Somerville Auto Blog

As a business owner, improving your bottom line while maximizing your fleet’s productivity can seem like an impossible task. Safety, fuel, maintenance and labour inefficiencies are some of the main contributors to the high costs associated with fleets. But what if there was a way to cut costs ...

Somerville customers can take advantage of our commercial rental vehicle program to support and simplify their day-to-tday operations in the GTA. Short term vehicle rentals can offer many benefits to fleets that experience seasonality in their operations. Whether it’s for temporary increases i...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a number of benefits over traditional gas-powered vehicles, including reduced emissions, lower fuel costs, and improved efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore why businesses should consider electric ve...

Sitting inside an electric car for the first time, you’ll notice that nearly everything is in the same place as it would be in a traditional ICE vehicle. The accelerator and brake pedals are in the same spot. The gear shifter is located either between the seats or on the steering wheel. But, w...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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? ...

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...

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 ...

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...

Restoring Luxury To Your Land Rover There's nothing quite like experiencing the smell of a brand new vehicle for the first time, especially within the spacious interior of a luxury Land Rover. From the minute you pull open the door and immerse yourself in the sleek and spotless interior, to bei...

Customizing Your Car When it comes to owning a vehicle that offers solid engineering, high performance, elegance and durability, the Mercedes-Benz is a definite front-runner. With so many outstanding qualities, the brand in itself is timeless. However, more and more Mercedes-Benz owners in the...

Stick shift, standard, manual, no matter what you call it the ability to change gears yourself and customize your driving experience appeals to drivers who have mastered the skill. Have you ever considered purchasing a vehicle with a manual transmission? If so you are one of the few, as only 7% of v...

When you are considering a new vehicle, you likely run through your financing options. Buying your next car flat out, financing a new or used vehicle or leasing a new vehicle; these are all very common and frequently pursued options, but did you know that you’re able to lease a used vehicle as...

Navigating the busy streets and highways during winter is tough enough when the roads are snowy and obviously slippery, but as many of us have experienced, you can’t always tell when danger is lurking ahead.  Learning to navigate and detect black ice on the streets is essential to keeping...

We hate to be the ones to say it but Winter is arriving! Driving the highways and streets of Canada during our long winter season means equipping your vehicle with the right gear and making responsible maintenance decisions. If you expect to see frosty conditions this season, strongly consider takin...

Looking for a car loan with bad credit can be an overwhelming challenge. With personal transportation being such an important part of our daily lives, finding a reputable lender and auto dealer are essential to getting you into the right car at the right price. The outlook is far from hopeless if yo...

Thinking about buying a vehicle this year? If you're one of many drivers who value safety above anything else, you'll be interested in getting better acquainted with the following clutch vehicles that make the cut in occupant safety.  Note that these vehicles are categorized by s...

Driving a vehicle may be risky business, but each of us has the power, let alone responsibility, to significantly reduce risks on the road simply by being a "defensive driver." We hear this term tossed around a lot, but what exactly does it mean?  Some of you may conjure up an image ...

While the hunt for your next pre-owned vehicle can be an exciting time, it can also be an intimidating experience -- especially if you are naive to the whole used car buying process and don't fully understand the pricing jargon salespeople are using.  Bear in mind that as a car buyer, YOU ...

Ten of the major vehicle manufacturers accounting for 57% of light-duty vehicle sales across North America have recently announced plans to make Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) a standard feature available on all new vehicles, according to the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administratio...

According to Terry O’Keefe, Director of Communications & Education at the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), only 29% of Ontarians are familiar with what "all-in pricing" means, let alone the fact that it's been the law in the province for the past five...

Safety-related recalls are a hot topic in the auto industry these days with manufacturers like General Motors facing possible legal issues over fauly airbags, to Toyota’s $1.2 billion settlement over claims of unintended acceleration. And how can we forget Audi's series...

Cars are expensive and they ruin the environment. Sound familiar? Ask anyone opposed to buying or leasing a car in Toronto and these are two issues that are sure to come up when discussing the topic of whether or not to make the step towards car-ownership. However, it’s important to realize th...

The average GTA commute is 32.8 minutes, meaning that Torontonians drive longer and farther to get to work than in any other Canadian city. These vehicle commuting times are just shy of New York’s 34.7 minutes of seemingly wasted time driving to work. Even getting behind the wheel of a top of ...

Toronto newspapers have forecasted the end of the manual transmission, with Young Driver’s decrease in their Toronto’s fleet to only one manual car. Don’t let this news mislead you. Based on the steady demand for the classic stick shift that we are seeing here at Somerville Auto, w...

Even the City of Toronto is greening their vehicles, and while selecting a hybrid, electric or diesel car may not be a road you are willing to take, everyone likes to save money at the pump.    Here are a few simple ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, regardless of whet...

According to Richard Russell, car technology is improving fuel efficiency on new vehicles by managing the internal combustion engine, and this means having even more selection when leasing a vehicle in Canada and looking for the best way to save on money at the gas pump. As technology improves, vehi...

Around a car lease dealership, you’ll often hear the term “residual value.” What exactly is the residual value of a car and what does that mean for your lease?   A smart lessee knows that a low monthly payment isn’t all there is to a great lease arrangement. Many Canad...

Selecting the right vehicle add-ons for you when buying or leasing a new car can sometimes be a difficult process. Sure, it might be nice to have a keyless entry system or state-of-the-art sound system, but how can you be sure that you are getting the most value for each dollar? The last thing that ...

The world of car leasing includes a lot of terminology and phrases that are unfamiliar to most Canadians, but adding a few new words to your vocabulary can certainly help you understand how car leases are calculated. Our goal here at Somerville Auto is to empower our car leasing customers and help t...

Charles M. Hayes, president of the Grand Trunk Railway once said: “safety first” is “safety always.” There have been major developments in motor vehicle industry over the years when it comes to technology and auto parts that assists in preventing crashes and reducing the amou...