Steet Ponte Auto Group Sponsors the 26th Annual Fire Truck Spectacular with the New Hartford Fire Department!
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! 🚒🇺🇸
Basics of the 2025 Ford E-Transit
The 2025 Ford E-Transit retains the same attractive exterior as its gas-powered counterpart, yet gives you the freedom to skip the gas station stops as you go about your day. It is functional and can be customized to meet your fleet’s needs.
Customizable Design
Every Ford E-Transit accommodates a driver and a passenger in the cabin. Reclining seats and adjustable headrests help keep you comfortable, while available cloth options can enhance appearance and feel. In its cargo van form, the E-Transit has 50/50 split rear doors that open 253 degrees, giving you full and easy access to the cargo area.
You can customize your driving experience by choosing the right combination of body length and roofline when building your E-Transit. Three roof heights give you plenty of options to ensure you can accommodate your intended cargo. You can also choose from Ford’s long or extended body lengths.
3 Functional Body Styles
The base form of the E-Transit is a cutaway chassis. The back is left open to allow for seamless upfit to your final design. It is the perfect solution for custom delivery trucks, refrigerated trucks, medical units, and specialized mobile workshops. The chassis cab version has a complete cab with an open frame. It makes an excellent flatbed or dump truck, or you can upfit it with rails for carrying specific materials. The third style of E-Transit is a traditional cargo van.
Solid Range and Easy Charging
Each E-Transit has an 89-kWh battery. Ford estimates that the low-roof E-Transit will go up to 159 miles on a fully charged battery. That is perfect for companies that make local deliveries and service calls. The available Pro Power Onboard lets you turn your E-Transit into a generator for running equipment and devices on the go.
Ford offers a mobile charger that plugs into a standard outlet, adding to the flexibility of keeping the E-Transit topped off. Fleet managers can choose to install an optional garage-based fast charger that brings batteries from empty to full in about six hours or work with FordPro to design customized charging infrastructure.
FordPro Telematics Essentials
All E-Transit configurations come with FordPro Telematics Essentials to help you manage your fleet more efficiently. You can track vehicle health, track maintenance schedules, and even make an appointment at your local dealership. This improves fleet performacne and lets you avoid unplanned downtime.
Excellent Safety Features
The E-Transit keeps your drivers safer on the road with a host of standard features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pre-collision assist
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep system
Functionality, flexible styling, and fuel savings make the Ford E-Transit an excellent addition to any fleet. Contact Steet Ponte Ford in Yorkville, NY, to learn how the E-Transit can improve your operations.
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — Steet Ponte Auto Group has been voted 1st Place for Best New Car Dealership in the 2025 Utica Observer-Dispatch Community Choice Awards!
But that’s not all — one of our very own, a Sales & Leasing Consultant from Steet Ponte Chevy in Herkimer, took home 1st Place for Best Salesperson!
This annual contest is a true reflection of community support, and we’re honored to have placed 1st and 2nd in various categories for the past 10 years. Your votes mean the world to us, and we can’t thank you enough for continuing to recognize our team and the work we do.

At Steet Ponte Auto Group, we believe that buying a vehicle should be simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Whether you’re shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, scheduling a service appointment, or just stopping in with questions — our priority has always been exceptional customer service and treating every visitor like family.
This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team across all of our locations and the incredible customers who make it all possible.
From all of us at Steet Ponte Auto Group — THANK YOU for your continued support, for voting for us, and for being part of our story year after year. We couldn’t do it without you!
Here’s to another year of serving the Mohawk Valley with pride! 🚗🏆
Steet Ponte Ford: Picnic Time in the Adirondacks
At Steet Ponte Ford, we’re proud to be part of a company that truly appreciates its employees. Our annual company picnic at Enchanted Forest Water Safari is one of the most anticipated days of the year.
The whole team, along with their families, got to enjoy full access to the park, indulge in a delicious buffet lunch, and relax in one of the most scenic spots in New York State.
Held every summer for over 25 years, this tradition is a reminder that the Steet Ponte Auto Group is more than just a business — it’s a family. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Trim Levels of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric pickup that adds electric efficiency and instant torque to renowned F-150 capabilities. It offers four trims: XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum. Today, we’ll break down each trim level so you can figure out which one best meets your needs.
XLT
The XLT trim is equipped with the Standard-Range battery and two electric motors. This system generates 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. The Standard-Range battery enables a driving range of 240 miles. All F-150 Lightning models have a crew cab configuration (4 full-size doors, seating for 5) with a 5.5-foot bed.
XLT models come with basic work essentials such as durable cloth upholstery and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. All models come with a 14-cubic-foot Mega Power Frunk that holds up to 400 pounds. It also comes with four power outlets, two USB ports, and a drain for easy-cleaning.
Flash
The Flash trim features an Extended-Range battery that produces 536 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. The driving range is estimated at about 300 miles. With the Max Trailer Tow Package, Flash models can tow up to 10,000 pounds. Flash models add 10-way power-adjustable front seats to the cabin, as well as a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting. Like the XLT trim, it has a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Lariat
The Lariat trim is the most powerful model in the lineup. Its dual-motor and Extended-Range battery setup produces 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. Lariat models are capable of travelling up to 320 miles on a single charge. Like Flash, these models can tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Pro Power Onboard comes standard, offering 9.6kW of power and 10 outlets spread across the cab, frunk, and bed.
Lariat models are a set-up in luxury, with leather-trimmed seats, heated/ventilated front seats, and an 8-speaker B&O audio system. Lariat models also upgrade to a 15.5-inch infotainment display with SYNC 4A software.
Platinum
The Platinum trim has similar performance to the Lariat trim, but with a driving range of 300 miles and maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Maximum driving comfort is guaranteed thanks to premium leather seating and massaging front seats. Tri-zone climate control and heated rear seats ensures rear passenger can also ride in maximum comfort.
Platinum models come with a panoramic moonroof and feature chrome accents on the exterior. 22-inch wheels are exclusive to this trim, as is an 18-speaker B&O stereo.
The Lightning’s four trims each offer different levels of power, range, comfort, and tech. Find out which model suits your needs at Steet Ponte Ford in Yorkville, NY.
Ford has long been known as one of the leading American automakers, with a rich history of innovation and quality. But what does it truly mean when people refer to Ford as “American made”? The company has deep roots in the United States, but like many major manufacturers, Ford’s production is a global affair. In this blog, we will explore the origins of Ford, its manufacturing processes, and the commitment to American jobs and communities that still defines the brand today.
A Legacy of American Innovation
Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, and its influence on American automotive history is undeniable. The company revolutionized manufacturing with the introduction of the assembly line, making automobiles more affordable and accessible to the average American. The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is one of the most iconic vehicles in American history and played a significant role in the automobile’s mass adoption.
As a company, Ford has continuously championed American innovation. Over the years, it has developed and produced numerous vehicles that have defined the American automotive industry. From muscle cars like the Ford Mustang to full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Ford has created vehicles that embody the spirit of the American consumer.
Today, Ford continues to produce a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and cars, that cater to American tastes and lifestyles. However, many people still wonder: is Ford truly “American made,” or is its production more global?

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
Cool Treats on a Hot Day – Thank You, ACV Auctions!
Yorkville, NY | Steet Ponte Auto Group
It’s been one of the hottest weeks of the summer so far, but our teams at the Yorkville Steet Ponte Auto Group stores got to beat the heat in the best way possible: with FREE ice cream delivered by a good old-fashioned ice cream truck!

A huge thank you to our friends at ACV Auctions, who surprised our entire Yorkville dealerships, including Steet Ponte Ford with an ice cream break that brought smiles all around. From cones to popsicles, it was the perfect treat to cool down, take a breather, and enjoy some summertime fun.
We truly appreciate ACV not only for the delicious surprise, but also for being an outstanding partner in the auto industry. If you’re not familiar, ACV Auctions is a nationwide digital wholesale vehicle marketplace that helps dealers buy and sell inventory with ease, transparency, and efficiency. Their cutting-edge platform allows us to access a wider selection of used vehicles, view detailed condition reports, and make faster, smarter decisions—right from our phones or computers.

Whether it’s helping us streamline our operations or bringing us ice cream on a sweltering day, ACV Auctions goes above and beyond, and we’re grateful for their support.
Thanks again, ACV! Here’s to more great partnerships—and more ice cream! 🍦
#SteetPonteAutoGroup #ACVAuctions #CoolDownWithACV #YorkvilleDealerships #TeamAppreciation #IceCreamTruckDay #PartnershipsThatMatter
In today’s automotive world, hybrid vehicles are gaining tremendous popularity due to their ability to offer the best of both worlds—outstanding fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Ford has embraced this innovation and now offers a range of hybrid vehicles that combine cutting-edge technology with the performance and durability you expect from a Ford. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for your daily commute or a versatile family car, Ford’s hybrid models deliver exceptional fuel economy, advanced features, and a smooth driving experience. Here’s an in-depth look at Ford hybrid cars and what makes them stand out in today’s market.
What Makes Ford Hybrid Cars Stand Out?
Ford hybrid cars are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. From the eco-conscious commuter to the family on the go, these vehicles offer the performance and comfort you’re used to in a Ford vehicle with the added benefits of hybrid technology. By combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor, Ford hybrid cars provide the efficiency of an electric vehicle without the worry of running out of power.
- Powertrain Innovation: Ford’s hybrid powertrains are engineered for optimal efficiency and performance. Each hybrid model features a seamless combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which work together to enhance fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
- Impressive Fuel Economy: Ford hybrids offer impressive fuel savings, ensuring that you go further for less. Whether you’re driving around town or heading out on a road trip, you’ll appreciate the savings at the pump.
- Eco-Friendly: Hybrid technology is not just good for your wallet, but also great for the environment. With reduced emissions and better fuel economy, Ford hybrids help you reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying the performance and capability you expect from a Ford vehicle.
The Ford hybrid lineup is designed to offer the right mix of technology, performance, and economy, setting it apart from competitors in the market.

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


