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.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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