Ask Republicans and Democrats to Help

We are grateful that Congressman Steny Hoyer and Congressman Chris Van Hollen have sent around a letter to each of their colleagues to ask them to sign on a letter to the administration, that also advises that they will consider legislation. The legislation they're considering was written about in the Washington Post. It's called Restore Dealer Rights. This is about restoring jobs for families, maintaining healthcare for families, so they can pay for their children's education, and support the economy. I admit that I've been very successful, and this isn't about me. GM & Chrysler proved at the hearing that they have nothing to gain by closing dealerships, except "strategic market representation." Why would Congress allow the same bad management that drove them into bankruptcy to develop a plan that's doomed to fail by taking away locations for customers to service their cars....why? Because the truth is that Consumer Reports has been telling them for years that they needed to improve their quality and they won't listen. They're not listening now, and they duped Congress and the administration, not telling them that closing dealers would cost 170,000 jobs.

Call your Senator and Congressman and ask them to sign on to Congressman Hoyer's and Congressman Van Hollen's letter. Thanks!

Ask your Congressman to Act...

Today the Washington Post ran a story about my fight on behalf of independent car dealers across this country, and consumers. The story isn't just about me, it's about how we need Congress to act now by introducing legislation to restore the economic rights of car dealers by using this bill. Congress is in effect the Board of Directors for GM and Chrysler - and they can instruct the company to make changes. The Senate couldn't contain their outrage in trying to understand how in the world Manufacturers could make the case to close dealerships when they couldn't justify their expense. As one blogger with the Post later wrote, "It's like a book publisher trying to get rid of Borders." Contact your represenatives in congress and ask them to sponsor and support this draft legislation.

http://www.fitzmall.com/MoreServiceNotLess/2009.06.03DraftLegislationOnAutoDealers.pdf

Just Like Always

When the President told all of us that you could get service "just like always", I believed him. Unfortunately, the Auto Task Force isn't following the message delivered by the President, and I'm trying to continue to get the word out that only our customers are going to change the tide.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senator Rockefeller are saying there will be hearings next week when Congress returns, but that may be too late. Even Congressman Roscoe Bartlett from my home state of Maryland is asking for an inquiry, holding a press conference at our dealership in Frederick, Maryland next Tuesday at 10:00am.

I need people to continue to email the White House: and tell the President to stop the unnecessary closure of dealerships.

Greta came by to see me again, and I have a message for the Auto Task Force.

Chrysler's Closing Dealers-but now they want to open more?

I think the media is really listening, and I hope customers are too. We need everyone to get in touch with their legislators and the White House because this is simply not going to do anything for Chrysler, especially when the front page of Automotive News stated Wednesday that Chrysler has open points and they're looking for more dealers.

The Detroit Thinking

I've spent the last several days responding to emails, questions and requests for interviews by the media on the heels of Chrysler's announcement to close dealerships, or as they technically say, to "reject franchise agreements." I hope you take a look at this C-Span broadcast that is a good summary of what's going on, and what this means to consumers.

More on Green Cars

I was recently asked to publish some more information about A123 and the plug in Prius Hybrid. I'm driving one now, some of the time, and it's a great ride. That's the best part about being a car dealer!

We've been working to put together our Earthday the FitzWay events, and on Saturday, April 18th at 10:00am Les Goldman from A123 will make a presentation at our Toyota Service Center 18707 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg MD. He will go over some of the details of the conversion. In addition, David Goldstein, president of the Electric Vehicle Association will also review other electric conversions and his view on the future of vehicle technology.

I hope you spread the word. The event will take place at our Toyota Service Center and will also feature eco-friendly organizations and how you can be more green.

Recycling the FitzWay

I continue to be amazed by the hard work of the people of Fitzgerald when it comes to recycling. Many years ago, one of our local counties passed a law requiring that businesses recycle at least 50% of all the waste that they generate. I thought to myself, "that's impossible." Not only did my people prove to me that it was possible, they exceeded 80% in 2008! Congratulations.

The employees expanded the recycling far beyond any requirements at one local jurisdiction, so now recycling takes place at all the dealerships. It's always about people, and it's people taking the time to make a difference in the workplace, in their communities, and for our customers. I'm so grateful to have people that really care.

Each year we try to celebrate "Earth Day the FitzWay" with a series of events, and this year is no exception. We will be announcing a series of specials and events that will help us all take time to recognize that we have a responsibility to take care of the environment, where we live and work.