We were honored to once again support a hometown tradition that truly lights up the community — the 26th Annual Fire Truck Spectacular, hosted by the New Hartford Fire Department at Sangertown Square Mall!
As a proud sponsor, Steet Ponte Auto Group was thrilled to be part of this exciting and family-friendly event that draws fire trucks from across New York State. It’s always incredible to see the dedication of these brave men and women — and the amazing vehicles they operate — all in one place.
This year’s Fire Truck Spectacular was bigger and better than ever, featuring:
🚒 Fire trucks and emergency vehicles from all over NYS
🍔 A great lineup of local food trucks
🎶 Live entertainment and music
🏆 Contests for firefighters to show off their skills
🔥 A fun and educational Smoke House experience for families and kids

In true Steet Ponte fashion, we showcased a proud lineup of a truck or SUV from each of our dealerships, including:
- Steet Ponte Chevy
- United Auto Sales of Utica
- Steet Ponte VW
- Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln
- Steet Ponte Mazda
- Steet Toyota of Yorkville
- Steet Ponte Nissan
It was an amazing evening full of community spirit, safety education, and admiration for the first responders who keep us safe. Events like this remind us how important it is to give back and support those who serve our neighborhoods.
Thank you to the New Hartford Fire Department for organizing another unforgettable event, and to everyone who came out to enjoy the night — we’re already looking forward to next year’s Spectacular! 🚒🇺🇸
Steet Ponte Chevy Hits the Ground Running as Official Pace Truck Sponsor of the 2025 Boilermaker Road Race!
This summer, Steet Ponte Chevy was honored to be the official Pace Truck Sponsor of the 2025 Boilermaker Road Race — one of Central New York’s most iconic and celebrated events!
We proudly kicked off this year’s race with two standout vehicles: a 2025 Nissan Frontier and a 2025 Chevy Silverado. Both trucks were specially wrapped and designed by local artist and graphic designer Tomm Moll, showcasing custom artwork that captured the spirit, energy, and pride of the Boilermaker and the Mohawk Valley community.

The wrapped pace trucks led the thousands of runners through the course, setting the tone for a race filled with determination, excitement, and hometown pride. It was an incredible feeling to see our vehicles at the front of such an inspiring event, supporting athletes and spectators alike.
Our sponsorship didn’t end at the starting line — we also took part in the Boilermaker’s Golf Tournament, where we had a foursome made up of team members from across our eight dealerships. It was a great opportunity to represent Steet Ponte Auto Group while enjoying a day of camaraderie and connection with other local businesses and supporters.
Being part of the Boilermaker is more than just a sponsorship — it’s a celebration of everything that makes our region special: community, tradition, and a whole lot of heart.
We’re grateful to be part of it, and we look forward to many more Boilermakers to come! 🏃♂️🏁🚚
Chevy EVs: Transforming the Future of Driving
Chevrolet has made a bold commitment to shaping the future of the automotive industry by producing electric vehicles (EVs) that deliver cutting-edge technology, high performance, and sustainability. With an expanding lineup of Chevy EVs, Chevrolet is rapidly becoming a major player in the electric car market, offering drivers the benefits of zero-emission driving while maintaining the performance and reliability the brand is known for.
In this blog, we explore what makes Chevy EVs stand out, their advanced technology, and how they are revolutionizing the way we drive. Whether you’re considering your first electric vehicle or upgrading to a more sustainable model, Chevrolet offers a range of options that fit your lifestyle.
Why Choose Chevy EVs?
Chevrolet has crafted its electric vehicle lineup to offer a blend of practicality, performance, and eco-friendliness. Here are the core reasons why Chevy EVs should be at the top of your list when considering an electric vehicle:
Zero-Emissions Driving
One of the most compelling reasons to drive an EV is the environmental impact. Chevy’s electric vehicles are built to operate without emitting harmful gases, reducing your carbon footprint while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. With concerns about climate change continuing to grow, driving an EV is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact.
Chevy EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Chevrolet Bolt EUV are designed to deliver zero-emission driving experiences, making them perfect for eco-conscious drivers. The adoption of these electric vehicles plays a significant role in Chevrolet’s ongoing efforts to reduce automotive emissions and lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.

5 Reasons to Test Drive the 2025 Chevy Tahoe
The 2025 Chevy Tahoe feels great to drive for its size, has tons of capability, and has some exciting features that are worth exploring. Its self-driving ability is particularly impressive, as is its well-rounded skill set.
1. It Can Drive Itself
Super Cruise is an incredible feature of the Tahoe that allows you to enjoy some hands-free driving. It works while you’re trailering, can automatically change lanes, and can change lanes on command. It includes a driver attention system that makes sure you’re watching the road while the car drives. This feature only works on compatible roads, and there are over 300,000 miles of those roads and counting.
2. It’s Got Tons of Room
There are 122.7 cubic feet of storage space behind the first row of the Tahoe if the second and third rows are folded out of the way. Holding just the third row down brings that cargo space to 72.5 cubic feet, while the normal cargo area behind the third row is 25.5 cubic feet in size.
There’s also plenty of space for passengers, with 40.3, 38.9, and 38.2 inches of headroom in the front, second, and third rows in that order. There are 44.5, 42, and 34.9 inches of legroom.
3. It Has Lots of Safety Features
Your Tahoe looks out for you at every turn. Its driver assistance features include side bicyclist alert, rear pedestrian alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and teen driver technology.
The latter is great for families with young drivers, as it enforces wearing a seatbelt, lets you set a maximum speed and volume for your teenager, and generates a report card showing you details about your teenager’s last driving session when they get home.
4. It Has Comfortable Seats and Great Storage
The driver and front passenger seats in the Tahoe are both power adjustable, letting you tweak your seat’s position without much effort. There’s also lots of great storage around the cabin, letting you access your personal belongings easily. There’s a wide center console that’s perfect for storing wallets and phones, and there’s a large storage bin that you can fit a small backpack in situated under the center armrest.
5. It’s Highly Capable
The Tahoe is a strong, capable vehicle that’s able to tow up to 8,200, 8,300, or 8,400 pounds, depending on what engine you have. The strongest engine is the 5.3-liter V8 when it’s paired with a rear-wheel-drive Tahoe model. Trims equipped with the other V8 engine get you the second-highest towing capacity.
If one of these reasons convinced you to test drive the Tahoe, then come to Steete Ponte Chevrolet in Herkimer, NY. We are open from 9 AM six days a week.
Steet Ponte Auto Group Proudly Sponsors the First Annual Putts for a Purpose Charity Golf Tournament
June 27th | Pine Hills Golf Club | Frankfort, NY
The Steet Ponte Auto Group was proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the First Annual Putts for a Purpose Charity Golf Tournament, held on Friday, June 27th at Pine Hills Golf Club in Frankfort, NY. What began with a goal of raising $10,000 for local charities quickly turned into a huge community win—over $11,000 was raised during this incredible day on the course!

Organized by Scott and Kelly Grates, hosts of the Love Living Local 315 podcast, the tournament was designed to spotlight and support the heart of our community—local charities and small businesses that often fly under the radar but make a major impact. Love Living Local 315 has become a must-listen for anyone who wants to discover hidden gems and meaningful stories across the Mohawk Valley.
We were thrilled to not only sponsor this event but also to send a team of our own out to participate in the tournament. Representing the Steet Ponte Auto Group were:
- Dan DeLuke, Auto Group Social Media Content Creator & Coordinator
- Nate Smith, of Steet Ponte Nissan
- Jason Coleman & Dan Hermann, of Steet Toyota of Yorkville
The team brought the competitive spirit and camaraderie that make this community so special! As part of our sponsorship, we also offered a thrilling hole-in-one prize on Hole #14—a 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible—which certainly turned heads throughout the day.

One of the highlights of this tournament was that half of the funds raised—$5,500—will be donated to the MVHS Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network division, a cause very close to the Steet family’s heart. The Steet family has proudly supported the Children’s Miracle Network since 1989. This national nonprofit works to raise funds for local children’s hospitals to help provide critical treatments, equipment, and services to children in need—ensuring that kids across the region have access to the best possible care, close to home.
We extend our deepest thanks to Scott and Kelly Grates for organizing such a meaningful and well-executed event, and to everyone who came out to support the cause. We’re already looking forward to next year!

And don’t forget to tune into Love Living Local 315 in July for a special podcast episode featuring Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr., siblings and co-owners of the Steet Ponte Auto Group, as they talk about the importance of local giving, community involvement, and family business.
#SteetPonteAutoGroup #PuttsForAPurpose #ChildrensMiracleNetwork #LoveLivingLocal315 #MVHSFoundation #GolfForACause #FrankfortNY #CommunityDriven #ShopLocalGiveLocal
Saturday, June 7th | Utica, NY
The Steet Ponte Auto Group was proud to once again support one of our favorite community events—Wine in the Wilderness at the Utica Zoo! Held on a beautiful Saturday evening, June 7th, the event welcomed over 1,000 guests for a night of wine tasting, food, music, and wild animal encounters.

As the official Designated Driver Sponsor, we were thrilled to help promote safe and responsible fun by handing out $15 Uber gift cards to the first 100 attendees who pledged to be a designated driver. Helping guests get home safely is a mission we take seriously, and we’re proud to continue making that possible through events like this.

It was a perfect night at the Zoo—and the atmosphere was made even more exciting with the debut of their brand new dinosaur exhibit! The lifelike animatronic dinosaurs were a huge hit and are a must-see for kids and adults alike. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to plan your visit before the exhibit wraps up in October.

While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the Gibbons exhibit, proudly sponsored by the Steet Ponte Auto Group, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Utica Zoo. Supporting local attractions and safe community events is what we’re all about.
Thank you to everyone who came out to Wine in the Wilderness, and to the Utica Zoo for continuing to host such an unforgettable event. We’ll see you again soon!

#SteetPonteAutoGroup #WineInTheWilderness #UticaZoo #DriveSafe #CommunitySupport #DesignatedDriverSponsor #AnimatronicDinosaurs #GibbonsExhibit #UticaNY
Chevrolet, one of the most iconic and recognized names in the automotive world, has a long and storied history in the United States. For many, the brand symbolizes American engineering, innovation, and durability. As we continue to see global competition in the automotive industry, it’s important to explore the roots of Chevrolet and examine just how American-made it truly is. In this article, we will break down the history, manufacturing processes, and contributions of Chevrolet to the U.S. economy to answer the question: Is Chevy American made?
Chevrolet’s American Legacy
Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Over the years, the brand has grown to become one of the most recognized names in American automotive history. With its rich history, Chevrolet continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the American auto industry. Today, many of their most popular models, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Equinox, remain closely associated with American values and craftsmanship.

4 Leasing Benefits at Your Chevy Dealership
When you need a new vehicle, you have the option of buying or leasing. Buying is the right option for some people, but there are also some great leasing benefits when you go through your Chevy dealership. Here’s just a couple of them to consider.
1. You’re Not on the Hook for Maintenance and Repairs
Because leases are of new vehicles, they are almost always under warranty and come with maintenance contracts. This means you don’t have to worry about regular maintenance, and you definitely don’t have to worry about something going wrong with the car. If anything does, you’re under warranty. If you buy a car, the warranty eventually runs out and you still have the car. At that point, you have to think about whether you want to sell or not, and if you haven’t been keeping up with regular maintenance on your own dime, you’re not going to get the best return for your sale.
2. You Don’t Have to Pay As Much
When you finance a car, the monthly payments you make are for the entire cost of the vehicle plus the interest. Typically, if you want those payments to be at all affordable, you have to be able to put down a pretty hefty down payment. When you lease, things get a lot cheaper. You don’t need a big down payment, and the monthly payments are usually less because you’re only paying for the depreciation, not for the whole cost of the vehicle plus interest.
3. You’ve Got Lots of Options
If you lease, then you just keep yourself in a new vehicle every 2 to 3 years and never have to worry about depreciation or about selling a car. But if you love your vehicle, you can also roll that lease into a financing option and buy it. Everything you’ve paid already will go towards the cost of the vehicle, which might make it more affordable. And if you want to go another way, you can just turn in your vehicle and walk away.And, speaking of options, you also have more options for choosing a vehicle. If you’re buying, you have to be able to qualify for financing on the vehicle you want, and some might be out of reach. But with leasing, you don’t have to worry about qualifying, and more options open up.
If you’re ready to see all the options for Chevy vehicles you can lease in 2025, reach out to us today at Steet Ponte Chevrolet in Herkimer, NY. Our finance department is ready to work with you to help you find just the right vehicle for your budget and needs.
Catch Us on the Course – Sunday, July 13th
Steet Ponte Chevy is proud to once again be a part of one of Central New York’s most iconic events—The 2025 Utica Boilermaker Road Race, happening Sunday, July 13th in Utica, NY! We’re honored to serve as the official pace truck sponsor, leading runners through the course in style and showing our support for this incredible community tradition.

This year, our pace truck is extra special, wrapped by local designer and artist Tomm Moll, whose custom design celebrates the energy and spirit of the Boilermaker. The truck will be driven by members of the Boilermaker staff and seen around town in the days leading up to race day, so keep your eyes peeled! If you spot it, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on social media. We’d love to see where you catch it!

Even more exciting? Several Steet Ponte Chevy and Steet Ponte Auto Group employees will be running in the race! We’ll be out there hitting the pavement alongside thousands of runners, and we’d love your support! Be sure to cheer us on from the sidelines or online!
At Steet Ponte Chevy, we believe in being an active part of our community, and we’re thrilled to help keep this incredible local tradition moving forward. Good luck to all runners, and we’ll see you at the finish line!
#Boilermaker2025 #SteetPonteChevy #PaceTruckSponsor #RunUtica #SupportLocal #TeamSteetPonte
Celebrating Independence Day with Family & Community
As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, the Steet Ponte Auto Group would like to wish all of our customers, employees, and community members a safe and happy 4th of July holiday! 🎆🇺🇸
To allow our teams time to enjoy the holiday with their families, all Steet Ponte Auto Group dealerships will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th.
We will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, July 3rd and resume normal operations on Monday, July 7th.

This includes the following locations:
- Steet Toyota of Johnstown
- Steet Ponte Chevrolet in Herkimer
- United Auto Sales of Utica
- Steet Ponte Volkswagen
- Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln
- Steet Ponte Mazda
- Steet Toyota of Yorkville
- Steet Ponte Nissan
Whether you’re hitting the road for a summer getaway, enjoying a backyard BBQ, or watching fireworks with family and friends, we hope your weekend is filled with fun, relaxation, and celebration.
Thank you for choosing the Steet Ponte Auto Group—we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, July 7th!
#SteetPonteAutoGroup #4thOfJulyHours #HolidayWeekend #ShopLocal #CelebrateSafely #Happy4thOfJuly


