To the Lakewood and surrounding community:

I am sorry that only my prayers and thoughts can go out to the family and friends of the slain officers. I wish I could go there and do something. Help out. Something.

This tragedy was only minutes from my high school and one of the officers was an alum. His face looked familiar as the news flashed the faces of the four officers on the news. So tragic.

I can't feel but connected to this since it was so close to where I grew up and because a close friend is married to a police officer.

I realize that this post is not very coherent, but I guess my words escape me right now. So many emotions when I even think about what happened.

Thank you to the law enforcement community that go out every day and risk their lives for the safety of all of ours.

And deepest sympathy to the families that lost a loved family member.

RIP Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens, and Greg Richards.

yy

Happy Apple Cup 2009!

Well, both teams have not had the best football season. Both UW and WSU had their dreams dashed a long time ago regarding a winning season....and since this is the only "bowl" game they will be involved with this year...they better make the best of it.

SO.....GO DAWGS!!!! And yes, I know Jake Locker isn't Jesus...but I still stand behind him 1000%. What can you do when you're the best guy on your whole team????

yy

Thanksgiving week.....

Wow....Thanksgiving already. I feel like I'm so busy but not sure with what. I'm making Thanksgiving dinner for my family so I had to prepare for that by grocery shopping at various places and wait on hold with Spokane Regional Health Dept. to get my baby girl a H1N1 shot appointment and get the picture picked out for our family Christmas card and refine the menu/recipes for Thursday and try NOT to get too excited about the movie Ninja Assassin opening up on Wednesday. I LOVE Rain...the Korean entertainer extraordinaire.

So, I saw this on Autoblog.com. I'm glad we're not living in Broward Co, Florida. Their Sheriff's dept. just got new police cars...Dodge Challengers. They look awesome...but I would hate to be pulled over by one!



And last night, Jay and I had the American Music Awards on while playing with the kids, cleaning up, etc. and the performances were awesome to weird to out-dated. I still really enjoy Whitney Houston and I'm glad she's back on track to making music again and so forth. Jay's favorite artist is Jay Z and he performed "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys. Jay is from NYC and having his favorite artist rapping about it is more than he can handle. Hee hee. Lady Gaga is very unusual. Interesting. I don't get it but I don't think I'm supposed to. Also, Jennifer Lopez......I have no idea why she would sing/record/perform a song about shoes.....putting on her Louboutins to get away from a guy?? I guess if you can afford to have $700 shoes...you can sing about them too.

And...just because....


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Just in the time for the holidays....

Chrysler has new incentives on their NEW 2010 cars from now until January 4, 2010. They want a jump start on getting their product on the road. Good for us....good for you.

So, here are the details:

The incentives, which are available on all 2010 model year vehicles, are valid starting today through January 4, 2010.

Starting today, consumers purchasing select Chrysler vehicles can choose from:

0 percent financing for up to 60 months
Consumer cash of up to $3,000
All-wheel drive at no cost with the purchase of a Chrysler 300
A no-cost DVD system with the purchase of a Chrysler Town & Country minivan
Attractive financing rates and a no-cost service/maintenance program for three years/36,000 miles

Of course, each vehicle is different on the details of consumer cash, etc. so if you are interested in a NEW 2010 Chrysler...either call us, email us or come visit us.

Spokane Chrysler
6818 E Sprague
Spokane, WA 99212
800-521-6905
www.spokanechrysler.com

Hope to see you soon!!!

yy

Quality changes

So, it's no secret to many out there that quality has been lacking in some of the cars. Not so much mechanically (thank God!!) but more on the design front. In 2008, 75 percent of all quality problems were design issues, and that number has reportedly dropped to 50 percent this year though better engineering. The factory floor is also receiving attention, as Chrysler is adopting Fiat's "world class" manufacturing system.

The quality team had 200 employees last year but they are hiring 200 more and shifting people to make it a team of 1,700. If that isn't a HUGE dedication to quality, then I don't know what is. We know the turn around won't be next month, but the fact that they are aggressively tackling the problem speaks volume to me.

Also, according to the Detroit News, Chrysler is focusing in on designing quality in from the start of product development, which is important as Chrysler prepares to introduce new vehicles with Fiat's help. Plans call for 75 percent of vehicles to be modified to some degree in the next 14 months, 100 percent renewed by 2012 and new nameplates in high-volume segments by 2013.

I just wish all of this new product was arriving tomorrow!!

We're going forward not backward!!!!

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Safety First....

Well, it looks like Toyota isn't the best out there in ONE category. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded its "top safety pick" to 19 passenger cars and 8 SUV's for 2010 vehicles. Ford and Volvo received 6 awards each. 5 awards went to Subaru, VW, and Audi. Followed by Chrysler with 4, and Honda and GM with 2 each. Toyota, BMW, Mitsubishi, and Mazda were shut out.

The 4 Chrysler winners are the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, and Jeep Patriot.

“Chrysler showed the most improvement of any automaker for 2010,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “These Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models are part of an elite group that afford the best overall crash protection and have electronic stability control, which can help keep drivers out of crashes altogether.”

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Just a little bit of good news for Spokane Co.

The jobs data shows that 3,000 non-farm workers were hired in October bringing the unemployment rate DOWN to 7.9% (unadjusted) while the state is at 8.8% (unadjusted.) This is the lowest unemployment rate since December 2008. So, although this isn't the huge knight in shining armor type of statistics everyone wants or hopes for...it's a least a little bit of good news.

Hopefully, the "bottom" is here or the economy is stabilizing. I will take either at this point!

yy

Family time in Vegas....really.

I am still getting myself together. Chrysler had a dealer's meeting down in Vegas and so we all went as a family. We always get a little nod of the head with a huge grin or a rolling of the eyes when they hear the words "business trip to Vegas." I completely understand where they are coming from but with 2 kids, it's not as 'fun' as everyone thinks. I usually go just because if I didn't, we wouldn't have much family time. Yes, the irony is lovely. Family time in Vegas...but it works. We travel on Friday, check-in, eat dinner, give the kids a bath and time for bed. Yes, Jay and I siting still in the hotel room being silent as possible so the kids can sleep. Again, I know you may be scratching your head because it's hard to believe....but we were all in bed by 10pm.....in Vegas.

Saturday is meeting day. Jay goes off for the meeting and networking. I get the kids ready and head out the door for a walk. We went to the mall and did some eye shopping. Met up with Jay, ate, walked around, hung out in the hotel room playing with the kids, bath time, and again...in the hotel room at 10pm for the night. This time we turned on the TV and watched some ESPN to get the updates of the Pacquiao fight that EVERYONE was in Vegas to watch.

(Sure I could wake up in the middle of the night or tell Jay to watch the kids sleep while I went out on the town.....but it's just not the same....going around Vegas by yourself.)

Sunday was breakfast, packing, and traveling back home. The trip home was so long because my little one decided to wiggle and squirm the whole way up. I was exhausted and cold (forgot how cold it was up here) when I landed.

Yes, I know I probably did not do what most people do in Vegas. I mean...nothing close to "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" type of behavior but it's a blessing to be together as a family. Jay works so much during the week that I have to get it where and when I can....even if it means traveling to the city of sin.....to hang out in a hotel room and go to bed earlier than if we were at home in Spokane!!!!

No complaints here!!!! Got to eat In-N-Out burgers (twice!!!!) and saw some really interesting things, people, and clothing. What a great work and family time weekend.

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the NEW 2011 Chrysler 300????

I think this is a "spy" shot of the new 2011 300 in Detroit. The Detroit News had this picture up on their website.

It is the 300 SRT8 body but the suspect they put the new 2011 front end on the SRT body for airflow testing.

Not only will the "outside" be different, but so will the true "inside." The new 300 will be on a new "LY" platform/chassis and the new more fuel-efficient Phoenix V-6 motors will power the car. It will use multi-displacement technology (where cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing are used) and save fuel, for sure.

They should be here at the end of 2010!

yy

Dear Veterans,

I grew up in the Tacoma area so I know what I am thankful for. My father was in the US Army back in the 70's. My grandfather was retired Navy and my grandmother worked at Fort Lewis as a civilian for 25 years. I also attending high school in a location that was right in between McChord AFB and Fort Lewis. Everything that I saw, felt, and remember from growing up around military makes me very appreciative today.

So, I want to thank you for all you do, day in and day out. I know it's everything from the mundane to combat. I can't imagine all that your job and duties entail. Thank you for your service not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. I am very grateful for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Yoon Yi Lee

Electric cars.....

I guess the technology is still a little ways off for Chrysler. I have a feeling that the tight cash position forced them to choose what gets done first....like a priority list. And so far, I think getting new product out as the most important goal is a good one. Chrysler needs new product to get some of the market share back. Sell cars and start some cash flow. I like their thinking.

So, the ENVI line and employees have been absorbed into the Fiat/Chrysler organization as normal product development. They will work on the electric engine for Chrysler and Fiat. I do think the former Chrysler plan to have 3 plug-ins by 2013 was quick ambitious since it's not even proven if people will like or buy these cars. But, the GOOD NEWS is that there will be various 1.4L to 2.0L engines from Fiat in Chrysler products to give us some fuel savings. They expect that about 40% of the cars sold will have these smaller, gas-sipping engines.

But, that doesn't mean they have nothing planned for alternative cars. This is from The Detroit News :

"During last week's presentation of Chrysler's five-year business and product plan, a new electric vehicle strategy emerged.

Unchanged are plans to offer a two-mode hybrid version of the Dodge Ram pickup next year.

It will be followed by a plug-in hybrid Ram and a plug-in hybrid minivan in 2011. They will be part of a test fleet of 220 hybrids for which Chrysler received a $70 million Department of Energy grant.

But the first pure electric vehicle will not be the Dodge Circuit sports car. Rather it will be a commercial van from Fiat, due in late 2011 or 2012, according to a presentation by powertrain chief Paolo Ferrero last week as part of Chrysler's five-year business and product plan."

A hybrid minivan by 2011 is very exciting!!!

yy

Some serious entertainment....

Starting next month, Chrysler will offer FLO TV to their customers. It is mobile TV that plays on your entertainment system. In the past, they offered a satellite TV package that contained Nickelodeon, Disney channel, and Cartoon Network. That makes sense since kids are usually the backseat riders. However, it's nice to have options for those not so young. So, FLO TV will offer such stations as MSNBC, FOX news, MTV, etc. There are about 20 stations offered for this live mobile TV package.

The entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

Audiovox Corp. supplies FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants. User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home. Mopar’s FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.

The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased. Until now, the challenge for mobile TV has been to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted coverage in urban environments and at highway speeds. Existing mobile TV systems in the United States either offer limited channels or require large satellite dishes on vehicle roofs – and a large price tag to match.

Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation.

_____________________________________________________________
Also, for those that cannot listen to "plain" radio anymore......

there’s something for certified pre-owned vehicle customers to enjoy: Three months of free satellite radio.

SIRIUS XM Radio and Chrysler Group LLC said today that U.S. customers will receive an introductory three-month trial subscription to the “SIRIUS Everything” package when they purchase a SIRIUS-equipped Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Certified Pre-owned Vehicles.

What’s in SIRIUS Everything? Just about everything, including 130 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment and 100% commercial-free music programming plus traffic and weather information.

Chrysler Group LLC will continue to offer SIRIUS as a factory-installed feature on most new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles sold in the United States, each with a one-year subscription of SIRIUS included.

Now you're up to date on some entertainment news...and not gossip celebrity stuff.....EVEN though it is my guilty pleasure....

yy

Phew....what a LONG day!!!

The marathon meeting by the Chrysler execs yesterday was full of information and fanfare. It was too long for anyone with a job to listen to on the web. So, there is a brief summary available of the PRODUCT changes that are coming soon......

Models On Their Way Out

• Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
• Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
• Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
• Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
• Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
• Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
• Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

• Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
• Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
• Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
• Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
• Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
• Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
• Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

• Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
• Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
• Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
• Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
• Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
• Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

We are VERY excited about all of the new product information since we were in a dessert before. So, this is all very welcomed news.

I do have to say that I listened or half-listened to most of the presentation and the one MAJOR point that I walked away with is that there is a new energy at Chrysler. It's not the same company from before and it seems like you need to get on board or you will be left behind. There is no more room for a mediocre job and there is no time to slack. I like it. Since there are days when I am at work that I would like to just hold up a sign that says..VERY BOLDLY...

JUST DO YOUR JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wouldn't the world be a better place if that happened???? If everyone just did their job faithfully and efficiently as possible??????

anyway......

The Yankees sure got the job done yesterday! How awesome.

yy

Chrysler sales aren't that bad....

There are reports all over the web today that October 2009 sales were down 30% from October 2008 for Chrysler. Sure, sales from last year a down...HOWEVER, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep is UP 6% from September 2009. Also, the Chrysler brand is UP 42% from last month. So, it's not that bad as you really think.....

AND...Spokane Chrysler is not trending the same as the whole US. Our sales have remained steady all year long. We have only our loyal customers and employees to thank. Our new car numbers are up and down each month....but, overall, on par from last year. So....don't believe the hype and the HUGE bold letters used as headline grabbers. As we all know, Spokane, WA is a different place.....very good different!

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Something interesting.....

Straight from Autoblog...I see that we might be getting a new, update, more modern Chrysler logo. I'm all for anything, something new!!!!


This isn't 100% confirmed but it does look very design forward. Also, the posting said that there was a filing at the US Patent and Trademark office. We shall see.......

It's funny how I like thing either brand-spanking, perfect condition, new or vintage. But really, it just breaks down to new or used...just like everything else in life. Bahahaha....

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Sorry.....I've just been plain blahhhhhhhhh

I haven't been blogging as much lately because nothing has been catching my attention. Political news all seems to be the same these days....health care this or that....Afghanistan this of that.....and the economy this or that.

The auto industry isn't saying anything much exciting lately either. So I guess I've been feeling a little blah. Can a person responsible for a blog be allowed to feel this way?

Sure, there is stuff going on...but nothing intriguing enough.

Yes, the World Series is going on and well, I guess the Yankees can now win before their home crowd.

I guess I'm just waiting for tomorrow when the big announcement about Chrylser/Fiat's 5 year plan comes out.

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