News Stories
2016 North American International Auto Show – Day 2
Jan 12th
Well that went fast! Here we are at the end of a very long second day at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. While most of the big reveals happened yesterday, today was a great opportunity to check out a few new things like the all-new, production-ready Lincoln Continental and the Acura Precision concept, as well as doubling back on anything we might’ve missed in yesterday’s madness. We also saw the new Honda Ridgeline pickup, GMC Acadia, Infiniti Q60 Coupe, Audi’s H-Tron Concept as well as the new Allroad, and the big, boxy, and beautiful Kia Telluride SUV concept. The most interesting car of Day 2 was the dorky little Toyota Kikai concept. It’s a compact 3-seater with exposed engine and suspension that looks more off-road buggy than compact city car but we applaud Toyota for trying something weird and different. We were also blown away by Ford’s demonstration of the new GT’s Race Mode which drops the car on its wheels and raises up a gloriously aerodynamic wing that doubles as an air brake. Mind = blown!
And don’t forget to visit our YouTube channel to see our video recaps from the show, or behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram.
Morrie’s is helping to save Minnesota’s prairie wildlife
Oct 2nd
Morrie’s has partnered with the Minnesota Zoo to help restore Minnesota’s Prairie Wildlife by providing a Mazda CX-5 vehicle. Minnesota Zoo conservationists use it in the field across Minnesota and beyond researching prairie butterflies, moose and more recently bison. Below you’ll find an update from Minnesota Zoo conservationist Erik Runquist.
The Minnesota Zoo works every day to save wildlife. Our programs in Minnesota and around the world depend on partnerships. We have benefited from a great Mazda CX-5 field research vehicle through a generously donated lease from Morrie’s Automotive Group. In the past several months, we’ve taken the field vehicle across Minnesota and beyond to help save prairie butterflies and restore bison. Here are our Top Five spots from this summer!
1) The Minnesota Zoo
The Mazda CX-5 conservation vehicle on display in front of the Minnesota Zoo
Who wouldn’t want to be at the Minnesota Zoo? At the Zoo, we expanded the world’s only breeding program for the US Threatened Dakota skipper, raising more than 150 from egg to adulthood, and produced many hundreds more eggs! The CX-5 was a true work horse, hauling around hundreds of food plants for the butterflies and other supplies!
2) Northeast South Dakota
Male Dakota skipper on a South Dakota prairie, nectaring on purple coneflower.
Northeast South Dakota may have the world’s last best populations of Dakota skippers. We found most populations to be in good shape! Working under federal and state permits, we collected more eggs from a limited number of females and brought the eggs back to the Zoo.
3) Northwest Minnesota
A zoo conservationist searches for dakota skippers in NW Minnesota
With possibly the last Dakota skipper populations in our state, northwest Minnesota is very important to our work. With the CX-5, we found healthy numbers at the known site, and also searched new sites for previously unknown populations.
4) Western North Dakota
American Plains Bison at a North Dakota Nature Conservancy Preserve.
In mid-June, we took the CX-5 from the Zoo on its longest road trip ever: to western North Dakota! We surveyed prairie butterflies and looked for the rare Garita skipperling. While the skipperling remained elusive, we did find some spectacular prairies and great wildlife on the edge of the Badlands.
5) Minneopa State Park
The Minnesota Zoo Mazda CX-5 enters Minneola State Park
Speaking of bison, did you know that the Minnesota Zoo and DNR proudly established a new herd of genetically rare bison at Minneopa State Park near Mankato in September? Zoo staff used the eye-catching CX-5 to help usher in a new era of Minnesota prairie wildlife conservation at Minneopa!
We are doing a lot thanks to all our great funders and partners. With the awesome Mazda CX-5 field vehicle from Morrie’s Auto Group, we can it do so much better! Thank you Morrie’s!
Hyundai Hope on Wheels – September is “Childhood Cancer Awareness” Month
Sep 1st
The Hyundai Hope on Wheels program was first launched back in 1998 and was designed to help organizations receive research grants to help find a cure for childhood cancer. The main source of funding for the foundation is the Hyundai Motor America dealer network that spans more than 800 dealers nationwide. With each new Hyundai vehicle that is sold Hyundai donates a designated amount to the foundation to help try to find a cure for childhood cancer. This September, Hyundai will award over $15 million in pediatric cancer research grants which will bring the total amount donated to over $100 million.
Make sure to “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more information. To find out how to get involved with the program, Please explore the September website and “click” ‘Add My Handprint’ to join the fight against childhood cancer.
Website: http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hopeonwheels
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hopeonwheels
Where to see Fireworks in the Minneapolis Area – Morrie’s Auto
Jun 30th
Our Friends over at the StarTribune put together a very complete and excellent list of all the places to see fireworks this 4th of July in the metro area. Stay safe and enjoy the shows!
JEFF WHEELER, STAR TRIBUNE Fireworks capped off Summer Fete in Bloomington last July.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH: With No Grass Limit, the Droppers and Minnesota Orchestra. 5:30, followed by fireshow at 9:40, then fireworks.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
TASTE OF MINNESOTA: Food vendors and live entertainment. 11 a.m., fireworks at 10:20 p.m. Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 W. 3rd St., Waconia.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
CANTERBURY PARK FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR: Live horse racing and music by Brat Pack Radio. 2:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Free for 17 and under, $8 for 18 and older. 1100 Canterbury Rd.
HINCKLEY, MINN.: Music by the Mallrats Band. 8:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Grand Casino, 777 Lady Luck Dr.
HUDSON (WIS.) BOOSTER DAYS: Food stands, fishing contest and live entertainment. 10 a.m. Fireworks at dusk. Lakefront Park Hudson, 1st and Walnut Sts.
MARINE ON ST. CROIX: 10 p.m. Marine on St. Croix Village Hall, 121 Judd St.
ST. PAUL: At dusk following the St. Paul Saints game. CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway.
SUMMER FETE: Live music, activities and food. 5 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Normandale Lake Park, W. 84th St. and Normandale Lake Blvd., Bloomington.
TASTE OF MINNESOTA: Food vendors and live entertainment. 11 a.m., fireworks at 10:20 p.m. Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 W. 3rd St., Waconia.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
APPLE VALLEY FREEDOM DAYS: Fun run, parade, carnival and live music. 8 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, 5800 W. 140th St.
CHANHASSEN: Fishing contest, classic car show, taste of Chanhassen, carnival rides and bingo. 7 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Lake Ann Park, 7500 Lake Ann Dr.
COON RAPIDS: Midway, bean bag tournament, live music and fireworks at 10 p.m. Coon Rapids Ice Center, 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW.
DELANO 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION: 5K race, bean bag, baseball and softball tournaments, carnival and live music. 9:30 a.m., fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Central Park, N. River Street and Park Av.
EAGAN FUNFEST: Parade, vendors, carnival and live music. 10 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Central Park, 1501 Central Pkwy.
EDEN PRAIRIE 4TH OF JULY HOMETOWN CELEBRATION: Pickleball tournament, 5K run, water sports and beach party. 9 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Round Lake Park, 7550 Constitution Av.
EDINA: Parade at 10 a.m. A concert with the John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, 8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk. Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St.
FOREST LAKE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION: Carnival, bingo, food concessions and live music. 9 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway.
LAKE MINNETONKA 4TH OF JULY: Firecracker run, sand sculpture contest, Popsicle social and music by the Wolverines Big Band. 8 a.m., fireworks at dusk. Excelsior Commons, Lake St. along the south shore of Excelsior Bay.
LIGHT IT UP MAPLEWOOD: Inflatables, concessions and music by Good for Gary. 4 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Rd. C.
MANITOU DAYS: Live music and flyover with four T-6 planes. 8 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Memorial Beach Park, 4980 Lake Av. N., White Bear Lake.
PAN-O-PROG: Live music, inflatables, clowns and concessions. 7 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Av., Lakeville.
PRIOR LAKE: Boat parade. 1 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Pkwy.
RED, WHITE AND BOOM: Half-marathon, live music and family activities. 6:30 a.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 100 6th Av. SE., Mpls.
RICHFIELD 4TH OF JULY: Parade. 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Veterans Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Av. S., Richfield.
ROCK AND ROCKETS: Live music by Viva Knievel and Maiden Dixie, food trucks and tents. 3 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake.
ROSEFEST: Carnival, inflatables, puppet shows, live music and food vendors. 1 p.m. Central Park, 2540 N. Lexington Av., Roseville. Fireworks at 10 p.m. over Bennett Lake.
ST. PAUL: At dusk following the St. Paul Saints game. CHS Field, 360 N. Broadway.
TASTE OF MINNESOTA: Food vendors and live entertainment. 11 a.m., fireworks at 10:20 p.m. Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 W. 3rd St., Waconia.
WACONIA: 10 p.m. Lake Waconia Regional Park, 8170 Paradise Lane.
WOODBURY 4TH OF JULY: Concessions, open skating and music by FlashMob. 6 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr., Woodbury.
Link to Original Article:
http://www.startribune.com/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-the-metro-area/310090111/
KBB’s 2015 Best Buy Award Goes To The 2015 Ford F-150
Feb 25th
Ford’s new aluminum bodied Ford F-150 takes another award on the podium as Kelly Blue Book gave it the 2015 Best Buy Award. I’ve had the pleasure of driving the new F-150 on and off the track at several for Ride and Drive Events and I have to say that it is truly an icon of innovation, technology, safety, handling, utility, and just all-around fun. In summary if you haven’t driven a 2015 F-150 you are missing out. And apparently Kelly Blue Book agrees.
KBB’s full article can be found on their website but to summarize their brilliant article and award, they simply stated the F-150 is “Innovation with Real-World Benefits” and they couldn’t be more right. Everything about this truck down to the gauge cluster menus is ingenious and user-friendly. And the best part? The F-150 is the most customizable truck on the market. From 5 trim levels, three Cab styles, Bed-Liners, interior options, Tonneau Covers, running boards, and the whole gamut of options offered, there is a truck for everyone and a tool for every job.
The interior is by far where the F-150 wins over the driver if the exterior styling didn’t already. Inside the F-150 everything just works. Pure and simple. From the climate controls to the steering wheel’s hands-free bluetooth controls, the truck is more ergonomic than most recent sedan models. Roomy, comfortable, and open are the three things that enter my mind when describing it. The gauge cluster even looks cool.
My favorite part about the F-150 is just driving it. The ride and drive of this truck feels more like a well grounded SUV than a Pickup. Most of that is in part to the 700 pound-weight savings that Ford intuitively took straight off the top of the truck. Aluminum has never felt so good behind the wheel and the new light weight body is more resilient than regular steel meaning more rigidity and better handling.
That lift gate in the picture above? It’s powered. With the click of the key FOB you can literally drop the tailgate. It’s small things like this that make the new F-150 so usable. Clunky NAV systems, Infotainment Centers, and cheap interior materials litter so many competitor’s trucks and yet Ford has pulled out all the stops when it comes to making your life easier when your in utility-mode with the F-150. There’s even a camera view to help you align your trailer hitch and trailer connector. I’m not kidding. You can literally back up your hitch with pin point accuracy by yourself now.
To wrap it up, the new 2015 Ford F-150 is continuing to grow into itself and show the world what it’s capable of. If you are in the market for a new truck there’s no better option according to… well, just about everyone. Even if you weren’t planning on a new truck for a while, maybe it’s time for an upgrade! Don’t just take my word for it. Take the most reputable and trusted vehicle resource in America at its word.
90 Days of Giving | Another Season of Giving Back
Jan 21st
The third annual 90 Days of Giving has finally come to a close after another terrific year of giving back to the local Chippewa, Wisconsin Community. For three months during the Holiday Season Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda pays it forward by giving away much needed vehicles to nominated families. Following the format of previous giveaways, Morrie’s Chippewa Valley partnered with Gordy’s County Market to give three cars away packaged with a $500.00 gas gift card.
The most difficult part of making these wishes come true is going through the hundreds of nominations Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda receives every year for the 90 Days of Giving. Every story is heartfelt and narrowing it down to three is a difficult process. This year the vehicles that were given away went to three deserving people that not only needed a new car, but were relied on by their family and community for rides everyday as well.
Receiving the most notoriety and engagement this year, local news and radio stations crowded the three giveaways bringing the community even more awareness around the generosity of the Morrie’s and Gordy’s crew. Another big part in making these giveaways into a reality is keeping it a surprise. Morrie’s and Gordy’s go to some pretty extensive lengths to make sure the car recipient has a very special moment when they are recognized as a winner of the 90 Days of Giving. Bill, the General Manager at Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda, often will tell the winner “This is your day” making sure the recipient knows that this is a very special life changing moment for them. This year the giveaways took place at the first nominee’s house, the second was surprised in Gordy’s County Market, and the third nominee received their vehicle in Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda’s Service Drive.
We look forward to next year’s 90 Days of Giving and appreciate everyone who participated in this year’s giveaways.
2000 miles in 25 hours – Racing at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill
Dec 2nd
For many Minnesotans’ December marks the beginning of a long, cold winter. For auto enthusiasts December marks the beginning many months counting down the days until the roads are clear and we can bring our cars back out to play. As an enthusiast and amateur racer I generally fall into this group, however not so much this December. You see, this weekend I get the unique opportunity to race in America’s longest endurance sportscar race, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.
To the unfamiliar the 25 Hours of Thunderhill is an endurance race held at Thunderhill Raceway in Northern California. This famous endurance race gives amateur and professional drivers alike one more chance for glory before the end of the year. Don’t let the location fool you though. While daytime temperatures can inch towards 60, nighttime temperatures dance in the 30’s. This year professional drivers include Nascar champion Kurt Busch, Indy legend Al Unser Jr., endurance series regular Anthony Lazzaro, Audi R8 LMS driver Dion von Moltke, World Challenge champion Randy Pobst, Kyle Marcelli, Davy Jones, and Mike Skeen to name a few. Simultaneously, an equal if not greater amount of amateur level racers will share the track, all in cars ranging from Mazda Miatas to Porsche GT3s to factory built prototype racecars.
Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda will buy you lunch this Saturday
Jun 18th
Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda officially opens on July 1, but in advance of our opening we want to get people out to the new store. More importantly we would like to buy you lunch. This Saturday from 11am to 2pm if you drop by the store and let us appraise your car we’ll buy you lunch. But wait, this is not just any lunch, we’ll buy you lunch from the 2014 Burger Battle Winner, B52 Burgers. That’s right, the B52 Slider Squad will be on site with their food truck grilling up burgers. We hope to see you Saturday!
What: Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda will buy you lunch from the B52 Slider Squad if you simply let us appraise your car
When: Saturday, June 21, 2014 —11am to 2pm
Why: Because everyone likes a good burger
Where: 10 Mendota Rd E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Spy Shots of New Mazda2 as it Nears Closer to Production
Jun 12th
This past March Mazda unveiled the Hazumi concept car, which signaled the design direction of the next generation Mazda2.
Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1090682_next-gen-mazda-2-previewing-hazumi-concept-live-from-genevashots
It’s now clear that the car is moving closer to reality since a camoflaged version was spotted testing in central Europe earlier this week. Despite the attempts to hide the cars shape, it is clear that the production car will mimic the concept closely.
Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
As we would expect, the 20-inch wheels from the concept will not carry over. Instead, it is likely that the car will get 16 inch wheels standard as shown in the spy shot. The intricate mirrors from the concept will also get replaced in favor of more production friendly units. We expect the new Mazda2 to get the full Skactiv treatment including lightweight construction and highly efficient engines. Although Europe will get an uber efficient 1.5 liter Skactiv diesel, we expect to see 1.5 liter gasoline engine in the states. The engine is expected to deliver right around right around 100 horsepower and will be coupled to a six-speed manual. Engine stop-start technology will be employed to maximize efficiency as well as Mazda’s i-ELOOP hybrid technology.
The production Mazda2 will be revealed later this year at the Paris Auto Show, although we don’t expect the car to hit our shores until next summer.
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
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- Photo Credit: MotorAuthority. Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1024958_2016-mazda-2-spy-shots
Morrie’s at the North American International Auto Show | Day 2
Jan 14th
Today was the second press day at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and we were busy getting live coverage to share with you! We finally got the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the hottest new vehicles from all over the world. Make sure to check out our photo album below and our YouTube playlist with tons of model overview videos!
Our first stop this morning was the Subaru press conference where they unveiled the highly anticipated 2015 Subaru WRX STi. This Rally bred sports sedan features a 2.5 Liter Boxer Four cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 290 lbs/ft. of torque. Subaru promises more speed, better handling, tighter suspension and a high-performance braking system. We know our Subaru fans are just as excited as we are about this one, but sit tight, we don’t expect to see one on show floors until next year!
Following the Subaru press conference, we hightailed it over to Cadillac where they were unveiling the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe! The ATS coupe is the brand’s first compact two-door coupe yet and it did not disappoint. As you would expect, the ATS coupe shares the same wheelbase and platform as the ATS sedan, but with a widened track in the front and rear and an aluminum construction making it the lightest car in its segment. You could feel the excitement in the crowd as Cadillac entertained us with a youthful and upbeat reveal for this hot new coupe. Exterior changes to the ATS coupe include a wider, more aggressive looking grille, and a brand new crest! The new Cadillac crest has only been worn on one other non-production model, the El miraj concept before being unveiled on the ATS coupe today. Cadillac explained the new crest as representing the the purity of Cadillac and the new lower, leaner, meaner design. The ATS coupe is powered by an increased 2.0 liter turbocharged four or a 3.6 liter V6, available in rear wheel or all-wheel drive, as well as a 6-speed manual option. Keep your eye out for the ATS Coupe on Morrie’s Cadillac show floors!
Although previously revealed during an online debut, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade still created a lot of buzz at this year’s auto show in Detroit. This was the first time we were able to get an up close look at the vehicle so make sure to check out our photos in the album below.
