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!
Showing posts with label subaru. Show all posts
Showing posts with label subaru. Show all posts
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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
"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
Monday, August 3, 2009
Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Sales Results for Best Month Ever
-- The Company Posted a 34-Percent Increase in Sales for July --
Cherry Hill, N.J., August 3, 2009 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it had its best sales month ever with a 34-percent increase in sales in July. The company sold 21,839 units this July versus 16,271 units in July 2008 and had a 4-percent gain year-over-year. Subaru sales for July 2009 also showed a 17-percent increase over June 2009 Subaru sales.
The introduction of the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles kept the momentum going for the car company as it continues to outpace the industry. The Subaru Legacy posted a 34-percent increase, the Outback a 33-percent increase, while the Impreza posted a record sales month and the most gains with a 41-percent sales increase, with the Forester continuing to bring in strong sales with an increase of 36-percent, which also represented a monthly record.
“July’s record results built on the momentum we've established this year. The month started strong and gained momentum with the 2010 Legacy and Outback launches. We were in a position for a very good month already, but when the CARS program hit, things went to the next level,” said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our success this month reflects the strength of the Subaru model line-up. The Subaru Impreza and Forester models set monthly records while the brand new Legacy and Outback are off to a strong start.”
"We have been consistent with everything we have done to build not only safe, durable, fun-to-drive vehicles, but also the Subaru brand," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our sales reflect that our brand has solidly connected with customers and we look forward to building great relationships with them as well
-- The Company Posted a 34-Percent Increase in Sales for July --
Cherry Hill, N.J., August 3, 2009 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it had its best sales month ever with a 34-percent increase in sales in July. The company sold 21,839 units this July versus 16,271 units in July 2008 and had a 4-percent gain year-over-year. Subaru sales for July 2009 also showed a 17-percent increase over June 2009 Subaru sales.
The introduction of the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles kept the momentum going for the car company as it continues to outpace the industry. The Subaru Legacy posted a 34-percent increase, the Outback a 33-percent increase, while the Impreza posted a record sales month and the most gains with a 41-percent sales increase, with the Forester continuing to bring in strong sales with an increase of 36-percent, which also represented a monthly record.
“July’s record results built on the momentum we've established this year. The month started strong and gained momentum with the 2010 Legacy and Outback launches. We were in a position for a very good month already, but when the CARS program hit, things went to the next level,” said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our success this month reflects the strength of the Subaru model line-up. The Subaru Impreza and Forester models set monthly records while the brand new Legacy and Outback are off to a strong start.”
"We have been consistent with everything we have done to build not only safe, durable, fun-to-drive vehicles, but also the Subaru brand," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our sales reflect that our brand has solidly connected with customers and we look forward to building great relationships with them as well
Monday, February 2, 2009
2010 Legacy Concept - A HUGE HIT FOR SUBARU!
The 2010 Subaru Legacy Concept was a huge hit for Subaru during it's introduction at the recent Detroit Auto Show. The concept car is larger than the existing Legacy - being about the same size at the current Toyota Camry. It looks great. The line are wonderful and the vehicle is very stylish. In a previous blog posting, I have listed a copy of Subaru's official announcement describing the 2010 Subaru Legacy Concept vehicle. However, I came across these videos. One of these videos shows the lines of the vehicle and how it looks in motion. The second video is a commentary from the actual designer of the car. Too many times, consumers are unable to see who really designed a vehicle and the reasons for the design intent. This is a great video so that you can see why the designer designed the 2010 Subaru Legacy in this manner.
This is all so important since the styling cues you see in this vehicle should be very visible in the production version of the 2010 Subaru Legacy!
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Running Footage:
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Designer Instruction:
This is all so important since the styling cues you see in this vehicle should be very visible in the production version of the 2010 Subaru Legacy!
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Running Footage:
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Designer Instruction:
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
The following article appeared today on CNN and TIME.COM (Time Magazine's website).
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
By BILL SAPORITO
Subaru's customers are, the company admits, a little oddball. How else do you explain the fact that Subaru of America was the only car company to increase unit sales last year? Subaru buyers tend to be overeducated; they buy less car than they can afford and hang on to it forever. "They pay cash, and then you never see them again," says Tim Mahoney, Subaru of America's chief marketing officer. At least not for an average 7.3 years, when they return like migrating carbirds to buy another one. Recession or not.
You know, of course, that Detroit is on its knees. But Stuttgart, Tokyo and Seoul aren't faring particularly well either. Toyota's U.S. sales were off 16% last year. Yet Subaru was positive to the tune of 491 cars. The company sold 187,699 vehicles last year, led by value-driven models like the Forester SUV and Outback wagon ($19,995 to $22,295) and the muscled-up Impreza WRX ($24,995), a small sedan. (See pictures of the remains of Detroit.)
That's an increase of just 0.3% over 2007. But in a disastrous year for the industry, it boosted Subaru's market share to 1.92%, from 1.2%. In the auto industry, that's a huge increase — and a higher market share than Cadillac, for instance. Subaru did it without giving away the store too. For 2008, the company decided to roll back its list prices and back off the rebates. The sticker price of the 2009 Forester, for instance, was lowered to $19,995, from $21,295. "We had to bring down our incentive costs and stop selling based on the deal," says Tom Doll, executive vice president of the company, which is a division of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries.
Loyalty can help you do that, and Subaru has leveraged its existing customers, who identify more with their cars than perhaps is healthy. "If you stop a Subaru owner at sporting event, ski slope, shopping center, they'll tell you, 'I love this car,' " says Mahoney. And being the opinionated-bumper-sticker type, they are more likely to recommend the brand than even Toyota or Honda owners.
Certainly, it's a perfect era for a car company that is green (it boasts zero-landfill production plants), safety-focused, and can deliver a fair amount of value and performance. In the snow belt regions of the Northeast and intermountain west, Subaru has long had a following because of its all-wheel-drive portfolio.
But Subaru has successfully expanded both its geography and demography, becoming a more national car company and getting a broader customer base.
To accomplish both, the company expanded its safety-first image to one that includes better performance and more fun. After all, who wants to motor around in the equivalent of all-wheel-drive bubble wrap? California, a vital auto market, discovered Subaru courtesy of models like the Impreza WRX. All-wheel drive is terrific in the Sierras, but in the Los Angeles Basin, it's more about performance, which the 265-hp, intercooled, turbocharged WRX could address. The muscle models scored well with younger drivers and allowed Subaru to get more exposure for its full line.
Having more than weathered the dreadfully bad 2008, Subaru officials aren't planning on lowering sales this year. At Detroit's North American International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled a concept car that will likely evolve into a midsize sedan version of its Legacy. And on a broader note, Doll says that more available credit and Barack Obama's stimulus package should get additional buyers into showrooms. Of course, if all else fails, there are always those folks who bought an Outback 7.3 years ago — and are ready to return.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
By BILL SAPORITO
Subaru's customers are, the company admits, a little oddball. How else do you explain the fact that Subaru of America was the only car company to increase unit sales last year? Subaru buyers tend to be overeducated; they buy less car than they can afford and hang on to it forever. "They pay cash, and then you never see them again," says Tim Mahoney, Subaru of America's chief marketing officer. At least not for an average 7.3 years, when they return like migrating carbirds to buy another one. Recession or not.
You know, of course, that Detroit is on its knees. But Stuttgart, Tokyo and Seoul aren't faring particularly well either. Toyota's U.S. sales were off 16% last year. Yet Subaru was positive to the tune of 491 cars. The company sold 187,699 vehicles last year, led by value-driven models like the Forester SUV and Outback wagon ($19,995 to $22,295) and the muscled-up Impreza WRX ($24,995), a small sedan. (See pictures of the remains of Detroit.)
That's an increase of just 0.3% over 2007. But in a disastrous year for the industry, it boosted Subaru's market share to 1.92%, from 1.2%. In the auto industry, that's a huge increase — and a higher market share than Cadillac, for instance. Subaru did it without giving away the store too. For 2008, the company decided to roll back its list prices and back off the rebates. The sticker price of the 2009 Forester, for instance, was lowered to $19,995, from $21,295. "We had to bring down our incentive costs and stop selling based on the deal," says Tom Doll, executive vice president of the company, which is a division of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries.
Loyalty can help you do that, and Subaru has leveraged its existing customers, who identify more with their cars than perhaps is healthy. "If you stop a Subaru owner at sporting event, ski slope, shopping center, they'll tell you, 'I love this car,' " says Mahoney. And being the opinionated-bumper-sticker type, they are more likely to recommend the brand than even Toyota or Honda owners.
Certainly, it's a perfect era for a car company that is green (it boasts zero-landfill production plants), safety-focused, and can deliver a fair amount of value and performance. In the snow belt regions of the Northeast and intermountain west, Subaru has long had a following because of its all-wheel-drive portfolio.
But Subaru has successfully expanded both its geography and demography, becoming a more national car company and getting a broader customer base.
To accomplish both, the company expanded its safety-first image to one that includes better performance and more fun. After all, who wants to motor around in the equivalent of all-wheel-drive bubble wrap? California, a vital auto market, discovered Subaru courtesy of models like the Impreza WRX. All-wheel drive is terrific in the Sierras, but in the Los Angeles Basin, it's more about performance, which the 265-hp, intercooled, turbocharged WRX could address. The muscle models scored well with younger drivers and allowed Subaru to get more exposure for its full line.
Having more than weathered the dreadfully bad 2008, Subaru officials aren't planning on lowering sales this year. At Detroit's North American International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled a concept car that will likely evolve into a midsize sedan version of its Legacy. And on a broader note, Doll says that more available credit and Barack Obama's stimulus package should get additional buyers into showrooms. Of course, if all else fails, there are always those folks who bought an Outback 7.3 years ago — and are ready to return.
Monday, October 13, 2008
WILD TIMES, HUH?
We are living during unprecedented economic times right now, no doubt. Besides the real estate market, which has really taken it on the chin during this slow down, the car business has been hit hard. We are witnessing declines in automotive sales approaching 50% during a single month. Some car lines have been hit especially hard due to their lack of fuel efficient vehicles.
Now, why would a car dealer write about this?
Well, why we are keenly aware of these economic times, we are living in the land of Subaru - Premier Subaru, specifically. I am of the belief that, during periods of slower economic growth, only the strongest survive. The strongest brands, the strongest businesses, the strongest employees. Year to date, Subaru is one of only two brands in the entire automotive industry, that has posted gains during this year. I believe the reason for that is pretty simple. Subaru has been a car company that has stuck to their business model producing the most fuel efficient line of all-wheel-drive vehicles sold in the United States. The value proposition of a Subaru is amazing. The standard features far exceed those sold in other vehicles. The all-wheel-drive system is simply amazing and todays models are better than ever. Together, this is an inviting package for any customer. The result is increasing sales during a decreasing economy.
The same goes for us here at Premier Subaru. Our team of employees is really second to none. Our business model is conservative. Since the first day we opened our doors over 8 years ago, we have invested in our facilities, our equipment and our employees. The result is a large investment in our customer. Our customer is our single most important and valuable asset. I am proud to say that, as of today, we have sold over 9,000 vehicles and serviced more than 97,200 cars. Continuing to take care of these assets allow us to also maintain our growth pattern during a down economy.
As we proceed through the next test of our economy, the bailout and the election, to name a couple, all of us here at Premier Subaru will continue to work towards offering our customers the best value for their dollar, period. Our ongoing relationship with you, our customer and most valuable asset, is our primary key to making it through these tough economic times and beyond.
Now, why would a car dealer write about this?
Well, why we are keenly aware of these economic times, we are living in the land of Subaru - Premier Subaru, specifically. I am of the belief that, during periods of slower economic growth, only the strongest survive. The strongest brands, the strongest businesses, the strongest employees. Year to date, Subaru is one of only two brands in the entire automotive industry, that has posted gains during this year. I believe the reason for that is pretty simple. Subaru has been a car company that has stuck to their business model producing the most fuel efficient line of all-wheel-drive vehicles sold in the United States. The value proposition of a Subaru is amazing. The standard features far exceed those sold in other vehicles. The all-wheel-drive system is simply amazing and todays models are better than ever. Together, this is an inviting package for any customer. The result is increasing sales during a decreasing economy.
The same goes for us here at Premier Subaru. Our team of employees is really second to none. Our business model is conservative. Since the first day we opened our doors over 8 years ago, we have invested in our facilities, our equipment and our employees. The result is a large investment in our customer. Our customer is our single most important and valuable asset. I am proud to say that, as of today, we have sold over 9,000 vehicles and serviced more than 97,200 cars. Continuing to take care of these assets allow us to also maintain our growth pattern during a down economy.
As we proceed through the next test of our economy, the bailout and the election, to name a couple, all of us here at Premier Subaru will continue to work towards offering our customers the best value for their dollar, period. Our ongoing relationship with you, our customer and most valuable asset, is our primary key to making it through these tough economic times and beyond.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Congratulations Stan Nitkowski!
As a customer or friend, you absolutely know Stanley Nitkowski. Stan has been with our company since just about the beginning. During his time with Premier Subaru, Stan has sold about 1,000 new and preowned vehicles. He has also made friends with so many of our customers and ascended to the position of Sales Manager. Well, Stan has just been invited by Subaru of America, as well as the regional distributor Subaru of New England, to participate in an event called the Subaru "Summer Sizzler". By being invited to this event, Stanley has been recognized as one of the leading sales consultants in New England. During this event, Stanley will be helping to fomulate the format and content of sales training for the rest of the sales consultants in New England. During this event, Stanley will participate in presentations by dignitaries of Subaru of America (Linden Calder- Director of Sales Training and Michael Whelan - Sales Training Operations Manager), as well as presentations by Subaru of America's new Advertising Agency, Carmichael Lynch. We are proud to have Stanley attend such an important event that will help the learning experiences and training process for all sales consultants in New England.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thank You For All Who Attended Our Last New Owner's Clinic!
I want to thank the 30 NEW Subaru owners who took time out of their busy schedules to attend our last new owner's clinic. In this clinic, Dennis Cullen, our Service Director, explained the benefits to proper vehicle maintenance, provided tips and fuel saving ideas. In addition, customers were able to look underneath vehicles on the lifts, as well as interact with our Certified Technicians. We were also able to provide additional information on their vehicles, as well as show them where to check the critical fluids for prolonged safety and reliability. Congratulations to the door prize winners too!
Monday, May 12, 2008
The SOUL of Premier Subaru
THE SOUL OF PREMIER SUBARU.
That is the title to our new TV commercial that summerized the way we do business. Like you, I do watch some television and am tired of the same old car commercials and, quite frankly, the same old way that people in the car business seem to "think" you need to do business. Maybe it is because I am not originally from this industry (I am from the banking industry), but, I belive that people are too smart to go for all of that "whatever it takes" jargon. So, I wanted to relay this to prospective customers in our newest TV commercial.
The soul of Premier Subaru is not really a "tag line" or "commercialized" idea. It really is the "feeling" of the culture of Premier Subaru. I am often told by customers, vendors and just about anyone else that crosses the threshold that our dealership doesn't feel like a dealership. Our salespeople are not like "other salespeople" and our service department really does care. I don't think that this culture is something that we just "came up with", rather is something that was developed over time. Quite frankly, I am real glad that I came from the banking business, as our dealership has that level of professionalism.
I received a call from a customer this past Saturday. What was unusual about it, was that, this customer had moved from Madison, Connecticut to Scottsdale, Arizona. She called me at about 11am, EST, which would be around 8am in Arizona. The purpose of this call was to tell us how much she had liked doing business with us and how she wished we were out there. You can't even imagine how gratified I was to have heard this. I was floored. This customer made my day - well, weekend, by taking the time to call across the country and let me know about her experience at her new "local" dealership in Scottsdale. To me, to have established such a strong relationship with somebody was a testimate to our way of doing business. Our honesty. Our counsel. It is the Soul of Premier Subaru.
I know that nobody watches for commercials - but, I hope that I got - even a little of this - across in this ad. Thanks to Bob Bateson of WTNH TV - Channel 8 - for helping me out with this.
Thank you for doing business with us. That is something that I don't take lightly.
Monday, March 31, 2008
FREE SAFETY INSPECTION FOR YOUR SUBARU!
AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY TAKE CENTER STAGE AT
INSPECTION EVENT FOR SUBARU OWNERS.
Motorists can learn more about the benefits of performing scheduled vehicle maintenance and needed repairs during the month of April, 2008. A part of National Car Care Month activities nationwide, Subaru owners are invited to have their vehicles checked, at no charge, by Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut from April 7th to the 18th, 2008. Inspections shall be performed Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and on Saturday’s from 8am to 12 noon at the company’s dealership located at 150 North Main Street (Route 1, Exit 54) in Branford, CT.
“These free inspections can disclose potential safety and operational problems because of deficiencies such as low brake fluid or under-inflated tires”, said Dennis Cullen, Service Director at Premier Subaru. “Nine out of 10 vehicles going through the check lanes have at least one discrepancy. Improper tire inflation, which accelerates wear and affects safe handling, was near the top of the 2003 frequency list. Antifreeze-coolant was low in 15 percent of vehicles checked, meaning some of these vehicles would be vulnerable to transmission or engine damage.”
Beyond the effect that vehicle neglect can have on a vehicle’s safety, dependability and performance, a safety check discovery can help prevent a breakdown at a busy intersection, or, even worse, on a deserted road far from home.
“Motorists appreciate our National Car Care Month check up events”, says Robert J. Alvine, President and General Manager of Premier Subaru. “It’s a community activity event that strives to encourage motorists to care of their vehicle prior to needing a costly repair. This is important, need-to-know information for anyone who owns or leases a car. We are also opening this up to Subaru owners who may have a different brand car in their garage too. We feel that strongly about the importance of this event.”
To find out more about the National Car Care Month event going on at Premier Subaru, or, to schedule a free, no obligation appointment, call Premier Subaru at 800-411-4551 or log onto the company’s website at www.premiersubaru.com.
INSPECTION EVENT FOR SUBARU OWNERS.
Motorists can learn more about the benefits of performing scheduled vehicle maintenance and needed repairs during the month of April, 2008. A part of National Car Care Month activities nationwide, Subaru owners are invited to have their vehicles checked, at no charge, by Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut from April 7th to the 18th, 2008. Inspections shall be performed Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and on Saturday’s from 8am to 12 noon at the company’s dealership located at 150 North Main Street (Route 1, Exit 54) in Branford, CT.
“These free inspections can disclose potential safety and operational problems because of deficiencies such as low brake fluid or under-inflated tires”, said Dennis Cullen, Service Director at Premier Subaru. “Nine out of 10 vehicles going through the check lanes have at least one discrepancy. Improper tire inflation, which accelerates wear and affects safe handling, was near the top of the 2003 frequency list. Antifreeze-coolant was low in 15 percent of vehicles checked, meaning some of these vehicles would be vulnerable to transmission or engine damage.”
Beyond the effect that vehicle neglect can have on a vehicle’s safety, dependability and performance, a safety check discovery can help prevent a breakdown at a busy intersection, or, even worse, on a deserted road far from home.
“Motorists appreciate our National Car Care Month check up events”, says Robert J. Alvine, President and General Manager of Premier Subaru. “It’s a community activity event that strives to encourage motorists to care of their vehicle prior to needing a costly repair. This is important, need-to-know information for anyone who owns or leases a car. We are also opening this up to Subaru owners who may have a different brand car in their garage too. We feel that strongly about the importance of this event.”
To find out more about the National Car Care Month event going on at Premier Subaru, or, to schedule a free, no obligation appointment, call Premier Subaru at 800-411-4551 or log onto the company’s website at www.premiersubaru.com.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
DRIVING THE NEW 2009 FORESTER! AMAZING!
One of the things that we do to foster complete product knowledge and familiarity, is to put our sales consultants behind the wheels of our cars, as well as, those of the competitors. This is called a RIDE AND DRIVE. In anticipation of the arrival of the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester, we sent our Certified Subaru Sales Consultants to the Moroso Motorspeedway in West Palm Beach, Florida to drive and experience the all-new Subaru Forester. This is the first ride and drive event that I also went to in quite some time, given the importance of the Forester to us and our client's. It was an amazing experience. We compared these cars to the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan Rouge and the Hyundai Tuscon. In every respect - fuel economy, safety, all wheel drive and even price - the new 2009 Subaru Forester exceeded the competition in every way. We will be posting a DVD of the event on YouTube, so that you can see for yourself the performance of the vehicle.
By the way, in the photo, you will see put the new 2009 Subaru Forester up on 2 wheels. That is done to show our consultants the strong integrity of the car (you can open the door and close it), as well as is done to show you how the standard vehicle dynamics control works! An Amazing car!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
NEW SUBARU OWNERS! YOU ARE INVITED!
We are, once again, proud to welcome our new Subaru owner's to a NEW OWNERS CLINIC to be held on February 26, 2008 at 6pm at our dealership. This is the 31st time we are holding one of these very popular clinics. It is an information gathering where we show you some basic maintenance tips, as well as have you interact with some of our Certified Subaru Technicians. We put some cars up on the lift so that you can see the undercarriages and be more familiar with the vehicle you just purchased. If you are interested in attending, please call our Service Department, or your sales consultant, and they will make the arrangements. The entire event lasts about 60 minutes and we even offer you free food and drink! It is a relaxed and informal environment designed to allow you to be familiar with the operations of your new Subaru and it's basic maintenance needs. See you there!
I would like to thank those owners who participated in our last new owner's clinc! Thanks also to our Service Director and his award winning staff!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Subaru EPA Fuel Ratings
EPA FUEL RATINGS:
Drivers today are very concerned about gas mileage. Potential buyers of our 2008 models may question the lower EPA fuel estimates as compared to the 2007 models. The following information can explain this:
For years now, the EPA has received negative feedback regarding their fuel economy estimates. Consumers complained the EPA fuel estimates were not reflective of real-life fuel economy. In response, the EPA changed how they determine fuel economy estimates, beginning with the 2008 models. As a result, most 2008 models have similar of lower EPA fuel estimates than the same 2007 model. While certain models might not have had any significant changes, the difference stems from how the EPA now develops their fuel economy estimates.
There are many ways to help get better gas mileage right away:
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule. A vehicle that is well maintained operates with a greater efficiency.
- Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which translates into more frequent fill ups.
- Take a load off! Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so, carrying around excess weight also effects mileage.
- Don't drive aggressively. Speeding, quick accerleration, and hard braking all contribute to a decrease in fuel economy.
- Aviod excess idling. It is more effecient to turn the engine off while waiting and then restart the car.
- Combine errands. Several short trips all begun with a cold start can use as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers that same distance.
If you have any questions regarding fuel economy, or, the operation of your Subaru, feel free to contact me.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Car Seat Installation Pointers
Eighty percent of kids riding in car safety seats are at risk because they are not buckled in correctly. Are yours?
Here are a few pointers for using children’s car safety seats.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
An infant in a rear-facing seat should NEVER be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
If an older child must ride in the front seat, move back the seat as far as possible, buckle the child properly, and make sure he or she stays in the proper position at all times.
Check your safety seat instructions to ensure your child is facing the correct way for his or her weight, height, and age.
Make sure your child is not undersized or oversized for the seat.
Harnesses should fit snugly against your child’s body. Check the car safety seat instructions for how to adjust the straps.
Make sure your car safety seat has not been recalled. Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for information on recalled seats.
Check with a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician to be sure you’re using your child’s car safety seat correctly. Find one by calling the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 or visiting www.seatcheck.org.
See the brochure Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families, available at www.aap.org.
Here are a few pointers for using children’s car safety seats.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
An infant in a rear-facing seat should NEVER be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
If an older child must ride in the front seat, move back the seat as far as possible, buckle the child properly, and make sure he or she stays in the proper position at all times.
Check your safety seat instructions to ensure your child is facing the correct way for his or her weight, height, and age.
Make sure your child is not undersized or oversized for the seat.
Harnesses should fit snugly against your child’s body. Check the car safety seat instructions for how to adjust the straps.
Make sure your car safety seat has not been recalled. Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for information on recalled seats.
Check with a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician to be sure you’re using your child’s car safety seat correctly. Find one by calling the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 or visiting www.seatcheck.org.
See the brochure Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families, available at www.aap.org.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
We CAN Service the OTHER car in your driveway!
We are frequently asked by our customers if we work on vehicles other than Subarus. Well, the answer is “YES”.
Our Service Department is certified by AAA as an Approved Auto Repair Establishment. This carries beyond Subarus to include all brands of vehicles. In addition to being fully Subaru Certified, our Technicians are certified by Honda, Toyota, Ford and even Mercedes-Benz. Our tools and equipment are designed to support the maintenance needs of all vehicles. In addition, our Subaru Service Loaner Fleet and Customer Shuttle Service are available to you even for the non-Subaru vehicles you may own. We consistently shop our labor prices to ensure that they are competitive for both Subaru and non-Subaru vehicles. If you have any questions, or service maintenance needs, please contact Dennis Cullen, our Service Director, or myself at 1(800) 411-4551. Thank you again for doing business with us.
Our Service Department is certified by AAA as an Approved Auto Repair Establishment. This carries beyond Subarus to include all brands of vehicles. In addition to being fully Subaru Certified, our Technicians are certified by Honda, Toyota, Ford and even Mercedes-Benz. Our tools and equipment are designed to support the maintenance needs of all vehicles. In addition, our Subaru Service Loaner Fleet and Customer Shuttle Service are available to you even for the non-Subaru vehicles you may own. We consistently shop our labor prices to ensure that they are competitive for both Subaru and non-Subaru vehicles. If you have any questions, or service maintenance needs, please contact Dennis Cullen, our Service Director, or myself at 1(800) 411-4551. Thank you again for doing business with us.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Those Letters You Receive About Your "Warranty Almost Running Out"
Good day! I wanted to reiterate a story we originally purchased in our August issue of our monthly newsletter distributed to our clients and friends. We still receive news from customers who have received post cards AND phone calls proclaiming the “end of their warranty period” and that “you have this one last opportunity to extend your warranty”. The unfortunate thing is that these post cards are being sent to consumers throughout the state by “unknown” warranty companies, hoping to prompt you to purchase an “extended warranty” from them. This is very similar to the “fishing” that some have done on the Internet through SPAM e-mails. The important thing to remember is: these companies do not know if your warranty is expiring or not. All they do is buy vehicle registration records and send you a post card that is “vague enough” to completely skirt the issue – often times, this makes the card seem legitimate to the recipient. I have written to the office of the Attorney General requesting that his office open a file on this matter (of which they have). If you have received such a postcard or have one in your possession, please forward to me so that I can provide it to the Attorney General’s office. These are unknown warranty companies who provide, at best, minimal warranty coverage for your vehicle. Often times, these “unknown companies” will only pay for a repair when the use of used parts or aftermarket parts is incorporated. We refuse to engage these types of repairs, since the customer is the ultimate loser in this scenario. Only a franchised Subaru dealer can offer you extended warranty coverage through Subaru of America. I am happy to personally answer any questions you may have regarding warranty coverage.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Welcome To My Blog!
Welcome!
After figuring out "what the heck" a blog was a couple of years ago, I decided to jump in and write one. On a day to day basis, I interact with customers, vendors, Subaru of America, State Representatives and others that pass on some valuable information. Well, rather than attempt to keep that information in my head, I figured "why not share it with our stakeholders?". Well, share, I shall.
I also want to encourage you to post your questions and thoughts. Thanks to the hard work of Brian (Edward) Canell, we do a monthly newsletter that reaches almost 5,500 households. (that's more than some of the local Shoreline newspapers!). But, things come up from time to time that I thought would really be beneficial for you.
So, let's BLOG on!
Bob
After figuring out "what the heck" a blog was a couple of years ago, I decided to jump in and write one. On a day to day basis, I interact with customers, vendors, Subaru of America, State Representatives and others that pass on some valuable information. Well, rather than attempt to keep that information in my head, I figured "why not share it with our stakeholders?". Well, share, I shall.
I also want to encourage you to post your questions and thoughts. Thanks to the hard work of Brian (Edward) Canell, we do a monthly newsletter that reaches almost 5,500 households. (that's more than some of the local Shoreline newspapers!). But, things come up from time to time that I thought would really be beneficial for you.
So, let's BLOG on!
Bob
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