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.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

SUBARU'S QUICK CHARGE ELECTRIC CAR MAKES AN APPEARANCE!





I am pleased to have seen that all new Subaru R1e - the Subaru electric vehicle on display at the New York International Auto Show. I took some photos and also attached the original announcement by Subaru of America. When meeting with officials from Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent) two years ago, I asked them to look into bringing the R1 into the United States (the gas version of the vehicle is on sale now in Japan). I was reall excited to see this car!

SUBARU TO EVALUATE QUICK CHARGE ELECTRIC CAR
WITH NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY
▪ 50-mile Charge Costs Less Than $2 Dollars
▪ 80-Percent Re-Charge in 15 Minutes


NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – Subaru today announced that it would begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer. The Subaru R1e will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, from March 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO). The utility has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet.

“This new partnership with the New York Power Authority is further demonstration of Subaru’s ongoing efforts in applying electric car technology in real world situations. Along with our newly introduced diesel powered cars, electric cars are a viable response to our need to improve fuel consumption and carbon output,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, Inc. “The R1e electrical vehicles are designed for city dwellers looking for an environmentally friendly and fun to drive alternative to gas powered cars.”

“This joint venture with Subaru builds on the New York Power Authority’s extensive involvement with clean transportation and gives us the opportunity to offer the latest in electric drive technologies to our customers,” Roger B. Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority.

The Subaru R1e employs state-of-the-art, fast-charge lithium ion battery technology that eliminates typical lithium ion battery issues of charge memory loss, allowing partial charges and quick charges that do not decrease battery life. The two-seat Subaru R1e is capable of driving at speeds up to 65 mph with a range of up to 50 miles, making it an ideal urban commuter. The Subaru R1e can be “quick-charged” to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes using quick-charge technology. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The R1e uses an AC permanent magnet synchronized motor producing 40 kW.

“Subaru’s goal is to become the leading brand in the electric vehicle market,” said Ikuo Mori, president, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. “The R1e is an example of today’s cutting edge battery technology, while the Subaru G4e Concept Car shows a glimpse into the future of electric cars.”

There are currently 40 Subaru R1e vehicles in use and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will place an additional 100 electric vehicles for test marketing in Japan in 2009. Subaru is focusing on the development of new battery technology for future power train applications. Compared with nickel metal hydride or nickel-hydrogen battery technology, lithium-ion battery technology offers a number of advantages, among them easier packaging, higher power density and better cooling for longer life.

Service life for the high-density lithium-ion battery is estimated at 10 years and 100,000 miles, another environmental benefit of Subaru technology. The battery pack is also designed to be easily recycled. The laminated battery packs are flat, rather than cylindrical, offering EV manufacturers wide latitude in vehicle design and packaging. The battery’s basic design and composition consist of laminate, manganese, and lithium ion.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

COME TO OUR ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TODAY!

I am honored to be facilitating a rountable discussion on March 19, 2008 for the Small Business Resource Center at the Branford Chamber of Commerce entitled "How to grow your business through customer service". This program is being held at the Blackstone Memorial Library and is free to Chamber Members. It runs from 4pm to 5:30pm. I hope to see you there!

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!

Thank You So Much for Your Donations Towards Our Blood Drive!






I would like to thank all of the donors who came out on a rainy and snowy February 27th day to give blood during our Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. I would like to also thank Jamie Russo in our Service Department for the hard work that she puts into these drives, all to ensure their complete success. Thank you also to Salvatore's By The Green, Jersey Mike's of Branford and Subway for their donations of needed food for the donors. Premier Subaru has sponsored four blood drives in the past two years and these organizations have been always more than willing to contribute delicious treats for the blood donors. If you didn't get a chance to donate this time, please go to www.gifealife.org for the next drive location and date.

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!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

SUBARU OUTBACK NAMED 2008 BEST NEW FAMILY VEHICLE BY KELLEY BLUE BOOK'S KBB.COM WEBSITE!

CHERRY HILL, N.J., February 12, 2008 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the intrepid 2008 Subaru Outback has been named to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com’s first annual list of “Best New Family Vehicles.” From a long list of vehicles that qualified in varying degrees as safe, roomy and affordable, the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com selected this year’s 10 Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on such factors as capability, fuel efficiency, resale value, and the all-important kid-friendliness.“Family safety and comfort are built into every Subaru,” notes Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. “And we’re honored that the 2008 Subaru Outback – a vehicle that will safely deliver the kids on a rainy school day, then whisk them down an old dirt road for a weekend hiking trip – has been recognized by the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com in the very first year they have chosen a list of ‘Best New Family Vehicles’.” “Combining SUV-like versatility with car-like ride, handling and efficiency, the oft-overlooked wagon makes a great family hauler,” adds Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Long popular in northern parts of the country for its proven all-wheel-drive systems, the Subaru Outback is just as attractive for its premium-like accommodations and proven reliability.” Families will also be pleased to know that the accolades for the Subaru Outback go beyond the prestigious Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com nod – the Outback also achieved the highest rating (“Good”) in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal offset, side and rear impact tests. In addition, the Outback received 5-star ratings for the driver and front passenger as well as the rear passengers in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests.

***PLEASE DON'T FORGET THAT PREMIER SUBARU HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTION OF BRAND NEW 2008 OUTBACK MODELS, AS WELL AS 2008 OUTBACK "PROGRAM CARS" (LIGHTLY USED VEHICLES) PURCHASED FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA.***

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

We Are Having A Blood Drive on February 27, 2008

American Red Cross Blood Drive
At: Premier Subaru, 165 North Main Street, Branford, CT, in the Pre-owned Showroom
Date: Wednesday, February 27th
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
To Schedule an appointment, please call: 1(800) GIVE LIFE {1(800) 448-3543} or (203) 643-1233 and ask for Jaime, or go to www.bloodct.org
** Drawing for FREE Interior/Exterior Vehicle Detail
** Drawing for FREE Oil Change
** PIZZA for Donors
All Presenting Donors will be entered into a weekly drawing to save $200 on Home Heating Costs!
Also, all presenting donors will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to a UCONN Basketball Home Game!
** Positive ID required at time of donation. Please eat good meals and drink plenty of fluids on the day of donation.

FIRST DELIVERED 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA STi! CONGRATULATIONS!

I would like to congratulate a current customer, Jay James of West Haven, for taking delivery of the 1st "all new" 2009 Subaru Impreza STi from Premier Subaru. Jay's new car has the BBS wheel package and is in Dark Gray Metallic. Jay traded his previous STi, a 2004 model in Silver, of which he took great care of. We are honored to continue to do business with Jay and wish him much enjoyment in his new car!

Monday, February 4, 2008

A Reminder - WE ARE A AAA APPROVED REPAIR FACILITY


Since 2001, Premier Subaru has been a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility. As a matter of fact, we are the only Subaru dealer approved by the Connecticut Motor Club AAA under their AAA Approved Auto Repair Program. Under this program, AAA Members Receive:

FREE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION: On request, when having paid repair work done by our facility.

WRITTEN ESTIMATE: The cost of the work performed may not exceed the estimate by more than 10% percent unless authorized by you in advance. Local and state regulations will take precedence regarding notification of repair costs.

WARRANTY: Unless otherwise specified, all repairs (both parts and labor) are guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever come first. Actually, Premier Subaru exceeds this, as most of our repairs are covered by a warranty for 12 months and UNLIMITED MILEAGE.

RETURN OF PARTS: All replaced parts will be returned to you, provided you request them at the time you deliver your vehicle for service.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: AAA will investigate any dispute between you (a AAA Member) and Premier Subaru. Not that we have much of this!

We are proud to be the only Subaru dealer approved under this prestigeous program.