Range Rover sheds some weight

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Land Rover’s Range Rover has been completely redesigned both inside and out for 2013.

FANS of Land Rover's Range Rover will notice the 2013 model has a much lighter feel to it. That's because the manufacturer has switched to an all-aluminum construction.

"The new model is 836 pounds lighter than its predecessor," said Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Winnipeg general manager Matt Sarmatiuk. "That translates into much-improved fuel economy. The 2013 model gets 27 miles per gallon on the highway. That's an impressive figure for this kind of vehicle.

"The vehicle is also much more nimble on the road."

Sarmatiuk and his staff received their first 2013 Range Rover in mid-January. The new model is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 with 375 horsepower in standard form and 510 horsepower with the available supercharger -- the same engine power as last year. What's new this year is the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous six-speed automatic.

Sarmatiuk said the Range Rover has been completely redesigned both inside and out for 2013. Among the new features is a power-operated tailgate and a top-of-the-line Meridian sound system with 29 speakers and 1,700 watts of power.

There's also a wide range of interior leathers and interior and exterior colours to choose from.

The 2013 Range Rover starts at about $100,000, ranging as high as $150,000. Sarmatiuk said the dealership expects to receive half a dozen of the new model, with the next one due in mid-February.

"We've had a lot of people waiting to see this model. It's quite a different drive than what has come before."

Dilawri Auto Group recognized for management

Congratulations to the Dilawri Auto Group, which has been cited as one of Canada's best-managed companies by Deloitte and Touche. It's the fourth time the dealership group has been recognized.

Dilawri was also included in a list of Top 50 employers in the small- and medium-sized business category as determined by Queen's University's Centre for Business Venturing and Hewitt Associates LLP. Companies were ranked based on surveys of their employees, HR team and executives.

The Dilawri Auto Group consists of Winnipeg Honda, Crown Acura, Crown Nissan, Sunshine Toyota and Automax (used vehicles) at the Waverley Auto Mall, as well as Crown Mazda on Portage Avenue just east of the Perimeter Highway and Crown Honda on McPhillips Street.

New managing partner at Winnipeg Suzuki

Pier Chiappetta is the new managing partner at Winnipeg Suzuki.

Chiappetta has been in the auto industry for 24 years. He started washing cars for his cousin, Mike Chiappetta, at the now-defunct Eastwood Jeep Eagle dealership and worked his way up to management. Until now, his career has been entirely with domestic dealers.

"This was a good opportunity," said Chiappetta, who had worked with Winnipeg Suzuki dealer-principal Walt Morris before. "Suzuki puts out a great product and our store is the fastest-growing Suzuki dealer on the Prairies."

Veteran Ford sales rep joins Mid-Town team

Chris Sleva is the newest member of Mid-Town Ford sales team. Sleva, a 10-year veteran Ford sales rep, came on board Jan. 1.

"Mid-Town Ford is a great dealership to work for," Sleva said. "The staff here is great, too."

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 8, 2013 E4