The Best Twitter Profiles for Car Lovers: 2012 Edition

If you’re a social media fan (like we are) then you’re always looking for the coolest, most innovative individuals to “Like” on Facebook or “follow” on Twitter.  We know that because you visited our blog, that you’re also a car lover.  In today’s blog, we’re listing the most interesting and cool automotive Twitter followers we could find.  So, open up our browser (or smartphone) and get ready to jot these down.  Enjoy!

@Jalopnik – a hilarious site that creates an innovative spin on automotive news

@KelleyBlueBook – Great source for automotive commentary, news, and auto expert facts

@edmunds – they empower the automotive consumer with cars, news, pricing, research and more

@BBC_TopGear – awesome group of guys that do the craziest stuff when it comes to cars

@CarandDRIVER – a worldwide leader in providing objective results and expert vehicle reviews.

@cartalk – Just people talking about cars, that just so happen to be REALLY knowledgeable!

@Carmagazinenews – Up-to-the-minute car news and information.  They also have the scoop on new cars!

@DanicaPatrick – Racecar driver of the #7 & #10 goDaddy.com cars, you might have heard of her!

@InsideLine – Edmunds InsideLine is an online car magazine featuring the latest reviews, blogs, photos and HD videos

These are just a FEW of our favorites; do you have any that you would like to add? 

10 Social Media Facts that Will Surprise You

At our dealership, we embrace the digital revolution.  To make it easier for consumers to find us online, we have a website that’s easy to navigate, a sales team that’s prepared to take your calls, and a digital presence that makes it easy for you to get in touch with us.  Social media also plays a big part, as we’re able to answer all of your questions on a more personal level, as well as provide insight into our store and industry.  In today’s blog, we’ve provided some pretty cool facts about the state of social media and how big it has grown.  We also want to let you know that we’re here to answer all of your questions online, by phone, and through social media.  Feel free to comment!

1. Facebook has 845 million active monthly users

2. Facebook Fan pages have created over 5.3 billion fans

3. 10 tweets per second mention Starbucks.

4. Ninety-five percent of Facebook Wall posts are not answered by brands (NOT US!)

5. The longest Video ever on YouTube is 48 hours (2 days!)

6. Together, we spend 2.9 billion hours on YouTube in a month. That’s 326,294 years.

7. In one day, enough information is consumed by internet traffic to fill 168 million DVDs

8. iPhone sales outpace the human population

9. 250 million photos are uploaded every day on Facebook.

10. 79% of social media users used Google searches to comparison shop.

Do you have anything to add?

Distracted Driving: Car Safety Regulators Mount Up

The year is 2012.  In a digital world, we’re connected to our devices like an extended limb.  We keep them close by, and by the flick of a wrist can perform a plethora of activities within seconds.  From games, to phone calls, and bank statements, our gadgets can do almost anything.  Devices like the iPhone, and other smartphones can make life easier, but what happens when they move from being a helpful aid to a distracting nuisance?

The National Transportation Safety Board cited 2010 crash data that indicated 17 percent of crashes reported to police involved driver distraction, but only 3 percent of those crashes involved the use of in-car onboard devices.  We’re distracted.  That’s the bottom line.  I can’t recall how many times I’ve seen a fellow driver send a quick text or take a call while driving.  It’s extremely dangerous.

The NHTSA held hearings that will be presented to crack down on cellphone/smartphone usage.  “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and can have deadly consequences,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said Monday at the first of three hearings held last week in Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles.

In December, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended states ban all use of portable cellphones.  We have to begin to govern ourselves in our vehicles.  We enjoy servicing every consumer correctly and we want to make sure you’re safe on and off of our lot.  Drive safely!

What Does Your Car Say About You?

So, its 6:15 at night and you’re sitting in traffic at a standstill. Brake lights brighten up the night sky in an array of crimson during gridlock congestion. The radio is on, but it’s an infomercial that you’ve begun to ignore, so your mind wanders. You peer to the right and then to the left. The man on the right drives a gunmetal painted Hummer, while the person on the left navigates a fluorescent yellow Toyota hybrid. Immediately, you start to make assumptions. The Hummer is a beast, made for adrenaline junkies and off-road advocates, while the Prius is for the health conscious, environmentally friendly neighbor. Many of us associate certain cars with certain people.
A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing. Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed. So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle?

According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city. A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.

Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher. These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.

Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons. Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car. Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.

The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs. Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities.

Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem. Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status.

Car colors also say a lot about their owner. Check out these examples below:

Black: Aggressive personality, rebellious, prestige

Silver: Cool, calm, collected

Green: environmentally friendly and gracious

Yellow: Idealistic

Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious

Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz

White: Status seekers, gregarious

Cream: Contained and controlled

So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

Why You Should Choose the Dealership For Service

So, you’ve driven your car off the lot.  The paint is shining and you’re smiling from ear to ear as that “new car smell” fills your senses with potent delight. You’re more than confident in your decision.  Then it hits you, thousands of miles down the road your vehicle will have to be serviced.  Oil change,  tire rotation, etc…but where should you go?  Are the smaller independent car shops for you?  We don’t think so, and in the following blog, we’ll discuss how dealerships are the best way to go regarding service and maintenance for your vehicle.

The Staff

At our dealership, our technicians are specialists; manufacturer trained individuals who work on your specific vehicle.  We have an ongoing program for the service staff and managers that continuously puts their skills to the test.  Manufacturers offer training programs ONLY to their network of dealers.  The service specialist are masters at your make and model, making them a more specific asset than their garage counterparts.

Warranty

At a dealership, if your vehicle is still under warranty, countless repairs are included, free of charge.  We’re paid by the manufacturer to perform these services and once the problem is identified, we receive authorization to fix the problem.  Even if the warranty is expired and you pay out of pocket for your service outside of the warranty, your repairs are backed by a nationwide warranty.  So, if the repair doesn’t hold, it can be fixed free of charge.

Customer Satisfaction

At the dealership, we pride ourselves on positive customer satisfaction.  Our dealership principles fall in line with every individual who works within our organization, trickling into the heart and attitude of each transaction.  We represent the manufacturer, so our goals are the same as yours: “great & efficient service with a quick turnaround”.  At a smaller shop, you won’t receive the personal relationship that comes from an individual who represents a stellar brand.

We’re here to service you and make sure your experience is a positive one.  If you have any comments to add, feel free!  We love your feedback!