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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
There’s no substitute for the eyes of a technician
If you’re buying a car, you want the peace of mind that you’re getting something of good quality.
State inspections are for safety, they’re not an in depth review of the vehicle. On top of safety inspections, many consumers have come to rely on outside services, like CARFAX or Experian to check the history of a vehicle in the databases that they have available. There’s a myth that if the vehicle is “okay” by those companies, then the car must be alright. The challenge is that even at our very own body shops, 20% of the repairs are not insurance related. That means that those repairs do not make it into any database.
What’s a consumer to do?
My recommendation, from the days when I was on the showroom floor myself, has always been to have the qualified technicians from the dealership check a vehicle over. We do that for you here at Fitzgerald. They can tell if a car has had paint repairs, frame repairs etc. That alone doesn’t make them a “bad” vehicle. The question is “Was it repaired correctly? Are there any unrestored areas? Will it drive the same as before the damage occurred?”
We do not sell any car to a consumer without our comprehensive inspection. Although we can’t see inside the engine/transmission, we look at everything possible to see, review and measure. Our technician gives his opinion in writing and his signed report goes with the vehicle. It is placed in the glove box of the vehicle before we offer it for sale.
I have the option to drive many vehicles, but one of the vehicles I like to drive is a plug in hybrid, that was previously a total loss. Our own technicians repaired the vehicle and I’ve had so many people completely surprised by the smooth ride of and “great” feel of the car. When I tell them it was repaired from an accident where it was a total loss, they’re shocked. Databases can’t replace the expertise of technicians and their trained eye. My previously totaled plug in Prius does not show up in any database.
State inspections are for safety, they’re not an in depth review of the vehicle. On top of safety inspections, many consumers have come to rely on outside services, like CARFAX or Experian to check the history of a vehicle in the databases that they have available. There’s a myth that if the vehicle is “okay” by those companies, then the car must be alright. The challenge is that even at our very own body shops, 20% of the repairs are not insurance related. That means that those repairs do not make it into any database.
What’s a consumer to do?
My recommendation, from the days when I was on the showroom floor myself, has always been to have the qualified technicians from the dealership check a vehicle over. We do that for you here at Fitzgerald. They can tell if a car has had paint repairs, frame repairs etc. That alone doesn’t make them a “bad” vehicle. The question is “Was it repaired correctly? Are there any unrestored areas? Will it drive the same as before the damage occurred?”
We do not sell any car to a consumer without our comprehensive inspection. Although we can’t see inside the engine/transmission, we look at everything possible to see, review and measure. Our technician gives his opinion in writing and his signed report goes with the vehicle. It is placed in the glove box of the vehicle before we offer it for sale.
I have the option to drive many vehicles, but one of the vehicles I like to drive is a plug in hybrid, that was previously a total loss. Our own technicians repaired the vehicle and I’ve had so many people completely surprised by the smooth ride of and “great” feel of the car. When I tell them it was repaired from an accident where it was a total loss, they’re shocked. Databases can’t replace the expertise of technicians and their trained eye. My previously totaled plug in Prius does not show up in any database.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wow! The Washington Auto Show
Last night I had the good fortune to be present at the preview night for the Washington Auto Show. For years the Auto Show was held the week between Christmas and New Years, when Congress was out of session. Fortunately, it was moved right as the new convention center opened and has really become a place for members of the US Senate and Congress to see first hand the innovation that's here today!
We have some amazing products that are on the market and coming to market, in fact, I spent almost the entire evening in the "Green" vehicle area right off the main lobby. It's fitting that this year's auto show theme is "Driven by the Environment" when you see the vehicles and the alternative energy sources that power them. I'd like to extend my congratulations to Congressmen John Dingel, recipient of the Inaugural Keith Crain award from the Washington Auto Show for his lifelong dedication to the workers in the automotive industry. There are great challenges ahead, but we have great products to share too. I hope you visit the show, running through February 8th.
We have some amazing products that are on the market and coming to market, in fact, I spent almost the entire evening in the "Green" vehicle area right off the main lobby. It's fitting that this year's auto show theme is "Driven by the Environment" when you see the vehicles and the alternative energy sources that power them. I'd like to extend my congratulations to Congressmen John Dingel, recipient of the Inaugural Keith Crain award from the Washington Auto Show for his lifelong dedication to the workers in the automotive industry. There are great challenges ahead, but we have great products to share too. I hope you visit the show, running through February 8th.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Some Good News
By: Jack Fitzgerald
January 21, 2009
There was a time when I used to sell Fiats, the difference is that back then they were called Yugo, Iveco and Alpha Romeo. Now we read that Chrysler Corporation and Fiat are on the verge of making a deal that will combine the two. This is great news for consumers, because it means economical vehicles through the Chrysler Distribution channel. We need healthy competition in the marketplace to keep each of the manufacturers competitive with each other, which benefits us as the consumers.
I have no doubt that the quality of these products, so popular in Europe, have improved significantly since their last entrance into the United States. I look forward to offering customers more choices.
January 21, 2009
There was a time when I used to sell Fiats, the difference is that back then they were called Yugo, Iveco and Alpha Romeo. Now we read that Chrysler Corporation and Fiat are on the verge of making a deal that will combine the two. This is great news for consumers, because it means economical vehicles through the Chrysler Distribution channel. We need healthy competition in the marketplace to keep each of the manufacturers competitive with each other, which benefits us as the consumers.
I have no doubt that the quality of these products, so popular in Europe, have improved significantly since their last entrance into the United States. I look forward to offering customers more choices.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
It's up to the Consumer
By: Jack Fitzgerald
January 15, 2009
Recently a customer sent this question: "Am I allowed to buy a NEW Toyota from you even though I live in Texas?"
Customers can choose to purchase a vehicle anywhere! The registration and taxes are based on where you live, not on where you purchase. We know from the requests by customers that a lot of people are searching for vehicle late at night, after dealers are closed. Thanks to FitzMall.com, you can see pricing and information 24 hours a day. What's even more remarkable is the number of people who travel from out of state, not just out of town, to take delivery of their vehicle from Fitzgerald Auto Malls.
Like the gentleman from Texas, we've had customer fly in from many other states to purchase vehicles. Many combine their purchase with a tour of Washington DC. The world's a small place, full of limitless choices, and the Internet gives you, the consumer, the ability to shop anytime, anywhere, and to purchase a vehicle from any dealer in any state. I hope you choose us.
January 15, 2009
Recently a customer sent this question: "Am I allowed to buy a NEW Toyota from you even though I live in Texas?"
Customers can choose to purchase a vehicle anywhere! The registration and taxes are based on where you live, not on where you purchase. We know from the requests by customers that a lot of people are searching for vehicle late at night, after dealers are closed. Thanks to FitzMall.com, you can see pricing and information 24 hours a day. What's even more remarkable is the number of people who travel from out of state, not just out of town, to take delivery of their vehicle from Fitzgerald Auto Malls.
Like the gentleman from Texas, we've had customer fly in from many other states to purchase vehicles. Many combine their purchase with a tour of Washington DC. The world's a small place, full of limitless choices, and the Internet gives you, the consumer, the ability to shop anytime, anywhere, and to purchase a vehicle from any dealer in any state. I hope you choose us.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Reviving Detroit must start with the UAW
By: Jack Fitzgerald
December 2, 2008
At their Nov. 20 press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said they wanted to help the auto industry if the industry helps itself.
They requested a plan for success from the Detroit 3 that would convince Congress that the domestic automakers can become and remain viable after the assistance. If the plan, due Tuesday, Dec. 2, shows that the Detroit 3 would be viable with whatever aid is necessary, Congress will reconvene.
Pelosi and Reid may have to reach out to UAW President Ron Gettelfinger because there will be no success without strong leadership from the UAW — think of the Chrysler loan guarantees of 1979 and UAW President Doug Fraser leading the way.
The Detroit 3 are in trouble because for more than 25 years, they built products that ranked poorly in Consumer Reports' ratings, cost billions in warranty and recall expenses and caused extraordinary losses of market share.
Detroit must produce competitive products to be viable. To do that, it has to start with a competitive overhead. That will require a huge change in the interaction between the UAW and the Detroit 3.
Cut pay and benefits
Toyota is the No. 1 competitor worldwide. The Detroit 3 must benchmark Toyota. They must install the Toyota Production System, work rules and job classifications — which will eliminate the paid positions of union officials in the plants that do no productive work. The Detroit 3 must use Toyota's pay scale for everyone from the CEO down.
That will mean lower pay and reduced benefits for directors, officers, managers and active and retired employees. And there must be no Jobs Bank or make-work projects for UAW members, who must run the plant as if they owned it.
Management must design the vehicles and the production process with UAW input, but the UAW must lead the effort on the shop floor to produce the highest quality worldwide. Quality is better than it was but not what it needs to be. Management and the UAW must unite in a partnership dedicated to that goal, just as they did at General Motors' Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., in 1990.
For four years, Saturn produced cars with top reliability scores as measured by Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, the plant reverted to a standard UAW contract, and Saturn's reliability scores suffered.
By contrast, the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont, Calif., is a great success. It has been a GM-Toyota joint venture since 1984. Currently, it builds the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma and the Pontiac Vibe. GM, Toyota and the UAW produce high-quality products that are very competitive. The vehicles earn high marks in Consumer Reports every year.
Get GMAC back
Toyota, Honda and BMW export vehicles from American plants. Why can't the Detroit 3 do that? Why can't we make inexpensive cars here and ship them to emerging markets?
Congress is offering to help if the industry will help itself. The UAW must seize this opportunity and run with it. Management will have no choice but to go along. Both will make considerably less in pay and benefits. But if they fulfill their responsibilities, they should do well and make more in profit-sharing. Plus a competitive company offers real job security.
Something that should not require additional action from Congress is the restoration and strengthening of the Detroit 3's captive finance companies. Cerberus must sell GMAC back to GM, and Chrysler must own Chrysler Financial.
I can't get the front page of the Nov. 19 Baltimore Sun out of my mind. There is a picture of a man sitting in his kitchen wondering what's going to happen to him after 32 years with GM. He's 52 years old. On the same page is a picture of the Detroit CEOs, each one a millionaire, asking Congress for assistance.
We must do all that we can to keep our people on the job. The UAW can and should lead the way.
December 2, 2008
At their Nov. 20 press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said they wanted to help the auto industry if the industry helps itself.
They requested a plan for success from the Detroit 3 that would convince Congress that the domestic automakers can become and remain viable after the assistance. If the plan, due Tuesday, Dec. 2, shows that the Detroit 3 would be viable with whatever aid is necessary, Congress will reconvene.
Pelosi and Reid may have to reach out to UAW President Ron Gettelfinger because there will be no success without strong leadership from the UAW — think of the Chrysler loan guarantees of 1979 and UAW President Doug Fraser leading the way.
The Detroit 3 are in trouble because for more than 25 years, they built products that ranked poorly in Consumer Reports' ratings, cost billions in warranty and recall expenses and caused extraordinary losses of market share.
Detroit must produce competitive products to be viable. To do that, it has to start with a competitive overhead. That will require a huge change in the interaction between the UAW and the Detroit 3.
Cut pay and benefits
Toyota is the No. 1 competitor worldwide. The Detroit 3 must benchmark Toyota. They must install the Toyota Production System, work rules and job classifications — which will eliminate the paid positions of union officials in the plants that do no productive work. The Detroit 3 must use Toyota's pay scale for everyone from the CEO down.
That will mean lower pay and reduced benefits for directors, officers, managers and active and retired employees. And there must be no Jobs Bank or make-work projects for UAW members, who must run the plant as if they owned it.
Management must design the vehicles and the production process with UAW input, but the UAW must lead the effort on the shop floor to produce the highest quality worldwide. Quality is better than it was but not what it needs to be. Management and the UAW must unite in a partnership dedicated to that goal, just as they did at General Motors' Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., in 1990.
For four years, Saturn produced cars with top reliability scores as measured by Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, the plant reverted to a standard UAW contract, and Saturn's reliability scores suffered.
By contrast, the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont, Calif., is a great success. It has been a GM-Toyota joint venture since 1984. Currently, it builds the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma and the Pontiac Vibe. GM, Toyota and the UAW produce high-quality products that are very competitive. The vehicles earn high marks in Consumer Reports every year.
Get GMAC back
Toyota, Honda and BMW export vehicles from American plants. Why can't the Detroit 3 do that? Why can't we make inexpensive cars here and ship them to emerging markets?
Congress is offering to help if the industry will help itself. The UAW must seize this opportunity and run with it. Management will have no choice but to go along. Both will make considerably less in pay and benefits. But if they fulfill their responsibilities, they should do well and make more in profit-sharing. Plus a competitive company offers real job security.
Something that should not require additional action from Congress is the restoration and strengthening of the Detroit 3's captive finance companies. Cerberus must sell GMAC back to GM, and Chrysler must own Chrysler Financial.
I can't get the front page of the Nov. 19 Baltimore Sun out of my mind. There is a picture of a man sitting in his kitchen wondering what's going to happen to him after 32 years with GM. He's 52 years old. On the same page is a picture of the Detroit CEOs, each one a millionaire, asking Congress for assistance.
We must do all that we can to keep our people on the job. The UAW can and should lead the way.
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