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!

A Great Way to Beat the Traffic

Hello, Fans! In today’s day and age, most commuters spend at least an hour daily sitting in traffic, waiting for a light to change, and agonizing every moment they’re at a standstill.  Traffic has always been a huge part of the daily drive and in most cases, has been an unwelcome addition to the daily routine.  Gone are the days of empty roads and long stretches, especially between the times of 9am and 6pm.  We’ve got news for you!

There’s a new smartphone app (available for iPhone, android and Blackberry devices) that provides real-time traffic information for mobile devices and it’s FREE.  Beat the Traffic allows commuters to instantly view real-time traffic conditions – including accidents; traffic congestion and roadway delays-and adjusts to travel plans if necessary.  This saves you time, fuel and frustration. .  Beat the Traffic has interactive maps and street details to assist you in finding the fastest and safest route to your destination!  Traffic also lets motorists retrieve travel times and live camera views. Even more tools, such as personalized traffic reports and saved routes, are available for a small subscription fee.

Check it out:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beat-the-traffic/id339660839?mt=8

#Automotive Advertising

Smartphone App of the Week: CarBUZZ

Ok, so you’re sitting down at the doctor’s office waiting for your appointment.  Your seat is uncomfortable, you have the urge to sneeze and the little boy across the room is eyeing you with an evil disposition.  Thanks to CarBUZZ, an online automotive authority, your troubles are over.  While waiting, you can take advantage of this downtime by downloading the FREE CarBUZZ app for your smartphone.  It’s an amazing way for car enthusiasts to enjoy the latest reviews, editorials, and news from the automotive industry via a mobile medium.  According to CarBuzz:

“Readers will be immersed in a wide variety of articles, providing opinions and reviews on the latest and most exciting vehicles, as well as daily news updates encompassing everything from the automotive world.

CarBuzz is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android powered devices.”

Check it out!


http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carbuzz-958-cars-inside/id387682790?mt=8

How to Test-Drive Our Cars

We have to admit, we love the test drive.  Seeing a potential driver leave our lot, smile intact, back poised, and prepared for the road ahead, makes us feel like an integral part of their life.  Test-driving a car is important because it solidifies your buying decision.  There’s a series of questions potential buyers ask themselves.  At our dealership, we’re here to help.  In today’s blog we’re going to discuss the best ways to test-drive your car and the questions you should ask yourself when you’re driving. 

Most purchasers start their research online.  By checking out our automotive dealership website, you can consider what features you would like your new vehicle to have.  The options are endless, including: color choice, specs, and features.  Also, keep in mind that these are based on your individual preferences and you should never settle for a vehicle you’re not “sold” on.  Once you come into the dealership, it’s time to “feel the wheel.”  You saw what you liked online, and now you want to see if that translates into your true experience.  These are some questions you should ask as you step behind the wheel of your dream car:

Is it easy for me to enter and exit the vehicle without banging my head?

Is the driving position comfortable?  Am I too high or low when I’m in the passenger seat?

Are all of the controls easily accessible when I’m in a driving position?

Are the controls easy to use?

Do the gas and brake pedals match my body type and are they adjustable?

Some other tips include checking out the vehicle from a spectator point-of-view.  Listen for the noise level inside the car, as well as the acceleration, braking, cornering, suspension, seat comfort and cargo space.  These are all major factors that can help your buying decision.  Your test-drive is meaningful to us and we want you to enjoy your experience as much as possible.  Happy Shopping!

#Automotive Advertising

How Servicing Your Car Can Extend its Life (Even Further!)

As a car buyer, you’ve experienced the uneasy feeling of maintaining your vehicle.  In most recent years, advances in technology have lessened visits to the service department, but routine service should still not be missed.  Our dealership is a safe haven for your car, catering to its specific needs, like a preventative care center.  One of the main questions you ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle is: How reliable it is? In today’s blog, we provide some tips to maintaining your vehicle and how to extend the already long life of your vehicle.

1.    Read the vehicle manual and schedule maintenance appointments - Keeping up with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is key to avoiding costly problems to the cooling system, drivetrain, suspension etc…

2.    Call your dealership and ask questions – We’re here to help.  If you have any service questions feel free to call us with your questions. 

3.    Have your dealership check fluids – Always come in and ask us check the level of antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid regularly. 

4.    Change oil regularly – By changing your oil when your dealership requests it, you can protect your engine.  Every car is different, so call us to get the exact information for your specific vehicle make and model.

5.    Request a fluid flush every two years – By flushing the power steering, brake, and cooling system fluid when it is pertinent, you can cleanse your car’s liquids in one fell swoop.  However, if you have gone more than 50k miles without a change, on many transmissions, it is not the greatest idea to do so.  It can cause breakdown varnish and other solids that have built up in the transmission over time.

6.    Have the tires rotated – Having your tires rotated at your nearest dealership should be second nature.  By doing so, you can avoid uneven wear and tear on the tread, extending the life of your tires.

These are just a few tips to help you maintain your vehicle in your daily commute, feel free to add your comments below!

# Automotive Advertising

What is the Rate for Super Bowl Car Commercials?

In 1995, the world was a simpler place. People conversed in person; we didn’t suffer from severe neck pain from excessive smartphone usage and all was well with the world.  However, Super Bowl commercials cost $1 million dollars.  Back then, that was an excruciating price to pay for :30 seconds of uninterrupted commercial bliss.  Fast forward to 2012, and you would see Volkswagen paying a whopping 3.5 million for the 30-second champion spot.  According to Forbes, this is the highest average ad price a network has ever charged for Super Bowl.

In the last decade in a half, the Super Bowl asking price has increased 5.7% annually.  Accordingly, in 13 years we could see pricing go up to $7 million.  However, even with the super high asking price, NBC was able to sell out all 70 ad slots by last Thanksgiving.  WOW. 

Last years Bowl had 111 million viewers, with advertisers paying upwards to $3 million per spot. So how do the networks afford it? According to Forbes:

NBC will pay the league $603 million in rights fees this year. The $245 million that NBC will bring in from Super Bowl commercials (70 spots at $3.5 million a pop) will cover 41% of that payment. NBC’s Super Bowl advertising revenue also comprises 14% of the $1.81 billion it has to pay the NFL over a three-year period. FOX and CBS pay more for their right agreements: $720.3 million and $619.8 million, respectively. FOX brought in $195 million from last year’s Super Bowl and CBS generated $152 million the year before; those amount to 9% and 8% of each network’s respective three-year rights fees.

As the Super Bowl continues to increase, what does the future hold?  Only time will tell!