Somerville Auto Blog

As businesses work on getting their ducks in a row heading into 2023, building a fleet of commercial vehicles you can rely on should be right at the top of the list. Any good business owner knows the importance of planning business practices well in advance, and the new year is a great opportunity t...

“Thanks to such factors as falling costs, widening availability, and support from policy makers, sales of commercial EVs have continued to grow… our estimate suggests that fleet EVs can have a total cost of ownership that is 15 to 25 percent less than that of equivalent ICE vehicles by...

It’s no secret in the automotive industry that this year saw a significant surge in electric vehicle sales. In fact, around 4.3 million new battery-powered EVs (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) were sold globally in the first half of 2022. BEV sales grew by 75% on the year an...

Keeping a handle on small business expenses can be difficult. It is easy for everyday costs to add up, leading even the savviest of business owners to look for ways to control spending and manage expenses. Fuel can be a major expense often overlooked by businesses, especially as gas prices and traff...

A Lesson in History The invention of the internal combustion engine in the 19th century revolutionized transportation over land, water, and air. But the electric vehicle found its place in history much earlier than you’d think.   1828 – The First Known Electric Vehicles are Inven...

Check out the latest blog post from one of our vendors, Flexdealer, who attended our 2022 Somerville Open House a few weeks ago: Fleet Leasing Companies Are Taking Charge in The EV Sector We spend a lot of time thinking about how our individual choices impact our communities, and many of us have m...

The economic and environmental advantages of an electric fleet are clear: EVs reduce fueling and operating costs, meet sustainability requirements, and integrate with other systems to optimize fleet operations. As fleets face budget constraints, emission standards, and consumer demand for quick deli...

Asset tracking can include equipment such as trailers, containers and generators. These are assets that do not have an onboard engine and/or power supply and can be costly to keep track of or recover for a business. Tracking can enable logistics, supply chain and transportation sectors to monitor an...

GM recently released information on their first electric pickup offering. The 2024 Electric Chevrolet Silverado may be behind in the electric pickup competition, but it appears to be worth the wait. The EV Silverado pickup claims to have more range and performance than the Ford Lightning but won&rsq...

There has never been a better time to make the switch to electric! With Electric Vehicles (EV’s) growing in popularity over the last years, there are many more options currently available and coming soon for fleets. Auto manufacturers are quickly increasing their offerings of electric vehicles...

Telematics has become a key player in effective fleet management and is now an essential tool for many commercial and government fleets. Essentially, telematics is a method of monitoring cars, trucks & equipment using GPS and other diagnostics to record their movements. Typically tracking throug...

One of the most popular trucks is leading businesses into the future. Ford is set to debut their upcoming electric pickup truck next week on May 19th. Production for this electric pickup will take place at their Michigan plant next year.   Ford dropped a bit of a teaser video here:  ...

One of our favorite truck is newly redesigned and updated for 2021! The all-new F150 Hybrid pickup truck is finally here and available for lease or rent. The new hybrid engine is one of the many engine options for 2021. With an updated interior & exterior design and power supply in the bed ...

One of the most popular commercial vehicles is leading businesses into the future. Ford has introduced the 2022 E-Transit, set to arrive late 2021. With over 10 million units sold, the Ford Transit has been a top seller for over 50 years. The new all-electric Transit will continue to deliver goods &...

Lease Your Next Cargo Van with Somerville Auto What makes cargo vans the go-to choice for so many small businesses in the GTA? These commercial vehicles have ample room for materials, shelves, cabinets and so much more while taking up comparatively little road space. This makes cargo vans ideal for...

The Right Pickups with Terms that Work for GTA Businesses When your company needs a new work truck, don’t run to your nearest dealership and pay top dollar thinking that’s the only option. Somerville Auto is here to help businesses find flexible work vehicle solutions that don’t e...

Building and maintaining a company is a painstaking task. Our goal at Somerville Auto is to simplify how your business obtains work trucks, vans or entire commercial fleets. We’ve built our independent leasing company around helping other Toronto businesses expand their operations and we have ...

Access the Right Vehicle with a Van Lease from Somerville Auto The perfect option for transporting cargo through the tight streets of downtown Toronto, vans offer ample space and protection from weather damage. Whether you’re looking to get a van for personal use or you need a versatile work ...

Source Out the Right Truck for Your Toronto Business Having the right vehicles on the job has a huge impact on your company’s productivity. Take on the busy summer season properly with the help of Somerville Auto’s truck leasing services. Not only can we compose tailored leases for your...

Why Choose a Pre-Owned Tow Truck If you’re looking to add a tow truck to your fleet, choosing a used vehicle can be a savvy way to save your business money. Pre-owned tow trucks have the strength needed to get the job done but often sell for thousands less than their new counterparts. Somervi...

Gain the Advantage with Leasing If you’re looking to advance your business in the GTA, discovering ways to set yourself up for financial success is pivitol. Any large investment should be taken on with great care, none more so than that of acquiring business vehicles. Whether you’re see...

Superior Selection for Toronto Fleet Owners Are you finding that your company is constantly having to rent light duty trucks? Whether you’re delivering goods or moving cargo, there’s another way to access cube trucks and other light-duty vehicles that could work out better for your busi...

Find Vehicles for Towing Are you looking to add a tow truck to your company’s fleet? Somerville Auto is the place to go for towing vehicles. Not only do we have access to new Canadian-assembled Hinos that are perfect for towing over at Somerville Hino, but we also keep used trucks suitable fo...

Get Your Contracting Business Ahead with Leasing Contractors keep the world going. Handling everything from pipes to heating, from concrete to drywall, North York is built by contractors. At Somerville Auto, we know that the needs of a contractor change constantly, which is why having flexibility a...

It’s happening! The snow is melting away and the forecast is getting better every week. Springtime is just around the corner for residents of the GTA. What does this mean for your landscaping business? It means that it’s time to track down the right equipment! Start your busy season righ...

  The transition is almost complete -- you’ve settled into your new position at work, you found the perfect condo, and now all that’s left is to select a vehicle. Somerville Auto is here to make the car-finding process as easy as possible, with countless customizable lease options ...

  Yes -- it’s true, Somerville Auto is not just a car dealership and rental company. We actual pride ourselves on our unique leasing program, supplying hard-working business owners with the heavy equipment they need to get the job done. Project demands can be both instant and unexpected...

Used truck leasing is one of the parts of our business that we get the most questions about. Here at Somerville Auto, we’re an independent leasing company. This means that we’re able to set the terms for our leases to provide you with a customized leasing plan that works with your lifest...

One of our most requested and most popular vehicles to lease is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. From small Toronto businesses to personal drivers and individual contractors, this truck fits easily with different lifestyles and work hard and play harder. To grow your business, you need the right tools....

When you’re looking for a truck, whether it’s for work or play, you want to find the right truck for you. Here at Somerville, our goal is to help you do just that. Different routines come with different purposes and leasing a vehicle is one way to ensure that you’re always in the r...

We like to think that we’re pretty unique. As a pillar of business in Toronto we’re proud of what we do. We often get asked when we’re out and about exactly what our business is, as Somerville National Leasing and Rentals. Our motto is Drive a Better Lease, and we’re here to ...

As a Canadian, especially one thinking of purchasing a vehicle, you may have heard about the uncertainty surrounding NAFTA agreements involving Canada and the United States. With no end in sight and no solid deal on the table, the potential threat of auto import taxes and tariffs is real. There are...

When you’re choosing vehicles for your commercial fleet, you’re not just considering what colours and features you’re looking for, but how these vehicles will help you day-to-day while you’re doing business and getting work done. Having the right vehicles in your fleet can he...

Not only are we seeing more and more Audi vehicles arriving on our lot than ever before, but we’re also seeing more Audis on the streets of Toronto and Mississauga. As one of our favourite German-built brands, it’s great to see such elegant and attractive vehicles making their mark on t...

Summer is officially here. Is your vehicle ready? Check these boxes off of your to-do list and know that you’re riding safely and in style all season long. From detailing tips to general preventative maintenance, here’s what you need to know. Detail Your Summer Driver Well Whether you...

Every Now and Then While We’re Driving, We Come Across a Maserati GranTurismo The unique sound of the powerful engine, the suave body shape, and the ambiance of true luxury are strikingly apparent. As Toronto’s home of luxury leasing, we can’t help but share why we love the GranTu...

Each year, we host house event that allows us to get to know our customers better It serves as an open invitation for new faces to visit our dealership and get an idea of the types of vehicles we sell, who we are, and how we work. Here’s the scoop: When is the Open House? The 2018 Somervi...

Often, when Torontonians think of luxury vehicles, they think of BMWs It’s no surprise that the German automaker continues to dominate the luxury segment year-after-year, with attractive models like the M series, 330i, and X series. Learn why these vehicles make the cut from Sherway Gardens t...

So, you’ve come to the realization that you want to buy a luxury vehicle  Well, that’s great! But, unless you’re carrying more than $100,000 in bills for a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, a 2017 Maserati GranTurismo, or a 2014 Audi R8, you’ll likely need to talk with...

Here at Somerville National Leasing, we’re proud to lease some of the most in-demand luxury used cars and SUVs around. We have a wide inventory of major brands like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and more. This month, we've hand-picked some of our favourite vehicles for life in Toronto and the GTA - ch...

When shopping for a luxury vehicle, you have a few options on where to spend your hard-earned money. If you’re looking at a brand new luxury vehicle, you’re going to pay a premium and the vehicle’s value will depreciate quickly. Going with a high-quality used vehicle can be a smart...

When you have a gearhead to shop for, it isn’t easy. Sure, they love cars and anything with an engine, but they’re picky and you don’t want to get them the wrong gift. We get it, and we’re going to help you out.   Here are five gift ideas any gearhead will love: &nbs...

The GTA is a great place to be if you’re a car lover. We’re passionate about automobiles of all shapes and sizes, and so are many of our customers. With the year coming to an end, it’s time to look ahead to 2018 and mark your calendar for some truly awesome car shows that are withi...

Whether you look back at the ‘80s with joy or contempt, there is something that came from that glorious decade that we all have to appreciate: the Dodge Ram. The year was 1981 and it was high time for Ford and Chevy trucks to meet a new competitor. Here we are 36 years later and RAM has turned...

You have to admit, we lucked out in the GTA this year as far as winter weather is concerned. Sure, we have received our fair share of rain, but it’s November and winter conditions are just starting to arrive. Before these nasty conditions get here, we have a question for you: Is your vehicle w...

Automobiles are a massive part of North American culture. If we’re not driving car, trucks, vans, and SUVs, we’re seeing them on TV, hearing them on the radio, and checking out the newest vehicles on automotive websites. And since automobiles are such a big part of our lives, there also ...

There are a few people out there who buy a vehicle and drive it for 10 or 15 years, never yearning for something newer, or more capable. Those people are incredibly rare and the fact is, the vehicle you’re driving today likely won’t suit your needs in a few years. Your family could have ...

It’s official: summer is over. But there’s no need to be depressed, especially if you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. This is a great time of year for bargain hunters, and if you hunt hard enough, you can find some truly impressive deals on high-quality used vehicles. We ...

We all hate to admit it, but the fact is Winter isn’t too far away. Snow, ice, frozen roads, and all the other fun that comes with winter is just around the corner. Are you ready? It doesn’t take much, but being prepared to the “no fun” conditions is key to driving safely thi...

Tow trucks are important. If it wasn’t for tow trucks, who would rescue all those people broken down on the side of Toronto roads, slowing traffic and making it impossible for drivers to get to work? And when the snow hits and people are constantly sliding around and crashing; it’s tow t...

Whether you’re looking to finance or lease a vehicle, at some point how “good” your credit is or where your credit score sits will come up. Whether you have awesome credit, so-so credit, or bad credit, there’s a good chance you know your credit score. What you may not know is...

  The end of summer is a great time of year, and not just because the kids go back to school. This is the time of year where you can find some truly great prices on cars, trucks, and SUVs as dealerships look to make space on their lots for new products. Check out our End of Summer Vehicle Spot...

Road trips happen all-year-round, so just because summer is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean you can’t hit the highway and take off on an epic journey or maybe to surprise your kids at college. Wherever you’re heading in your car, truck, or SUV, there is one thing that can make a ...

Pickup trucks are popular vehicles, and for good reason - they’re versatile, durable, spacious, and make sense for almost anyone. But, what if you live in the big, mean city of Toronto? Are pickup trucks still a good idea if you live in the city? For many people, the answer is yes. Location...

Luxury vehicles are incredibly popular right now. Along with record sales, there are more luxury car and SUV models available than ever before. It’s a great time to be shopping for a vehicle, but many people hold off looking at luxury vehicles because they think a high-end car or SUV won&rsquo...

Living in the GTA has its benefits and just one of those perks is having some truly awesome places to hit the track and race your sports car. With a few weeks of summer left, taking your ride to the track to see what you’re made of is a great way to end off the summer driving season. And even ...

Summer is the best season and it’s going by much too quickly. The good news is at the end of August, just as summer is starting to wind down, one of our favourite events of the year is happening: Importfest! On Aug. 26th, join us for Canada’s Largest Aftermarket Car Show at the Metro T...

August is almost here which means there are only a few weeks left of the summer driving season. We hope you’ve been making the most of the summer months and using your car to the fullest - cruising on the weekend, taking long road trips etc.   It’s easy to forget that your vehicl...

Do you consider yourself handy? Are you capable of repairing issues that come up around your business or completing your own landscaping projects? If so, why are you hiring someone else do it? If you lease the equipment you need rather than buying it outright or hiring someone else to do the work, y...

If you’re a car enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates quality and precision, the following words will get you pretty excited: the BMW 8 Series is happening.   Tracing its origins back to 1990 when it was first released, the 8 Series was BMW’s flagship for years, and was t...

Summer really is the best time of year. When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than being outside and enjoying life. That’s why we’re so active in the community, especially during the summer months. Meeting our neighbours, friends, and customers face-to-face and having a q...

Father's Day is just around the corner. This year, why not treat Dad to a day in the city, with the Yorkville Exotic Car Show. On Sunday  June 18th, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m, Toronto's savvy Yorkville neighbourhood will once again play host to the 7th annual Yorkville Exotic C...

If you live in the city, you’ve probably heard it at least 100 times.   In the middle of the night, the squealing tires of a supercar connecting on pavement as it charges down the Don Valley Parkway (because everyone knows it couldn’t get those speeds on Yonge St.).   Over ...

It’s that time of year again!   Somerville Auto’s Open House event is just around the corner, and you’re all invited. On Wednesday June 14th, from 11 a.m. until 3:00 p.m at our dealership (75 Arrow Road, Toronto), Somerville Auto will be hosting a complimentary traditional B...

Toronto is a trendy place.   When you’ve got a night out in the city, especially at a high-end restaurant or event, you want to look good. And part of that starts with the vehicle you show up in. On Wednesday April 19th, Somerville Auto partnered with Notable.ca for a special VIP event...

It happens to the best of us.   Sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of buying a new vehicle that we put our needs on the backburner, and focus solely on the wants. A few months, or a couple of years down the road, we realize that the new car or new SUV we purchased just isn’...

Believe it or not, some drivers in the GTA are still commuting through the city with their winter tires on. Even though we’re still experiencing chilly evening temperatures, since spring has arrived your winter tires should be packed and stored away for next year. Leaving your winter tires o...

What’s so funny about used luxury vehicles? Honestly, not much, but with April Fool’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect time to start planning a few practical jokes. If you know somebody with a luxury car, or an exotic SUV, you’re at an advantage--these people care...

You’ve likely heard of book clubs, fitness clubs, and country clubs. Essentially, they're just groups of individuals who come together to enjoy shared interests and experiences. So, when you’ve got a pretty nice looking luxury vehicle, what do you do? Join a car club, of course! T...

It’s fair to say that exotic SUV and luxury car owners have more to worry about than the Average Joe who drives your everyday sedan. On top of preserving its interior and exterior appearance, luxury vehicle owners inevitably think about the extra steps they can take to safeguard their new set...

Spring is just around the corner, but Toronto is already warming up. Luxury car owners are eager to take their prized vehicles out for a spin again. If you’re one of many who decided to store their car over the winter, chances are it’s sat dormant for several months. Or, maybe you&rsquo...

Sometimes, winter in Toronto feels like it goes on forever. While the snow seems to have let up, it’s still very cold and not many people are outside as much as they are in the summer months. However, there’s plenty to do in the city when you drive a nice car, and we promise you’...

The North American International Auto Show (AKA. The Detroit Auto Show) came to a close on January 22nd and it did not disappoint.  There were hundreds of new cars unveiled for the 2017 year, including many 2018 prototypes that still have some tweaks to be made. This year was the tenth anniver...

Ever since sci-fi movies hit the Hollywood scene, many car enthusiasts have imagined a world where cars drive themselves. While we probably won’t be soaring through the clouds anytime soon, the future of self-driving cars is closer than we think! At the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in...

Buying a new car is a pretty big deal.  But so is the cost of ownership and everything that comes with it, like monthly payments, steep tax rates, auto maintenance, repairs and even gas money. More and more drivers are turning to leasing agreements instead of outright purchasing because of th...

Black Ice isn’t just the name of your favourite Little Trees air freshener hanging on the rearview mirror of your BMW. As great as that mysterious mixture smells, the real phenomenon isn’t half as nice, and in fact, it’s quite dangerous.  Black ice lurks on the pavement duri...

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Many people place buying a new luxury vehicle on their list of resolutions. If you’ve been saving up all year, January is the perfect time to assess the market. Many luxury brands release their 2017 in the months leading up to the new year. This ...

Not all luxury vehicle owners pack up for the winter. Owners of exotic SUVs and cars can still be seen on Toronto’s snowy roads. While navigation is a little bit trickier, driving isn’t impossible just because of the snow. Most luxury car brands are engineered with stronger, more powerfu...

Many people are familiar with the idea of leasing a car for personal reasons. But what a lot of drivers don’t know, is that commercial leasing also exists as an option for small business owners to increase their company’s fleet, while saving a substantial amount of costs. From making pro...

Tis the season for holiday giving. If you’re still stuck on what to get the car fanatic in your life, the answer isn’t too far off. While you might not be able to park a 2017 Mercedes-Benz or a 2016 Audi S7 in the driveway, something smaller will do. Luxury vehicle owners take pride in t...

This past June, Ontario made a policy change regarding automotive insurance policies, but many Ontario drivers may not have been affected just yet. In order to make auto insurance premiums more affordable to Canadians, the coverage levels took a direct hit, which means the insurance you previously s...

With the leaves quickly fading, snow will soon be upon us. Once the snow and slush clutter Toronto’s streets and major roadways, it’s a bit trickier to maneuver the roadways for a last minute trip. Most luxury vehicle owners store their exotics over the winter to protect the bodies and t...

In a surprise move, Audi has released information on the brand new 2017 Audi A5 ahead of its original release date, which was slated for November of this year. Based on the A4 Saloon model and debuting in a coupe form, the flashy A5 is turning heads around the globe. This sporty 2-door coupe has had...

Most luxury car shoppers know what they want. Premium sedans come packed with an elevated sense of style, design and exquisite elements that simply don’t exist in a standard vehicle. Whether you’re looking for plush leather, wood and chrome accents, an impressive sound system, extended h...

Vehicle leasing is a great alternative to getting the car of your dreams, without committing to buying it. For a fixed period of time, you have access to a beautiful, reliable vehicle, and with lower monthly payment installations, you don’t have to worry about drowning in debt! Leasing a vehic...

Being a business executive in Toronto is hard work. Between early morning briefings, last-minute client meetings, corporate lunch dates and last-minute dinner reservations, you need a classy and reliable vehicle that will meet the needs of your company. Somerville Auto has a series of luxury and exo...

With college and university programs now in full-swing, if you haven’t already gotten your belongings moved into campus, you need to act fast! Late night essays, early morning classes, weekend outings and much-needed relaxation call for a comfortable environment, and that can only be done if y...

Exotic vehicles are without a doubt, breathtaking. They’re a combination of exquisite engineering, skilled design and aesthetic brilliance. Many of us dream of owning one, but not all of us actually achieve this vision. But what if we told you owning a luxury vehicle is easier than it sounds? ...

So you’ve got your eye on one of our pre-owned luxury cars for sale. After saving for some time, you know exactly what you want, right down to the year, make, model and colour. But if your credit score is low, getting a new car might be intimidating. Dealerships rely on your credit history to ...

Luxury car brand Audi continues to impress for the remainder of the 2016 year. Always in line with evolving technologies and intuitive to consumer demands, Audi has introduced several new redesigned models throughout the year including the TT 2+2 sports car and the 2017 Audi Q7 midsize SUV, for driv...

If you’ve ever taken your kids on trip, you’ve heard the dreaded “Are we there yet?” phrase. And, if that doesn’t get to you, bickering siblings irritated by each other’s poking or teasing is sure to make even the shortest trip a ride of regret. Luckily, driving w...

Do you ever visit a dealership and wonder why the vehicles you see at this particular location might differ from others you’ve seen on previous lots? Make and model aside, there are certain factors that contribute to why that car, truck, or SUV is now for sale at our dealership. Before we buy ...

Toronto is no stranger to pollution. With all of the cars and trucks that are bumper to bumper in rush-hour traffic, it's easy for smog to accumulate in the air. Transportation is a leading cause of CO2 emissions in Toronto, and a major source of the air pollutants that cause smog, whi...

Last month for Father's Day, Somerville Auto took part in the 6th annual Yorkville Exotic Car Show, located in the heart of Toronto's savvy and iconic Yorkville neighbourhood. Featuring over 120 luxury European and Asian vehicles all in one place, from Ferrari to Lamborghini, Porsche to Merc...

For those of us who are lucky enough to call the GTA home, sometimes we forget there's an entirely differnet world out there. Surrounded by non-stop entertainment in a city famous for its blend of cultural and culinary wonder, it's easy to see why some of us never leave. With diverse coffee ...

Taking care of your car is almost a guarantee that you will not only get the most out of the vehicle you paid for, but arguably extend its lifespan as well. When we hear the words "preventative maintenance" our first thought is generally a car wash every now and then, or replacing your tir...

Father's Day is coming up soon, and on Sunday, June 19th Somerville Auto is giving away two tickets to see Toronto’s very own Blue Jays from the luxurious TD Comfort Zone!  Come visit Somerville Auto for a good old fashioned bean bag throwing competition. The more points you score in ...

As a proud supporter of the Olympic Games, BMW announced its sponsorship of six athletes for the 2016 summer games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Not only does this deal strengthen the BMW brand identity worldwide and provide amazing benefits to the athletes, but there are numerous perks for the automot...

Truck shopping might sound just like car shopping, but the two are drastically different. Unlike small automobiles, truck owners usually use their vehicles for professional or recreational services, so there is much more focus on durability and build, versus the aesthetic attraction you get with car...

Getting You Closer To The Car You Really Want Have you ever been out on the streets of Toronto and seen a luxury vehicle you just can't take your eyes off of? You know, those cars that are just so exquisite you have to pay the owner a compliment or ask a few questions just so you can stare a li...