Ryan Chevrolet Hattiesburg
Ryan Chevrolet Hattiesburg
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Battle of the Family Rides
2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. Toyota Camry
First impressions being so vital, the Malibu wins the day with its looks. A subjective area, to be sure; neither the Camry nor the Malibu is a bad looking car. That said, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has a carefully sculpted form that's arguably more pleasing than the Camry's styling. The Malibu is also a slightly fresher face on the market than the Camry, and its strong stance brings the impression of broad-shouldered dependability. All Malibus sport clean lines, and climbing the trim-level ladder doesn't add undue adornment. Always tasteful, an LTZ-trimmed Malibu shines jewel-like from the curb, with its carefully faceted sheetmetal and translucent lenses glimmering as if made from rubies and diamonds. It's an impressively rich look for a mainstream sedan, one that can't be matched by the Camry's lines. Looking into the Malibu's history, there's a long bloodline of cars with unbeatable styling to which this Malibu is heir.
The interior story is the same as what's going on outside. Where the Camry sports an instrument panel that hearkens back to the 1990s, the cockpit in the Malibu sweeps around driver and passenger in a pair of graceful arcs. Set deep in a triplet of chrome-rimmed nacelles are clearly-legible gauges. Five adults will find comfortable surroundings in the Malibu, and the Chevy's longer wheelbase makes for a better ride while keeping the wheels from encroaching on the cabin. Aside from the functional assessments of the Malibu and Camry, there's the issue of execution. While both cars can be equipped with navigation systems, upgraded audio, and leather upholstery, things feel better in the Malibu. Even in the LS, panel gaps are impressively tight and there's an air of richness. Custom cloth seats with power adjustments are standard, as is cruise control and an audio system with CD, MP3 playback, and an auxiliary input. LT buyers can upgrade the seating surfaces with UltraLux upholstery and heated front seats with six-way power adjustment. Two-tone leather tastefully dresses up the seats in the Malibu LTZ, and the look is exceptionally upscale, with contrasting piping that evokes cars like Bentley and Aston Martin.
Both the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu and 2010 Toyota Camry use 169-hp four-cylinder engines as standard equipment; the Malibu employing a 2.4-liter ECOTEC with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) versus the Camry's newly-enlarged 2.5-liter unit. Most Malibus will come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, with TAPshift controls for manually shifting when your inner sports-car driver takes over. The Malibu wears standard 17-inch alloy wheels instead of the Camry's 15-inchers, and Chevrolet stands behind its powertrain with a 100,000-mile warranty, instead of Toyota's 60,000-mile powertrain coverage. You also get an extra year of anti-corrosion coverage with the Malibu – a full 72 months. Along with the industry-leading warranty coverage, the Chevrolet Malibu offers the comfort and security of the OnStar system and its safety and driver-aid capabilities. Both the Malibu and the Camry offer a V6 engine as an option, as well. The Malibu's 3.6-liter unit is the same engine that Cadillac fits to the CTS, and has won praise for its power and smooth delivery. The Malibu offers significantly more generous fitment for lower option packages, however. The V6 is available in all trims but the LS, and LT packages on the Malibu add things like leather seating and heated seats as standard equipment.
Stability control is standard both cars, but a trip through the trim levels shows the Malibu clearly delivering significant value. Leather seats? Standard on the Malibu 2LT, but a big step up to a V6 Camry XLE. Remote start? Standard. The best fuel economy? Malibu (33 mpg with the four-cylinder). There are details all over the Malibu that speak to the attentive way Chevrolet crafts it. There's even acoustic laminated glass to block out noise, and Consumer's Digest recommends the Malibu as a Best Buy.
Driving the Malibu will prove that Consumer's Digest is seriously on the money with the recommendation. The midsize-sedan marketplace is brutally competitive, and the Malibu comes out swinging with a stellar combination of value, style, and quality that delivers a knockout to the Camry. MSRP for the 2010 Chevy Malibu starts at $21,285.
GM claims heavy duty pickup hauling title
GM claims heavy duty pickup hauling title
The pickup wars have gone heavy duty.
General Motors Co. released new performance figures Tuesday that show the 2011 Silverado HD and 2011 GMC Sierra can out-pull and out-carry the 2011 Ford Super Duty and Dodge Ram HD.
The Silverado HD 3500 and Sierra HD 3500 can tow up to 21,700 pounds with a fifth wheel hook-up and 17,000 pounds with a conventional hook-up, Chevy officials said. Each also has a maximum payload capacity of 6,635 pounds. Productions of both trucks began this week. They should roll into dealerships this summer. For the record, Ford's F-350 Super Duty truck can tow 21,600 pounds and haul 6,520 pounds. The Dodge Ram, overhauled last fall, can tow 18,500 pounds and carry a payload of 5,130 pounds.
With every new vehicle, truck makers seem to have their sights set on becoming No. 1.
"The pickup wars are not developing, they're already on," said Mike Levine, editor for Pickuptrucks.com, an online consumer website. "You're witnessing the war right now."
For consumers, that's good news, Levine said, noting prices for big trucks have remained flat while their capabilities have increased. "This means more capable trucks for the same money," he said.
According to Autodata Corp., full-size pickup sales are up 11.3 percent through April compared with the same period a year ago. Ford sales increased 30.5 percent; Chevrolet, 8.8 percent; and GMC, 6.3 percent. The Ford F-Series and Silverado are the top two selling vehicles this year.
With a fully loaded trailer, the new GM pickups, with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel under the hood, can haul a gross vehicle weight of 29,200 pounds, which is more than 14 1/2 tons. The engine produces 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. By comparison, Ford Motor Co.'s 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel produces 390 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque.
"We encourage consumers to test drive the (GM's heavy duty trucks) against competitive models," said Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line executive, in a news release. "Based on our test results, we are confident the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling needs."
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100519/AUTO01/5190334/1148/GM-claims-heavy-duty-pickup-hauling-title#ixzz0oynqzkSC
GM's OnStar may link with Google's Android
GM's OnStar may link with Google's Android
Journal says Shawn Wright
Automotive News -- May 13, 2010 - 4:26 pm ET
DETROIT -- General Motors Co. and Google Inc. are discussing a deal that would link cell phones using Google's Android operating system with the automaker's OnStar driver information service, the Wall Street Journal reported today in its print edition.
Users of Android-based smartphones will likely be able to use OnStar features from their phone while not in their car, according to the newspaper. Under one scenario, users could get information about their vehicle's maintenance needs through the Android phone.
The Chevrolet Volt,GM's upcoming plug-in electric vehicle, could use the technology to help an owner keep track of the car's battery charge from a distance, the paper said.
This partnership is another indication of how electronics and in-car information systems are becoming a key battleground for carmakers that are used to competing on horsepower and mileage, according to the Journal.
Journal says Shawn Wright
Automotive News -- May 13, 2010 - 4:26 pm ET
Users of Android-based smartphones will likely be able to use OnStar features from their phone while not in their car, according to the newspaper. Under one scenario, users could get information about their vehicle's maintenance needs through the Android phone.
The Chevrolet Volt,GM's upcoming plug-in electric vehicle, could use the technology to help an owner keep track of the car's battery charge from a distance, the paper said.
This partnership is another indication of how electronics and in-car information systems are becoming a key battleground for carmakers that are used to competing on horsepower and mileage, according to the Journal.
Chevrolet Joins Oprah’s “No Phone Zone” Campaign
The campaign is dedicated to honoring the lives lost due to distracted driving, educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving and activating people to make a difference in their communities. As part of the campaign, drivers are encouraged to take the “No Phone Zone” pledge. The pledge, available at www.oprah.com, asks motorists to commit to:
- Not text while driving
- Not text while driving, and use only hands-free calling
- Not text or use the phone while driving, and pull over to a secure location if they need to make a call
Chevrolet’s use of technology to help drivers avoid crashes is exemplified by the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, which will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third quarter. The Cruze will be available with a number of features to help drivers avoid distractions, including: duplicate stereo controls on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to adjust audio settings without taking their hands off the wheel; Bluetooth connectivity, allowing drivers to make hands-free calls using a Bluetooth-equipped mobile device; and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, allowing drivers to program the vehicle’s navigation system with one push of the OnStar blue button. If an emergency maneuver is necessary, the Cruze also features active safety technologies to help drivers maintain control, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.
Chevrolet’s use of safety features to protect occupants during a crash is supported by crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Chevrolet vehicles are designed to offer a comprehensive safety package, including high-strength-steel safety cages, advanced air bags, load-sensing safety belts, and OnStar Automatic Crash Response technology. For 2010 models, the approach earned five Chevrolet vehicles the highest possible five-star front- and side-impact ratings from NHTSA, including the Equinox, HHR, Malibu, Tahoe Hybrid, and Traverse. “The test results for 2010 Chevrolet models show that we are continually improving the safety of our vehicles,” said Campbell. “We also look for ways to encourage responsible driving habits, such as using safety belts and proper child restraints on every trip. That’s why we would like to encourage all drivers to join us in taking Oprah’s ‘No Phone Zone’ Pledge."
Car Buying from a Forbes Prespective?
Randy Hillman
Internet Sales & Marketing Manager
Ryan Chevrolet, Hattiesburg
I recently came across an article on Yahoo (by Forbes) with the eye-catching name, “Car Dealer Scams To Avoid.” My being in the car business for the past 16 years, I was intrigued… and then a bit incredulous. And then I realized they were playing on people’s fear of the car-buying process by repeating myths about dealers. I guess it makes a good story by playing on stereotypes. I would like to respond to a few of their statements and possibly offer some better advice.
They began by stating, “Difficult times lead to creativity… People come up with sensational hooks to try and get you to the dealerships, and once they lure you in, the goal is to sell you something and generate as much profit for the dealership as they can.”
Hmmm, “sensational hooks to lure you in”… sounds like every TV commercial and advertisement I have ever seen, not exactly limited to car dealerships. What are these sensational hooks? In my experience, they are good prices (usually attached to a particular stock number by law) and manufacturer incentives such as rebates and special financing, designed, of course, to “lure you in.” And in fact, very good incentives to buy. I really believe the “sensational hook to lure you in” was the title of this Forbes article. I know it lured me in.
“The goal is to sell you something and generate as much profit for the dealership as they can.”
It’s sounds very similar to selling a house, a computer, clothing, groceries, and a hamburger (Would you like cheese with that burger? Would you like to large-size that order?). I don’t know about you, but I never accept the offer to add cheese to my burger unless I really have the urge for a “cheeseburger.” And if I do, I don’t demonize the clerk for asking; it’s called suggestive selling and is common to every industry. I don’t know, do you expect to sell your home for as much profit as you can get? I do. I think it’s normal for all businesses to make a profit. Some of their points may need some clarification or touch of realism. A professional sales person will assist you throughout the process.
1. The Ambush
Beware of being shuffled among a never-ending team of auto pros–you shouldn’t have to talk to the sales guy out on the lot, the sales manager, the finance manager, the floor manager and the used-car manager just to buy a car. Pick one to deal with and stick with him.
First, I would like to say that you will be happiest if the people you work with are actually “auto pros.” The very term “auto pro” connotes (to me) auto professional. I prefer to work with people who are professionals in their field. Also, I have never met a “sales” professional, who can appraise your car or assist you with financing in a professional manner. There are naturally specialized departments within ALL dealerships. Of course it’s not fun to be shuffled back and forth and I have never worked at a dealership that did that. Most reputable dealers have a salesman deal with the appraiser and sales manager on your behalf. And when it’s time for finalizing the paperwork, a professional finance manager will either take your check or assist you with financing. PLEASE don’t let an amateur salesperson handle this very important part of your transaction. Financing is a specialty and should be handled by a professional like Marc Kubicki. He's been taking care of the financing needs for car buyers for over 14 years. We are lucky to have him.
2. The Confiscation
Whatever you do, don’t give up the keys to your current vehicle–even if the “used-car manager” asks for them to asses the car for its trade-in value, even if the “sales manager” asks for them as collateral while you take a test drive. If negotiations should go amiss, it’s impossible to walk out on the deal if you have no way to start your car.
This one stunned and stumped me at first. My first thought was, “How can the appraiser offer you a trade-in value for your car if he can’t even start it or drive it?” Would you buy from a dealer who wouldn't let you drive his? Of course the answer is, “He can’t.” and "No, you wouldn't". My second thought was, “Does that even happen, or is that an actual “urban legend?” I decided it must have really happened before (maybe in the 1970′s or 1980′s?) or it wouldn’t be a concern. My only thought is, that if that ever happened to me, I would call the cops! And once I had my keys back, I would tell the world what happened. Seriously, confiscating someone’s keys is not only unethical, but I’m guessing illegal. My advice is that if you don’t feel comfortable enough to let the appraiser have your keys, then you should leave and find a dealer that you trust to do an appraisal and give you back your keys.
3. The Bum Rush
Salesmen love to hurry you into a deal today. They’ll try all kinds of things: On-the-spot delivery, haggling over details, one-time offers. Don’t let them pressure and bully you into an impulse buy. Show up knowing what kind of car you need and what you can afford to pay–and if they can’t provide that, leave.
Finally, some advice I like. Yes, it’s natural that salespeople (not just salesmen) would like to make a sale today. Then they can go home to their husband or wife and say, “Honey, I made a sale today!” But as a consumer, I like to be aware of what I want before I shop, and if I find what I like, sometimes I want to sleep on it or discuss the purchase with my spouse. Actually, I am rather impervious to anyone telling me I “must buy today.” However, I do pay attention to sales events. If they end today or tomorrow, I make my mind up fast. Manufacturer's change rebates so fast and so often, it's often confusing to even the seasoned professional. But under normal circumstances, if salespeople have done their job and offered you a good value (not necessarily the “best price”), they can be confident that you will return on your own and the deal will be there as stated.
4. The Buried Bill
Read over final invoices carefully before signing anything, in order to make sure you’re not charged for something you didn’t request. Alarms, extra cleaning, “prepping,” rust-proofing, fabric protection and paint sealant are all common add-ons that sometimes appear on the invoice unknown to the buyer. Hint: Consider doing the VIN (Vehicle Information Number) etching yourself. Dealers charge hundreds of dollars to do it, but a home-etching kit costs as little as $20.
Another good idea, I think. I say good idea, because I believe good dealers offer transparency in their transactions. Everything should be visible up-front. Has anything been added to the New car? It should be posted on the vehicle along with the cost. Every used car being offered for sale should come with a “CarFax” or its equivalent which is a third party guarantee of information such as previous ownership, rental car status, and accident history. If not offered, I suggest asking for it. If not provided, leave and find a dealer who is not afraid to offer that information. We've never done VIN etching, and don't ever plan on it.
5. The Bait and Switch
Dealers may advertise one model in the paper, loaded with extras for a reasonable price, but then have only a lesser model (with less overall value) on the lot when interested parties show up to buy the one they saw in the paper. Best way to avoid this trap: The minute you realize the con, walk away.
Walk away is good advice, unless the advertisement was up-front and stated (by stock number) that this price was on one particular vehicle. Mississippi has laws that make “bait and switch” illegal. There are very detailed requirements dealers must follow and obey. They require “truth in advertising”. It is perfectly legitimate for a quote or advertisement to give a price on a “particular” vehicle if that vehicle is available at the initial time of the advertisement and it is stated that it is a price on a particular vehicle. It is equally admissible for a retail store to advertise a product price and say “only 5 in stock”.
Ok, I think I agreed with about 40% to 50% of that Forbes article and found the other 50% to be poor advice, not realistic, playing on stereotypes, and even urban legend. I find it hard to believe it was written by someone who truly understands the car buying process. But it was written so that Forbes could “ sell you something (a story) and generate as much profit (advertising revenue) as they can.” Hey this is America… can’t blame em!
As the Internet Sales & Marketing Manager for Ryan Chevrolet, I would be happy to respond to any questions YOU may have about the car buying process. Ryan Chevrolet is number one in customer satisfaction among Chevy dealers in the Pine Belt area. We value your business.
Internet Sales & Marketing Manager
Ryan Chevrolet, Hattiesburg
I recently came across an article on Yahoo (by Forbes) with the eye-catching name, “Car Dealer Scams To Avoid.” My being in the car business for the past 16 years, I was intrigued… and then a bit incredulous. And then I realized they were playing on people’s fear of the car-buying process by repeating myths about dealers. I guess it makes a good story by playing on stereotypes. I would like to respond to a few of their statements and possibly offer some better advice.
They began by stating, “Difficult times lead to creativity… People come up with sensational hooks to try and get you to the dealerships, and once they lure you in, the goal is to sell you something and generate as much profit for the dealership as they can.”
Hmmm, “sensational hooks to lure you in”… sounds like every TV commercial and advertisement I have ever seen, not exactly limited to car dealerships. What are these sensational hooks? In my experience, they are good prices (usually attached to a particular stock number by law) and manufacturer incentives such as rebates and special financing, designed, of course, to “lure you in.” And in fact, very good incentives to buy. I really believe the “sensational hook to lure you in” was the title of this Forbes article. I know it lured me in.
“The goal is to sell you something and generate as much profit for the dealership as they can.”
It’s sounds very similar to selling a house, a computer, clothing, groceries, and a hamburger (Would you like cheese with that burger? Would you like to large-size that order?). I don’t know about you, but I never accept the offer to add cheese to my burger unless I really have the urge for a “cheeseburger.” And if I do, I don’t demonize the clerk for asking; it’s called suggestive selling and is common to every industry. I don’t know, do you expect to sell your home for as much profit as you can get? I do. I think it’s normal for all businesses to make a profit. Some of their points may need some clarification or touch of realism. A professional sales person will assist you throughout the process.
1. The Ambush
Beware of being shuffled among a never-ending team of auto pros–you shouldn’t have to talk to the sales guy out on the lot, the sales manager, the finance manager, the floor manager and the used-car manager just to buy a car. Pick one to deal with and stick with him.
First, I would like to say that you will be happiest if the people you work with are actually “auto pros.” The very term “auto pro” connotes (to me) auto professional. I prefer to work with people who are professionals in their field. Also, I have never met a “sales” professional, who can appraise your car or assist you with financing in a professional manner. There are naturally specialized departments within ALL dealerships. Of course it’s not fun to be shuffled back and forth and I have never worked at a dealership that did that. Most reputable dealers have a salesman deal with the appraiser and sales manager on your behalf. And when it’s time for finalizing the paperwork, a professional finance manager will either take your check or assist you with financing. PLEASE don’t let an amateur salesperson handle this very important part of your transaction. Financing is a specialty and should be handled by a professional like Marc Kubicki. He's been taking care of the financing needs for car buyers for over 14 years. We are lucky to have him.
2. The Confiscation
Whatever you do, don’t give up the keys to your current vehicle–even if the “used-car manager” asks for them to asses the car for its trade-in value, even if the “sales manager” asks for them as collateral while you take a test drive. If negotiations should go amiss, it’s impossible to walk out on the deal if you have no way to start your car.
This one stunned and stumped me at first. My first thought was, “How can the appraiser offer you a trade-in value for your car if he can’t even start it or drive it?” Would you buy from a dealer who wouldn't let you drive his? Of course the answer is, “He can’t.” and "No, you wouldn't". My second thought was, “Does that even happen, or is that an actual “urban legend?” I decided it must have really happened before (maybe in the 1970′s or 1980′s?) or it wouldn’t be a concern. My only thought is, that if that ever happened to me, I would call the cops! And once I had my keys back, I would tell the world what happened. Seriously, confiscating someone’s keys is not only unethical, but I’m guessing illegal. My advice is that if you don’t feel comfortable enough to let the appraiser have your keys, then you should leave and find a dealer that you trust to do an appraisal and give you back your keys.
3. The Bum Rush
Salesmen love to hurry you into a deal today. They’ll try all kinds of things: On-the-spot delivery, haggling over details, one-time offers. Don’t let them pressure and bully you into an impulse buy. Show up knowing what kind of car you need and what you can afford to pay–and if they can’t provide that, leave.
Finally, some advice I like. Yes, it’s natural that salespeople (not just salesmen) would like to make a sale today. Then they can go home to their husband or wife and say, “Honey, I made a sale today!” But as a consumer, I like to be aware of what I want before I shop, and if I find what I like, sometimes I want to sleep on it or discuss the purchase with my spouse. Actually, I am rather impervious to anyone telling me I “must buy today.” However, I do pay attention to sales events. If they end today or tomorrow, I make my mind up fast. Manufacturer's change rebates so fast and so often, it's often confusing to even the seasoned professional. But under normal circumstances, if salespeople have done their job and offered you a good value (not necessarily the “best price”), they can be confident that you will return on your own and the deal will be there as stated.
4. The Buried Bill
Read over final invoices carefully before signing anything, in order to make sure you’re not charged for something you didn’t request. Alarms, extra cleaning, “prepping,” rust-proofing, fabric protection and paint sealant are all common add-ons that sometimes appear on the invoice unknown to the buyer. Hint: Consider doing the VIN (Vehicle Information Number) etching yourself. Dealers charge hundreds of dollars to do it, but a home-etching kit costs as little as $20.
Another good idea, I think. I say good idea, because I believe good dealers offer transparency in their transactions. Everything should be visible up-front. Has anything been added to the New car? It should be posted on the vehicle along with the cost. Every used car being offered for sale should come with a “CarFax” or its equivalent which is a third party guarantee of information such as previous ownership, rental car status, and accident history. If not offered, I suggest asking for it. If not provided, leave and find a dealer who is not afraid to offer that information. We've never done VIN etching, and don't ever plan on it.
5. The Bait and Switch
Dealers may advertise one model in the paper, loaded with extras for a reasonable price, but then have only a lesser model (with less overall value) on the lot when interested parties show up to buy the one they saw in the paper. Best way to avoid this trap: The minute you realize the con, walk away.
Walk away is good advice, unless the advertisement was up-front and stated (by stock number) that this price was on one particular vehicle. Mississippi has laws that make “bait and switch” illegal. There are very detailed requirements dealers must follow and obey. They require “truth in advertising”. It is perfectly legitimate for a quote or advertisement to give a price on a “particular” vehicle if that vehicle is available at the initial time of the advertisement and it is stated that it is a price on a particular vehicle. It is equally admissible for a retail store to advertise a product price and say “only 5 in stock”.
Ok, I think I agreed with about 40% to 50% of that Forbes article and found the other 50% to be poor advice, not realistic, playing on stereotypes, and even urban legend. I find it hard to believe it was written by someone who truly understands the car buying process. But it was written so that Forbes could “ sell you something (a story) and generate as much profit (advertising revenue) as they can.” Hey this is America… can’t blame em!
As the Internet Sales & Marketing Manager for Ryan Chevrolet, I would be happy to respond to any questions YOU may have about the car buying process. Ryan Chevrolet is number one in customer satisfaction among Chevy dealers in the Pine Belt area. We value your business.
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