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Honoring a Visionary: Frank Bommarito's Enduring Impact

January marks a significant month for our team as we remember Frank Bommarito, the esteemed founder of the Bommarito Automotive Group, on the first anniversary of his passing. Frank's life was a tapestry of hard work, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to his community. This commemoration is a tribute to a man whose contributions have profoundly shaped the automotive industry in Missouri and set a standard for excellence and integrity.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

Frank Bommarito's automotive career began with humble roots at McMahon Pontiac, where he started by undercoating cars and working as a car porter and jockey. His dedication and hard work, coupled with his time in the US Navy where he received a Golden Glove award for boxing, laid the groundwork for his future success. Upon returning from the Navy, Frank continued his career at McMahon Pontiac in 1954, eventually climbing the ladder to sales and then on to management at Vincel Pontiac. His dream of being a new car dealer materialized in 1971 when General Motors handed him an Oldsmobile dealer in Ellisville, MO, marking the start of what would become the Bommarito Automotive Group. Under Frank's stewardship, Bommarito Oldsmobile not only became Missouri's largest Oldsmobile dealership but also maintained its status among the nation's top ten. But his initial success was not confined to a single brand; it was merely a springboard for expansion--each new venture was marked by Frank's signature blend of tenacity and foresight, as seen in the enduring success of Bommarito Mazda in Ellisville as the largest Missouri Mazda dealer for over 17 of their 43 years of operation. His vision encompassed the St. Louis Metro area, elevating the North County Nissan in Hazelwood to the status of Missouri's largest volume Nissan dealership. Extending further into West County, the establishment of Bommarito Buick GMC and Bommarito INFINITI in Ellisville continue to reinforce the Bommarito name as a significant cornerstone in Missouri's automotive history.

Sustaining Impact and Growth

The transition of leadership to his son, John Bommarito, in 1998, was a seamless passing of the torch. This period saw significant expansions and acquisitions, including the introduction of new brands like Pontiac, Suzuki, Buick, Honda, and Volkswagen, each reflecting the group's commitment to diversity and customer choice. The South County region soon became a new home for the Bommarito Chevrolet addition in 2008 as General Motors began shifting its focus away from Pontiac, welcoming a new auto brand powerhouse to the Bommarito family business, to accompany the already-successful Bommarito Mazda South (formerly Pontiac-Mazda). Even after handing over the reins of the Bommarito Automotive Group to John, Frank's influence remained a guiding force. The group's expansion under John's leadership, bringing the group total to 20 franchises and locations in every St. Louis neighborhood, continued to reflect Frank's vision and principles. Frank's ethos, centered around hard work and community service, was instilled in the group's over 1000 team members, ensuring that his legacy of being Missouri's #1 Auto Dealer and a top national dealership endured. The Bommarito Auto Group's growth was not about adding brands for the sake of notoriety; it was about creating a legacy that car buyers could rely on for life—Frank’s vision of having "a vehicle in our portfolio for every type of buyer" bloomed into a lifetime family mission that has become revered by the community today, with John's continued dedication in the business reflecting Frank's tenacity in which so many have been inspired by.

A Fulfilling Life Beyond the Family Business

Frank's life was rich and multifaceted, extending well beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his heartfelt generosity and his belief that giving someone a job was the best form of help a person could offer. He’s remembered as an accomplished Gin Rummy and Poker player, and he deeply cherished his weekly gatherings with friends, whom he affectionately nicknamed his "Cronies." He also had a well-known passion for writing which led him to author a weekly column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for over a decade, sharing his business insights and personal experiences as a well-versed entrepreneur during the recession of 2008. In 2015, he was honored as the Time Dealer of the Year for his community contributions, and his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School, was named in his honor. Frank's legacy lives on through his family, including his beloved wife Lisa, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved (and cleverly named) dogs, Sinatra, Deano, Bishop, and Pavé.

As we commemorate the first anniversary of Frank Bommarito's passing, we reflect on a legacy that has truly transcended the automotive industry. His journey from a car washer to a revered industry leader is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community he so deeply cared for. Frank Bommarito's story is not just about cars--it's about the indelible mark he left on the St. Louis Metro area and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy, carried forward by both his family and the Bommarito Auto Group, continues to drive forward, fueled by the same principles that Frank held dear. In remembering Frank, we celebrate a life that was truly driven by passion, vision, and an enduring commitment to excellence.

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2026 Honda HR-V

2026 Honda HR-V

2026 Honda HR-V: A Closer Look at Honda’s Compact Crossover The 2026 Honda HR-V takes a refreshingly uncomplicated approach to the compact crossover. There are 3 trims, one 158 hp engine, FWD as standard, and available Real Time AWD™ across the range. Yet beneath that straightforward specification is a surprisingly adaptable vehicle, with seating for 5, up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and a significantly improved standard technology package. For drivers around Ellisville, MO, the HR-V provides the dimensions of a smaller crossover without stripping away the equipment expected from a modern family vehicle. Each Trim Has a Clearly Different Appearance Honda has given the 2026 HR-V enough trim-specific exterior detail to make LX, Sport, and EX-L relatively easy to distinguish. LX uses 17-inch alloy wheels, while Sport moves to 18-inch gloss-black alloys and adds a gloss-black rear roofline spoiler plus heated gloss-black side mirrors with integrated turn indicators. EX-L also rides on 18-inch wheels, but substitutes a machine-finished design with gloss-black inserts and heated body-colored mirrors. None of these changes alters the basic architecture, of course, but they allow buyers to choose between a restrained appearance and the darker detailing of Sport without changing the fundamental powertrain. The Packaging Makes Good Use of the Footprint The HR-V seats 5 and provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet when the 60/40 split rear seat is folded. Automatic climate control is standard, while Sport adds heated front seats. EX-L moves into more premium territory with leather-trimmed seating, an 8-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient LED lighting, and a one-touch power moonroof. It's a conventional layout executed with enough flexibility to handle passengers during the week and considerably larger cargo when the rear seats aren't required. The Technology Upgrade Starts with the Base Model One of the more significant changes for 2026 is that every HR-V now receives a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth® streaming audio, HondaLink®, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. That means the basic interface doesn't become substantially more modern simply because you've paid for a higher trim. Audio equipment does change: LX uses a 180-watt 4-speaker system, Sport increases the speaker count to 6, and EX-L receives a 180-watt 8-speaker setup. The important distinction is that the larger touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity are standard throughout the lineup. Honda Sensing® Covers the Entire Range Every 2026 HR-V includes Honda Sensing®, incorporating Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Auto High-Beam Headlights. Sport and EX-L add Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, while EX-L goes further with Low-Speed Braking Control and front and rear parking sensors. Honda also uses its Enhanced Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure alongside multiple airbags for occupant protection, giving the HR-V a broad collection of active and structural safety measures. One Engine Keeps the Mechanical Choices Simple Every HR-V uses a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder producing 158 hp and 138 lbs. ft. of torque through a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™ is available on LX, Sport, and EX-L. A 3-mode drive system provides ECON, Normal, and Snow settings, with Hill Descent Control also standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy reaches 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined with FWD, while AWD models are rated at 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Three Trims Keep the Shopping Process Manageable LX establishes the range with 17-inch wheels and the expanded standard technology package, while Sport adds 18-inch gloss-black wheels, heated front seats, remote engine start, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock®, and orange-accented sport seating. EX-L takes a different direction, adding leather-trimmed seating, the one-touch power moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, 8-speaker audio, and additional comfort equipment. With the same engine across all 3, choosing an HR-V is primarily a decision about cabin equipment, exterior treatment, and convenience features. Compare the 2026 HR-V at Bommarito Automotive Group Drivers around Ellisville, MO, can visit Bommarito Automotive Group to compare all 3 HR-V trims, explore available Honda inventory, and decide if FWD or available Real Time AWD™ better suits their driving needs. Schedule a test drive online to experience the 2026 HR-V's 158 hp powertrain, compact dimensions, and flexible 5-passenger cabin in person.

Mazda CX-30

2026 Mazda CX-30

2026 Mazda CX-30: Compact Size, Real Capability The 2026 Mazda CX-30 occupies an increasingly popular part of the crossover market: small enough to be easy to park, but equipped more like a larger SUV. Every model comes with i-ACTIV AWD®, seating for 5, and a 2.5L engine, while buyers can choose between naturally aspirated and Turbocharged power. For drivers around Ellisville, MO, that combination gives the CX-30 a solid foundation for commuting, highway miles, and the sort of changing weather that makes standard AWD especially appealing. The Safety Record Is Backed by Independent Testing The 2026 CX-30 earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, providing independent crashworthiness and crash-prevention testing behind its safety credentials. Mazda's i-Activsense® technology includes Smart Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Higher configurations expand that list with equipment including a 360° View Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, Traffic Jam Assist, and Smart Brake Support-Rear, allowing buyers to add more assistance as they move through the lineup. Two Engines Make This More Than a Trim Decision Naturally aspirated CX-30 models use a Skyactiv®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder producing 191 hp and 186 lbs. ft. of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD®. That's a straightforward powertrain for regular commuting and highway travel, but Mazda also offers a considerably stronger option without requiring buyers to move into a larger vehicle. The available Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine produces up to 250 hp and 320 lbs. ft. of torque when using premium fuel, also working through a 6-speed automatic and i-ACTIV AWD®. For shoppers comparing configurations, that 59 hp and 134 lbs. ft. difference is one of the biggest decisions in the CX-30 range. Mazda Gives Drivers More Than One Way to Use the Technology Mazda Connect™ handles entertainment, communication, and compatible smartphone functions, with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration available across the lineup and wireless connectivity offered on select configurations. Higher trims can add a 10.25-inch center display, wireless phone charging, Bose® 12-speaker premium audio, and a windshield-projected Active Driving Display. Mazda also retains the Multifunction Commander in the center console, so operating the infotainment system doesn't depend entirely on reaching toward the dashboard. Steering-wheel controls and available voice functionality provide additional ways to access compatible features while keeping attention closer to the road. The Compact Footprint Still Leaves Room for Cargo At approximately 173 inches long, the CX-30 remains compact enough for crowded parking areas and tighter streets, one of its primary advantages over larger crossovers. Inside, the cabin seats 5 and uses a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback to balance passenger and cargo requirements. With the rear seats upright, cargo capacity is approximately 20 cubic feet, increasing to roughly 45 cubic feet when they're folded. That gives owners the option to preserve rear seating for normal trips or create considerably more carrying room when passengers aren't coming along. Equipment Changes Considerably Across the Range The CX-30 lineup allows shoppers to start with naturally aspirated models centered on core comfort, technology, and standard AWD, then move toward configurations with more premium cabin equipment or Turbocharged performance. Depending on configuration, available features include leather seating, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose® premium audio, advanced camera technology, and additional i-Activsense® systems. That spread makes it worth comparing individual CX-30 configurations closely, especially since the turbo engine represents a substantial mechanical upgrade instead of a cosmetic package. Compare the 2026 CX-30 at Bommarito Automotive Group Drivers around Ellisville, MO, can visit Bommarito Automotive Group to compare 2026 Mazda CX-30 configurations, explore available Mazda inventory, and decide between the 191 hp naturally aspirated engine and available 250 hp Turbocharged powertrain. Schedule a test drive online to experience the CX-30's standard i-ACTIV AWD®, compact dimensions, and available turbo performance from behind the wheel.

2026 Toyota Tundra

2026 Toyota Tundra

2026 Toyota Tundra: Big Power, Big Loads and a Surprisingly Civilized Side A full-size pickup is expected to do an absurd number of jobs. Tow a trailer, carry a serious load, survive a building site, head down a muddy trail, and then, somehow, transport everyone home in comfort. The 2026 Toyota Tundra tackles that list with 2 powertrain options, up to 12,000 lbs. of towing capacity, a composite bed, and 10 trims stretching from SR to Capstone. For drivers around Ellisville, MO, the interesting bit is how Toyota combines all that truck hardware with technology and cabin equipment that wouldn't look out of place in something far less enormous. Twin Turbos Do the Heavy Lifting The standard i-FORCE Twin-Turbo V6 produces 389 hp and 479 lbs. ft. of torque, which is already a healthy amount of shove. The available i-FORCE MAX hybrid takes things considerably further, producing 437 hp and 583 lbs. ft. of torque. Properly configured, the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lbs. and carry a maximum payload of 1,850 lbs. Those are the figures that count when there's a trailer attached or a bed full of equipment. Toyota also uses a multi-link coil-spring rear suspension, giving the Tundra a setup intended to balance towing stability with a more comfortable ride when you're not hauling half the contents of a garage. The Bed Is Meant to Be Treated Like a Bed Toyota fits the Tundra with a composite bed offered in 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.1-foot lengths. It's designed to resist dents, impacts, and rust, all welcome qualities when tools, timber, camping equipment, and assorted heavy objects inevitably start being thrown into it. An available 120V/400W AC outlet can provide power for equipment at a jobsite or campsite. Inside, the atmosphere can become considerably less work-truck-like. Available leather-trimmed seating and massage functions move the cabin upmarket, while trims such as Platinum and 1794 Edition add more premium appointments. Backing a Trailer Doesn't Have to Become a Spectator Sport An available 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen dominates the center of the dashboard, while an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps vehicle information directly ahead of the driver. More relevant when towing is the available Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist, which uses cameras and sensors to help guide the truck and trailer while reversing. Available power-extending and -folding tow mirrors improve the view along the sides of a trailer. These aren't technologies added simply to make the specification sheet longer; maneuvering a full-size pickup with thousands of pounds attached behind it is exactly when extra visibility and guidance earn their keep. TRD Pro Has the Hardware to Match the Badge The TRD Pro isn't simply a Tundra wearing more aggressive decoration. It gets FOX shocks, a TRD Pro off-road suspension with a 1.1-inch front lift, and 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels wearing Falken WILDPEAK All-Terrain tires. The heritage-inspired "TOYOTA" grille and LED light bar provide the visual drama, but the suspension, lift, wheels, and tires are the parts that change what the truck can do away from pavement. Buyers who don't need the full TRD Pro treatment can look to the available TRD Off-Road Package for additional trail capability without moving all the way to the dedicated off-road model. Ten Trims Leave Plenty to Decide With 10 trims spanning SR through Capstone, choosing a 2026 Tundra involves more than selecting an exterior color. Powertrain, bed length, towing equipment, off-road hardware, cabin technology, and comfort features can change significantly from one configuration to another. Drivers around Ellisville, MO, can explore the available new Toyota Tundra inventory through Bommarito Automotive Group, compare configurations based on how they'll use the truck, and schedule a test drive online once they've narrowed down the right setup.