Hyundai safety from experience

Although it’s hard for anyone to talk about car crashes, I would like to share my experience with all of you. In September of 2009 I was driving my Hyundai Accent when I unfortunately totaled it. I was coming up around a hill and bend with the sun shining in my face. There happened to be a school bus stopped with five or six cars stopped behind it as well. The last car was right over the crest of the hill. I was going 45 MPH and barely got to hit my brakes before hitting the lady in front of me. It was a really hard impact. I didn’t even realize I wrecked until my airbag was deflating! As I’m sure you all know the Hyundai Accent is a very small 2-door hatchback. I didn’t get hurt at all, besides being a little shook up that the airbag had deflated. I would have thought getting in such a bad accident in that car would have been disastrous. The car itself was totaled but I walked away without a scratch. What I am trying to get at is what great safety not only the accent has but all Hyundai vehicles!

For example:
The 2010 Hyundai Accent SE
· Given a 5-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
· Three-point seatbelts for every seat
· Front seatbelt pretensioners
· Front and rear crumple zones
· Body-side reinforcements
· Six airbags
· Anti-lock brakes
· Electronic brake-force distribution

Come into Preston of Sharon today to test drive one of the safest cars out there! I know from experience! Please be safe and always remember to wear your seatbelt!

Obama goes green

President Obama is the next person that has jumped on the "going green" bandwagon that has been touring the country for the past year or 2. With global warming threats and documentaries like Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth", Americans are beginning to worry about their carbon footprints. President Obama is trying to reduce his mark by using hybrid vehicles for his fleet.

Obama also wanted to transform his presidential limos into hybrid vehicles. The New York Times' Wheels Blog reports that although the President can basically get whatever he wants, security officials drew the line at hybrid limousines. At a town meeting in North Carolina, Obama compared the limousines he travels in to tankers, and said that because of their large size, hybrid engines wouldn't obtain the same acceleration levels.

Security in presidential vehicles increased after President Kennedy was shot, so it would even take awhile to design and get another limousine prototype approved. Not to mention, that since President Reagan was in office, all presidential limos have been designed exclusively by Cadillac. Because of the strict security details surrounding the president's vehicles, Obama officials or Cadillac will not discuss the details of his vehicles.

Though he may not be strolling around in a hybrid limousine, the Obama administration did purchase over 5,000 hybrid vehicles for his federal fleet. Obama also told edmunds.com that the government would purchase the first 100 American made plug-in vehicles.

I personally have been trying to reduce my carbon footprint by recycling more and driving a Toyota Prius. How are you all "going green"?

Read the entire Wheels Blog post here: http://wheelsblog.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/no-hybrid-limo-for-president-obama/

You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!

So, we all remember the Oprah rampage back in September of 2004 when she opened her 19th season by giving away a Pontiac G6 to every single audience member. In her bright red suit, she chanted and pointed "You get a car! You get a car!" as the audience cried, screamed, and of course jumped up and down. Soon, Oprah and the entire audience were running out to the parking lot full of brand new Pontiacs.

Today, Oprah is on a different kind of car rampage. She has created a "No Phone Zone" pledge for all of her Harpo Production staff, audience members, guests on the show, etc. to sign and pledge that they will no longer text or talk on their phones while driving. Today in the technological society that we live in, things like cell phones, iPods, navigational systems, etc. can be very distracting and harmful to not only us as drivers, but to other people on the road as well. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,000 deaths in 2008 alone just by distracted drivers. Because of these numbers, some states have taken legal action against cell phone use while driving.

Personally, I think it's something we're all a little guilty of. The convenience of cell phones has been pushed to the limits while driving a car. I know I've opened a text, or talked on the phone while driving and it is harmful to me and my fellow drivers. As Oprah says, life is more important than that.

Oprah's entire staff has pledged to no longer talk on the phone or text while driving, can we all do the same?

Click here to check out Oprah's entire statement on her website: http://www.oprah.com/world/Oprah-Winfrey-on-the-Dangers-of-Texting-While-Driving

How the Honda Insight coaches increased fuel efficiency

With all the talk about Hybrid cars and increased fuel efficiency, the Honda Insight takes the guesswork out of it by "coaching" it's drivers to better gas mileage. The new 2010 Insight uses a complex mileage monitoring system which takes into account many different factors to help drivers attain maximum mileage! Its one thing for a vehicle to get great mileage, but its another to actively manage that mileage and increase it with good driving habits. How does the new Insight do this? Take a look at this short video to see how Honda helps drivers get the most out of their new hybrid vehicle! Feel free to contact myself, Walt Kustra, at 1-888-839-7855 for more information.

Volley for Youth

On Friday, April 16 into Saturday April 17, the New Castle Community YMCA hosted the “Volley for Youth” Play-a-Thon at the Preston-Chambers Y-Zone. For years, Contact Ears, co-sponsored by the New Castle Community YMCA, hosted the event up until 2008 when they left the community. This year, the NCCY decided to bring the successful event back with the help of Preston Toyota Scion and Scion’s sponsorship.

Letters were sent to community members from different churches, agencies, and businesses like Preston Auto to encourage them to form teams of 3 males and 3 females to play and participate. Each team was asked to raise at least $300 to donate to the cause, in order to help the Y-Zone reach their intended goal of $5,000. All proceeds went to the NCCY Annual Campaign for Youth. The campaign helps YMCA’s program which never turns away a child from the YMCA because of their inability to pay for services. Through different scholarships, students are able to participate in sports and after school programs at the Y-Zone and meet new friends at no cost.

Branch director of the Y-Zone Sam Migliano explains how events like the “Volley for Youth” are so important to the Y-Zone’s overall mission. Migliano said, “It’s the tremendous work we do for our community. It’s our mission to help these families, it’s our passion. You see the stories of the different families, and that’s why we do what we do.”

The Preston team always tries to remain involved in the community, especially the Y-Zone. Some of the Preston family formed a team to support the Preston Toyota Scion and Scion sponsorship and the team overall donated $2,500 to the “Volley for Youth” event. The Preston team 1 of 7 teams that played in the competition on Friday night into Saturday, April 16-17.

Bobby Preston was part of the Preston team along with his sister, mother, cousins, etc. Preston enjoyed the event saying, “The Volley for Youth event was a great success! From a marketing stand point we gained exposure from over 100 local community members and were able to introduce them to the Scion brand. Being a member of this community, I am so pleased that Preston Toyota Scion and Scion were able to raise so much money for such a great cause. Lastly, I expected the event to be a lot of fun and it certainly lived up to the expectation, but I couldn't believe what a work out it was and how competitive it was as well. I'm confident this event will be successful in the years to come."

Overall, the event was very successful and enjoyed by many. Most importantly, $5,300 was raised to continue the New Castle Community YMCA’s efforts to benefit children in the community.

Big Things On the Horizon From Preston Auto

Being Internet Director of Preston Auto and part of the family business, I'm very proud to say that Preston Auto has some big things on the horizon for our customers! We already are proud to provide our customers with the area's best prices and most convenient shopping experience, but we are taking it to the next level with our future release of a revamped website, a mobile site, and even an iPhone app! Plus we'll have tons of content on our site including video test drives, vehicle reviews, and other useful information to help making the decision of which car to purchase a little bit easier for you.

While we are on the subject of convenience, Preston Auto already offers free vehicle delivery to your home or office with any vehicle you purchase. However, we understand that your time is valuable that is why we are committing to and taken the necessary measures to shorten the time it takes to do paper work, that way you can spend more time having one of our manufacturer certified Sales Representatives teach you all about your new vehicle!


Plus one of the best reasons to do business with Preston is because we give back to the community! Tonight I'll be competing in the Preston Auto Volley for Youth event to raise money for the New Castle Community YMCA Y-Zone, I like to think I'm a decent athlete having played basketball in college, but being that I am vertically challenged volleyball isn't my sport! Wish me luck! Anyhow, later on this summer I am proud to announce that we will be holding the Preston Invitational which is an invitational basketball camp for the area's elite players being put on by the area's athlete coaches and former players, again proceeds from the event will go to YMCA.


Lastly, I am very proud to say with our customers support we are quickly becoming one of the Ohio and Pennsylvania's highest rated dealers! For all the hard work we put in trying to give our customers the best purchase experience they've ever had, a pat on the back really means the world to us! Thanks again for your support and we will continue to provide you, our customers, with second to none service!

2010 SRX

The SRX luxury crossover posted another triple-digit month of sales increases as Cadillac total sales increased 42 percent in March.



Sales of SRX, a compact crossover redesigned for the 2010 model year, rose 550 percent, the seventh straight month of more than 100 percent year-over-year growth. The new SRX also is commanding a residual value well above the residual value for the previous model – up more than 17 percentage points.



“The SRX is proof that the right vehicle can break through even in a difficult market,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president for Cadillac sales. “SRX is appealing to luxury buyers searching for a crossover with style and performance.”



In a March review, AutoWeek editors cited the SRX Turbo’s excellent handling, smooth powertrain and premium interior.



“The hits keep coming from Cadillac,” AutoWeek Associate Editor Jonathan Wong wrote. “Following all the great CTS variants to spill out from Caddy, it continues the trend with this SRX Turbo.”



SRX is building on a strong foundation at Cadillac. CTS retail sales rose 12 percent in March, compared to February, as its sales momentum this year continued. In May, Cadillac will launch an all-new CTS Coupe to extend the acclaimed CTS nameplate. The brand adds the high-performance CTS-V Sport Wagon later this year.

Loyalty

As a sort of follow up to my last post a week ago, I wanted to address Toyota just one more time. The Toyota brand name has taken a hit in the press and with some certain customers, but luckily with a name and quality like Toyota, some customers remain loyal.

That's why some people have teamed up to create the Loyal Toyota campaign. If you're on Facebook, you can check out the LOYALTOYOTA fan page to learn more. This fan page has created a forum of over 1,500 Toyota fans who are sticking up for the brand. A man who is not affiliated with Toyota Motors Company but just loves his Toyota Camry and the company so much created this page along with the Loyal Toyota campaign. The campaign primarily consists of the LOYALToYota bumper stickers which any e-Bay users may purchase. The stickers are used for people to simply show their support and of course loyalty to the company.

On the Facebook fan page, supporters and fans send in or post pictures showing off their Toyotas sporting the LOYALToYota bumper sticker. The campaign has also expanded into t-shirts and coffee mugs with the LOYALToYota logo on them. If you love your Preston Toyota and want everyone to know, purchase a LOYALToYota item here...http://www.cafepress.com/LOYALTOYOTA.

I did tell you last time that I drive a Toyota and come from a family of Toyota owners, so yes, my dad has already purchased the LOYALToYota bumper sticker.

We'd love to hear if you purchase an item, or just how much you love your Toyota!

Tiga Tiga Woods Y'all!!!!

Leave some comments!!!!!!

A quick thank you....

Having worked in the car business for over 7 years now I would like to think I know a thing or two about what makes a great business like ours tick. After going over our sales logs for the last few months I noticed one key element that really stuck out. When checking our advertising sources to see where our sales were coming from I noticed that the Preston Auto Group had an abnormally large amount of sales coming from our own previous customers. Weather it was our owner base coming back for a second or thrid car, or a previous customer sending us a referral, our customers have spoken loud and clear that they are happy with the products and services they have recieved from our store. I can't think of a better compliment our customers can give us then bringing us their repeat business or trusting us with helping their friends and family with their new or pre owned vehicle purchase. In this sense, our total commitment to customer service and satisfaction before, during and after the sale has really paid off and I can only say to all of our happy customers out there THANK YOU! This same comfort level and overall satisfaction with their buying expierence has even helped our customers propel our Honda store in New Castle to a 5 out of 5 star rating on dealer.com, a third party dealership review website! I wanted to write this blog post to let all of our owner base know your loyalty and business is greatly appreciated, and certainly does not go unnoticed. Your efforts to help us achieve this great accomplishment will only make us work harder to ensure your total satisfaction with your expierence now and for years to come. Again, Thank you!

The Righteous Regal

Ummm....







Tad-Dah.




"Buick Is Back!" shouts the cover of Motor Trend magazine, the first time since 1982 the enthusiast publication has featured a Buick on the cover.

Of course, there are plenty of people who would suggest Buick never left. Especially citizens of China, where Buick is overwhelmingly the most popular General Motors brand.

But let's face it: In the U.S., Buick's demographics are the oldest of any major car brand. With the demise of Pontiac and Saturn, GM is looking to get a few younger buyers interested in their products.

And, as the slightly hyperbolic Motor Trend suggests, the 2011 Buick Regal may be the best chance for that. About an inch longer and wider than the Toyota Camry, the Regal is an alternative to the popular Camry/Honda Accord/Nissan Altima trio. But it's aimed slightly more upscale, in content and price. It should be available by May.

The Regal is essentially an Americanized version of the Opel Insignia, and the first Regals sold in the U.S. will be built in the Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany. Later this year, production shifts to the GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, which is building the Chevrolet Camaro.

What is Signature??

Hey guys! I wanted to start a series of blogs about Toyota of Boardman becoming a Signature Certified dealership. As the Process Coordinator for our dealership I will be involved every step of the way in our progression of becoming certified and I’d like to give you all an exclusive inside look. Today we just had our first meeting so I thought I’d start out the series just by introducing the idea to you. So what is Signature and what does it mean to be Signature Certified? Signature is a process management initiative that focuses on improving dealer operations to enhance both the customer experience and increase employee satisfaction. There are three Signature Guiding Principles which we will implement throughout all of our processes and those principles are: 1) No Defects 2) Timeliness, and 3) Caring. So basically by means of developing new processes with use of employee feedback and ideas we are going to involve the entire dealership to enhance customer satisfaction and increase customer loyalty. Sounds pretty in depth, huh? Well it is and it isn’t. We already know what we do wrong and what we do right. So we’re going to change what we do wrong and make even better what we do right all to benefit you, the customer! So throughout my blogs I encourage anyone with any questions or suggestions to please comment so that I can bring the ideas to our meetings. Some questions to consider would be, what do you hate about buying a car? (Yes, I’m serious) What would it take for you to continue to purchase your vehicles from the same dealership? What are some reasons you do or do not get your service done from the dealership in which you bought your vehicle? These are just some of the questions we are going to address in creating better processes so who better to hear from than the customer themselves? For next time, we will hopefully have had our launch meeting where we tell all of our employees what we are doing and we also will create our CITs, or our Continuous Improvement Teams. I can’t wait to let you know how it goes!

What's Happening in April

We received more great news this morning in regards to the incentives on new Toyota's this month!! Believe or not, 0% is back on 8 different models this month. That's right 8!! Whether you are interested in a large or small vehicle, Toyota got you covered. Customers can get 0% on the 2010 Yaris, Corolla, Camry, Prius, Avalon, Rav4, Highlander, and Tundra.

Looking to lease rather then buy? No Problem! Toyota is running lease specials the 2010 Camry, Corolla, Prius, Venza, Rav4, Highlander, and Tundra. Not to mention that there are even special leases on the brand new 2011 Toyota Camry's, gas and hybrid models!!

And guess what?? It doesn't stop there. Get this, anyone who buys or leases a new Toyota will receive a 2 year maintenance package absolutely FREE. Doesn't even matter if it's your first Toyota , the maintenance package is FREE.

Also, be sure to check out the advantage in doing business with Preston Toyota. We provide our customers with a value package that can't be beat. I have included the link to our value package. http://www.prestonauto.com/preston-advantage.htm

California Prius scam

Hello blog readers, I am Kate, a new student intern at Preston Auto. I am delighted to join the team as an Internet Director Assistant. I came into this job in the midst of the huge Toyota recall. I also happen to come from a 5 person family who owns 5 Toyotas. Through the years, my family and I have enjoyed Toyota's quality and we still remain loyal to the Toyota brand. I drive a 2008 Toyota Prius and absolutely love it. Now, I'm sure you have all heard of another 2008 Toyota Prius owner, Mr. James Sikes of San Diego, CA. On Monday, March 8 Sikes made a 911 emergency phone call claiming that his Prius' accelerator was stuck and that the car was out of control and could not be stopped. California Highway Patrol intercepted Sikes and directed him to push on the brakes, emergency brake and to turn off the car in which after, the car did stop safely.

The story made national news and I personally receieved a few calls and text messages from friends and family members urging me to get my Prius checked out immediately. Unfortunately the national news did not have any comments from a Toyota spokesperson during the story.

However, on March 15 Toyota released their preliminary findings from the runaway Prius on the Toyota news website. The Toyota engineers discovered that Sikes' account of the story does not match up with their findings after assessing the vehicle. The Prius engine is designed to shut off if moderate brake pressure is applied while an accelerator is pushed over 50%.

All in all, an investigation is underway to find out the truth in Sikes' story. For now, it's important for everyone to remember that not everything we hear is necessarily true. To read the entire story, check out http://www.toyota.com/about/news/corporate/2010/03/15-1-statement-prius.html.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend with friends and family. Be sure to check us out on Twitter at PrestonHonda and PrestonAuto. Also, become a fan on Facebook of Preston Auto and Preston Honda.

--Kate

TOYOTA RELEASES MONUMENTAL INCENTIVES!!!

Toying with the idea of getting a new car? Well heres some incentive for you to go out and buy TODAY!!!!!

Toyota just announced, as many were waiting for, phenomenal incentives to save everyone thousands on their next vehicle! We're talking 0% for up to 60 months on most models including the Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Highlander, Yaris, Matrix, and Tundra!!! But wait, theres more! Planning on paying cash? Well, Toyota's got you covered there too! With cash purchase incentives on the Camry, Matrix, and Tundra, at $1000, $1000, and $1500-$2500 respectively.

Looking for special leases? Well look no further! Toyota has just announced leasing deals like never before! Payments as low as $219/mo with only $219 down on a brand new Camry LE, there literally has never been a better time to buy! But Camry isn't the only model offering the historic lease specials, you can also get more groundbreaking lease specials on the Corolla, Venza, Rav4, Highlander, and Tundra. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!!

Oh and before I forget, I haven't even told you about the Toyota loyalty program going on now as well! What it is is a Toyota Auto Care Maintenance Package. When leasing or purchasing a new Toyota, if you currently have a Toyota in your household, regardless of trading it in or not, you will receive a compimentary Maintenance Package from Toyota. This package covers all scheduled maintenance services referenced in the "Maintenance Log" of your new vehicle's guide for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. That includes oil and filter change, lubrication of key chassis parts, tire rotations, and a 19 point inspection that assures your vehicle is in good health! Also, you will receive 24 hour roadside assistance from Toyota for the full term of the package, which includes lockout protection, flat tire changes, jump starts, fluid delivery, and towing. What more can you ask for?!

Take advantage of these historic specials before theyre gone!! These incentives are said to be the absolute best deals there ever was on any Toyota. Why wait?! Come on in today, before the unthinkable happens, either the specials end, or we run out of cars to sell!!!!

Preston Honda New Car Owner Clinic

EVENT DATE: Wednesday March, 10th 2010 at 6:00PM
Come visit the brand new, state of the art preston Honda and meet the Service personnel at the Preston Honda New Car Service Owner Clinic!! We promise at Preston Honda, to deliver the utmost customer care and service. Preston Honda has a courteous staff that strives to not only meet our customer's expectations in taking care of their vhicle, but EXCEED them. Preston Honda's service department makes sure that all appointments are done quickly and easily. We understand that your time is very valuable, which is why Preston Honda offers Express Service and Online Scheduling which is very fast as well as efficient. Our goal is to service your vehicle correctly, quickly, and at a price that is easy on your pocket! You will come to find that Preston Honda does offer the most quality and professional service ever!

So come in and see for yourself why you will love our exceptional and professional service! Visit with your sales person and meet the excellent people who make Preston Honda a customer service leader! It's going to be a night of fun! We're going to have giveaways, beverages, and fantastic hors 'oeuvres. You will have an opportunity to not only ask questions but view some of our newest models on display as well! This special event will be held at our brand new Honda state of the art service and sales facility! We look forward to seeing you and enjoying a night of fun! Please click the link below to RSVP!

RSVP HERE

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.

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!

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.