Steet Ponte Auto Group’s 12th Annual Halloween Costume Contest Was a Spooktacular Success!
We’re 12 years strong with our Annual Halloween Costume Contest, and this year was another blast! Every year, we love seeing how creative, funny, and inventive our employees can be with their costumes — and 2025 did not disappoint. From solo outfits to entire store groups getting into the spirit, the competition was fierce and the results were amazing.
For the past several years, our contest categories have been judged by none other than Joe Steet Sr. and Steve Ponte Sr., and this year, our winners are:
🎨 Best DIY: Rain Storm — Suzi Smith, Steet Ponte VW
😂 Funniest: Technician Bananas — Steet Toyota Yorkville
📺 Best Pop Culture: Pirates of the Caribbean — Liz Uebelhoer & Will Marriott, Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln
✨ Most Creative: Moana Family — Josh Perez, Steet Ponte Chevy
👥 Best Group: Crayon Box — Steet Ponte Nissan (entire store dressed up!)
🏆 Joe’s Favorite: 50’s Sock Hop — Cyndi Wilson, United Auto Sales
🌸 Steve’s Favorite: 70’s Hippie — Amy Biggie, Steet Toyota Johnstown
From clever DIY costumes to full-group efforts, our employees never fail to impress. The creativity, humor, and teamwork shown in this year’s contest reflect the fun-loving spirit that makes our Steet Ponte Auto Group family so special.
A huge congratulations to all of our winners and participants — your efforts helped make this another memorable and festive Halloween across all of our stores.
Fall festivities were in full swing at Myles Elementary School in New Hartford, and the team at Steet Ponte VW was excited to be part of their Trunk or Treat event!
For this family-friendly evening, we dressed up our iconic VW ID.Buzz van as the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, bringing a fun and festive vibe to the school grounds. Our very own Sales Consultant, Lauren Harris, was on hand to pass out candy and toy cars to attendees, spreading smiles to kids and families alike.
It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community while celebrating the season in a fun, safe, and festive way. Events like this are a highlight for us because they allow us to connect with families, give back, and share in the excitement of the season.
From all of us at Steet Ponte VW, thank you to Myles Elementary School for having us — we’re thrilled to have been part of such a fun and family-friendly event!
Your Volkswagen dealership can offer competitive financing for your 2025 car. With a convenient application process, attractive financing options, and exceptional customer service, it’s never been easier to drive away in a new Volkswagen.
1. Convenient Application
Every financing application can be managed online with a simple pre-approval process. Complete the details in the comfort of your own home and get pre-qualified before you set foot in the dealership. This means you don’t need to spend a long time filling out paperwork or wait for a decision before you can pick a car. When you arrive at the dealership, you can pour all your energy into finding the right car with just a few signatures to complete.
2. Competitive Rates
The dealership has built up a network of trusted lenders that includes both local and national banks. They can also offer financing that comes from the manufacturer. This means you don’t need to shop around for the best deal. The finance team at the dealership will review the loans available to bring you the most competitive rates.
3. Complete In-House Process
When you purchase a new car, there may be several steps to complete. This could include choosing a new car and trading in your old one, in addition to the financing. The dealership can take care of everything. You won’t need to go anywhere else to sell your car or spend time on paperwork, as everything will be completed on your behalf.
4. Access to Exclusive Offers
Your dealership will have a full range of special offers and deals to choose from. This could include introductory interest rates, cashback, bonus payments, or discounts. There are also programs available to college graduates, military personnel, and first responders that offer preferential terms.
5. Huge Selection of Vehicles
Using another lender for financing may mean you have to use their network to find a car. This could make it difficult to find the exact model or trim that you want, or you may have to pay a higher price. When you finance through the dealership, you’ll be able to take your pick from a large inventory, all of which have competitive prices.
6. Personalized Service
Banks and national lenders deal with vast numbers of customers, and your loan won’t stand out from the crowd. That’s not the case when you arrange financing at the dealership. You’ll receive a personalized service from the start from an advisor who takes time to listen to your needs. Once the deal is done, you’ll still have access to the same outstanding customer support, should you have any questions.
Discuss More Financing Options at Your Nearest Dealership
Your dealership is an expert at providing finance that is structured to meet your precise requirements. Whether you have a strong credit profile or find it difficult to get finance, your local dealership can help.
If you’re ready to find your 2025 Volkswagen, our friendly finance team is waiting to assist. Get in contact with us at Steete Ponte Volkswagen in Yorkville, NY to schedule an appointment.
Rethink your family vehicle with the spacious and practical 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. This three-row SUV comes with an incredible collection of high-tech features, a turbocharged motor with an output of 269 horsepower, and modern amenities.
The Atlas trims are all equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. The lower two SE models pair the powertrain with a front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain, while the three upper models each have a 4MOTION system as a standard engineering feature.
SE
The SE is equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, as well as a full assortment of LED exterior lights. The LED headlights are paired with Poor Weather Lights, which are designed to improve your view of the road in inclement weather conditions. An adaptive front-lighting system with dynamic cornering lights is also standard.
SE w/Technology
The second-tier trim has some updated exterior features, like a front grille with an integrated light bar, illuminated VW logos, and an LED rear license plate. This model has a remote power rear liftgate with hands-free access so you can load cargo even when your hands are full. The advanced keyless access system enables door unlocking as you approach the vehicle.
Atlas Peak Edition
The Peak Edition model features trim-exclusive badging, seating, and stainless-steel pedals. This model introduces modern cabin style with a 30-color ambient lighting system so you can match your mood to the in-cabin ambience. Heated and ventilated front seats are also standard.
This model features Climatronic Touch, a three-zone air conditioning system with rear controls for the second row riders. The Climatronic Touch system replaces traditional buttons and dials so you can control the HVAC system with touchscreen controls.
SEL
The SEL comes with dual projector headlights with signature daytime running lights for added style and functionality for daytime driving. The side mirrors have position memory and will tilt down when the SUV is in reverse. This model features a 12-inch multimedia system with voice control, a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and an integrated navigation system via Discover Media.
Key safety features include road sign recognition with an in-cabin road sign display, park distance control, and an Exit Warning System, which alerts passengers about approaching traffic when the vehicle is exited.
SEL Premium R-Line
The highest trim level has an R-Line leather-wrapped steering wheel, four-way lumbar support for the front-row seats with backrest massage, and heated outboard seats. The cabin also features a sophisticated premium audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier to enhance your music enjoyment.
The Atlas refines family travel with advanced technology for climate control, cargo access, and infotainment. Get in touch with Steet Ponte Volkswagen in Yorkville, NY to book a test drive.
To benefit Utica & Rome Elementary Schools
The Steet Ponte Auto Group is proud to announce the return of our 8th Annual Coats for Kids Coat Drive! As the colder months approach, we are once again collecting NEW winter outerwear in any children’s size to help keep local kids warm this winter.
We invite our community to join us in this mission by donating coats, snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. Donations can be dropped off at Steet Ponte VW located at 5046 Commercial Drive in Yorkville—just look for the specially designated vehicle or drop-off area in our showrooms.
How We’re Giving Back
This year, each of our stores is partnering with schools in their community to directly support local families in need:
- Steet Toyota of Johnstown – donating to Mayfield and Gloversville Elementary Schools
- Steet Ponte Chevy (Herkimer) – donating to Herkimer, CVA, and Frankfort Elementary Schools
- Yorkville stores (United Auto Sales of Utica, Steet Ponte VW, Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln, Steet Ponte Mazda, Steet Toyota of Yorkville, and Steet Ponte Nissan) – donating to Utica and Rome City Schools
How You Can Help
If you’d like to participate, simply bring a donation of new children’s winter outerwear to any of our dealerships. Whether it’s a warm coat, sturdy boots, or cozy mittens, every item will help make a difference for a child in our community.
Together, with your help, we can ensure that kids across the Mohawk Valley and Fulton County stay warm, safe, and ready to learn this winter.
Upgrade your family vehicle to a retro microbus with a fully electric powertrain and cutting-edge technology. The stylish 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a terrific choice for families who need a lot of space and value high-end comfort features.
The entry-level trim, the Pro S, is equipped with a single-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel electric driveline that produces 282 lb-ft of torque. This microbus has power-operated sliding doors and a power tailgate for hassle-free vehicle entry and cargo loading. Key exterior features include LED projector headlights, an illuminated VW logo, and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
Pro S Plus
The second-tier trim comes with a 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen to manage all of your connectivity features, as well as an upgraded 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with an integrated subwoofer and amplifier. This model elevates vehicle access with hands-free open and close sliding doors and a hands-free rear liftgate. A head-up display is also standard for this trim.
Pro S Plus with 4MOTION
This model is equipped with a powerful dual-motor 4MOTION all-wheel electric powertrain that delivers 335 horsepower. The cabin features an adjustable storage system with two collapsible storage containers so you can organize all of your road trip supplies or recreational gear. A heated windshield is a key upgrade, along with Area View, an overhead camera system that assists with parking.
1st Edition
The 1st Edition model has trim-exclusive style details, like 20-inch 1st Edition wheels, exterior badging, and standard two-tone paint color options. The sophistication of this model is underscored by the panoramic fixed-glass roof, which has electrochromatic smart dimming to keep the cabin space comfortable.
1st Edition with 4MOTION
The final trim has standard features like second-row captain’s chairs, climate-controlled front seats with massage cushions, and a heated, multi-functional steering wheel that can detect when your hands are on the wheel. This trim also has a removable center console with storage to customize your cabin storage space.
Customize Your ID.Buzz with Paint and Wrapmate
The ID.Buzz has single-tone and two-tone paint options. Single-tone colors include Deep Black Pearlescent, Metro Silver Metallic, and Candy White Metallic. For a more vintage-inspired look, you can choose two-tone color combinations like Cabana Blue Metallic and Candy White or Cherry Red and Metro Silver Metallic.
Wrapmate is a fully customized wrap for your microbus with a graphic design that is uniquely you. You can choose geometric patterns, bold graphics, and other designs by using VW’s online Wrapmate 3D configurator when you custom-order your ID.Buzz.
An electric microbus is a great option for families who want to eliminate carbon emissions. Take a test drive at Steet Ponte Volkswagen in Yorkville, NY to see why the ID.Buzz can easily accommodate every adventure.
At Steet Ponte VW, giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do. This August, our dealerships came together for our 2nd Annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive—and we’re thrilled to share the impact it made!
With generous donations collected across all eight of our dealerships, we were able to purchase and deliver over 500 backpacks, each filled with essential school supplies, to local elementary students. Our goal was simple: to help students in need start the school year strong and on the right foot—and thanks to our team and community, we did just that.
One Friday, a dedicated group of our employees rolled up their sleeves and spent the day packing the backpacks with everything a student might need:
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Pencils
- Crayons
- A ruler
- Glue sticks
- Erasers
- Highlighters
- A pencil pouch
Each dealership then proudly donated the backpacks to local schools in their community:
- Steet Toyota of Johnstown: 130 backpacks to Johnstown and Gloversville Elementary Schools
- Steet Ponte Chevy (Herkimer): 124 backpacks to Herkimer, CVA, and Frankfort Elementary Schools
- United Auto Sales, Steet Ponte VW, Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln, Steet Ponte Mazda, Steet Toyota of Yorkville, and Steet Ponte Nissan: 250 backpacks to the Utica City School District
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for everyone who contributed to make this initiative possible. Education is one of the most powerful tools for a brighter future, and we’re honored to support local students as they head back into the classroom this school year.
Here’s to another successful drive—and to continuing our tradition of giving back to the communities we serve!
The sporty 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a turbocharged, four-door hatchback that comes in three sizzling trim levels. Continue reading to discover what each trim brings to the lineup.
S
Kicking off the Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup is the S trim, which comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. With 18-inch wheels fitted with all-season tires, a sport-tuned suspension, and a limited-slip differential, the S trim is ready to cruise over hills and winding roads any time of the year.
To make the ride even more comfortable, the S trim boasts a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front Top Sport seats. Other lush interior highlights include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button start, and fun customizable ambient interior lighting.
SE
The SE trim builds upon the base S trim by way of a few luxurious additions. A power-tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof brings the sunshine inside the SE, where the seats get a makeover with ArtVelours synthetic suede upholstery. Using Bluetooth technology, you can sync your phone to the SE’s infotainment system and play your favorite tunes over the nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
If you are looking to add even more luxury to your SE trim, Volkswagen offers the Leather Seating Surfaces package. This package gives the SE trim leather upholstery and comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings and ventilated front seats.
Autobahn
The final trim in the Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup is the Autobahn trim, which comes with all your creature comforts and more. The Autobahn’s adaptive suspension dampers offer a smooth and comfortable ride. Inside the Autobahn, you will find tri-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and leather upholstery. Additionally, rear passengers are given their own set of climate controls to ensure optimal comfort for everyone on board.
The Autobahn also comes with some innovative convenience features to make your life easier. The head up display projects important vehicle information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight to deter the need to look away from the road. An automated parking system helps the driver steer the vehicle into a parking spot, which is helpful when navigating tight parking spaces.
Safety and Security
All trim levels of the Volkswagen Golf GTI come standard with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, which is a suite of advanced driver aids expertly designed to keep you safe. This suite includes automatic emergency braking, collision alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
Are you ready to take a spin in the Volkswagen Golf GTI? Come on over to Steet-Ponte Volkswagen in Yorkville, NY, to schedule your test drive today!
Steet Ponte Volkswagen was delighted to sponsor the inaugural Mesta Fiesta, a joyful community event presented by El Zorro Radio Latino, the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, and the Utica Zoo. Hosted amidst the playful atmosphere of the Utica Zoo’s Dinosaur Discovery exhibit, Mesta Fiesta celebrated Latino heritage with food, music, and family fun galore.
What Happened at Mesta Fiesta
Attendees enjoyed a packed lineup of activities including:
- Mariachi band “Los Trios Caveles”, whose music filled the air with lively melodies.
- Tacos Don Fernando, serving up delicious local favorites from their food truck.
- A children’s parade, where dressed-up kids marched along and received free future zoo tickets—bringing smiles all around.
- Full access to the Utica Zoo, including ambassador animal presentations and the exciting Dino Discovery with more than a dozen interactive animatronic dinosaurs sprinkled throughout the zoo grounds.Utica ZooOneida County Tourism
El Zorro Radio Latino’s owner, Mindy Barstein, shared her passion for unity, noting: “One of our missions … is to bring ‘Unity to the Community,’ and this continues to bring different cultures together.” Data USAEl Zorro Radio Meanwhile, Utica Zoo Director Andria Heath emphasized the zoo’s role as a welcoming, inclusive destination for families across the Mohawk Valley.Data USA
A Spotlight on El Zorro Radio Latino
- El Zorro Radio Latino is the only full-format Latino radio station serving Central New York, broadcasting on 98.3 FM, 103.3 FM, 1420 AM, and 1450 AM.El Zorro RadioWikipedia
- The station plays a vital role in amplifying Latino culture and connecting communities across the Utica–Rome area.TuneInEl Zorro Radio
The Latino Community—A Vital Part of Utica
- As of recent data, around 14–14.6% of Utica’s residents identify as Hispanic or Latino—a significant presence enriching the community.Data USANeilsberg
- Latino communities have long been part of the region’s fabric, contributing to its vibrant cultural and social landscape.Utica University
The Utica Zoo & Dino Discovery—Family and Fun Combined
- The Dino Discovery exhibit, running through mid-October, brings over a dozen lifelike animatronic dinosaurs to the zoo—complete with movement, sound, and even water-spray effects.Utica ZooOneida County Tourism
- It’s the perfect backdrop for a family-friendly festival celebrating culture, community, and curiosity.
Why We’re Proud to Be a Sponsor
At Steet Ponte VW, we believe in supporting events that enrich our community—especially those that honor diversity, creativity, and togetherness. Mesta Fiesta embodied all of that and more. From the mariachi beats to the dinosaur roars, the event brought families and cultures together in joy and celebration. We were honored to be part of it and look forward to seeing this festival grow in years to come.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI at Your Volkswagen Dealership: Sedan vs. Hatchback
Looking for a city-friendly car with excellent mileage and smart safety features? At your Volkswagen dealership, two of the most popular compact models are the 2025 VW Jetta and the 2025 VW Golf GTI. Check out the top features of both models to decide which fits your lifestyle.
Both of these compact models are equipped with active safety systems, such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-pressure distribution, and anti-slip regulation, which are all intended to keep your vehicle on course in slippery conditions. The cabin features a LATCH system for quick child car seat installation. A rearview camera system provides a wide-angle view of the space behind your vehicle to ease out of driveways and parking spots safely.
Advanced driver assistance technology found on both models includes adaptive cruise control, Emergency Assist, Travel Assist, and Lane Assist. Travel Assist optimizes urban travel with steering, acceleration, and braking support. Emergency Assist intervenes with emergency braking power when Lane Assist or Travel Assist is active to avoid an accident. Lane Assist is a lane-centering steering system.
Jetta
The Jetta is an urban-tuned model with a 1.5-liter turbocharged powertrain that boasts a maximum output of 158 horsepower. An efficient eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is standard. Key mechanical features include electric power steering and a start-stop engine system to reduce idle fuel consumption.
The Jetta has a wired App-Connect system so you can hook your smartphone to your central display via USB. You can also stream wirelessly with Bluetooth technology. The Jetta has an eight-inch VW Digital Cockpit for key vehicle performance insights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Climatronic Touch dual-zone automatic climate control system that can be managed on the central touchscreen.
Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is equipped with a sporty 2.0-liter I4 turbocharged motor, which generates 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain refines on-road performance with a Tiptronic automatic transmission and a selectable Sport driving mode to boost aggressive acceleration. This model also has a progressive steering system to support easy handling and a sport transmission accented by vented front and rear brake rotors.
The Golf GTI has wireless smartphone integration for seamless connectivity, as well as a 12.0-inch central touchscreen with a built-in navigation system. This model can wirelessly charge your smartphone while you drive. A 10.25-inch configurable VW Digital Cockpit Pro fully digital instrument cluster is also standard. This model also has heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped, multi-function sport steering wheel with mounted shifting paddles.
The classic VW Jetta may be ideal if you want a fuel-efficient town car, while the Golf GTI is a hot hatch ideal for engaging highway cruising. Reserve your favorite VW model when you call Steet-Ponte Volkswagen in Yorkville, NY.
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