Jay's Corner (but Yoon Yi's for now)

Weather switch and a big election

2010-01-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

So, we had a beautiful Spring-like day yesterday with 50 degrees and light winds while Southern CA is getting pounded with rain and high winds. Power was lost and flash flooding caused access roads to cut off communities. 3 back to back storms are to hit the area this week with up to 20 inches of rain. That is unbelievable. And if you've ever been to LA while it's raining...you know that the dry ground and made for sunny weather infrastructure does not do well with the wet stuff. Traffic comes to a stop and major streets get flooded quickly. I hope all of my friends down there stay safe!!!

So, today is the big election in Massachusetts. I guess we will see if the Dems keep their majority in the Senate or not. I have voted for both sides in the past and really, I just want people who will not just simply vote along party lines but really try to do what is best for the people they represent. I guess it's just a pipe dream of mine.

We shall see what will happen in a couple of hours!

And just because it's a beautiful car....

The personal 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda of the Beach Boy singer Al Jardine will be on auction block next week at the Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Simply gorgeous.

Haiti 2010

2010-01-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Oh my dear God Almighty......

When I see the pictures on the news regarding Haiti....I can't but cry my eyes out. It's already a very poor country and then to see such tragedy and devastation. On NBC last night, they said 9 million people live there with about 2 million in Port au Prince, the capitol city where the earthquake hit. 4 out of 5 people live in poverty there.

So......I know times are tough but nothing can be worse than having no water in 90 degree heat or a child alone in the streets because he/she does not know where their mom or dad is. That breaks my heart into a billion pieces.

There are many ways to donate....please choose your favorite. Even if it's only $2 or $5 or even $10!!! I'm sure every last dollar can be used for relief. Here is a brief list from MSNBC.com. Click HERE to see the article and the websites of each of these agencies.

Action Against Hunger, 877-777-1420
Agape Flights, 941-584-8078
American Red Cross, 800-733-2767
American Refugee Committee, 800-875-7060
American Jewish World Service, 212-792-2900
AmeriCares, 800-486-4357
Beyond Borders, 866-424-8403
CARE, 800-521-2273
CarmaFoundation
Catholic Relief Services, 800-736-3467
Childcare Worldwide, 800-553-2328
Church World Services, 800-297-1516
Concern Worldwide, 212-557-8000
Cross International, 800-391-8545
CRUDEM Foundation, 413-642-0450
Direct Relief International, 805-964-4767
Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392
Episcopal Relief and Development, 800-334-7626
Feed My Starving Children, 763-504-2919
Food for the Poor, 800-427-9104
Friends of WFP, 866-929-1694
Friends of the Orphans, 312-386-7499
Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-422-4828
Haiti Children, 877-424-8454
Haiti Foundation Against Poverty
Haiti Marycare, 203-675-4770
Haitian Health Foundation, 860-886-4357
Healing Hands for Haiti, 651-769-5846
Hope for Haiti, 239-434-7183
International Child Care, 800-722-4453
International Medical Corps, 800-481-4462
International Rescue Committee, 877-733-8433
International Relief Teams, 619-284-7979
Lutheran World Relief, 800-597-5972
Medical Teams International, 800-959-4325
Meds and Food for Kids, 314-420-1634
Mennonite Central Committee, 888-563-4676
Mercy Corps, 888-256-1900
Operation Blessing, 800-730-2537
Operation USA, 800-678-7255
Oxfam, 800-776-9326
Partners in Health, 617-432-5298
RHEMA International, 248-652-9894
Rural Haiti Project, 347-405-5552
The Salvation Army, 800-725-2769
Samaritan's Purse, 828-262-1980
Save the Children, 800-728-3843
UN Central Emergency Response Fund
UNICEF, 800-367-5437
World Concern, 800-755-5022
World Hope International, 888-466-4673
World Relief, 800-535-5433
World Vision, 888-511-6548
Yele Haiti, 212-352-0552
Wyclef Jean's grassroots org
Text Yele to 501 501 to donate $5 via your cellphone

For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

yy

Chrysler 300 S6 and S8

2010-01-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Ok...so the name is a little bit Audi.......but besides that, the new special edition 300 looks sharp.

The grille is blacked out, the doors are brought in a little with no line or badging on the side, the highlight bezels are darker, and the mirrors are body-colored. The interior features a "300 S" logo in the seat that is leather and suede and there are some carbon-fiber weave as accents. Of course, the S6 is a V-6 engine and the S8 is the HEMI V-8.

A slight visual difference than the regular, plain-Jane 300 but enough to turn heads....once again.

yy

They look pretty sharp!!!!

2010-01-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Fiat 500 BEV (battery electric vehicle) and the Fiat 500 Abarth SS landed in Detroit and they look pretty nice. Of course, I am not in the position to fly to Motown for the North American International Auto Show, so these pictures on autoblog.com will have to do. sigh.

I honestly can't wait to drive one. I wonder if 2 car seats can fit in the back. Well, they probably can. I guess the bigger question is if a stroller will fit back there with the 2 car seats. I doubt it. Drat. That means Costco trips will have to be in a different car.

Here is the article with a gallery of pictures!

yy

Save Saab!!!

2010-01-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

That is what the signs said in Detroit today as supporters of GM selling the brand came to picket. Or protest. Or encourage, I suppose.

I know that the government helping out 2 car companies wasn't the most popular move. Maybe a part of that is showing in Ford's December 2009's numbers as they increased sales more than 30% from December 2008.

However, I see Chrysler really trying to make some changes. We were in the worst shape post-bankruptcy because it now seems that the previous owner Cerberus had NOTHING in the works as far as future product besides some electric cars. Fiat is trying to fill in the holes and new product will be here for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep by year's end.

GM on the other hand....I hope they are not reverting back to their pre-bankruptcy ways. First, the went back on their sale of Opel. I know that global sales are imperative and GM is doing phenomenal in China so that is a plus for them. And maybe they don't want to sell Opel because it generates cash, but isn't that a way to make GM a stronger company by focusing on their #1 goal of being profitable in the US. If GM is profitable in China and Europe (with Opel) and doing terrible in the US, then GM will not be as profitable as they could be. That's how I see it. Can they do a good job in the US and run Opel? Well, they couldn't before...but now they can?

And then they can't sell off Saab and now have decided to wind it down at the end of 2009. But then the date was pushed back and now I guess the offer isn't good enough? But make a decision here!!! Jobs in Sweden, jobs in the US, dealers, etc. are all in limbo. And then I read that there are orders for some Saabs so they might start production again. What???!!!! HUH???!!!! Does that make sense?

I understand that I do not know all the ins and outs of GM. I don't know what Opel brings to their bottom line and I don't know why the would want to build more Saabs if they are thinking about shutting down the line. However, it seems like these 2 situations makes me think that GM thinks it's doing ok now...everything is ok. If they want to beat Toyota again, then I think they need to focus on building and selling cars here in the US. Get rid of what is bringing you down quickly and stop lingering. I feel like it wastes more money than if they were to just make a decision.

Am I bashing GM? Maybe a little bit but I think this kind of corporate decision making is what makes people upset when they hear about the CEO's flying around in private jets and having lavish parties while asking the government to bail them out.

Is Chrysler perfect? No way. There have been mistakes made here too. But at least I feel no one is dragging their feet in a decision. It's more like we can't wait for the fruit from the decisions that have been swiftly made.........and we just hope they were the right ones.

yy

Detroit Auto Show...would LOVE to go....

2010-01-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

There is ALWAYS a lot of buzz before an auto show begins.....and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is NO exception. Well, with a name like that, how can it not be!!??

So, in a week, the doors will open to the public to some ohhhh and ahhhhh over new models and concept cars. I wish I could go to something where there are cool new things to look at...and not just the current model year cars for sale around town. This year...right next to the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep display will be Ferrari and Maserati. That's right!!! Maybe a Dodge Caliber and a Chrysler Sebring will be next to a Ferrari Spyder or something.

That would be very interesting to try and set-up a proper display of these car brands.

Big thumbs up from me.

yy

Happy 2010!!!!!!!!

2010-01-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's just one day difference from yesterday but farewell, 2009...and

HELLO 2010!!!!!

We're getting new product this year and we're chomping at the bit to get it RIGHT NOW. However, we will be patient and build our business by going back to the basics and putting the customer first.

If we take care of the customer, they will take care of us. That is MOSTLY true. Of course, there are some customers that will always just be a bit grumpy. I sometimes want to tell this people that you catch more bees with honey...but I'm afraid they wouldn't get it.

We have some customers that we LOVE dearly and we would do just about anything for. Why? Well, because they are friendly, fair, and they trust us. And you might think that trusting a car dealership is a bad idea....HOWEVER, you actually get the whole dealership behind you and owners willing to do what it takes to make you happy. We trust you because you trust us and we would never do anything to take advantage of that relationship. Why would you when you know that repeat and referral business is necessary for sustainability? What do we do extra for these customers? Anything within reason.

The others that come in with their guard up and assume the worst of us? It's rocky as it starts and never gets "happy" even though we ask them what we can do to make them happy. We have a customer that doesn't think he should have to make an appointment in our service department for an oil change. Ok...sure just drive in and tell us you want an oil change. But then if there is a wait or people ahead of him???? I bet you money that he would be upset that he had to wait or that it took longer that it should. He also feels a technician should be right available at the scheduled time if he has to make a schedule. He's obviously has never worked in a service department before. We have asked him what we can do to make him happy.....but when the only thing is NOT to take appointments in our service department. What can we do??? I wish we could read his mind so we could just telepathically know when he was going to bring his car in and be ready for him.

There are also MANY people who do not want their credit pulled but would like to know what interest rate they would qualify for. Uh....um....well....you kind of need to know the credit score of the customer to quote an accurate rate and term for the loan. That is NOT something our dealership requires but the banks. Yes, call it crazy, but they want to know how good your credit is BEFORE they give you a rate. Funny, isn't it?

I appreciate all of our customers....but we have some that we have built relationships with that make our job fun. I hope to build more of those relationships in 2010.

Happy New Year!

yy

Year of Safety Recalls!

2009-12-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

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

The week between Christmas and New Years...

2009-12-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

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

the last day of 2009...PRAISE GOD!

2009-12-28T21:56:00.001-08:00

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

To state the obvious

2009-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

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

Electric Fiat 500?? Really?????

2009-12-23T00:41:00.000-08:00

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

my funny mother

2009-12-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

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

Some good news Michigan!!!!

2009-12-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

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

ohhhhh.....almost forgot....

2009-12-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

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......

2009-12-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

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

A tough holiday season for Tiger

2009-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

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

Remote Starters? We got em!!

2009-12-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

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'm stunned, Chrysler.

2009-12-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

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

Thank you US Government....

2009-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

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

To the Lakewood and surrounding community:

2009-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

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.....

2009-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

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....

yy

Just in the time for the holidays....

2009-11-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

yy

Safety First....

2009-11-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

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.”

yy

Just a little bit of good news for Spokane Co.

2009-11-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-16T17:04:00.000-08:00

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.

yy

the NEW 2011 Chrysler 300????

2009-11-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

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,

2009-11-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

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.....

2009-11-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Some serious entertainment....

2009-11-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

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!

yy

Something interesting.....

2009-11-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

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....

yy

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

2009-11-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

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.

yy

Love it......

2009-10-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

This posting on Autoblog.com was surprising. They usually stay away from politics so it intrigued me. Everything is always so much greener on the other side. However, I'm glad the government wants out of being the unwilling investor to this poorly run companies. Should they have just gone under? Maybe. Did the government do the right thing? I sure hope so. But, it is what it is. We can only go forward from here. I say....Let's make the best of it!!!!

Read the article HERE. Former President Bush asks Obama to exit the car business. Uh...I think he put the $$ down the first time around.

yy

Holy Gasoline!!!!

2009-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

On msnbc.com today, an article about gas prices going up at the pump said that American motorists spend $1 Billion (YES, with a B!!) a day on gasoline.

"Right now, American motorists are spending about $1 billion a day for gasoline. By the end of the year, they will collectively pay about $250 million more per day for gasoline than they did a year ago, according to Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service."

Can you believe that??? This year refineries are pulling back because the demand for gasoline is still weak yet the price of the crude oil they buy is going up quickly. So, they will refine less gas which means what is out there will cost more to us. Not so lovely.

But in cities like Spokane, what are the options? You can't buy a gas-sipping car for the work week and then have a truck/SUV that can pull a boat/camper/jet ski in the summer. I guess we will all have to cut back again...just in time for the holiday. ughhhh!!!!!!!

yy

Soldier's stolen car

2009-10-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I know many of you already saw this story on the local news but it never hurts to get it out there so more people can see it.

A soldier from Spokane is serving in Afghanistan and bought a car while he was on leave. He's back over there serving and his car was stolen from the garage. His mother has yet to tell him what has happened to his car.

If you have seen this 2003 Toyota Supra (with a Superman "S" on the hood), please call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 or online here. Thank you.
yy

My friend's baby, Ally

2009-10-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

We heard a couple of weeks ago about our friend's baby, Ally. She's 9 months old and was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It's rare and it USUALLY only attacks one kidney but she has it in both. One kidney has a tumor right in the middle so it is inoperable. They probably need to take that kidney out but since she's so little, they are trying to hold off as long as possible. The other kidney has a tumor on the top so they have hope to operate on that one. She is just finishing up on intensive chemo right now.

The family has no insurance...not that if they did, it would cover all of the costs but this family needs your well-thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.

The Lee Family

Go Yankees!!!!

2009-10-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Jay was born in Queens, NY....so he's been a lifelong Yankees fan. I never really thought anything bad or good of them.....even though, for awhile, I think the Mariner's were the farm team for the Yanks. I do like Derek Jeter but that wasn't enough to make me a fan. And then comes Alex Rodriguez. Say what you will...I know, I know. I know ALL about him. Supposedly used steroids while in Texas, accused of being a HUGE womanizer, never really lived up to his potential in the post-season (until this year), and so on and so on. I KNOW ALL ABOUT THE NEGATIVES....

But, I still like the guy. Yes, he's cute. He's a darn good baseball player. Should he get paid what he does? No way...but that's the fault of the guy who agreed to pay him that kind of money. So, I am a huge Yankees fan as well.

I will add though, to balance things out since some of you are rolling your eyes and probably think very negative things about me now, that Jay's favorite guy is Mariano Rivera. He is a stud. He'll be 40 in November and he can still pitch lights out! We met him about 7 years ago while shopping downtown in Seattle. He was also doing some shopping before his night game against the M's and Jay about passed out. He grabs a cardboard box cover and asked Rivera to sign it. "To Jay, Mariano Rivera" Jay didn't stop smiling the whole day.

So, GO YANKEES!!!! We're cheering hard for them. Also, the Dodgers...since a World Series with the Yankees vs. Dodgers and their former coach is awesome.

yy

Way to go Spokesman!

2009-10-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

In the Features section, there is a story (click to read) today about the new black Barbie with more "accurate" black features on the Barbie doll. It is an interesting story that I'm sure only relates to a few people so I'm glad the Spokesman ran it. Many of you would think..."WHO CARES...IT'S A BARBIE!!!" and many would think that you didn't have a doll that looked exactly like you and you're fine so what's the big deal. Well, I agree in many ways but I also agree that there should be options out there if people are going to be spending their hard earned dollar.

I guess I relate because I am Asian...and well, there aren't many Asian Barbie dolls or baby dolls out there that look like me or even close to me.
I do not look like Kai-Lan from Nickelodeon.

I do not look like Mulan from Disney.

And, American Dolls tried with Ivy Ling, but she looks like a regular doll with the blunt bangs/long bob hair cut to try and look Asian.

I do not look like this either. Well, unless you squint.

So, as you can see, my options are even more limited than African-American dolls. And I'm sure that not every Hispanic looks like Dora. So, what does my daughter have? A plain old regular baby with no hair and blue eyes. Could this be one reason why I prayed for blue eyes and blond hair EVERYDAY when I was in Kindergarten???? Oh, who knows....but I'm glad Barbie is moving along in the ethnic spectrum.

yy

FINALLY...a cool Chrysler 300 commercial

2009-10-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

This actually shows the gorgeous and sexy looks of the Chrysler 300.

Huge vote of confidence for Marchionne

2009-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visited all three Detroit automakers yesterday and today and said that Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne is “the next generation of Lee Iacocca.” I guess he was impressed by what he saw and the attitude and energy of the people behind Marchionne. This is what Chrysler needed. LaHood said “It's a new level of energy and enthusiasm because there's new leadership of people that know what they're doing, of people that have been successful in the automobile manufacturing business.”

I can't wait for the 5 year plan to be unveiled in November.

yy

PT Cruiser love....the Mopar way

2009-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

If you love your PT (and I know many of you do), then there are some more ways to add to your love. Some Mopar accessories will do just the trick. Some of the items are specific like bike racks and roof-mounted cargo holders for camping, skiing, and maybe some HUGE Costco trips, but others are just plain smart like a module to play your Ipod or UConnect to be hands-free while you talk on the phone. Here is a great list of items to think about:

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 7, 2009 - With its industry-leading quality and iconic heritage-style design, Chrysler PT Cruiser is in a segment of its own—and with authentic Mopar® accessories, customers can take PT Cruiser’s versatility and individuality to the next level.

“With its iconic styling and versatile interior, we have sold more than 1.3 million Chrysler PT Cruisers worldwide,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “At Mopar, we can further enhance Chrysler PT Cruiser with more than 50 factory-designed and quality-tested accessories.”

With the arrival of the new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic, Mopar is offering customers a catalog of accessories that will make their PT Cruiser one-in-a-million.

Following are Mopar’s most popular accessories to customize, individualize and maximize Chrysler PT Cruiser:

1. Chromed Wheels: With Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic’s chrome-accented grille, door handles and body-side accents, these 16-inch wheels complete the vehicle’s chromed-out appearance. Designed to the PT Cruiser’s exact specifications, Mopar’s chromed wheels feature a five-spoke design and are crafted to provide a long-lasting shine. MSRP: $295.00 each

2. Roof-mounted Water Sports Carrier: Cruising to the lake for some soaked-filled fun in your Chrysler PT Cruiser just got better now that the kayak or sailboard can come along. Mopar’s water sports carrier features easy push-button strap attachments for quick dismount at the beach. This roof-mounted carrier requires Mopar Sport-utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-mounted Water Sports Carrier: $120.00
* Sport-utility Bars: $222.00

3. Roof-mounted Bike Carriers: Mopar’s bike carrier accommodates virtually all types of modern bike designs and is available in two designs: the fork-mounted design carries one bike securely by the front fork and rear wheel, while the upright-mounted design holds one bike locked by the frame with both wheels secured. Both roof-mounted carriers feature extra-large rubber inserts to protect bike surfaces and mount to Mopar Sport-utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-mounted Bike Carrier, Fork-mounted: $172.00
* Roof-mounted Bike Carrier, Upright-mounted: $223.00
* Sport-utility Bars: $222.00

4. Roof-top Cargo Carrier: The roof-top cargo carrier offers 12 cu. ft. of additional space for luggage and other items. Built from weatherproof black nylon, Mopar’s roof-top cargo carrier is designed to be tough, with its four tie-down adjustable straps, covered zipper openings and sealed seams. This roof-mounted carrier requires Mopar Sport-utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-top Cargo Carrier: $233.00
* Sport-utility Bars: $222.00

5. Roof-mounted Ski and Snowboard Carrier: For fun on the slopes, Mopar’s roof-mounted ski and snowboard carrier carries up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, or a combination of the two. Built from anodized aluminum, Mopar’s ski and snowboard carrier also features corrosion-resistant lock covers and a driver- and passenger-side opening for easy loading and unloading. This roof-mounted carrier requires Mopar Sport-utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-mounted Ski and Snowboard Carrier: $150.00
* Sport-utility Bars: $222.00

6. Hitch Receiver: Maximizing Chrysler PT Cruiser’s versatility and hauling capability is a hitch receiver capable of 1,000-lbs. of towing capability. In addition to hauling small trailers, it also accommodates the easy-to-use Mopar hitch-mounted bike carrier with carrying capacity for up to two bikes. MSRP:

* Hitch Receiver: $252.00
* Hitch-mounted Two-bike Carrier: $243.00

7. Uconnect Web: Mopar’s Uconnect Web system keeps passengers connected between destinations with high-speed WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the Chrysler PT Cruiser into a mobile “hot spot” and provides instant access to websites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums and more. MSRP: $499.00

8. Uconnect Phone: Promoting safety, freedom and hands-free flexibility, this voice-controlled wireless communication system allows operation between mobile phones and Chrysler PT Cruiser’s onboard receiver. MSRP: $282.00

9. Interface Module for iPod: Using an occupant’s iPod loaded with favorite tunes, this interface allows playback through Chrysler PT Cruiser’s audio system. iPod music file navigation is controlled through the iPod’s controls. MSRP: $113.00

10. Chromed Fuel-filler Door: Adding extra character to the iconic PT Cruiser design, the chromed fuel-filler door adds extra flare and style. Designed with six-rivet accents and crated to PT Cruiser’s unique body lines, the chromed fuel-filler door is a great upgrade from the standard body-color door. MSRP: $88.50

11. Chromed Exhaust Tip: Complementing the rear-end design of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the chromed exhaust tip adds a touch of sophistication. The chromed tip is rigorously tested to withstand corrosion for a long-lasting shine. MSRP: $65.15

12. Premium Carpet Floor Mats: With Chrysler PT Cruiser’s heritage-inspired interior design and versatile cargo space, Mopar’s premium floor mats help protect the vehicle’s carpet while delivering an upscale look and feel. This best-selling Mopar accessory includes four mats constructed with plush 24-oz. color-matched carpet, an embroidered Chrysler winged badge and binding available in four accented colors: Brilliant Black, Inferno Red, Bright Silver and Stone White. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $77.60

About 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic
The new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic combines the iconic heritage-styled design, efficient passenger cabin space, fuel-efficient four-cylinder powertrain and industry-leading quality in a new model loaded with legendary value. In commemorating nearly a decade of the PT “Personal Transportation” Cruiser’s timeless design, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic embodies the romance of American automotive heritage, styling, versatility and convenience features that made Chrysler PT Cruiser an instant hit.

High quality, craftsmanship, performance and functionality continue to give the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines and third-party studies have recommended Chrysler PT Cruiser for its high levels of quality and refinement. In fact, the PT Cruiser tied for first place in J.D. Power’s 2009 Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic is $18,275 (including $720 destination)

Mopar Brand
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered by the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960’s – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Press release via Chrysler/Mopar

Prices are subject to change. Could be less....could be more. Whatever the listed price is when you come in, I'll give you 10% off if you mention this blog!

Speculate away........

2009-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

Since the CEO of Fiat took over Chrysler, there have been some major changes. One big one was that each brand, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep had a boss that oversaw that one brand. A couple of weeks ago, the Chrysler and Dodge heads stepped down and 2 European gentlemen took their spots. The Chrysler brand is now being lead by the head of the Lancia brand. That brand is mostly overseas and so they can share cars with Chrysler and it wouldn't be that big of a deal. So, with that said, there is (pure) speculation that the Lanca Delta might come to the US as a Chrysler. Fine with me....just get us some NEW product.

Click HERE for the whole blog from Autoblog.com.

I could see this car as a Chrysler with the signature Chrysler grille instead. Bring it!

yy

Going, Going.....SOLD to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery

2009-10-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Wow..that's a mouthful. So, the deal to sell Hummer to the Chinese company is approved for about $150million. I guess if Twitter is worth $1billion...then this seems like a bargain.

I hope this is a new lifeline for Hummer dealers out there. We'll have to see what kind of product comes out in the future.

yy

Just use a zip-tie! duh.....

2009-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

Of course......I don't know why anyone didn't think of it sooner. All of the engineers at Toyota and Lexus could have saved A LOT of time if they would have just asked me. If they would have consulted me on how to fix their "floor mat that can get the accelerator stuck" safety problem....I would have first suggested using a hot glue gun. I think hot glue is awesome. They I would have suggested a bungee cord.....and probably in the same breath, using a zip-tie. I would have probably charged a lot less than what Toyota has spent on trying to solve this issue.

BECAUSE...apparently, Toyota is just using a plastic zip-tie to secure the floor mat to the seat rails. This is the fix for the 3.8 millions cars that are being recalled. At least there is a fix and it won't cost Toyota too much since that is a lot of cars. I think I've seen a pack of 12 zip-ties at Wal-Mart for under $2. Good news for Toyota since I bet they can get a price cheaper than Wal-Mart....well, at least I hope they can.

However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin is now investing 2000-2001 Toyota Tundras for rush damage on the frame. That might be a little more of a costly fix IF it's recalled. We shall see.....

yy

Tire test.....

2009-10-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sounds like something you would tell your kids to try and say 10 times fast.....twisted tongue, for sure.

BUT, Consumer Reports did their annual tire test with 69 brands. These tests range from dry and wet braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ice braking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and tread life. I guess it's pretty extensive.

The top honors in all 4 categories went to Michelin. The Michelin HydroEdge was the top model among S- and T-rated all-season tires, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 scored top marks for H-rated tires and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S won in the V-rated all-season radial category. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped CR's ratings for winter tires for passenger cars. On the most part, they are a bit more pricey but there were some moderate priced tires that did well too like Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2, Dunlop Signature in the all season and H and V speed rated all season categories.

But again.....I think tires, in general, you get what you pay for. (Of course, only my opinion.)

yy

Good morning Friday and rain.....

2009-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

What a weather change out here.........................

So, silver has been the most popular car color for the past 9 years...and it's actually gaining numbers so that now, 1 out of 4 cars are silver. Wow. That's a lot of silver!!!!!

I usually brows through websites and blogs to see what I can write about and came across this post about the Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Caravan. I usually summarize it and comment but this one had so much information on it, that I thought I would just put it up here.
There is a lot of good ideas and maybe wish list items. For example, the talk about running boards for kids to get into the car easier. I LOVE running boards...for me, for my kids, for the back of my pant leg that ALWAYS gets dirty/muddy if I don't get out of the car "oh so carefully". And the slush floor mats...I have a pair that I take with me into every car I drive. I can't imagine how many carpeted floor mats have been saved by the rubber ones laid on top. Below is a good list to go through......

We can always help you with any of these needs...I'll even give you 10% off if you mention this blog!!!!! Hee Hee.

yy

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep, 2009 - With the arrival of the new school year, Mopar is offering Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan customers a slew of accessories that will move them to the head of the class.

“Since inventing the minivan more than 25 years ago, Chrysler and Dodge have created more than 65 innovations in the minivan segment,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “At Mopar, we can further maximize our minivans with proven, quality-tested technology and hardware.”

Following are Mopar’s Top 12 school supplies for Chrysler and Dodge minivans:

1. Interface Module for iPod: You can’t play your iPod in class, but you can play it loud in your minivan. Using an occupant’s iPod loaded with favorite tunes, this interface allows playback through the minivan’s audio system. iPod music file navigation is controlled through the iPod’s controls. MSRP: $113

2. Roof-mounted Bike Carriers: Instead of leaving a bicycle behind when weather is unpredictable, Mopar’s bike carrier accommodates virtually all types of modern bike designs. Mopar roof-mounted bike carriers are available in two designs: the fork-mounted design carries one bike securely by the front fork and rear wheel, while the upright-mounted design holds one bike locked by the frame with both wheels secured. Both roof-mounted carriers feature extra-large rubber inserts to protect bike surfaces and mount to Mopar Sport Utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-mounted Bike Carrier, Fork-mounted $172
* Roof-mounted Bike Carrier, Upright-mounted $223
* Sport Utility Bars $238

3. Molded Running Boards: Best-selling Mopar accessory for minivans — molded running boards provide easy in-and-out access for younger children, while offering a step-height skid-resistant surface for easier access to the Mopar Roof-mounted Bike Carrier. Available as a factory-installed option or an installed accessory at your local Chrysler or Dodge dealership. MSRP $556

4. Slush Mats: Children love to play in the mud and snow, and Mopar’s heavy-duty rubber mats offer protection of the vehicle’s carpet, while matching the interior color of Chrysler and Dodge minivans. Deep grooves prevent water, snow and mud from spilling on to the vehicle’s carpet, while its rubber-nibbed backing helps keep mats in place. MSRP:

* First and second-row mats for Stow 'n Go® $101
* First and second-row mats for Swivel 'n Go™ $101
* Third-row mat for Swivel 'n Go $52.75

5. Uconnect™ Web: Keeping students connected, this system provides high-speed WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot” and provides instant access to web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums and more. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $499

6. Uconnect Phone: Promoting safety, freedom and hands-free flexibility, especially through 25-mph school zones, this voice-controlled wireless communication system allows operation between mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. In addition, an iPod® integration cable offers digital audio quality and simple-to-use controls via the radio and steering-wheel controls. MSRP: $257

7. Cargo Tote: This four-compartment, portable organizer allows for added storage, and easily collapses when not in use. With its compartmental design and easy-to-grab side handles, the tote is ideal for hauling sports equipment, arts and crafts or snacks for a class field trip. MSRP: $29.60

8. Head Restraint DVD Rear Seat Video: This innovative seven-inch DVD player features an integrated design into both driver and front-passenger head restraints. With its ideal viewing height, sharp LCD wide-screen display, built-in DVD player, dual audio/video inputs and easy-to-use front-mounted controls, hours of entertainment is only a touch-of-a-button away. In addition to its upholstery-matching color and design, a wireless remote offers additional convenience. MSRP: $1,625

9. Tent Kit: After a tough school week, this liftgate-mounted tent allows for an instant campground or convenient covered tailgating space. The tent maximizes interior space and offers a stand-alone design with full rain fly, storage net and inside pockets. MSRP: $312

10. Roof-mounted Canoe Carrier: Making family weekends away from school even better, the roof-mounted single canoe carrier offers easy mounting with its latching nylon straps and anchors to Mopar Sport Utility Bars. MSRP:

* Roof-mounted Canoe Carrier $78.60
* Sport Utility Bars $101

11. Third-row Cargo Bin and Table: Offering instant tailgating fun, the large third-row cargo bin — with its dual storage nets and washable construction — keeps cool when filled with ice. A removable table, which also doubles as an insulating lid to the third-row bin, provides a vinyl-covered removable table with folding legs. Dark Khaki and Medium Slate Gray options match Chrysler and Dodge minivan interior colors. MSRP: $280

12. Hitch Receiver: When the family needs to get away from it all, the hitch receiver is perfect for the family pop-up camper or motorboat, and is specifically designed to meet the 3,600-lb. towing capability for Chrysler and Dodge minivans. It also accommodates the easy-to-use Mopar Hitch-mounted bike carrier with carrying capacity for up to four bikes. (3,600 lb. towing capability for 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter engines equipped with Trailer Tow Group) MSRP:

* Hitch Receiver $323
* Hitch-mounted Four Bike Carrier $215

About 2010 Chrysler Town & Country
With more than 25 years of engineering, including 65 minivan-firsts innovations, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country continues to set the mark in minivan luxury, safety and efficiency. With segment-first Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) accident-avoidance safety systems, unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy — a label unbeaten among minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country remains the best vehicle to transport people and things.

The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country offers customers a contemporary appearance, three different models, two distinct seating and storage systems—Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go—unmatched entertainment systems and more than 40 available safety features. The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country received the U.S. Government’s Five Star crash test rating in both front and side impact tests. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country LX is $25,995 (including $820 destination).

About 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
As the first to introduce the modern minivan in 1984, Dodge continues to revolutionize the family road trip. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan offers more than 65 minivan-first features including the minivan-first Stow 'n Go and segment-exclusive Swivel `n Go seating system, turning the minivan into a “family room on wheels.” The vehicle also offers a minivan-first dual screen DVD entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV with family programming channels that include Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network Mobile. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan received the U.S. Government’s Five Star crash test rating in both front and side impacts. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE is $23,995 (including $820 destination).

Mopar Brand
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered by the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960’s – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Press release via Chrysler

More Fiat/Chrysler news.....

2009-10-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

The best of the "leaked" information is that Chrysler will be getting a NEW model vehicle by the end of 2011...that will ONLY be Chrysler!!!! This is on top of the Sebring getting a new make-over and the Fiat 500. We were a little product-anemic so this is very welcomed news for me and everyone at Spokane Chrysler.

Also, a new brand, RAM, will be created to represent Dodge trucks since the new direction for Dodge is to offer more sport-tuned vehicles. We are not 100% sure what that means, but we're exciting to find out.

In the next few weeks, we should be finding out more info and the clear plan on what is coming and what is going in the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge family.

yy

Good bye, Saturn.

2009-09-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

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......

2009-09-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-21T13:38:00.001-07:00

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!!!!

2009-09-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2009-09-18T13:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

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......

2009-09-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

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.

We're Leasing AGAIN!!!

2009-09-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-09-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-11T14:28:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

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.......

2009-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2009-09-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-09-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Lego V-8 engine

2009-09-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

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/

Holy Dollars, Batman!

2009-08-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Pow! Boom!

$4 billions later and Marvel is now owned by Disney. I guess almost everything in that genre is owned by them. NOT to put Marvel comics and Disney in the same category. Please don't send me tons of comments saying that I don't know what I'm talking about...I KNOW they are different but there are similarities or they COULD be lumped into a big, broad category.

Well...on that note...

yy

Busy news weekend......

2009-08-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

This was a eventful weekend with shocking news and tragedy. The wildfires in CA, the kidnapping story, the deaths in GA...it was ALL very overwhelming. It's like you hear one story and you can't believe the words and then another story that is also mind-blowing. Then you wake up and hear that the CA fires doubled overnight....and it's coming upon huge neighborhoods like La Crescenta and La Canada (I have a very close college friend who lives in La Canada) and only 10 mins. by car from those neighborhoods, I have 2 other VERY close friends in Glendale.

So, I'm just trying to say some prayers for those involved with this since there really isn't anything I can do about it.

HOWEVER, I can share some lighter news with you. Fiat has released pictures of their new 2010 Punto Evo that will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in about 2 weeks. It's pretty sharp.

http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/241183/fiat_punto_evo.html

You can read a little more about it on that link.

I think cars in the US will look quite different in 5-10 years.

yy

August is coming to an end...already?

2009-08-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

This summer has been breezing past. SO......right now, we have some serious summer fun cars that we want to sell. If you are serious about buying one, we are serious about selling one. We will give you the best deal we can.

Here are a few you can get right now, right away, at the right price:
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 - fully loaded and awesome to drive. All the power you want with the luxury you want. This is one to really check out if you are in the market for a fast and comfortable car.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited - clean and ready to go. The outside might say Chrysler but it is Mercedes Benz under the hood. Traded in by a really nice couple that "loved" it dearly.

2008 Dodge Charger R/T - awesome, awesome awesome. The wheels and color make this Charger stand out. You WILL turn heads with this one!

2005 Ford Mustang - cared for gingerly and it shows. Low miles and used sparingly...it's ready for a new home.

2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 - ultimate luxury. This car has such a nice ride that you will enjoy driving it and being transported away as you drive. I didn't want to get out of it!

2006 MINI Cooper - fun and fun and more fun. Save $$ on gas and still have fun driving!

2006 VW New Beetle Cabrio - so fun and cute. It's the right color too...not too hot while driving around.

You will get a great deal....mention that you saw it on the blog and I'll throw in something MYSELF! It's because I rarely get feedback so I feel like I'm just writing into the huge blog-o-sphere...sometimes just so I can feel productive.

Have a great weekend folks!

yy

Maybe we can work with you next time, Nissan.

2009-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is the joint statement released by Chrysler and Nissan:

Nissan and Chrysler Group LLC today announced a mutual agreement to end three OEM vehicle-supply projects announced last year. For the past several months, teams from both companies have been studying the viability of the projects in light of significant changes in business conditions since the projects were announced in January and April of 2008.

Today, it was decided it was in the best interests of both companies to end the projects.

The projects had involved:

Nissan providing to Chrysler a compact sedan for the South American market beginning this year.
Nissan providing to Chrysler a small vehicle for global markets beginning in 2010.
Chrysler providing to Nissan a full-size pickup truck starting in 2011.

A separate agreement involving the supply of transmissions from Nissan affiliate JATCO to Chrysler remains unchanged. That agreement has been in effect since 2004.

Sorry...I can't get the font any bigger on this!!!! I'm glad it was a mutual break-up. I HATE one-sided ones......and maybe this is a little bit of my past coming out but still....

yy

Good job 2010 Sebring and Avenger!

2009-08-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS ) just announced that the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger have received the Top Safety Pick Award.

According to the website, the 2010 Chrysler Sebring had good performance in front, side, and rear tests and optional electronic stability control (ESC).

The new 2010 Sebring and Avenger has more than 30 safety functions – including ESC – which is not something every midsize vehicle in the segment can claim. Standard features (standard!!!) include active head restraints, multi-stage air bags, all-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes, crumple zones, side guard door beams, and side-curtain air bags and seat mounted side air bags offering additional side impact protection.

Among the most important safety traits are the “passive” functions, or those that operate independently of the driver input. For instance, advanced multi-stage air bags deploy based on crash severity. This helps protect occupants in a variety for crash scenarios.

Chrysler may be down, but they aren't out!

Dear NSX owner,

2009-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

You must have had somewhere to go and nothing...I mean nothing was going to stop you. A flooded street didn't even make you flinch! The fact that you were driving a "supercar" that still probably costs more now than many new cars was nothing to you! You had water coming out of the car door at the end of the street........I hope your car is ok. You have some serious guts.

Sincerely,
Yoon Yi Lee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDrlWy6IAdM&feature=player_embedded

Welcome back to school!

2009-08-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

The day most kids are excited about...most teachers are NOT ready for...and freedom for many parents across the city and Spokane School District goes back today. As a teacher, there was the overwhelming feeling of excitement and nervousness and wishing that I had another week to get the class ready or my mind prepared. Now, as a parent, I CAN'T WAIT FOR MY KIDS TO START SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a long time to wait but I can't wait.........I should start a countdown or something.

Also, it's supposed to be in the 90's today and tomorrow. I wish I had time to go out on a boat or something like that. I guess I'll just have to stick my feet in my bathtub and pretend I'm a million miles away on some tropical island.

Nothing like a family of wild turkey in my yard to bring be back to reality that I'm in Eastern WA. bahahhahahhaa.

yy

RIP Sen. Kennedy

2009-08-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

I may not have always agreed with your views or your opinions. However, I value and honor you for your service to the country. I know you acted and fought and stood for what you believed in 100% of the time and that is brave. Sure, there might be moments in your career that people could point fingers at and dissect, but isn't there something of that in everyone's life? So, thank you for trying to do what you thought was the right thing to do.

What a hard time for the Kennedy family. First Eunice Kennedy and now Edward Kennedy. May God bring peace and comfort during this hard time.

yy

Why guns???? Why not!

2009-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

So, I can only put this under the "drastic times call for drastic measures" category. A Hummer dealer found that he had a lot of extra floor space in his fantastic Hummer facility. With the manufacturer (and their plans) up in the air, he took matters into his own hands to capitalize on his capital...or investments.

What did he do??? He added a gun shop to his Hummer dealership. Adventure Shooting Sports is inside the showroom of his Hummer facility. I would have never thought of this in a million years. Well, I've though about adding a nail salon to the waiting lounge or a Starbucks to the service department ONLY because I would love to be able to go to work AND get a pedicure at the same time while drinking my Americano. Anyhow...I hope this works out for this guy.....

I wonder what possibilities this opens up for George Gee!!!

yy

It's bigger in Texas

2009-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

So...the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium has a HUGE video screen in the middle of the field. I guess it has the world's largest high-definition screens at 60 yards wide and 25 yards high. That's a lot of TV!

BUT....I guess a punter can easily hit it even during practice where they aren't fully warmed up. During the pre-season game against, the Tennessee Titans had to re-do a punt because it hit the score board. I'm sure they didn't plan it that way in the stadium that cost $1.15 BILLION. (That makes Safeco Field and Qwest Field seem like a bargain at $512.6 million and $430 million respectively. I don't know what all the liberals in Seattle are complaining about. Professional sports isn't cheap....look how the Sonics were allowed to leave. That is still a very sore spot for me.) It's a gorgeous building and it's just kind of humorous that this is the first "big" news that comes out of the facility.

I've never been to Texas outside of a layover in the airport but I guess it is true that everything is bigger in Texas.

yy

Congrats Spokane Shock!

2009-08-23T12:23:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the Spokane Shock on their Arena Cup Championship. This is their 2nd championship in 4 years!!! That is awesome!

If only the Huskies would win like this...sigh.

yy

ok...ok...I know what it is!!!

2009-08-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't been able to get my bearings since coming back from our working vacation. I have NO idea why it's so hard to get back into the swing of things....but I figured it out. My parents came to visit (from the west side of our state) and just left today. I haven't had to cook, clean, fold laundry, or even watch my kids all week. It's weird when I don't have to do everything so I'm all out of whack. The little time I had before caused me to be more efficient and organized. Right now? I think I'm doing great if I shower and wash my hair. But...since they are gone now...back to the real life. What to make for dinner on a hot day like this.....hmmmmm....

The big Chrysler news today is that current CEO Jim Press is leaving Chrysler after this year. He was the "deputy CEO" once the bankruptcy was finalized and Fiat took over Chrysler, so I think to many, that was a sign he was going to leave soon anyway. I feel that he was hired to help Cerberus direct Chrysler to profitability but time ran out. So with Fiat in, it looks like Press is out. Well, you can't have 2 cooks in the kitchen so I guess this is a good thing.

Also, the lifetime powertrain warranty will end on new Chrysler vehicles starting in 2010. A 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty replaces it that will be transferable to the next owner if you sell the car. It's more flexible yet still gives a long term warranty to the buyer. I think this is a smart move.

I think school starts soon for the Spokane School District. I can't believe it's the end of the summer...already. Where does time go????!!!

yy

Getting back to work...tough.

2009-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

So, I've been home for a couple of days now but the routine has been broken and mind has nothing on it besides what I should eat so I can lose weight and when I can go to sleep tonight. My brain is mush and I don't like it. I need to work and start thinking about other things that are productive! I blame the heat of Vegas.....I must have left my brain and any ambition to work there. That darn city!!!!

I do know that the town hall debates on health care are getting out of hand. It makes me tired to hear or read about it. Health care is a HUGE topic and I really don't think there is a perfect solution or fix for it and no matter what the government does...there will be people who love it and those that hate it. So, with that in mind...can't we all just get along?

Now to cars....we have been getting more and more inventory for pre-owned and new cars. It's a great time to browse the website or come by because most of our inventory is fresh....like within a couple of weeks fresh. Actually, I would say our new cars are all within 10 days old and we just got 2 more today!

It's is an EXCELLENT month to buy a car. Jay is in the wheelin' and dealin' mood.

yy

Phew...hot, hot, hot.

2009-08-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

I know...I know......this is going to sound COMPLETELY made up...but it is 100% truth. SO, we had to go to Las Vegas for work. That just sounds like...."OH SURE....." should follow it, but it's true. Jay had to follow up on a car down there and a pretty big auction was running last Friday SO that means we had a legitimate reason to go down. Also, the weekday rates at most of the hotels there were incredible. We took the family (yes....it is family friendly there) and had a great time by the pool while Jay was on the phone 90% of the time with the dealership or people involved with the dealership. We always go on working "vacations" so it's nothing new. The pool time was great since it was over 100 degrees everyday. It was nice to get away and have a clean room to come back to. It's like magic......leave the room and come back to a perfect clean place to stay. I wish my house were like that. sigh.

So, I heard it was "cold" while we were gone and it's actually quite nice today. I think it's supposed to get hotter by this weekend....as long as it's not in the triple digits...I'm ok. Since my home does not have a pool nor doe it magically get clean after I leave.

And....what happened in Vegas, staying in Vegas???? Well, with kids, we were in bed early each night and did not even gamble one quarter. We have nothing exciting to leave behind.......maybe next time. And maybe when I go with my girlfriends......but that would be something I couldn't blog about at all.......no way. Gulp.

yy

Cash for Clunkers error.....

2009-08-11T11:05:00.001-07:00

Well...it's not easy to get all the documentation right for this program. There are a lot of things to show, scan, prove, and sign to make sure we get our money from the government. We are much better at it than we were at the beginning. There were so many rules and legislation to follow...it's not excuse...but it's just life. Then the program was on hold because it ran out of money and then it was back on and then it was ok to "kill" the car AFTER receiving money from the government and so on and so on. The rules and program changed after it was officially launched and we all had to roll with the punches.

So, there is a website where you input VIN numbers of the car you are trading in as a "clunker" and of the car you are purchasing. Then it tells you if the credit is $4500 or $3500. We started doing CARS deals before this website was working for us. So, to the customer that we gave a credit of $4500 instead of $3500.....we apologize for the mistake. It was an honest mistake. So, we had to "eat" the error and have you sign new paperwork. And on the re-sign, we made another HONEST mistake. We apologize for that. It's not professional and it's NOT what we want to do...but mistakes happen and it sure did in this situation. Does my husband wish he could have gone back to take care of the whole thing himself??? OF COURSE!! Do we want to apologize and extend our sincerest regret to our customer? ABSOLUTELY! And I am sorry that we had to inconvenience a valued customer by making them come home early from work due to our mistake.....and then to find out we made another mistake. We called the customer and she told us the truth that it was unprofessional and an outrage...but she told us to take the car back as well. True...the deal was done in July and we completely dropped the ball. Jay feels TERRIBLE and hates that this kind of stuff happens.....we wish our employees could be perfect and do exactly as they are instructed...but it didn't. Lesson learned? yes. Expensive lesson learned? yes. We are sorry for the trouble.

No one ever said owning a business would be easy......and no one ever said that your employees would do everything you tell them to do the first time around...and no one ever said that mistakes won't happen. Good thing Jay is a good guy and will humbly do what it takes to make a wrong into a right.

sigh.

yy

70th career win....are you kidding me????

2009-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

He's 33 years old and just won his 70th career tour win yesterday. Good old Tiger Woods doesn't disappoint. I counted him out since he was behind 3 strokes going into the last day.....so foolish of me. What was I thinking??? 3 strokes behind???? For Tiger Woods????

And well...I have NEVER been interested in NASCAR. Not once have I watched a race nor had any interest in following the races, the driver, etc. Even though I grew up in Tacoma where there are many NASCAR fans, I never caught on with the racing excitement.

HOWEVER....my lovely son loves NASCAR. It stems from the Disney Pixar movie CARS. He has almost every line memorized from that movie and when he sees a NASCAR race on TV...he's GLUED. He yells.....MOM! IT'S NASCAR! no matter where we are...home, Costco, Target, etc. He will yell that at the top of his voice and people stare at me.....it's not always that a little Asian kid gets excited by NASCAR and not a mathematical equation. (Yes, this is a stereotype. However, if he's not good at math...I'll be perplexed.) So now the TV is set to ESPN...the race at Watkins Glen.

OH NO!!!! It's a huge crash! I'm glad the drivers are safe. Phew. See...all drawing me in! Oh man......

yy

UPDATE! The lawn is mowed!

2009-08-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Something is happening.......in a good way!

Obama signed the $2billion extension into law for Cash for Clunkers AND my neighbors got their lawn mowed! What an eventful day!!!!

We still have some inventory left (we just had a truck come by on Thursday!) and we have 2 Town and Country minivans -LX trim level and a HEMI Aspen Hybrid! This FULL-SIZE suv gets 20/22 mpg!!!! That's better than a minivan with more room and more towing capacity and more power and more options and more everything!

We will also have a black 300c AWD very soon.....

(call for details -509-929-1501)

yy

GO! GO! GO! Cash for Clunkers is back on!

2009-08-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

Alright people.....

inventory is low but we have some Town and Country LX minivans and they won't last long. We also are getting the ONLY new Chrysler 300C AWD in the state very soon.

Come in now or you will miss out...the first $1 billion ran out in 1 week!!! The $2 billion more is supposed to last until Labor Day weekend....we shall see....we shall see.

yy

Thoughts? Cash for Clunkers editorial from NYTimes

2009-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Clunker Class War

by Timothy Egan
http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/clunker-class-war/

My clunker was a ’64 Ford Galaxie, logging maybe eight miles to the gallon on level ground, the back seat burned to the coils by a knucklehead friend who left a cigarette to smolder. When it died, just short of 140,000 miles, everything went. Sold it for scrap and $50 — with the tow.

Today, I’d trade that dog on wheels in a New York minute for the upgrade, some smart mileage car that is one of the autos zooming off my neighborhood lot as part of the Cash for Clunkers program.

But according to a barnacled cluster of senators, this program must be sunk, now. It’s been far too successful — dealers have been swamped, people are lining up to buy cars that burn less gas and bring instant cash to crippled local economies.

This is old fashioned stimulus of a sort that Republicans have always advocated, using financial incentives to change behavior. Representative Candice Miller, a G.O.P. lawmaker — albeit from the car-dependent state of Michigan — called it “the best $1 billion of economic stimulus the government has ever spent.”

But look where the rest of Miller’s party is. Last week, Senator John McCain threatened to lead a filibuster rather than let Cash for Clunkers continue to September, as the House has agreed to do with an additional $2 billion from money already approved in the stimulus law.

He backed off this week, though he and other critics continued to treat Cash for Clunkers like swine flu with a steering wheel.

They hate it, many of these Republicans, because it’s a huge hit. It’s working as planned, and this cannot stand. America must fail in order for President Obama to fail. Don’t be surprised if the tea party goons now being dispatched to shout down town hall forums on health care start showing up at your car dealers, megaphones in hand.

But there’s another reason, less spoken of, for why some people get so incensed over little old Cash for Clunkers: it helps average people, and it’s easily understood — a rare combination in a town where the big money deals usually go down with packaged obfuscation.

The overall amount of money is paltry, to the government. But to a typical family, a $4,500 break on a new car with greater gas mileage is a big deal. Consider the extraordinary giveaways of your tax dollars that happened without serious filibuster threats by the protectors of free enterprise.

The granddaddy of them all, of course, was President George W. Bush’s $700 billion bailout of banks, insurance companies and Wall Street miscreants who helped to run the economy into the ground. As presented initially, remember, the bailout had to pass in a day or two, with minimal debate. Or else.

“The goal isn’t to control markets, but to revive them,” the Wall Street Journal editorialized at the time, backing perhaps the greatest reward for bad behavior in the history of capitalism.

Yet, when a tiny fraction of that amount went to strapped consumers this summer for their revival, The Journal jumped back on their Adam Smith pedestal, calling Cash for Clunkers “crackpot economics.”

Then there is the American International Group, the pariah A.I.G., now being kept afloat by the taxpayers to the tune of nearly $180 billion. This money from us to them didn’t sell any cars. It didn’t improve gas mileage. It didn’t help neighborhood businesses. It went to fortify an insurance giant that made terrible bets on complex securities and then threatened to bring us all down with them. McCain was there for A.I.G., no filibuster in his quiver.

And when it came out that some of those same corporate welfare titans would still be giving each other bonuses, former Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani rode to the rescue. Bonuses, he argued, trickle down to waiters, limo drivers, cafes that sell donuts to cops — cash for dunkers.

But try to give struggling families a one-time boost to buy a more fuel-efficient car, with an amount that wouldn’t pay for paper clips at A.I.G., and it’s … outrageous!

Reports from car dealers show that clunker stimulus has boosted show room traffic up to 200 percent. The most common vehicles being traded in, they said, are pickups and S.U.V.’s; the most popular replacements will save drivers more than $1,000 a year in gas costs.

Those who oppose this program on principle argue that government should not be choosing winners and losers in the marketplace, even in a down economy. But both parties have long used federal money for precisely that, intending to change society, in ways big and small. What was the G.I. Bill but the greatest escalator to the middle class for returning war veterans? Home mortgage subsidies allow millions of families to own their own house, benefiting realtors, drywallers, roofers and assorted contractors.

I don’t like that big agriculture gets rewarded for monopolizing rural economies while stuffing nearly every processed food with the dreaded high-fructose corn syrup. I was against giving $35 billion in federal help for oil and gas companies over the next five years, as Republicans advocated during last year’s campaign.

For that matter, I hate to see small independent book stores disappear from the landscape.

But Cash for Clunkers is a bare slight against free market chastity. It’s simple stimulus, caught up in a much larger system that’s always been there for the big money players, but holds a much higher standard for anyone else.

Congratulations....

2009-08-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

to Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic on the Supreme Court. She is also only the 3rd woman to hold this position.

I hope she will be fair in her interpretation and uphold the law to it's highest degree.

yy

Hybrids around every corner.....

2009-08-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

I guess even the super highline sports/exotic car owners are into fuel-savings and reducing their carbon footprint. I mean, why not? Just because you are going to spend 6-figures on a car...that doesn't mean you don't want to be environmentally conscience too? Right?

It's just not the first thing I think of when I hear the words Lamborghini, Ferrari, and SLS Gullwing Mercedes. Fuel efficient? Hybrid? Fully electric? I usually think of FAST as heck, expensive, exotic, only in movies, lots of money to maintain, etc.

Well, I guess it's good that there is something for everyone. So, in case you were wondering... around 2015 there will be a Hybird Lamborghini in AWD or RWD, a more fuel-efficient Ferrari, and a fully electric SLS Gullwing from Mercedes. Wow......exotic car buyers rejoice and start planning now! Which one will be the best?????

hit and run.....

2009-08-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

So I was pulling out of the Spokane Valley Target today and I was being extra careful because there is lots of construction on Sprague.......

I went forward and slowed a little because there was a car coming and the car behind me hit me!!! So, I stopped and got out...she was all mad. Of course. I looked at her and said..."I wasn't going yet"....and she goes..."OK!" I told her I was going to get something to write down her information. I went back to the car to get a pen...and she started backing up and trying to turn her car around.

I came back with my pen and asked here where she was going...and she says "There isn't any damage" and started driving away in the opposite direction back towards Target. Umm...I'm standing in the street with a pen....OF COURSE I wrote down her license plate number. Oh my... Oh my.

The 911 operator and the Sheriff's office was SO nice to me on the phone. Thank you for your help!!!

I'm ok...my baby girl is ok. And the car has a little bit of damage on the bumper...I hope to contact you soon, girl in the blue Vovlo wagon!!!!

yy

Neighbor's lawn...

2009-08-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you want only car info on a blog from a car dealership. I can totally understand and respect that. If you are one of those people, the please go on to a different post. This one will be about my neighbor's lawn.

I usually could care less about what my neighbor does with their yard. Plant 10,000 flowers. Fine. Plant endless amount of trees? Fine. (As long as the pine needles or leaves do not cause me extra yard work...then I care...trust me....) Put in a rock garden or a water fountain? Fine. Raise your dog outside? Fine. I am pretty low key about that. HOWEVER, it does bother me when my neighbor does not mow their lawn. I guess it's because it's SO simple of a fix....that I cannot understand the reasoning of letting your lawn go to the point where it's purple on top due to the blade of grass seeding.

And on top of all of this??? My neighbor is trying to sell their home! It's on the market and I'm thinking people who drive past a house with seeding purple/green 6-8 inch high grass MIGHT just keep on driving......because if the yard is in this kind of shape...what will the house be like inside? The owners do not live there and I think their son lives in the area and is supposed to be checking up on the house. He's obviously not checking up on it as much as he should be.

I've heard that the other neighbors tried calling the listing agent who didn't seem to care. Well, there is only so much I can do...since I don't have a lawn mower. I guess I can just hope she sells the house so she doesn't have to worry about it anymore.....if she does even worry about it.

yy

MORE good news.....PT lives on!

2009-08-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

The higher ups at Chrysler have decided to continue the PT Cruiser beyond the timeline expected! First, the PT was supposed to end after 2009. Then it was to go on until the Fiat 500 came stateside and was ready to start building. Experts assumed the Fiat would be built in the PT factory in Mexico but now, the new news is that the PT will go on!!!

That is good news....especially for us, here at Spokane Chrysler. BECAUSE, we are one of the top new PT seller in Eastern Washington! And I'm pretty sure for pre-owned too...but there is no real way to track that. But, that means we know PT's inside and out...from sales to service. And we want to continue being on top with this car.....

yy

Good news.....more Fiat technology might be coming!!!

2009-08-03T13:31:00.001-07:00

Fiat has a technology called Multiair that reduces emissions from engines. They are already using it in Europe and they are eyeing it for use in Chrysler cars! It's supposed to be easy to apply to the existing engines due to the low-invasive hardware.

From Automotive News Europe, it says that the Multiair system gives direct control of air and combustion in engines, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke without the use of the conventional throttle, which means it can save energy wasted in traditional systems. The technology reduces fuel consumption, cuts emissions and at the same time increases power by up to 10 percent, Fiat Powertrain says.

Let's do it! Like...RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!

yy

It ain't over........

2009-08-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cash for Clunkers still has life left!!! We have some inventory left too!!!

Yes, it has been hugely successful and even though some people think that we are putting more people into debt with this program.....it's actually been people with GOOD or GREAT or AWESOME credit who are trading in their clunkers and getting a good deal. It's more of the people who have been waiting to get a car....that have been in no hurry but since they can get a great deal.....they took advantage of the program.

Do I want to see the program continue? Sure! Would I be "mad as hell" that the government doesn't want to continue this program that is successful? No. Am I thinking the government is "crazy" for spending all this money? No.

People need help these days. If the government doesn't help...who will? Just let people struggle and let the market "correct" itself and see what may and let the strong survive??? No way.
Does this mean trouble for future generations???? Maybe....but we won't know until we get past this first.

So.......give Americans the break they need and get our consumer confidence up again. Not to the point where we were...wildly living on fake wealth....but just enough to create jobs and sustain them!!!!!

yy

Extended!!!! Through this weekend ONLY - Cash for Clunkers!

2009-07-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Cash for Clunkers program is on.......again! The money ran out too quickly and that is phenomenal. However, it has been extended until the end of this weekend!

SUNDAY, Aug 2, 2009, is the LAST DAY for the "Cash for Clunkers" program!!! (Unless the government continues it further.) HURRY IN NOW!!!!!!

I know many people have argued that this program doesn't save jobs but it sure might in some areas. People buying cars does really create a downstream effect in the whole community. Would we have cut sales consultants if this program weren't in place? Maybe...but I do know that the activity created right now by people buying cars is helping the local businesses that our employees can go to now due to the money they are making that they MIGHT NOT have made earlier. Also, the new car customer might get a new stereo put in or new car seat covers...that is all money into the community. The salvage yard that will take the "clunker" is also getting business and so on and so on. AND....as I have been watching some of the national news channels, I know there have been people on both sides arguing if this is a good program or not. Of course, it's NOT perfect...I wish it would have included fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles. I wish it would have been a wider scope of cars that can qualify. But, life can't be about what could have been or what should have been...you just have to do with what you have handed to you. So...we move on and make lemonade with the lemons given us. And DARN good lemonade to boot!!!

yy