tricks will make your outdoor experience easier and more convenient.

1. Gallon Jug Lamp

If you fill a gallon jug with water and strap a headlamp facing toward the inside, you can set the makeshift lamp on a table or in your tent to create more ambient light.

2. Toothpaste Dots

Instead of carrying a whole tube of toothpaste with you, create small toothpaste dots on wax paper and sprinkle with baking soda to dry a few days before your trip. Then you can peel them off and take them in a smaller container for brushing your teeth.

3. Pre-whisk Eggs

To save yourself the hassle of whisking your eggs at your campsite, you can mix them before you go and store them in a plastic container. This also saves the trouble of cracked eggs in the cooler.

4. DIY Fire Starters

Never struggle to get the fire going again! Just stuff some empty toilet paper rolls with lint from the dryer and light with a match!

5. Store Snack in Plastic Containers

Instead of bringing bags or boxes of snacks, transport your snacks into plastic containers before leaving home. This will keep your snacks dry, fresh, and safe from crunching!

6. Store Plastic Cutlery and Napkins 

Use a recycled drink holder to keep plastic cutlery and napkins organized.

7. Store Matches in Mason Jar

Before leaving home, move matches from their cardboard box to a mason jar. This will keep them safe and dry. Be sure to buy strike anywhere matches and glue a piece of sandpaper to the lid of the jar!

8. Prepare Salad in To-Go Cups

For an easy camping lunch, prepare chopped salad in plastic to-go cups. The cups will keep the salad fresh and the straw hole makes a nice fork holder.

9. 2-Liter Toilet Paper Holder

Keep your toilet paper dry and accessible by transforming a 2-liter container into a TP holder. Just cut off the bottom and excess plastic, insert toilet paper, and pop the bottom back on!

10. Collapsible Trash Can

Use a collapsible mesh laundry basket lined with a trash bag to make a lightweight trash can. This will keep the bag accessible and the trash contained!

We hope our list of 10 camping hacks everyone should know will help you on your next camping adventure! If you have any favorite camping tips that we missed, be sure to let us know! If you are looking for a new vehicle this summer, be sure to stop by our dealership and let us help you find the right new or used car for your lifestyle!

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

Volkswagen Continues to be a Crucial Supporter of MoMA

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – This week, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and Volkswagen celebrate their fifth year of partnership. Volkswagen continues to be a crucial supporter of MoMA, and has supported nearly 40 projects over the past 5 years.

Volkswagen has assisted in art exhibitions, concert events, and educational programs. With the help of VW, MoMA was able to expand their online art courses and online seminar programs. Volkswagen and MoMA feel that art education programs are extremely crucial to “deepen an understanding of creative processes and encourage individual artistic action.” They are especially interested in furthering technological advancements to benefit “changing social needs.”

As Volkswagen continues to be a crucial supporter of MoMA, they also continue in their shared commitment to further art education and allow as many people as possible to become familiar with all different forms of art and how these art forms impact communities. VW is currently involved in the 40th anniversary celebration of MoMA PS1, a MoMA affiliated contemporary art center.

If you’d like to support Volkswagen in their artistic endeavors, you can come down to Serra of Traverse City and test-drive your favorite VW model! Maybe you’ll fall in love! We can even help you with your auto financing needs. If you already own a VW, let us help you make sure you’re up to date on all of your routine maintenance by scheduling a service appointment online! Don’t forget we service tons of different foreign and domestic model vehicles!

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 Northern Michigan 4th of July Fireworks Displays

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – If you’re looking for something fun to do this 4th of July, we’ve created a list of 5 Northern Michigan 4th of July fireworks displays! Sticking around in Traverse City is always an option, but if you want to try something different this year, these locations are all less than an hour from Traverse City!

1. Traverse City
The obvious choice would be to stay in Traverse City, the show is sure to be spectacular over the bay!

2. Torch Lake
The view of Torch Lake is beautiful enough on a regular day, add some fireworks and it’s sure to be a great time!

3. Frankfort
The Frankfort fireworks can be seen over Lake Michigan. Festivities also include a parade earlier in the day.

4. Leland
Catch the concert on the lawn and the 4th of July parade, then head to the fireworks display in Leland!

5. Long Lake
Just a short 9 miles from Traverse City, head to Long Lake for a change of scenery and to see some awesome fireworks!

Hopefully our list of 5 Northern Michigan 4th of July fireworks displays will help you decide where to celebrate this weekend! If you’re planning on traveling for the holiday, be sure your vehicle is up to date on all of its maintenance needs and schedule a service appointment on our new website! We would be happy to help you with all of your car buying, leasing, and service needs!

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

Volvo Earns the Brand Design Language Award

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Volvo Cars’ brand has been recognized as an impressive brand strategy by the international Car Design Award jury. With its outstanding design, Volvo earns the Brand Design Language Award.

When work began on the Volvo XC90, designers began work on rebranding the Volvo image, and altering the public perception of Volvo.

“The Volvo family contains many different characters – the strong and refined types, the elegant and sophisticated, the dynamic and the youthful. What we have done with the brand design at Volvo is to provide room for each of these characters, these expressions, to shine through while still paying homage to our tremendous heritage,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design at Volvo. “Each car we design is unmistakably a Volvo, but it also has a unique personality.”

The Volvo XC90 is also the recipient of many other awards including a 2016 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2016 Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year, and Best Auto Tech Award, among others. It’s no surprise that it was recognized in Volvo’s latest rebranding efforts, as it is already accredited as the most awarded SUV of the year. With all of these impressive awards under its belt, who could be surprised that Volvo earns the Brand Design Language Award?

If you’re ready to experience what the 2016 Volvo XC90 has to offer, head over to Serra Traverse City to test-drive one for yourself! We’re sure you wont be disappointed. This all-wheel drive SUV has everything you could ever want in a vehicle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our brand new website, complete with vehicle inventory, service and collision information, and auto financing pages.

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