Good bye, Saturn.

It was a unique brand that wanted to go against the typical car stereotypes. Unfortunately, the Great Recession has taken it toll and Saturn is going with it. I read that up to 13,000 jobs will be affected. I feel for you that might lose your jobs and for those that are losing their dealerships. I'm truly very sorry.

We can't be islands any longer...thinking that if I'm ok, it's all ok. The other guy can do what he wants as long as it doesn't hurt me. If you think businesses and job losses don't effect you...you're wrong. Everyone feels it.

Prayers are with you all!

yy

ALSO, much sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the Swank family who lost their son, Drew, who died from a football related injury. We are sorry for your loss.

Christmas is coming early at Walmart!

In the next 12 weeks, Walmart will be rolling out many "value added" campaigns to save holiday shoppers some serious cash. One of them coming in October is their vamped up and pumped up holiday toy selection. They are going to offer 100 toys for $10....up from offering only 10 last year. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33086394/ns/business-retail/
The article also says that 70% of their Walmart shoppers start holiday shopping BEFORE Halloween and 20% finish by then. WHAT???!!!! Are you kidding me???? I'm just trying to keep milk and bread from running out...much less thinking about how to pay for holiday gifts.
(I'm thinking of gifts differently this year...anyone with ideas let me know. I really don't technically NEED anything and most of my families members don't either. I would like to be thoughtful yet helpful to those that might really need things.)

Anyway...I guess we can all start early and then get done early!!! And don't forget to buy cars either!

Hee Hee

yy

Slow road to economic recovery....

There are times when I go to the mall, drive/walk by restaurants, or sporting events and think.... "WHAT RECESSION????!!!!" There are people shopping, dining, or standing in LONG lines for $5 soda that makes me wonder who this great recession is hitting and missing because it sure has hit the Lee household.

Then reports out today say that consumer confidence dropped in September and that it was unexpected. The experts think that most people are confused about where the economy is going so they are nervous. Maybe it's getting better..maybe it's not. Maybe it got worse because everyone starting crying "Wolf!" last fall and people started believe what they were hearing instead of what they were seeing. So, jobs are hard to come by and CEO's are still not spending or hiring like they normally would because the recovery of our economy is going to be slow, bumpy, and long.

Supposedly.........

Well, I'm not sure if the car makers got that memo because Toyota just announced that they expect a 3% global increase in sales and as I blogged about before, GM has increased production in 3 factories. I sure hope the car makers know something that the media doesn't.

Actually, it proves that NO ONE knows what is going to happen. However, I think this great recession is better now than what I expected one year ago. I was sure that the US and even the world economy was going to be in far worse shape than what we are dealing with now. Do I credit the Fed Chairman? Obama? God??? Well...since this is a company blog...I guess I have to keep that to myself...however, I'm glad I still have a business to happily run and a roof over my head.

yy

Finally!! Some Fiat 500 news!!! Sebring news!

Chrysler showrooms will carry the Fiat 500!!!!! That is some of the best news we have heard in a LONG time from the factory regarding the fun little car. It was ASSUMED that Fiat wouldn't build new showrooms for just the 500 and then it was unclear if the would be badged as a Chrysler or what. So, some direction from the factory is quite welcome!!!

Now though...the big question is when will Spokane get these little gems? I think major cities like LA, New York, etc. is supposed to get the Fiat 500 first. Then they will trickle on through the US. However, eventually, Chrysler showrooms will get the hatchback, convertible, wagon, and the Abarth version.


Next...the Sebring and Avenger will live on a little longer. They were expected to be cut by 2010 but they will be around until 2012. AND....the Sebring will be refreshed by 2011!!! All of this product news is wonderful......


yy

Blogs and Dawgs

I'll start with the blogging.......SO......last week, the CEO of Fiat/Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, said he surprised by the lack of products from Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge in the next 2 years. It would have been bad if he just left it there and made us all wonder what is going on. However, we now know that people in Michigan are going back to work, feverishly, to get some car refreshed and face-lifted by mid-2011. The Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, the Jeep Liberty and the Jeep Patriot will all have some work done. Also, a back from the dead Chrysler PT Cruiser will debut, as well, in the time frame.

We already knew that the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck, and the Chrysler 300 were getting redesigned in the next year...but there was no more news beyond that. I mean, we all knew the Fiat 500 was going to be built by mid-2011, but that in-between time was grey and foggy. VERY grey......

But alas, we see a light at the end of the tunnel.............

JUST LIKE the Washington Huskies football team! Phew. Finally! Yes, I know the USC quarterback was the 2nd string QB and a freshman. I know their top receiver was injured. I know Taylor Mays (the Seattle HS star) was also injured. BUT, a win is a win. And, you have to remember that the Huskies were 0-12 last year and 1-11 the year before. Come on...for a team that was previously 1-23 to beat #3 ranked USC? That is nice....really nice.

We play Stanford this week...in Palo Alto, CA. The game got picked up on TV but it's Fox Sports College or something like that and I don't have the Sports Entertainment package on my cable channels. I called Comcast and it's $5.99/month with a $1.99 one time installation fee. Does it really cost them $2 to turn on some channels on my tv? Well, I guess it's tough times for everyone. I mean even the airlines charge me to check in a bag if I'm flying anywhere! Good thing I stay home!

Well, I am going to VALLEYFEST!!!! Check it out here! http://valleyfest.org/
This weekend ONLY!

yy

Take it easy....we're not out of the woods yet!

So, according to the financial guru's in NYC and Washington DC, the recession is "probably" over... even though the job losses will continue and more people are expected to foreclose on their homes. I think the determining factors of what is a recession and what is not are looking better and better although our daily lives might not feel the "ease" until must later.

HOWEVER, there is news from GM and they will be adding more shifts in 3 factories. They are located in Michigan, Indiana, and Kansas. Then, AutoNation has said they are going to be on the offense now because they see that the worst is over from the car market. They will buy up more dealerships and order more new inventory from the manufacturers. Being the No. 1 auto-store chain, these are strong moves.

So, I see this as good because people might be getting their jobs back or holding on to their jobs. But, are we moving a little too quickly? It's not like we're 100% out of the woods. But, I guess that is my conservative side talking. Nothing risked, nothing gained...right?

yy

Tire trouble

China and the US are squabbling over trade tariffs on tired being exported to the US. Like most products today, tires are cheaper to make in China than in the US and the unions are saying that the influx of overseas tires are taking their jobs. In 2000, only 15 million tires were being imported. Now, it's up to 46 million. So, Obama raised the tariffs and that made China mad.

(And let's face it...it's not a union thing or an anti-American thing.....it's cheaper to make tires in China. The cost of living is minimal compared to the US. Companies can pay their employees less there. Simple math. Does this mean I'm pro-union??? Don't read that into this....)

That did not make China too happy so they are going back and forth on what to do about that. However, there was some testing done on tires made in China and the phrase, "you pay for what you get" seemed to hold firm. The tires made in China for big national companies like Michelin, performed well. The supposed reason is because they use the same technology and machines as the companies in the US. Now, the tires from the Chinese-label companies did not do too well. For example, the Ling Long company made a tire with the exact same tread as a Yokohama tire. However, the grip and the braking distance was far worse than the other tires that were being tested. You can read more about it here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32899266/ns/business-autos/

I guess this is one more thing to add to my list of items under "you pay for what you get".

yy

Go to jail......

So, Ex-NY Giant Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 2 years in jail for bringing in a hand gun to a night club in NYC. He was taken into custody right after his hearing and he's headed to Rikers Island jail. Tough New York hand gun laws carries a potential 3 1/2 year minimum mandatory sentence for carrying and unlicensed and loaded weapon. He pleaded guilty on a lesser charge and plea bargained for the 2 year sentence. With time for good behavior, he could be released in 20 months. That's still a long time.....but the law is the law. Even for football players.

This all happened because he went to a nightclub in Nov. 2008 with a loaded handgun tucked into his waistband. Bad idea. Of course, the gun slipped down his leg and shot him in the tight and almost hit a by-stander. No hiding the gun, the wound, or the story from that point on. There is no part of packing a loaded handgun in your waistband being a good idea or a smart move. Oh, Plaxico. Catching SUPER BOWL-winning catches isn't enough excitement?

yy

New Owner's manuals!

The old 4-pound manuals are on their way out! It's a pain just carrying around a manual to get info on how to change the time on the radio. You have to look in the index and then put your finger there to look up all the pages where it talks about "CLOCK" and read the small print and then follow the directions all while holding the huge manual that could be used for weight lifting.

Starting with the 2010 models, all Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles will come with new leaner and greener manuals. Replacing the old manuals (around 500 pages) will be a shorter, concise manual (about 68-80 pages) with the main, big topics covered....I'm sure the basics of operation...and a searchable DVD. And, I'm sure for those without a computer with the DVD feature, we will be able to print out the sections for those who want a "hard" copy. So, I applaud this move. Not to mention that this is supposed to save 20,000 trees a year or about 930 tons of paper! And money for Chrysler. It's a win-win all around.


Also, if you 100% desire to have the old-school manual, you can request one and Chrysler will send you one in the mail. Good solution, Chrysler. I bet other manufacturers will be following suit in some form. I'm impressed.

yy

Beautiful!!!!

This is beautiful....simply beautiful.
UW 16 - USC 13


Jake Locker and Nate Williams celebrating after their win over No. 3 USC.

I am still in shock right now. I know many, many Huskies will be celebrating ALL NIGHT LONG!

Good job, Coach Sark and Jake Locker.....well, and the whole team!!!!

yy

Please...PLEASE call Jesse!!!!

So, we have an issue with a customer right now. Unfortunately, she lives about 2 hours away from our dealership and it's not as easy of a fix as we would like.

Here is the situation:
She bought a minivan from us that has a navigation system. She claims that the DVD disk that the navigation works off of is broken. So, she sent it to us. Our sales manager and a sales consultant tried it in multiple vehicles that they had and found no issue with the disk. So, we sent the disk back to her....because our assumption is that there must be an issue with the system (hardware) itself because the disk works just fine. She said that she would like us to pay for the bill if she takes it into a dealership closer to her home. Jay has said that we would look at the minivan, at our own cost, if she brings it to us. Our service department is open 6 days a week. She does not feel that is acceptable and told our sales manager that she was going to call Jesse.

(Side note of explanation for those who are not familiar with KING 5 news in Seattle, WA like our sales manager. The news station has a reporter, Jesse Jones, that is an advocate for consumers and regular people like you and me. He uses the power of the media and exposure to get companies to be fair and/or solve situations for people. For example, there was a story a couple months back where a man was being sent to collections for a huge ADT security system bill for terminating his contract...even though he didn't have have a contract with them. He got Jesse and ADT backed down. Also, he will try products with ridiculous claims so the public knows if it legitimate or not. He once tried this super glue type of product that was supposed to mend fabric. He tested it in a wind tunnel. So, I see his value and what he does. He's a voice for those that might not have one otherwise. But, back to the story...)

Our sales manager paused and told Jay about the call he had on the line said...."Who's Jesse? She said she's going to call Jesse?" Jay said...."Um, Jesse? Like Jesse Jones?" So the sales manager said that we would be more than happy to look at the car to see what is wrong and that we want to do what we can. This car was purchased over ONE YEAR ago. Of course, there is no factory warranty left and no extended warranty was purchased. We do not know why it took so long to notify someone of the problem. Life gets busy though....I understand. Jay understands. That is why we are willing to do what we can...and diagnose the issue at our dealership at our cost.

So...as Jay was telling me about this....I started thinking. I hope she does call Jesse Jones! Maybe they will contact us and see that there is a family owned and operated dealership out there in this world that WANTS TO WORK WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS AND DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE THEM HAPPY!!!! We are willing to go the extra mile and do it with a smile even! Maybe they will do a news story on Spokane Chrysler and how the owner works 6 days a week and tries all he can to provide the best customer service around...and how RARE that this these days!!!

I don't know more what we can do. Jay and I hate having upset or unhappy customers. What is a good solution here? Maybe I should call Jesse Jones myself.

yy

Chrylser at Frankfurt Auto Show

So I want to copy and paste the short walk-around video from the auto show but I cannot. FAIL! The Editorial Director of Online Media, Scott Anderson, gives a quick little peek of what a 'real' auto show looks like. I have only been to the one in Spokane and Seattle. Someday, I would like to make it to Detroit or even the one in NYC. Well, I just want to go back to visit NYC...no real reason needed.

Interestingly enough, the NY Times wrote a little something about the space there that Fiat is sharing with Chrysler...about how they are now together and how that might be odd to some. The Fiat Group brought their brands Fiat, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Right next to them is Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge. So, the same area has a Dodge Caliber and a Ferrari 458 Italia. (pause) You know...something for everyone is what I say. Just like a huge buffet...has something for everyone.

Anyway....here is the link to the Chrysler blog that has it on there.
Date: Sept. 17, 2009
Title: A Walking Tour of Chrysler's Stand at Frankfurt.
http://blog.chryslerllc.com/blog.do?p=home

yy

Some lease details......

This is just a bit of information on the leasing that is to start today!!!!

Effective Sept. 17, 2009, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will offer leasing options for all 2010 model year vehicles in the United States. Featured vehicles with special lease rates through Sept. 30, 2009 are:

• Chrysler Town & Country
• Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram 1500 and Journey
• Jeep Wrangler and Liberty
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge also offer the following incentives, which are valid through Sept. 30, 2009:

2009 Model Year Vehicles:
Chrysler Group is pleased to offer 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 Consumer Cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

2010 Model Year Vehicles:
On select 2010 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, limited Consumer Cash of up to $3,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services are available.

Current Chrysler Group vehicle owners are also eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use towards the purchase of select 2009 model year vehicles or the purchase or lease of select 2010 model year vehicles.

yy

We're Leasing AGAIN!!!

I know to many of you, this makes so difference to you. However, it's good news to many consumers and small businesses. Chrysler will starting leasing again on Thursday with GMAC. There will be some special incentives announced at that time.

I will have it up here as soon as I know.

yy

Frankfurt Auto Show

Car enthusiasts, auto writers/bloggers, reporters, etc. have all been waiting to see, touch, and drool over the new cars being introduced this week in Germany. There is a lot to look at and ponder and wonder........

Yes, the Chrysler line up is looking minimal. It seems Cerberus was really running thin before the bankruptcy and now, it's time for Fiat to get it's product to America and pump up Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. I think it's going to be good.....and from the comments today from Marchionne, it looks like the 5 year plan for the products coming to us will be announced in November. That is excellent news!!!

I wonder if this car will be one of them?
Fiat Punto Evo (fun!!)

OR this one!!! The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari...I know it's a special edition Fiat 500...but it's SO awesome!!!


yy

back to work.....

So, after having my baby's birthday and a friend's wedding to go to....PLUS the UW win against Idaho (sorry about the loss WSU) and the marathon trip BACK to Spokane (due to construction around Cle Elum), I am exhausted! My house looks like a tornado hit it and laundry is piled up high....so it looks like I will be "back to normal" by the holidays. Geez.........

The first week of school is a big change for many households. It's clear by the malls being empty by dinner time and the phones getting slower at night but Internet traffic being up. It's funny how people fall into habits and patterns...even though we are all individuals. We are creatures of habit!!!

So, get a huge deal by going against the grain....
Buy a car now before everyone comes out of the woodwork at the end of the month!!!
Buy on a weekday instead of the weekend!!!
Buy your car in the middle of the day!!!

Trust me, you'll get an awesome deal and the best customer service ever!!!

yy

Welcome to Seattle Coug and Vandal fans!

Welcome to those that are in Seattle for the WSU/Hawaii and UW/Idaho football games!!! I'm actually in Seattle because a very close friend is getting married tomorrow. The weather is gorgeous and so is the food here.

The International District is my friend when I'm here. The food is great and pretty affordable... with SO many choices. I also enjoy the many choices of cupcakes lately. It seems like everyone is opening a new cupcake location. I don't mind....I love them. However, when did a cupcake start costing $3?????

I hope a nice battle happens in Seattle in both games! I LOVE exciting college football games!

yy

9/11

How can this day just come and go? I don't think it ever will. And I'm sure many people will write something about it....something about where they were or what they remember...something about the people they knew that were directly involved....something.

Of course, I will never forget where I was or what I was doing or where I was living. Something like this is burned into your mind forever. However, I had to go to school that day and teach a group of 3rd graders. It's a totally different ball game then. You want to make sure they understand and you want to make sure they know what happened...but you also want to make sure you want to speak truth without prejudice or personal comments of who did what and why and so on. You take on a sense of responsibility that is different from just reflecting of what happened and what it meant to the US.

So, I think I did not properly grieve until I went to visit Ground Zero 2 years later. Riding the subway down there and seeing that huge gaping hole in the ground with all of the tributes and memories still hung on the chain-link fences. It was like a blow to the gut. All of the kids that are now without a parent or a guardian or a provider or a family member. All of the civil servants and everyday heroes that went IN to the burning, falling building. All of the hate that caused such a tragedy. All of the volunteers that searched for days for survivors. All of the people that gave all they could to help out in any way they could. I couldn't stand there too long because I would have had to just go back to my hotel room and cry for days.

BUT, I know that there has been good that has come from such an event. Personal stories around the country. The unity that they US saw during that time. And so on and so on. It's amazing that what is intended for evil can turn to something good. The United States of America is a wonderful place to be....no matter what.

yy

Looooong weekend.......

We had my baby's birthday party on Saturday and I am just coming back to normalcy. It was hectic and crazy and stressful but all worth it. We had a huge party with friends and family and LOTS of kids. It amazing what a couple of years can do for our group of friends.

Well, reading some car news lately it seems like China is really wanting to be the big player in the car manufacturing market. I think they are pretty dominant in making other things for the whole world...so why not cars, right? It was only a matter of time, for sure. It's not like the Americans, Germans and the Japanese are the only ones with the secret car making formula. The Korean car manufacturers have come a LONG way and they have been quietly moving up in the number of cars sold in the US. So, now it's China's turn.

Three Chinese companies are making their mark in the car business. One is supposed to complete the deal to buy HUMMER from GM. Another is supposedly the only bidder for Volvo from Ford and yet another has come out to be the "silent" partner behind Koenigsegg who is buying Saab, also from GM.

Interesting world economy that we are all apart of these days. Not to mention the billions of dollars the US has borrowed from China.

We shall see how this all works out.

yy

College Football is here!!!!

Oh Oregon, Oregon, Oregon. I know it's not supposed to reflect on the whole school or the coaching staff or the football program......but really, come on....how could you separate OREGON running back and LeGarrette Blount when you tell the story? Actually, most people won't even remember his name...just simply that fact that a player from the OREGON team punched a player from the other team because of some smack talk.

It did make for some awesome highlights on ESPN though..............

SO, football fans...the big weekend it here. Coach Sark makes his debut as the head coach of the UW Huskies and I cannot be more excited. Ok, Ok, OK!!! I admit...we were 0-12 last year... we only have one way to go...and a repeat of last year is NOT an option. I guess we can also see if Coach Wulff of the WSU Cougars made the right choice in the QB after waiting until the last second to make the call.

Go Dawgs!!!!

Oh, and btw, we have a great sale this weekend. In the Wheel Deals ad, we have some great used cars that are available with $3500 for your trade-in.

Happy Labor Day, people!

yy

PT Dream Cruiser....

I think this car looks sharp. The mesh grille is nice and is a real head turner. There was a review of the 2009 PT Cruiser on autoblog.com today and I agree...there hasn't been much changed with the car in the past 10 years that it's been on the market. Yes, it's hard to update a retro styled car. But, then again, whatever other car can be on the market for 10 years without huge changes and still sell?

It is versatile and like the article points out, is it one of the first "tall wagons" that debuted in 1999. Now we have such terms as crossover and small SUV but this was a true segment buster when it came out because it wasn't a sedan but it wasn't an SUV either. As my husband says....the PT is the Swiss Army knife of small cars. It's true....seating configurations, storage, cargo room, etc. can be changed for different situations. We're just happy it was taken off the chopping block by Chrysler.

The PT Cruiser is not for everyone....but for those who love it...there is nothing like it in the world.

yy

Lego V-8 engine

You have to click on this blog entry from Autoblog.com. It is a "working" LEGO engine that took someone a very long time to put together. It's amazing since I would have stopped after the 1st ten minutes had passed. There is a You Tube video along with the blog that shows the engine with the pistons and valves all working. Amazing.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/video-dont-call-it-ocd-dude-builds-32-valve-dohc-v8-out-of-le/