Aha Radio Retrofit for Subaru Customers Available!

Subaru owners of 2013MY Legacy or 2013MY Outback vehicles equipped with factory navigation

manufactured before the running production change which added Aha Radio application display

capability (vehicles produced before January 18, 2013) are eligible to update their navigation system

hardware at a Subaru dealer from now until the December 31, 2013.

This update will permit access to Aha Radio content on the customer’s navigation screen, which is an

internet

‐based application to their favorite content on the web that can be organized into personalized,

live, on

‐demand stations that can be taken with you wherever you go through a smartphone application.

When paired with a smartphone equipped with the Aha Radio application installed on it, the Aha Radio

application content may be accessed using an integrated interface in the Subaru updated navigation

system. Note: Only Android OS and iOS (Apple) smartphone devices are supported in this program. Aha

is not compatible with Blackberry or Windows phones.

Here are the program details:



SOA will send an email and printed letter to each applicable owner (2013 Legacy/Outback

navigation

‐equipped vehicles sold that were produced prior to January 18, 2013), notifying

them of the program, with instructions to contact their local or preferred dealer if they

desire to participate and schedule a service appointment.



The customer should verify that their vehicle was produced prior to January 18, 2013 by

checking the certification label located at (see illustration, #4 below).



The customer should also download the Aha Radio application from either iTunes (Apple

iOS) or Google Play (Android OS), install and confirm the operation of the application on

their device successfully.



Finally, the customer should also confirm that their smartphone device successfully pairs

with the current Subaru navigation unit in their vehicle via Bluetooth.



At that time the customer should call their local or preferred Subaru dealer, and schedule a

service appointment for the update.



The dealer service department obtains the Aha Upgrade Instructions and the Fujitsu Ten

Exchange Form via Subarunet >> Service Forms. The dealer follows the instructions to

submit for a replacement navigation system from Fujitsu

‐Ten. Fujitsu‐Ten will ship the unit

to the dealer within 24 hours of receipt. At the same time the dealer must order in one (1)

copy of the Aha Owner’s Manual Booklet. (Part # MSA5M1319A 2013 Legacy/Outback

Navigation System Supplement Owner’s Manual)



The cost to the customer is $100 MSRP (plus applicable sales tax) for parts and labor. SOA

will compensate the dealer for the replacement of the navigation head unit at a predetermined

rate. See Subarunet \Service \Forms for full details on dealer reimbursement.



At the delivery of the now updated vehicle back to the customer, the dealer service advisor

should provide the customer one (1) copy of the Aha Owner’s Manual Booklet. (Part #

MSA5M1319A 2013 Legacy & Outback Navigation System Supplement Owner’s Manual)



The Service Advisor should confirm that the customer has installed the Aha Radio

application on their smartphone at the time of service. The phone will then need to be

paired to the new, updated navigation system as outlined for the use of Aha Radio, and the

customer must register & log into the Aha Radio application (setting an email and password)

before the Aha button is selected from the navigation system’s menu. It should be noted

that access to other accounts through the Aha application, such as those for Facebook,

Twitter, or Slacker applications require that those accounts be logged into by the customer

through the Aha application as well. As with any Bluetooth streaming audio application, the

customer should be made aware that data charges from their carrier will apply, and

excessive use of the application may cause them to exceed their data plan limit if not

monitored.

The Starlink/Aha navigation system update program will run from April 2013 through December 31,

2013. For any additional questions regarding this update program, or the Starlink/Aha software and

how it works, refer to

http://www.subaru.com/owners/resource‐center/electronics‐audio/aharadio/

index.html

or http://www.aharadio.com/.

New 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Announced!

I am excited to announce that we will be receiving the all new 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid shortly.  This model has improved mileage and torque, a new trim and other improvements for a very modest $100 price increase.

- 40 MPG - Extensive re-engineering yields 20% more torque and better mileage!  Now 40 MPG highway!

- New EX Trim - Kia created a new EX trim from the very popular Hybrid Convenience and Premium Technology packages.  Based on strong turn rates, we expected this to become the most popular configuration.

- Larger trunk and other enhancements - More efficient packaging allows for a noticably larger 10.8 cubic foot trunk.  Plus we added Hybrid badging to the front fenders on all models and for the top trim, an EX badge to the trunk lid.

Pricing and value continue to be a strong selling point with only a $100 increase.  The LX starts at $25,900, which is lower than Camry or Fusion, and the EX, which is fully loaded, and offers the most compelling value of any competitor at $31,950.  The 2013 MY Optima Hybrid offers more MPG, torque, trunk room and other flexibility with the new EX trim for only $100 more.

Please see us at Premier KIA in Branford, CT for more information on this Green Optima!

The All New 2013 Subaru Legacy SPORT!

I am pleased to announce the mid-year introduction of the new 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT!  This mid-model year addition offers an attractive upgrade in appearance and value to the Legacy 2.5i Premium.

The Legacy 2.5i SPORT equipment includes larger 18" alloy wheels with a unique design, 225/45 R18 V rated all season tires, the all weather package, aluminum alloy pedal covers, fog lights with chrome trim rings, power moonroof, carbon fiber patterned interior trim, and black cloth upholstery with a distinctive silver stitching.

The Legacy 2.5i SPORT has a total retail value of $25,345.  There is a special package discount of $550 that results in a net MSRP of only $24,795!  This is only $505 more than a Legacy 2.5i Premium with the all weather package and power moonroof, providing an outstanding value and performance package.

Please see the 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT at Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut today.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags.

 

NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts—including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers—NHTSA testing showed  the airbags often malfunctioned or deployed dangerously.

 

NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags. 

 

Subaru vehicles are no more likely to experience counterfeit airbags than any other make’s.

  

To assist owners Subaru will direct customers to their corporate customer service hotline (i.e. CDS: 1-800-SUBARU3 or 1-800-782-2783) rather than their local dealer.   Likewise, Subaru dealers should direct concerned customers to the CDS hotline.  The CDS representative will  assist the customer in determining if a dealer inspection and/or air bag replacement is necessary.

 

In the near future, Subaru dealers will be provided with a specific inspection protocol for vehicles that may be at risk.

 

Key Points

·         NHTSA believes that consumers could be at risk if their vehicle’s air bag has been replaced within the past 3 years.  Vehicles  repaired at an independent body shop on behalf of a new vehicle dealer  may also be considered at risk.

  

·         It has been reported that some independent body shops provided inaccurate documentation to the insurance company that a genuine OEM airbag was installed when, in reality, a counterfeit one was used instead.  Thus, the dealer cannot simply rely on the documentation the body shop provides to verify that a genuine OEM replacement bag was used.  The airbags need to be inspected.

 

·         According to NHTSA, the supplemental restraint system fault detection system/warning lamp may have been deceived/deactivated using resistors or diodes.  Therefore, SSM3 (or other diagnostic equipment) CANNOT be used to reliably determine whether the air bag installed on a vehicle is counterfeit.  Again, the airbags need to be inspected.

 

·         If the customer purchased the vehicle used and  does not know the vehicle’s history, NHTSA suggests verification by commercial Web-based service (e.g. CARFAX®, AutoCheck®, etc.) to see if vehicle was involved in a crash where the air bags deployed. NOTE: Commercial vehicle history reports are good indicators of a vehicle’s history but may not capture all crashes.

 

·         NHTSA believes customers should bear the costs of inspection and/or air bag replacement.  If a customer is unwilling or cannot bear the cost, NHTSA recommends, as one option, that the customer speak with their insurance company.

 

·         NHTSA strongly advises technicians NOT to electrically probe counterfeit air bag connecting terminals because of the risk of detonation and possible serious injury.

  

·         While the scope of NHTSA’s announcement focuses on frontal (driver- and front passenger-) air bags, dealer inspection and/or replacement should include ALL air bags (as necessary), including knee, seat-mounted side, and roof-mounted curtain air bags to determine if they are counterfeit.

 

Premier KIA services ALL BRANDS TOO!

Due to our outstanding staff, Premier KIA has received  a number of really positive customer reviews for our service.  We appreciate that.  One of the advantages of Premier KIA is also our service technical staff's ability to service "all brands" of vehicles.  We have the tools and the skills.  Now, the advantage to our clients is simple - they already appreciate our service on their KIA vehicles and, now, they no longer have to search for an "unknown" repair facility for the "other car" in their driveway!

This just isn't a "saying" but, is put to use every day.  Plus, Premier KIA has studied the market to ensure that we are the most competitive - all while bringing you guaranteed repairs from an organization that you trust.  So, try us out for the "other car" in your driveway today.  As a matter of fact, we will do that first oil change for only $14.98 + tax - and, that includes a complimentary multi-point inspection and exterior car wash!

It is time to get back to the blog.  For some odd reason, I stopped publishing to this blog. Well, motivation from the recent AutoCon 2012 inspired me to start again.  I have altered the blog, now that we have a new KIA store as a part of our group, and will continue to publish information that I believe will be important to our clients and stakeholders at large.

This business has been changing at the speed of light.  More changes over the last two years than I have seen in the previous 10.  Tons of new technology and, more importantly, customers that have access to all of the information needed to make an educated decision - that is a good thing!

Survey Says Car Dealership Professionalism Trumps Price

I have believed this for a long time, but, today, a survey was released by CarWoo.com, an automotive marketplace website.  This study, using transactional and behavorial data, shows that 54.6% of the time the lowest price offer was not the one the buyer took.  That increases to 57.5% when eliminating cases where buyers received only a single offer. 

Behavorial data also indicates that prices is not what drives a buyer's opinion.  In giving 5 star reviews, highly satisfied buyers ranked dealer professionalism as the most important factor 47% of the time and price only 14%.  When dissatisfied buyers gave dealers 1 star reviews, they cited unprofessionalism as the reason 44% of the time, and, blamed price only 19% of the time.

Only when buyers gave a middling 3 star review did price become a driving factor, ranked as primarily 52% of the time.  These reviews, while ostensively neutral, where often negative in tone, much more akin to a grade of a C.

We have thought this all along at Premier Subaru which is why we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients each and every day.

Subaru Launches iPad Applications for Outback, Forester and WRX/STI

Subaru Launches new iPad Applications! Check it out!

Subaru Launches iPad Applications for Outback, Forester and WRX/STI

Subaru of America Sales Rise Nearly 8% Year-To-Date

BRANFORD, CT, June 1, 2011 - Subaru of America announced today a nearly 8% year-to-date increase with 20,036 units sold in May, 2011 - resulting in a total YTD sales of 112,255. However, while Subaru Legacy and Outback models experienced year-over-year growth, sales of Forester, Impreza and Tribeca decreased due to inventory limitations.


"While we have had a very strong start to 2011, and demand for our product in dealerships remain at record levels, we are now experiencing a slowdown in deliveries following the disruption to vehicle and parts production in Japan as a result of the March earthquake and tsunami", said Thomas J. Doll, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "We expect this to continue in the short term while the production situation in Japan returns to normal. Even allowing for this temporary slowdown in deliveries, we still expect 2011 to be the second best year ever for the Subaru brand in the US."

Like Subaru of America, Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut continues to post record results. This is due to the company's business philosophy and desire to exceed the expectations of their clients. Premier Subaru is the only Subaru dealer in the State of Connecticut that is both approved by the AAA for Automotive Repair and Service and has received the A+ designation by the BBB

Geoff Fox Joins the Premier Subaru Team as a Spokesperson!

BRANFORD, CT May 3, 2011 - Robert J. Alvine, President of Premier Subaru in Branford, announced today that 7 time Emmy Award winner weather personality Geoff Fox has been retained as a spokesperson for the dealership.


Mr. Fox will appear in a series of broadcast television, cable, radio and internet announcements in the coming year. He will also make appearances on behalf of the dealership at select public events and charitable functions.

In announcing the partnership, Mr. Alvine stated, “The Subaru brand has a well earned reputation for exceptional all-wheel performance in all kinds of driving conditions. And given the kind of winter we just experienced, we feel the combination of Subaru performance and Geoff’s extensive knowledge of Connecticut weather would make him an ideal spokesperson for Premier Subaru going forward.”

Fox has over 25 years of on-air experience in the Connecticut market. He recently returned to the air forecasting the weather at WTIC FOX 61 for the station’s 4PM and 11PM newscasts. Prior to his current position, he was a weather forecaster for the state’s ABC affiliate in New Haven for many years.

“I’m looking forward to bringing what I hope is a unique perspective to the automotive market in general, and to Premier Subaru customers in particular. It’s not often that a car comes with its’ own weatherman.” said Fox.

Premier Subaru is located at 150 North Main Street in Branford, Connecticut. The dealership has been in business since 2000 selling new and pre-owned Subaru models, as well as servicing all makes and models of domestic and import vehicles. The dealership is approved by the AAA for automotive service and repairs and is an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau of the State of Connecticut. Premier Subaru has also won numerous awards for customer satisfaction and sales excellence. In addition, the dealership sells Subaru parts direct to the consumer in person or on-line. The main phone number for the dealership is 203-481-0687. Additional information about the dealership can be found at http://www.premiersubaru.com/.