Wednesday, February 24, 2010

GM Continues To Hire


General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it is bringing 1,200 autoworkers back to work this summer to start producing the Chevrolet Cruze compact car at a factory in northeast Ohio.

GM officials said roughly 400 of the jobs at the Lordstown factory will go to laid-off GM workers in the area, and the remaining positions will be open to GM employees across the U.S.

The jobs will be added to a third assembly-line shift sometime in the third quarter.

The Cruze, due out later this year, is a key product for GM as it tries to compete in the growing market for small cars. Production was recently put on hold because GM wasn’t happy with how it drove.



With the additional jobs, the plant’s work force will grow from 3,300 to 4,500.




Since July, GM has said it is restoring a total of 5,500 jobs at plants across the nation.



Wednesday, February 17, 2010

My Toyota Gives Me Confidence

I had a very surreal moment recently at my grandmother's house. Her, me, and my father sat in the living room and discussed the recent Toyota recall.

"How is everything going, with the recall that is? I mean is it affecting you guys?"

"Honestly, it did shortly but everything is fine now. Toyota customers love their cars and they know they will be well taken care of."

My reply was automatic and for a quick second I felt like I was talking to a customer, assuring them that everything would be fine. Well I guess you could say she was a customer, but she was my Grandmother first! I should note that my Grandmother had recently traded in her 2000 Rav4 for a newer one.

She knew I wasn't pitching her a line because I drive a recalled vehicle with the same confidence I want my customers to drive with. I can get defensive about Toyota products but her questions were genuine so I answered them quickly as if I was reading her my answers from a script. The last few weeks has taken a toll on Toyota's reputation, however, the next sentence my Grandmother said gave me a true sense of pride in the product I sell.

"My Toyota gives me confidence."

She went on to tell me how it got her out of some thick snow, how her friends love the color, etc. Her confidence fueled mine and it feels great. I gave her a hug, walked out the back door, and drove my Corolla home.

Honda Insight/Low APR!



After seeing this great commercial on TV the other day for the Honda Insight I had to share it. Really creative. The Honda insight has proven to be a great option for customers looking to accquire a new hybrid vehicle. It combines all the latest hybrid technology in a comfortable package that wont break your budget. It truly is the best hybrid available for the money, and right now is the best time to take advantage of these specials. There is a special LOW APR that is available until Thursday the 18th and a special lease available till the end of the month. Feel free to contact me with any questions about the vehicle or its specials!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

2011 Toyota Avalon Revealed








Toyota introduced the redesigned 2011 Avalon on Wednesday at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

The Avalon will have the redesigned gas pedal to avoid the recall of vehicles with a faulty design that can cause unintended acceleration. The sedan also will have a brake override system that would stop a car from unintentionally speeding ahead, according to Toyota.

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales U.S., unveiled the 2011 Toyota Avalon here that will go on sale this spring with "a wide array of safety features."

"The Avaton has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship," Carter said.

The Avalon will continue to be made in Georgetown, Kentucky, U. S..

As for current customers, dealerships have repaired more than 220,000 vehicles with gas pedal problems and continue to do so at a rate of about 52,000 a day, Carter said.

Dealers also have now received the software fix they need to address braking issues with the Prius and Lexus HS hybrids, he said.

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Blue tooth hands free phone capability, according to Toyota.


Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Winter Wheels



I know most of you out there have to feel the same way that I do about the snow that we have been getting lately. Enough already! I mean its hard enough to get things done, but now we all have to go through our daily rigors in about two feet of snow! This can be especially troublesome if you are ill equipped for the weather. If your considering getting some new wheels to get you around in the white stuff look no further than the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour. SUV utility with the heart of a Honda Accord, this vehicle really does offer something for everyone no matter what your tastes. This new ad that just aired a little while ago caught my attention the other day. Did I mention it comes in a 4wd version? :)

GREAT COMMERCIAL!!!

OK, so obviously by now many people know of Toyota's recent recalls and production issues. I don't know how many of you have seen this commercial they began airing, but it is a great one that represents good damage control and customer commitment. Be sure to check it out!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Toyota is here for you because you are Toyota.

Here's the latest update on the recall:

  1. We're starting to send letters this weekend to owners involved in the recall to schedule an appointment at their dealer.
  2. Dealerships have extended their hours - some of them working 24/7 - to fix your vehicle as quickly as possible.
  3. Trained technicians have begun making repairs.

We've halted production of these models this week to focus on fixing the problem for the vehicles that are on the road.

Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel has been mobilized. And we're doubling our quality control efforts across the company.

Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. We will continue to update you with accurate and timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.



Thursday, February 4, 2010

Honda Asimo at Sundance Film Festival



Not too long ago this is the stuff that we used to only dream was possible! Honda has always been know for its fine engines, cars and motorcycles here in America. More recently though, they have been asserting themselves as a real world innovator in the fields of science and technology with their new and improved Hybrid models as well as non vehicular technology. Take for instance Asimo here as they like to call him. This video highlight of him was just taken a few weeks ago at the sundance film festival on Jan 22nd 2010. He is a robot made by Honda that truly does some remarkable stuff! Notice the fluidity of the movement on this guy. He walks up and down those steps and at times moves and wave just like a person! This is really great stuff... always nice to see how far technolgy has actually come and imagine how far we still can go!