Wow. According to a the Detroit Free Press analysis of federal data, automakers recalled 15.2 million vehicles in 2009, a sharp jump from 8.6 million in 2008. That is almost double!
AND in an industry first, Toyota was at the top of the list with over 4.8 million cars recalled. Second was Ford with over 4.5 million cars on their recall list. No one ever likes recalls....customer, the manufacturer, the dealership, and so on. Well, maybe the parts companies do! However, that's a lot of issues to be worked out.
The full article shows the break down of manufacturers and numbers. I am happy that Chrysler was 6th on the list with under 600,000 cars recalled. Even Nissan had more cars recalled! I say that's not too bad.
yy
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
The week between Christmas and New Years...
Always busy and always a great time to buy a car. Sounds funny....I know...but it's true. My husband is working EVERYDAY and will do what it takes. Want a great deal??? GO NOW!!!!
It's predicted that car sales with SLOWLY with huge capital letters will increase next year. I always err on the side of caution so we shall see. HOWEVER, we will be getting some refreshed and new products at the end of 2010 and that gets me more than excited. I can't wait to see what the New Chrysler can do. What interior upgrades will be made? Will there be some engineering improvements? I'm so curious.....
This year has been a hard one for us.....so I can't wait for 2010 to start and I'll take the slight increase that this economy is supposed to have. From freefall as the worst economic condition since the Great Depression to holding a bit steady and maybe inching forward in 1 year???? I'll take it. No complaints.
yy
It's predicted that car sales with SLOWLY with huge capital letters will increase next year. I always err on the side of caution so we shall see. HOWEVER, we will be getting some refreshed and new products at the end of 2010 and that gets me more than excited. I can't wait to see what the New Chrysler can do. What interior upgrades will be made? Will there be some engineering improvements? I'm so curious.....
This year has been a hard one for us.....so I can't wait for 2010 to start and I'll take the slight increase that this economy is supposed to have. From freefall as the worst economic condition since the Great Depression to holding a bit steady and maybe inching forward in 1 year???? I'll take it. No complaints.
yy
the last day of 2009...PRAISE GOD!
Phew. We made it through this year of turmoil and still a growing stock market! Everyone is hoping for a better 2010 and I am one of them as well. SO I know this is the time of year that people reminisce and think back over the year. There are MANY things to be thankful for and MANY things to look forward to.....despite this year probably being one of the hardest for our industry.
Of course...there are some highlights that I think I can remember just quickly off the top of my head although I have to unload the dishwasher and fold PILES of laundry while getting ready for tonight........
I witnessed the first African-American president sworn into office. You might not like him...and I'm ok with that. But, if you are person of color, the significance of this moment might be earth-moving, mind-shattering, and just amazing. I used to teach elementary age kids in low-income areas.....I cannot put into words what I felt as I was watching this inauguration on TV. Too much to handle.
I saw Chrysler go into bankruptcy and emerge in record time. I was concerned that we would be on the chopping block and that we wouldn't make it to the "New" Chrysler. MANY dealers would talk with Jay about what they would do or if they think their dealership would be closed and so on. Hours of conversations regarding "the list" occurred even though there was noting you could to avoid "the list." When EVERYTHING you and your extended family have is tied into a business and it could be closed down and NOTHING you can do can change that really makes you prioritize what is important to you REALLY quick.
Spokane Chrysler also found a new bank to call home!!!!!!! That might not sound like a big deal to you but for us, it is almost defying all odds! Well, that is because many people across the country cannot believe that a Chrysler ONLY dealership in a "small" city called Spokane can be healthy enough to find another bank for various functions. I'm very proud of everyone who was involved in getting this done for us. It helps us be more efficient and effective. This is going to pave the way to better rates, better prices, and so on. Phew!
Our business has survived 2009 with all of the turmoil that surrounded the economy....really, the global economy. Many financial "gurus" give their 2-cents on how the government is propping us up for another downfall, the stock market/wall street is growing then main street will too, etc. and really, I only take it all with a grain of salt. Because they are not living my life with my situation. Sure you can make generalizations but right now, I know what is true and I can't hedge my bets on what might or might not happen. I can be moderate in every direction except that we have over 40 families that rely on Spokane Chrysler and we cannot be timid about that. We have to go forward by selling and servicing cars at the most competitive rates and prices possible while still paying our employees. So we will be aggressive in doing that until the cows come home...no matter what is said in the media or at the water cooler. We have a bigger responsibility than just sitting around and getting scared to do nothing.
Also, I do hope that this last officer that died in just a couple of days ago will be the last for a long time. Our law enforcement community has been battered and bruised. My prayers go out to each one and their families.
yy
Of course...there are some highlights that I think I can remember just quickly off the top of my head although I have to unload the dishwasher and fold PILES of laundry while getting ready for tonight........
I witnessed the first African-American president sworn into office. You might not like him...and I'm ok with that. But, if you are person of color, the significance of this moment might be earth-moving, mind-shattering, and just amazing. I used to teach elementary age kids in low-income areas.....I cannot put into words what I felt as I was watching this inauguration on TV. Too much to handle.
I saw Chrysler go into bankruptcy and emerge in record time. I was concerned that we would be on the chopping block and that we wouldn't make it to the "New" Chrysler. MANY dealers would talk with Jay about what they would do or if they think their dealership would be closed and so on. Hours of conversations regarding "the list" occurred even though there was noting you could to avoid "the list." When EVERYTHING you and your extended family have is tied into a business and it could be closed down and NOTHING you can do can change that really makes you prioritize what is important to you REALLY quick.
Spokane Chrysler also found a new bank to call home!!!!!!! That might not sound like a big deal to you but for us, it is almost defying all odds! Well, that is because many people across the country cannot believe that a Chrysler ONLY dealership in a "small" city called Spokane can be healthy enough to find another bank for various functions. I'm very proud of everyone who was involved in getting this done for us. It helps us be more efficient and effective. This is going to pave the way to better rates, better prices, and so on. Phew!
Our business has survived 2009 with all of the turmoil that surrounded the economy....really, the global economy. Many financial "gurus" give their 2-cents on how the government is propping us up for another downfall, the stock market/wall street is growing then main street will too, etc. and really, I only take it all with a grain of salt. Because they are not living my life with my situation. Sure you can make generalizations but right now, I know what is true and I can't hedge my bets on what might or might not happen. I can be moderate in every direction except that we have over 40 families that rely on Spokane Chrysler and we cannot be timid about that. We have to go forward by selling and servicing cars at the most competitive rates and prices possible while still paying our employees. So we will be aggressive in doing that until the cows come home...no matter what is said in the media or at the water cooler. We have a bigger responsibility than just sitting around and getting scared to do nothing.
Also, I do hope that this last officer that died in just a couple of days ago will be the last for a long time. Our law enforcement community has been battered and bruised. My prayers go out to each one and their families.
yy
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
To state the obvious
There is a industry publication (I like that word because it can mean anything.....as a part-time "blogger", I guess I could read anything that stimulates my brain and call it industry publications. My sister even uses that term because she works for Nordstroms and looks at US Weekly and other magazines to see what is current in fashion. She feels reading celebrity gossip websites is also part of her job to stay on top of current accessory trends. Funny.) called Automotive News. It is a pretty big publication and gives breaking news about other manufacturers. It's usually pretty informative and lets you know what the other guy is doing.
However, on today's website, the main, top headline was "Ford, Geely deal on Volvo points to growing clout of Chinese industry." Uhhhhh......ummmmmm.......is that a news flash??? Are you kidding me? I think anyone who reads automobile news and stuff like that could put those dots together. Let's see.....Hummer gets bought by a small Chinese company that has never made cars. Ford is talking with Geely to buy Volvo. Beijing Automotive buys Saab technology for $200 million which got them 3 platforms and 2 engines. The only thing left for the Chinese to buy is Saturn but I think they smartly passed on that.
AND, I don't think it's only cars the Chinese are investing in when it comes to the US. It's just a basic fact of life now....we are a global economy and China is a newest and biggest player.
yy
However, on today's website, the main, top headline was "Ford, Geely deal on Volvo points to growing clout of Chinese industry." Uhhhhh......ummmmmm.......is that a news flash??? Are you kidding me? I think anyone who reads automobile news and stuff like that could put those dots together. Let's see.....Hummer gets bought by a small Chinese company that has never made cars. Ford is talking with Geely to buy Volvo. Beijing Automotive buys Saab technology for $200 million which got them 3 platforms and 2 engines. The only thing left for the Chinese to buy is Saturn but I think they smartly passed on that.
AND, I don't think it's only cars the Chinese are investing in when it comes to the US. It's just a basic fact of life now....we are a global economy and China is a newest and biggest player.
yy
Electric Fiat 500?? Really?????
So, Chrysler has been getting some flack because they will not have an official press conference at the Detroit Auto Show. They said they already did a very long meeting in November when they laid out the 5 year plan and do not know what more they can say. Also, without any new production cars to present...I guess there really isn't much to talk about.
However, they are bringing some cars over from Europe to put on display. The electric version of the Fiat 500 and the Lancia Delta with a Chrysler grille will give me enough to think about and get a little excited over. Making and taking strides.....it's all about baby steps. You got to walk before you can run, right?
yy
However, they are bringing some cars over from Europe to put on display. The electric version of the Fiat 500 and the Lancia Delta with a Chrysler grille will give me enough to think about and get a little excited over. Making and taking strides.....it's all about baby steps. You got to walk before you can run, right?
yy
Monday, December 21, 2009
my funny mother
So, I am sorry that I have been a little late in posting another blog. I am in Seattle right now for the holidays and well, my mother needed me to come here and take her to a different dentist office for a 2nd opinion. That was today...and boy, was it an adventure.
She lives an hour south of Seattle and my old dentist is 25 minutes north of Seattle...so we started the day early because I knew we could trust this dentist. The situation is that my mom is a teeth grinder in her sleep. So, she is having issues with her teeth and her dentist that she's been going to for YEARS and YEARS told her that eventually, she will need to replace all her teeth (the enamel) which will be around $35,000 to $40,000. She about fell over and had a heart attack. So, she called me to take her somewhere for 2nd opinion. My dentist is our personal friend so I knew I could trust him and we journeyed up there. The internal part of 2 of her teeth is just fine...just the outside has cracked. He was concerned that food could get stuck inside the tooth and cause decay or an infection. He recommend that she get 2 crowns as soon as possible. And if she kept up with being careful and using her nightguard, etc. she should be ok. Total cost after insurance is going to be $550.
This was the exciting part......the not so exciting part was trying to teach my mom how to get back to this dentist's office and going grocery shopping with her at the Korean grocery store. I don't know how many recipes she told me I should make while in COLD Spokane. We would walk by some mushrooms and so would go off on a soliloquy about ways to prepare it and what foods could go with it and why it's neccessary to eat and why it's good for your body and so on and so on. I thought once we passed the produce section, I would be golden. WRONG. Then came various meats and seafood and why I should not eat this but I should eat this. The sauce aisle and a lecture on how bad ramen is for the body. Geez. Maybe next time I will make sure I go to the grocery without her OR if she's there, it will be after she gets her mouth all numb from the dental work.
We had lunch and played at the mall with the kids a bit and back home to rest...for me and the kids! Phew. What a busy day......just from going to the dentist!
yy
She lives an hour south of Seattle and my old dentist is 25 minutes north of Seattle...so we started the day early because I knew we could trust this dentist. The situation is that my mom is a teeth grinder in her sleep. So, she is having issues with her teeth and her dentist that she's been going to for YEARS and YEARS told her that eventually, she will need to replace all her teeth (the enamel) which will be around $35,000 to $40,000. She about fell over and had a heart attack. So, she called me to take her somewhere for 2nd opinion. My dentist is our personal friend so I knew I could trust him and we journeyed up there. The internal part of 2 of her teeth is just fine...just the outside has cracked. He was concerned that food could get stuck inside the tooth and cause decay or an infection. He recommend that she get 2 crowns as soon as possible. And if she kept up with being careful and using her nightguard, etc. she should be ok. Total cost after insurance is going to be $550.
This was the exciting part......the not so exciting part was trying to teach my mom how to get back to this dentist's office and going grocery shopping with her at the Korean grocery store. I don't know how many recipes she told me I should make while in COLD Spokane. We would walk by some mushrooms and so would go off on a soliloquy about ways to prepare it and what foods could go with it and why it's neccessary to eat and why it's good for your body and so on and so on. I thought once we passed the produce section, I would be golden. WRONG. Then came various meats and seafood and why I should not eat this but I should eat this. The sauce aisle and a lecture on how bad ramen is for the body. Geez. Maybe next time I will make sure I go to the grocery without her OR if she's there, it will be after she gets her mouth all numb from the dental work.
We had lunch and played at the mall with the kids a bit and back home to rest...for me and the kids! Phew. What a busy day......just from going to the dentist!
yy
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Some good news Michigan!!!!
Chrysler announced that they will be building the 1.4L fuel-efficient Fiat engine in Dundee, MI. That is an investment of $179M in the plant and saves and creates new jobs. Good job, Chrysler......
Getting ready for the holidays is keeping me quite busy. Writing Christmas cards and thinking of gifts for people while budgeting the finances and keeping the house going is not an easy task. I wish I had more time and more energy.....wait, maybe that is always and not just this time of year.
yy
Getting ready for the holidays is keeping me quite busy. Writing Christmas cards and thinking of gifts for people while budgeting the finances and keeping the house going is not an easy task. I wish I had more time and more energy.....wait, maybe that is always and not just this time of year.
yy
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
ohhhhh.....almost forgot....
I think I could have filmed a Jeep commercial this morning. With a fresh 5-6 inches of powdery white snow everywhere, I had to take my son to school this morning. The Jeep Commander that my husband is driving right now was AMAZING. Not one time did I feel like I was in danger or that my car wasn't doing what I was asking it to do. I could have gushed on and on about the Jeep. You should come test drive one...in the show...you'll be convinced like I am that it's a great SUV in the snow!
yy
This time of year......
This is the ONLY time of year when I see my neighbors and actually nod or wave to them. For some reason, the neighbors in my neighborhood are very busy people and people go to work and come home and never come out. Baha. Well, that's just how it seems. BUT with 5-6 inches of snow on the ground this morning...I actually waved to 2 neighbors as we were all shoveling or plowing our driveways. I have no idea why but we do not have a snow removing machine. My legs, back, and arms would appreciate one but I guess it gets me going in the morning and gives me some exercise. And really, my driveway is not too big. I just like to whine about it.
Also, my modem is FINALLY working. I have found that it is quite essential to my "part-time" blogging job. I have been going insane because it's been on the fritz since last week. It will kick us out and then be back on and you just never know. I know I need to get a new modem, but really, this is not the time of year to get one. Maybe after the holidays?????
And, I think this time of year brings out the good in people. We have a customer who bought a Lexus from us and we had to get her some things like an extra key, etc. and we have been running into some issues. It has been one thing after another that isn't our fault but there are no excuses in this business. We have to keep the customer happy...no matter what. What are simple things have turned into lengthy situations and she has been SO patient. I can't even express how thankful I am because "I really appreciate your understanding" does come close. However, I do believe in the saying "You reap what you sow" so I'm sure she will have good things come her way.
yy
Also, my modem is FINALLY working. I have found that it is quite essential to my "part-time" blogging job. I have been going insane because it's been on the fritz since last week. It will kick us out and then be back on and you just never know. I know I need to get a new modem, but really, this is not the time of year to get one. Maybe after the holidays?????
And, I think this time of year brings out the good in people. We have a customer who bought a Lexus from us and we had to get her some things like an extra key, etc. and we have been running into some issues. It has been one thing after another that isn't our fault but there are no excuses in this business. We have to keep the customer happy...no matter what. What are simple things have turned into lengthy situations and she has been SO patient. I can't even express how thankful I am because "I really appreciate your understanding" does come close. However, I do believe in the saying "You reap what you sow" so I'm sure she will have good things come her way.
yy
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A tough holiday season for Tiger
I know, I know...many of you are thinking that there is no need for Tiger Woods on my blog. I agree. Infidelity is hard on any marriage and for it to be so public. I can't even imagine what it's like for the couple. However, this is about the Escalade that Tiger was driving. I guess it is actually owned by GM. Even though Tiger's contract with Buick ended, he was given some cars to drive around and one of them ended up wrapped up around a tree after hitting a fire hydrant. It is going back to GM and they will fix it up....and who knows...end up at the local auction. I bet it would go for big bucks on Ebay....as sad as that is.
Speaking of auctions, the 2 major auction companies, Manheim and ADESA, said that November used-car prices held steady from October. Why is that a big deal? Well, because they are up almost 10% from last November and prices have finally leveled off. That's good news for buyers and sellers!!!
yy
Speaking of auctions, the 2 major auction companies, Manheim and ADESA, said that November used-car prices held steady from October. Why is that a big deal? Well, because they are up almost 10% from last November and prices have finally leveled off. That's good news for buyers and sellers!!!
yy
Monday, December 7, 2009
Remote Starters? We got em!!
Baby, it's cold outside. That little tune is running through my head....TRYING to stay positive as it reads 14 degrees as the high today in Spokane.
I wish my car had this feature....REMOTE START. I have driven cars with the option and I am wishing I had it on my current vehicle in this weather. You push the button and the car starts. Not ONLY does it turn on, but it will turn the heat to high and blast hot air it when it's nice and ready. Couldn't have thought of a better feature to have this morning while I was getting in to my cold, freezing car.
Now, in Spokane, it is illegal to start you car and leave it running in your driveway or the street without someone being in the car. THIS IS ONLY IF THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION! The remote start does not use the key in the traditional sense so it's ok to have your car running in your driveway to get it all nice and warm by the time you get to it.
Unlike other aftermarket offerings, Mopar’s Remote Start system utilizes proven, quality-tested factory components and is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle without any splicing or cutting of existing wires. In addition, Mopar integrates and combines the function into one key fob, eliminating the need for excess fobs. Remote Start is fully covered under the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, whichever is most advantageous to the customer.
What a perfect holiday gift for someone who has "everything" or for someone who hates getting in a cold car.
WAIT!!! EVEN BETTER....I just thought of something! This gift isn't JUST for the winter. You can set the remote start to COOL your car as well. Right now, you will have it set to the highest temperature for heat but in the summer, you can get it to blast the coldest temperature. You get year-round benefits from this gift.....
Wait...I think I just sold myself on this. Better schedule an appointment.
(ALSO, if you mention this post and that you read about it on the blog, tell them that Yoon Yi is giving 10% off parts AND labor. Happy Holidays!!!)
yy
I wish my car had this feature....REMOTE START. I have driven cars with the option and I am wishing I had it on my current vehicle in this weather. You push the button and the car starts. Not ONLY does it turn on, but it will turn the heat to high and blast hot air it when it's nice and ready. Couldn't have thought of a better feature to have this morning while I was getting in to my cold, freezing car.
Now, in Spokane, it is illegal to start you car and leave it running in your driveway or the street without someone being in the car. THIS IS ONLY IF THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION! The remote start does not use the key in the traditional sense so it's ok to have your car running in your driveway to get it all nice and warm by the time you get to it.
Unlike other aftermarket offerings, Mopar’s Remote Start system utilizes proven, quality-tested factory components and is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle without any splicing or cutting of existing wires. In addition, Mopar integrates and combines the function into one key fob, eliminating the need for excess fobs. Remote Start is fully covered under the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, whichever is most advantageous to the customer.
What a perfect holiday gift for someone who has "everything" or for someone who hates getting in a cold car.
WAIT!!! EVEN BETTER....I just thought of something! This gift isn't JUST for the winter. You can set the remote start to COOL your car as well. Right now, you will have it set to the highest temperature for heat but in the summer, you can get it to blast the coldest temperature. You get year-round benefits from this gift.....
Wait...I think I just sold myself on this. Better schedule an appointment.
(ALSO, if you mention this post and that you read about it on the blog, tell them that Yoon Yi is giving 10% off parts AND labor. Happy Holidays!!!)
yy
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I'm stunned, Chrysler.
It's not always that an American company (especially one that is fresh out of bankruptcy and still trying to get a solid foothold) will mix politics with their advertising. Usually, they will mix the ideas of good times, happy feelings, family warmth, humor, etc. to get you to associate their product with a rosy feeling. However, this is bold and I applaud you Chrysler! Am I a huge proponent of Burma? Um..not particularly since I am not even 100% aware of the situation. But I am for freedom and equal rights around the world and I'm proud of Chrysler for doing something different.
The commercial showing a Chrysler 300 and a message about freedom and peace is on the Chrysler website right now. WWW.CHRYSLER.COM.
yy
The commercial showing a Chrysler 300 and a message about freedom and peace is on the Chrysler website right now. WWW.CHRYSLER.COM.
yy
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thank you US Government....
I went to get my kids the H1N1 vaccine yesterday through the Spokane Regional Health District. I had my appointment and showed up with the other masses....even though I had thoughts that maybe we don't need it anymore because the "swine" flu isn't as bad as everyone thought it would be. HOWEVER, I stopped myself from going down that path of thinking...because what if there were no H1N1 shots made available and if people weren't getting their shots....maybe there would be a flu pandemic. Maybe the vaccines are working....now that's a thought!!!
So, I stood in line and got my paperwork. Then I stood in another line while filling out the paperwork (with 2 kids and no stroller....I thought I was doing well!!!) and within seconds of turning it in...the kids were called for their visit. VERY impressive. Shot 1 goes ok...so does shot 2. We're on a roll.....
I'm leaving to the "check-out" area where they look over the paperwork...and I'm getting out my wallet. And to my UTTER surprise.....THE SHOTS WERE FREE!!!!!! Can you believe that???? In this time and day where people pay more for bottle water than pop or beer......THE SHOTS WERE FREE!!! I stood in disbelief. What other country in the world would give free flu shots??? (Oh, well, besides the ones with standardized health care.....wah wah.)
This is truly an amazing country we live in. And I know some of you would blame Obama for this as well...running up debt while giving out free flu shots.....but on this one, I'm behind him 100%. I can disagree with him on other stuff.
yy
So, I stood in line and got my paperwork. Then I stood in another line while filling out the paperwork (with 2 kids and no stroller....I thought I was doing well!!!) and within seconds of turning it in...the kids were called for their visit. VERY impressive. Shot 1 goes ok...so does shot 2. We're on a roll.....
I'm leaving to the "check-out" area where they look over the paperwork...and I'm getting out my wallet. And to my UTTER surprise.....THE SHOTS WERE FREE!!!!!! Can you believe that???? In this time and day where people pay more for bottle water than pop or beer......THE SHOTS WERE FREE!!! I stood in disbelief. What other country in the world would give free flu shots??? (Oh, well, besides the ones with standardized health care.....wah wah.)
This is truly an amazing country we live in. And I know some of you would blame Obama for this as well...running up debt while giving out free flu shots.....but on this one, I'm behind him 100%. I can disagree with him on other stuff.
yy
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