7,551 AND COUNTING!

Thanks to all of you that continue to opt-in to receive our monthly newsletter. Brian Canell, our "Editor" really does a terrific job in putting together a product that has some good and helpful articles, as well as some that allow you to get to know our team a little better. Right now, over 7,500 people receive our newsletter throughout the area. Heck, we now boast a higher subscription rate than most of the weekly area papers! Please - let us know how we can improve this. This newsletter is not for us - it is for you - our clients and prospective clients, as well as our friends. Thanks for your support of this newsletter and, thank you Brian for a "job well done'!

STATE INVESTIGATES WARRANTY SALES CALLS - AT LONG LAST!

Please note the following article from The New York Times. This is something that we have tried to help our client’s with for over 3 years. We have many letters written to the Attorney General’s Office requesting them to look into this matter on behalf of our clients. Please feel free to share this with customers, as needed.

November 9, 2008
States Investigate Warranty Sales Calls
By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN
ATTORNEYS GENERAL in several states are investigating what they suspect are telephone sales scams promoting extended car warranties, often by calling cellphones or numbers that are on do-not-call lists.
The Connecticut attorney general, Richard Blumenthal, said his office had received “a huge number of complaints — hundreds of complaints.” Connecticut is part of a large, multistate investigation into such calls, he said.
Another of those states is Iowa. “They are trying to trick you into believing that the communication is coming from the auto manufacturer and that your warranty is about to expire and you need to do something to extend that warranty,” said William L. Brauch, a special assistant attorney general and director of the consumer protection division in Iowa.
But automakers are not behind the policies, Mr. Brauch said, and after buying such a policy it may be difficult to get reimbursed for a repair.
“A number of these companies tend to routinely deny paying, they come up with various interpretations, shall we say, of the agreements, which they say justify them not covering whatever the problem might be,” he said.
Mr. Blumenthal said the investigation was looking at whether the policies were legitimate as well as the use of misleading and deceptive sales practices. That includes telling people that their warranties have expired and that urgent action is needed.
Investigators are also looking at violations of the federal do-not-call registry, Mr. Brauch said.
In many cases the callers are hiding the telephone number from which they are calling.
“They are using what are called ghost, or spoof, telephone numbers,” Mr. Blumenthal said. “They use technology that masks the source of their calls, which is troubling because consumers can’t call them back.”
The originating phone number that showed up in recent calls to some New Yorkers was traced to a disconnected phone in Nebraska. It belonged to an illegal immigrant who was arrested in a raid on a meat-packing plant and was deported, said Leah Bucco-White, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska attorney general’s office.
Last year, a company from Howell, N.J., agreed to pay $120,000 in fines to resolve complaints filed by the New Jersey attorney general, Anne Milgram, that it had engaged in unfair and deceptive marketing in the sale of automotive warranties and that it had violated do-not-call regulations.
The company, Corfacts Inc. (also known as Metro Marketing, National Warranty Division and Warranty Warehouse.com) did not acknowledge wrongdoing. But Corfacts signed a consent order and agreed not to violate the state’s consumer protection or do-not-call laws.

Food Drive Going On Now!

Hi everyone. It’s that time of year that we show how thankful we are for all the blessings that we have in our lives. One of the best ways to show how grateful we are is to share of ourselves with others.

This year Premier Subaru, LLC would like to help the Branford Food Council.

We will be accepting non-perishable and non-expired food items to help those less fortunate that ourselves.

Please bring your donation to either food box in the accounting office or our service department during this week and next. We will be delivering our collection on November 21, 2008.


It is in giving that you receive.
Thank you for all your support.

PREMIER SUBARU AND PREMIER PREOWNED ARE OFFICIAL DROP OFF POINTS FOR THE TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM

For the eighth year in a row, Premier Subaru and Premier Pre-Owned in Branford are proud to be official drop off points for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The 61 year mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each holiday season and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Last year, approximately 36,000 children in the Greater New Haven and all surrounding areas received toys through Toys For Tots.

Bob Alvine, President of Premier Subaru and Premier Pre-Owned commented that “We believe that this program allows us an opportunity to play an active role in the development of our nation’s most valuable natural resource – our children and to unite all members of the local community. The gift of a shiny new toy – something children take for granted – means to a needy child that someone cares, that he/she hasn’t been forgotten, that Christmas hasn’t passed him or her by. In addition, due to the current economic environment, we are starting this program off early to ensure that we are able to collect a record number of toys.”

As an added benefit, customers who contribute a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots program will receive an additional $100.00 off their new or used vehicle purchase at either Premier Subaru or Premier Pre-Owned in Branford. Collections under this program end on December 19, 2008.

Premier Subaru is located at 150 North Main Street in Branford. Premier Pre-Owned is located at 165 North Main Street in Branford. Community members requiring additional information are encouraged to call 203-481-0687 or visit their website at www.premiersubaru.com. ###

The Subaru Forester - Motor Trend's 2009 SUV of the Year!

As a member of Subaru's National Dealer Council, I was privledged to be in attendance during Motor Trend's Official Awards Ceremony to provide the SUV of the Year Award to Subaru for the all new 2009 Subaru Forester. This was truly an amazing occassion, especially to be able to interact and talk to the members of the Motor Trend Magazine Staff (including the Editor in Chief!) about how they go about selecting the vehicle for this award. The full press release is as follows:

CHERRY HILL, N.J., /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Subaru Forester was named MOTOR TREND's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year. Topping 12 other contenders, the Subaru Forester was, according to MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, the judges' unanimous decision. "The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times," said MacKenzie.

"We are proud and honored to receive this award for the Subaru Forester," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America. "The previous Forester had become a byword for practicality and durability and we knew the 2009 Forester had a tough act to follow. So, we made the new Forester bigger, more powerful and more economical than ever-while retaining its legendary reliability and safety, only in a more complete package. The improvements to the new Forester are also being reflected in consumer demand, with sales up 32% over the previous year."

Priced from $19,995 the all-new Subaru Forester represents a $1,200 reduction over the entry price of the previous model. It is available with either a 170-hp 2.5-liter boxer engine or a 224-hp turbocharged engine. Blending utility with performance and comfort, the 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) that improves ride and interior space, especially rear seat legroom. The 2009 Forester also features increased hip and shoulder room.

Living up to Subaru's legendary safety record, the Forester and offers cutting-edge safety technology, including Subaru's ring reinforcement safety system, front, seat-mounted side, and three-row side-curtain airbags and ABS. Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which incorporates stability and traction control systems with a roll-over sensor, is also standard equipment.
The Subaru Forester recently received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crash tests by the governments' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to a five-star frontal and side impact crash-test rating, the 2009 Forester received a four-star rollover resistance rating.

To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted exhaustive off-road, street and track testing, and carefully considered essentials such as driving performance, safety and features. MOTOR TREND'S Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test. Each contender was evaluated against three simple criteria: superiority (engineering, design, utilization of resources); significance (its impact on the market), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition).

PREMIER SUBARU IS PROUD TO CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE LARGEST FORESTER DEALERS IN AMERICA!

WHAT IS ALL THE HOOPLA? YOU CAN GET AUTO FINANCING!!

It has been amazing the number of questions that I have received over the course of the last 2 weeks regarding the ability of consumers to obtain automotive financing. I have been asked countless times about this "draught" in car loans....Well, I am not sure what all of the hoopla is. Right now, we have more eager lending institutions than in our history. These banks and finance companies are actually paying us daily visits - requesting more loans. In addition, we are offering the most aggressive leasing programs that we have ever done.

So, if you are one of those that believes that car loans are an "elusive" property - don't. We are here for you with some of the best rates and terms that we have seen in a decade.

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.

Join Us In Lifetime TV's Stop Breast Cancer For Life Campaign!

PREMIER SUBARU IS PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF LIFETIME TV'S 14TH ANNUAL STOP BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

STOP BY OUR SHOWROOM THIS MONTH TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE "STOP BREAST CANCER FOR LIFE" RIBBON AND INFORMATION CARD.

Lifetime Networks to Launch 14th Annual Stop Breast Cancer for Life Multi-Platform Campaign for October

Campaign Showcases October Premiere of Lifetime Original Movie 'Living Proof' Starring Harry Connick, Jr. Oscar(R) Winner Renee Zellweger Reteams With Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, Executive Producers of the Oscar-Winning 'Chicago,' as the Producers for the Sony Pictures Television Project

NEW YORK, -- As part of the Network's ongoing commitment to inform, support and empower women, Lifetime Networks is gearing up for its extensive, multi-platform 14th annual Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign to be launched in October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The programming highlight of the 2008 effort is the star-studded Lifetime Original Movie "Living Proof," starring Harry Connick, Jr. Produced by Academy Award(R)-winners Renee Zellweger, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and Sony Pictures Television, "Living Proof" is the moving true story of Dr. Dennis Slamon (portrayed by Connick), the UCLA doctor who helped develop the revolutionary breast cancer drug, Herceptin, and his effort to keep the drug trials afloat and save the lives of thousands of women.

"Living Proof" also stars Amanda Bynes, Tammy Blanchard, Jennifer Coolidge, Angie Harmon, John Benjamin Hickey, Regina King, Swoosie Kurtz, Paula Cale Lisbe, Amy Madigan, Bernadette Peters and Trudie Styler.

In addition to the film, Lifetime's Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign will include an original PSA campaign, featuring cancer survivors sharing their real-life "Living Proofs," someone or something in their lives that helped them confront cancer; a robust site on myLifetime.com; new content on Lifetime on Demand; printed educational materials; point of purchase displays; and high profile screenings and community events. The Network will once again work with its distribution partners and advertising sponsors to reach even more women with the important breast cancer awareness message.

Lifetime also will continue its unparalleled legislative advocacy, championing the bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2005 (S.910/H.R.1849). The bill would end the practice of "drive-through" mastectomies, where women are sometimes forced to leave the hospital sometimes just hours following their surgeries. Lifetime has collected more than 22 million signatures on a petition on myLifetime.com urging Congress to take action, which helped build momentum for the first hearing in May with the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and will be pushing for passage of the legislation this year.

"Living Proof" is produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron's Storyline Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television for Lifetime Television. Renee Zellweger, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan ("Chicago"), and screenwriter Vivienne Radkoff ("Tempted," "The Agency") are the executive producers. Dan Ireland ("Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont," "Whole Wide World," "Passionada") directs from a script written by Radkoff.

Lifetime Networks is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multimedia company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company

Fair Season Isn't Over Yet! It Is Time For The Guilford Fair!

This weekend, the Guilford Fair Kicks Off, and, Premier Subaru is glad to be a part of it for the 9th year in a row! Wow!

The Guilford Agricultural Fair is the 2nd oldest agricultural fair in Connecticut. Established in 1859 by four Guilford farmers whose "cupboards" were "full of the fat of the land," the Guilford Fair had its origin on the eve of the Civil War. Now, the fair is traditionally held on the third full weekend of September each year. The early agricultural fairs on the Guilford green had become famous for their cattle shows, when the village was crowded with strings of parading cattle. The competition among farmers was to send the largest possible "delegation" of animals. By 1903 indoor exhibitions featured Guilford merchants displaying meat, potted plants, millinery, and photographs; there were also displays of Indian arrowhead collections and quilts and needlework. The advent of the trolley car in 1910 contributed to an unprecedented Fair crowd of nearly 10,000 people. In 1969 the Guilford Fair outgrew the confines of 8-acre Guilford Green and relocated to the 30-acre Hunter Farm off Lover's Lane. The Fair currently features many traditional agricultural programs year after year, as well as many new exhibits, activities and fair food items. The Guilford Fair is owned and operated by the Guilford Agricultural Society. They are a private not-for-profit organization. Since the mortgage-burning on the property in 1984, a few traditional buildings have been erected and the parking lot has been improved. Their purpose is to promote the preservation of the agricultural heritage of Guilford and Connecticut. Our major programs include competitive exhibits for livestock, baking, canned goods, fruits & vegetables, flowers, needlework, arts and crafts, photography, educational exhibits and demonstrations, a farm museum, stage entertainment, novelty contests, commercial exhibits, a carnival midway and a petting zoo. They also provide a large selection of high-quality food concessions.

Our own Barbara Mullen has been a "constant" at this fair for, now, 9 years for Premier Subaru. We are proud to bring our "travelling dealership" to this location and show all of our friends and future friends a few vehicles from our Premier Subaru lineup of all-wheel-drive cars. And, of course, we have our famous balsa wood gliders for the kids, and, those that want to be again! So, hopefully, will will see YOU at the Guilford Fair!

Tropical Storm Hanna No Match for Our Nama!

This weekend (September 4,5,6 and 7th), our very own Barbara Mullen (also referred to as "Nama" by her grandchildren and, now adopted by Premier employees), will be tending our tent and new vehicle display at the North Haven Fair (http://www.northhaven-fair.com/). The North Haven Fair gets "hundreds of thousands" of visitors over a 4 day period. Premier Subaru has been a part of this fair for 9 years. For all of these 9 years, Barbara has been setting up our "always festive" and "extremely informative" portible car dealership at the fair! It is a great way for customers and "want to be customers" to get introduced to the Subaru product line and to us. Countless people now know "Barbara from the Fair"! In addition to the thousands of people who are introducing themselves to us for the first time, hundred of customers always stop by and say hello. (Or, do all these people drop by to enjoy Barbara's alway ready supply of candy).

Well, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Hanna, who decided to arrive right in the middle of our fair activities, Barbara is not there on Saturday the 6th. Not that she didn't want to be. She did. But, of course, I told her to skip it as she really shouldn't be out in the middle of a tropical storm, under a tent. Plus, as a sidebar, I am sure that there is some sort of OSHA regulation prohibiting car salespeople from being outside during the middle of a tropical storm at a muddy fairgrounds and trying to keep dry under a "largely metal" tent!

Well, don't fear! On Sunday, September 7th, Barbara will be back at the Fair and in our Portable Dealership (fancy way of saying "tent") and looking for all of her customers, and those applying for a position as a customer, to stop by and say "hi"! If you can't make it to the North Haven Fair - please stop and see us in two weeks at the Guilford Fair!