Your Next Vehicle . . . What's new and exciting in 2011 and 2012

An Interview with Gary Uftring.

The Central Illinois Auto Show just wrapped up for 2011. What products were on hand that excited you and area car buyers?

Chevy Volt, Nissan GTR Supercar. High quality Jaguars and Cadillacs. The new 2011 Ford Explorer is great. We saw the new Nissan Quest Van. The new Chrysler 200 is a great sedan - imported from Detroit.

Why is the Auto Show so important?

With research on the internet, there is lots of information available, but nothing compares with actually getting to see the vehicle in person.

Today's vehicles are better than ever. Quality, materials, reliability, fuel economy and technology are improving with each model year. As a dealer, what positive changes have you seen in the last five years?

Build quality is absolutely better. We see cars with 200 and 300,000 miles on them. That is not uncommon. Safety is a big thing these days. Every manufacturer focuses on safety more than ever. Technology is also moving very fast.

Increasingly, car buyers are looking at smaller vehicles for day to day transportation. What recent or upcoming models have captured your attention?

There are so many awesome vehicles from each manufacturer it's impossible to mention them all in a short period of time. Let's just say there is something for everyone.

What vehicles in the smaller crossover segment will buyers be excited about?

The functionality and all-wheel-drive availability of smaller crossover vehicles appeals to many of today's buyers, whether it's for people with kids, pets or increased utility without stepping up to a larger SUV. Nissan Juke, Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge.

What larger sport utilities should we watch out for in the coming year?

Larger sport utilities are still more popular than ever. People need them for travel, hunting, fishing, sportsmen find them extremely useful. Third row seating and 4 wheel drive availability are extremely important options to buyers. Land Rover LR4, new Ford Explorer, new Jeep Grand Cherokee, new Saab 9-4X.

The Uftring Auto Group has 13 franchises at six locations. With so many models to study, how do you keep on top of it all?

It's difficult but it its also a passion so it is always I look forward to every day. I do research just like each of our customers.

Are there any upcoming vehicles that have caught your eye that are on the horizon?

Amazing new Cadillacs, Nissan Quest Van, New Subaru Impreza, Chrysler 200 and 300.