Showing posts with label dutchess county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dutchess county. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

FALL ROAD HAZARDS - HUDSON VALLEY




















The fall foliage is beautiful and the time of the year where we are out enjoying the autumn colors, but along with the changing leaves comes fall hazard driving conditions.  So, before you head out on the road we want to ensure that you are aware of road hazards and provide you with basic tips to stay safe.

  • Always keep your windshield clean of leaves.
  • Watch for wet leaves on the roads; once leaves are wet they can become slippery and reduce traction and become a driving hazard.  
  • Park free of leaf piles as these can be a fire hazard against catalyst converters.  
  • As it gets darker earlier make adjustments be on the lookout, if night vision is a problem, adjust your driving times or find alternate lit routes.
  • Fall also brings frost – keep a windshield scraper or small broom in your car and beware of black ice early morning and evening hours.
  • Fall weather can present challenges to drivers. Remember when following other drivers, keep your distance.  If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
  • Take Your Vehicle  in for your maintenance and checked by a certified professional:  Battery cables, terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, Including:  anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
  • Check Your Tires. Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels.
  • Check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. 
  • Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.
  • As we approach shorter days, be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels. 

From all of us at Audia Chevrolet, Happy Fall and be safe on the roads.


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Winter Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Radiator Coolant Service

Have you recently changed your radiator fluid? And, why do you need to change during the winter.   

During the winter months it helps keep the engine block from freezing in extreme cold temperatures when the vehicle is parked.  Changing the fluid helps keep your vehicle running well and helps with dirt and other contaminants that can build up in the fluid. 

This is the most vital part of your car's cooling system. The radiator fluid, or antifreeze coolant runs throughout your car's cooling system and helps keep your car engine cool while running.  

Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the radiator fluid in your vehicle every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or every 24 to 36 months or refer to your owner's manual.

Book your appointment online at audiachevrolet.com 
and take advantage of our special offer 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Chevrolet Accelerates to 4G LTE Speeds in 2014

U.S. and Canada to Get OnStar 4G LTE by Summer



Starting this summer, Chevrolet will have some of the fastest vehicles on the roads, and that has nothing to do with horsepower. 




Chevrolet drivers will be enjoying high-speed data - made possible by a new OnStar 4G LTE connection in the vehicle, running on AT&T’s network, the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Chevrolet today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt would be the first General Motors’ vehicles to come optionally equipped with OnStar 4G LTE. They will be followed by the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV. In the Canadian market, OnStar with 4G LTE will be introduced on the Chevrolet Trax as well. The majority of the 2015 Chevrolet lineup in the U.S and Canada will have a 4G LTE connection built-in at vehicle launch. More models will be announced later this year.

“Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet. “The fact that OnStar with 4G LTE will be available in models that range from the Chevrolet Spark to the Silverado to the Corvette, is indicative of our broad commitment to deliver more value and convenience through smart technology applications. This new, purposeful technology solution will make our consumers lives easier to connect.” 

Vehicles Equipped with Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot
The 4G LTE rollout will bring a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to most Chevrolet vehicles, which allows passengers to connect their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless internet. Each vehicle can accommodate multiple devices at one time.

“We know that our customers rely on being connected on a daily, if not hourly basis, and they expect to be provided with the information and content they desire with no interruptions,” said Mary Chan, president, GM’s Global Connected Consumer. “A 4G LTE hotspot that’s built into a car’s architecture will provide a more consistent and powerful Wi-Fi connection than a smartphone.”

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle acts as a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection. The vehicle will employ a wireless connection that does not rely on a brought-in mobile device.

In collaboration with AT&T, the data connection in the car will be fast – and flexible. Current AT&T customers will be able to add their vehicle to a shareable bucket of data through AT&T Mobile Share plans. All drivers can also pay for data as a standalone option. Additional pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later in 2014.

Chevrolet AppShop Offers Connected Car Personalization
Chevrolet MyLink will offer consumers an enhancement with the built in AppShop, available on select 2015 Chevrolet models in the U.S. and Canada. AppShop will benefit from the embedded 4G LTE connection.

Chevrolet AppShop is accessible through an icon on the MyLink screen that allows owners to view all available apps and download them directly to the vehicle, then organize, update or delete them as needed. Available apps will connect drivers to vehicle data, music, news, weather, travel information and more.

“The built-in 4G LTE connection will allow our vehicles to be updated with the latest software and apps,” said Chan. “This means that the driver’s vehicle infotainment systems can keep getting better after purchase as customers can continue to add on and customize their features.”

An initial list of planned apps announced today includes Vehicle Health, iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

OnStar’s 10th Generation to Debut
Chevrolet’s 4G LTE launch coincides with the 10th hardware generation of OnStar, a service that debuted in GM vehicles in 1996. The upgrade will allow for voice and high speed data services.  

“We are focused on constantly improving the OnStar service so that the system continues to remain a trusted value-add for GM drivers,” said Terry Inch, chief operating officer, OnStar. “4G LTE will enable the most powerful OnStar connection ever.”

OnStar Advisors currently respond to approximately 185,000 calls every day or more than two calls every second. OnStar is standard across the 2014 Chevrolet lineup. The OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services smartphone app, which allows owners to lock or unlock doors, activate the horn and lights, and remotely start a properly-equipped vehicle, is included for five years for properly equipped Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S.

About OnStar LLC
OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.5 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. OnStar's key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.


Sunday, November 10, 2013

Chevy Volt Winter Driving Tips

Cold Weather Tips

        Getting The Most From Your Chevy Volt in Cold Weather

Chevy Volt Winter Driving Tips
Winter weather and road conditions in Milbrook, New York present a widespread set of challenges to drivers. Chevy Volt owners, however, have a few additional things to keep in mind during the frigid winter months. Although cold weather and rough terrain will impact the Volt’s electric driving range, there are a few Chevy Volt winter driving tips that help ensure Volt owners continue getting the most from each electric mile.

Warm Up Before Driving 
No one wants to get into a cold car, but Chevy Volt owners have even more reasons to warm up the cabin before driving. Take advantage of power from the grid by heating the cabin while the Volt is charging. Using the key fob, MyVolt.com, or the RemoteLink app, Volt owners remotely can start the car and get the cabin toasty warm before entering. Once you’re ready to drive, the Volt won’t have to use as much energy to heat that cabin, as it already warmed up using power from the grid. For best results, use a 240-volt charger.

Keep the Heat from the Seat
Running the heat at its capacity will cause the electric range to decline. Chevy engineers say it takes less to heat the seats than it does the cabin. Therefore, by simply setting the climate setting to Eco rather than Comfort and using the available heated seats to keep drivers and passengers warm, Volt owners can stay comfortable and use more of their charge for driving.

Turn up the Tire Pressure
Check the label inside the door of the Chevy Volt to find the recommended tire pressure and ensure it doesn’t drop far below that mark. Properly inflated tires can help increase electric driving range and conserve fuel while operating on the Volt’s gas-powered engine.

Engine-Assisted Heating
To help keep the cabin warm, drivers can select the outside temperature at which the gas-powered generator will run to help heat the car while operating in Electric Mode. When the temperature is around 35 degrees, engine-assisted heating will maximize electric driving range while sipping fuel to help warm the cabin. Engine-assisted heating is only available in 2013 and 2014 Chevy Volt.

Visit audiamotors.com and test drive one today

Monday, October 21, 2013

INTRODUCING THE 2015 IMPALA BI-FUEL SEDAN

First bi-fuel full-size production sedan offered in North America with a total estimated bi-fuel range of 500 miles


Today Chevrolet announced the 2015 Impala bi-fuel sedan – the only original equipment manufacturer-produced full-size sedan in North America capable of running on either cleaner-burning, mostly domestically produced compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline.
Compressed natural gas is less costly at the pump and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional liquid fuels such as gasoline. A separate CNG fuel tank, mounted in the trunk, enables the driver to switch between fuels at the push of a button. When the CNG tank is depleted, the system automatically switches to gasoline.
“The new bi-fuel Impala marries Chevrolet’s flagship sedan with unprecedented opportunity, offering a new choice for alternative-fueled transportation that burns cleaner from a mostly domestically sourced fuel,” said Dan Akerson, General Motors Chairman and CEO. “GM continues to demonstrate its commitment and leadership in energy diversity by building its presence in the gaseous fuel space, and specifically with CNG – one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels available.”
Most of the natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic or other North American sources. CNG’s abundance makes it a viable economic alternative for drivers living in areas with easy access to CNG filling stations, and it currently costs significantly less than gasoline. A person who drives 24,000 miles a year can recoup the additional investment in the bi-fuel option within a few years at current prices.
CNG vehicles typically have 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars, according to the California Air Resources Board.      
The bi-fuel Impala is expected to go on sale next summer to retail and fleet customers at Chevrolet dealers in the United States and Canada. It joins Chevrolet’s growing range of manufacturer-engineered and validated CNG vehicles, which includes the bi-fuel Silverado HD full-size pickups and fully dedicated CNG Express full-size cargo and passenger vans. All of these vehicles are backed by GM new vehicle and powertrain limited warranties.
“Along with the Chevrolet Volt, the new Cruze Turbo Diesel and all-electric Spark EV, this is another example of how GM is advancing its multi-faceted vehicle and global sustainability strategy,” said Akerson.
While EPA estimates on the vehicle are not yet finalized, an approximately eight gasoline-gallon-equivalent CNG tank mounted in the Impala’s trunk is expected to provide up to 150 miles of vehicle range for a total range of up to 500 miles.  
The bi-fuel Impala is fitted at the factory with a port fuel-injected 3.6L engine that includes hardened intake and exhaust valves and valve seats, to support the long-term durability needed for CNG combustion. The GM-engineered CNG fuel system is added at a secondary manufacturing location by a GM supplier. Ordering CNG is the same as selecting any other option at the time of purchase  
Redesigned for 2014, the award-winning Impala is new from the ground up, with muscular design elements that provide a nod to the past with modern styling. It is the 10th generation of one of the industry’s most enduring and popular nameplates. Impala has been America’s best-selling full-size sedan since 2004 with sales of more than 169,000 in 2012.
The bi-fuel Impala’s 3.6L V-6 engine has the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally aspirated V6 engine, engineered to give a satisfying feeling of immediate performance. When running on natural gas, the engine will deliver approximately 85 percent of the power produced with gasoline. The engine is matched with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission.
The Impala can seat five occupants and offers 10 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk with the CNG fuel tank installed. The bi-fuel model will be available with 1FL and 1LT trims. Standard vehicle features include:
  • Ten air bags – including head curtain side air bags and driver and front passenger knee air bags
  • Air conditioning
  • Audio system with color infotainment screen
  • Bluetooth for phone
  • Color driver information display in the instrument panel
  • Four-wheel disc brakes 
  • Antilock brakes and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
  • Fuel-saving electric power steering.
Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is available with the LT trim.
The bi-fuel Impala is covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.
It will be built at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, plant.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Introducing The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

 



The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be arriving in dealerships this fall and will be the first midsize sedan in U.S. to offer fuel-saving feature stop/start technology as standard on its 2.5L base model. 
 
 
 
 
The Malibu has an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg – a 14 percent improvement in city fuel economy – at a starting price of $22,965, including an $825 destination charge but excluding tax, title, and license and dealer fees.

Stop/start technology helps customers conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine
when the car comes to a stop, such as at stoplights. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. During engine restarts, an auxiliary 12-volt battery powers electric accessories such as heating and air conditioning, power windows and radio. “The key was to apply the knowledge we gained from our eAssist technology,” said Todd Pawlik, Malibu chief engineer. “By leveraging a similar stop/start system as we use on eAssist, we were able to significantly improve city fuel ratings by 3 mpg, or 14 percent on Malibu’s entry level 2.5L model, compared to the 2013 model.”

Malibu’s stop/start system monitors – among other things – vehicle speed, climate control
system operation and the force a driver applies to the brake pedal, to determine whether it is
efficient to shut off the engine in certain driving conditions, such as stop-and-go driving. In addition to stop/start technology, Chevrolet engineers incorporated valve-actuation technology known as Intake Valve Lift Control into Malibu’s 2.5L engine, which also contributes to improved fuel economy. When the Intake Valve Lift Control system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine. The variable intake valve-actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also boosting low-rpm torque for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds.

A new six-speed transmission makes its first appearance in the 2014 Malibu 2.5L. The 6T45
transmission includes improvements that reduce the energy required to pump transmission fluid, which enables additional fuel economy savings. The new technologies on the 2.5L model enable the Malibu to deliver a higher combined fuel economy rating than the base engines of several midsize sedan competitors, including the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Chrysler
 
“In this competitive midsize segment, there is no standing still,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet
marketing vice president. “In addition to fuel economy improvements, the 2014 Malibu is roomier and more refined than its predecessor.” Additional new features on the 2014 Malibu include:

- Revised front-end appearance

- Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room

- Redesigned center console

- Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute 
   to a more dynamic driving experience

- Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features

- Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque
  (400 -Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand

The 2014 Malibu is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. The 2.5L engine base powertrain starts at $22,965 for the LS, $24,335 for the 1LT, $26,040 for the 2LT and $28,515 for the top LTZ trim. All suggested retail prices include an $825 destination charge, but exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.
 
Visit Audia Chevrolet this fall to see the all new 2014 Malibu or visit us online at www.audiamotors.com


 




 
 

 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

2014 Silverado and Sierra Score a Safety First for Trucks

New Chevrolet, GMC Crew Cabs Receive first five-star scores under new rating system


DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and High Country and the GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali1500 are the first pickup trucks to receive the highest possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.
NHTSA only tested the crew cab models of Silverado and Sierra. Chevrolet and GMC expect crew cab models to account for 60 percent of their 2014 light duty full-size pickup truck sales.
“Safety is as important to truck buyers as it is to car buyers,” said Gay Kent, GM general director of Vehicle Safety and Crash worthiness. “Silverado and Sierra set a benchmark for pickup truck safety by offering a full array of advanced features designed to protect occupants before, during and after a collision.” 
Silverado and Sierra offer fully boxed frames, extensive use of high-strength steel, and several segment-exclusive safety features are available, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Safety Alert Seat.
  • Safety Alert Seat warns the driver of potential traffic danger using directional vibration pulses from the seat cushion. The patented warning approach is tied to all of the on-board crash avoidance systems.
  • Forward collision alert technology helps prevent frontal crashes by alerting the driver when the truck is closing in on a vehicle ahead too quickly, giving him or her additional time to react and avoid a crash.
  • Lane Departure Warning technology alerts the driver when the truck drifts over a lane line when traveling at least 35 mph.
  • Rear Vision Camera with Dynamic Guidelines allows the driver, when in reverse, to view objects directly behind the vehicle via the radio screen in the center stack, allowing for easier parking and backing maneuvers.
  • New, standard lap belt pretensions in the front-seat outboard safety belts.
  • Six standard air bags and 360-degree sensor system, including dual-stage frontal air bags, head-curtain side-impact air bags with rollover protection, and seat-mounted side-impact air bags.
  • Trailer-sway control that works with StabiliTrak to provide the driver with additional assistance when towing a trailer. When it senses trailer sway, it intervenes with braking and/or reduced engine power to bring the trailer under control.
  • Four-wheel, four-channel, antilock disc brakes (ABS) that help provide straight, more controlled stops by preventing wheel lock-up in most road conditions.
  • OnStar is available, using GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar service also includes MyLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s smartphone. 
About Audia Chevrolet
Owned and operated by Robert and Peter Audia sons of Sam Audia who founded Audia back in 1955, Audia Motors is now the oldest Chevrolet dealership in Hudson Valley and continue to give their customers the best service, design and best built automobiles in the world today.  Visit them today at www.audiamotors.com and see their complete line of Cars - Trucks and SUV's today.
                                                                         # # #

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Chevrolet Takes Five Segments in Initial Quality

Turns in its best-ever performance; ranks fifth among nameplates

 
 
DETROIT – Chevrolet vehicles are winning over consumers with their quality. According the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM, Chevrolet had five segment awards, more than any other brand, and ranks fifth among nameplates for initial quality.
 
“Customer satisfaction and quality are our top priority so these results mean a lot to us,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “We will continue to listen and learn from our customers as a way to improve quality even faster on all cars, trucks and crossovers that wear the Chevrolet bowtie.”
 
Chevrolet turned in its best-ever performance in the study. Segment leaders for Chevrolet were:
Segment Award Recipients:
◾Camaro – Midsize Sporty Car
◾Impala  -  Large Car
◾Tahoe –   Large CUV
◾Silverado HD – Large Heavy-Duty Pickup
◾Avalanche – Large Light-Duty Pickup

Segment Top 3
◾Spark – Ranked Second  - City Car
◾Equinox – Ranked Third – Compact CUV
◾Silverado LD – Ranked Third – Large Light-Duty Pickup

The 2013 IQS is based on responses from more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2013 model year vehicles surveyed at 90 days of ownership. The study was redesigned for 2013 and provides manufacturers with information they can use to quickly identify problems and drive improvement.
 
Chevrolet’s commitment to quality and steady introduction of new, fuel-efficient products with the technology and features that more customers want helped the brand achieve record 2012 global sales of 4.9 million vehicles. In the last two calendar years, Chevrolet has grown faster than other high-volume global brands.
 
 


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Tips For Parents of New Drivers

With these resources, you’ll feel better about handing over the keys to the Traverse

 
 
One of a teenager’s most exciting rites of passage is when they learn how to drive. For the parents of teens, however, this time is a little less exciting and a whole lot more nerve-racking. Thankfully, there’s a lot that parents can do to help their teenagers take this important step as responsibly and safely as possible. Check out the tips below, and breathe a little easier next time your teenager asks to borrow the family Traverse.

 

 

Learn Your State’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing Laws

Since the 1990s, nearly every state in the nation has passed graduated driver’s licensing laws (GDL laws), which put restrictions on new drivers until they gain more experience behind the wheel. These restrictions include limiting the number of passengers, imposing a curfew for driving at night and banning any and all cell phone usage. Parents should learn the specific GDL laws in their state (detailed here), and make sure their teenager follows them—no ifs, ands or buts.

Sign a Parent/Teen Agreement

It’s a smart idea for parents and their teenager to sign a Parent/Teen Agreement, which spells out the restrictions, privileges, rules and consequences of driving. This agreement puts parents and their teens on the same page (literally), and makes expectations clear from the beginning. For best results, parents must consistently enforce the agreed-upon consequences, and being able to point to a signed document definitely makes doing that a whole lot easier.

Ask for a “Flight Plan”

Studies have shown that teenagers have fewer accidents when driving somewhere specific as opposed to “joy riding” with no set destination. This is why it’s wise for parents to insist that their teenager never gets behind the wheel without filing a “flight plan.” Teens don’t have to be wearing aviator glasses, of course, but they do have to communicate to their parents exactly where they’re going and when they’ll be home.

Always Model Good Driving

Remember that anti-drug PSA from the 1980s where a kid shouted at his dad, “I learned it from watching you” at his dad? Well, teenagers learn how to drive by watching their parents, too. If you focus on driving the speed limit, following the rules of the road, and avoiding distractions, the only time your teen will say “I learned it from watching you” is when you ask them how they’ve become such an incredible driver.

Make Consequences of Drinking and Driving Clear

Teenagers understand that drinking and driving is dangerous, but they’re often unaware of how much a drunk driving conviction would impact their lives. Parents should explain to their teen that most states have zero tolerance for drivers under 21, which means they will have their license suspended if a breathalyzer test detects even a blood alcohol level of .01. Additionally, parents should walk their teen through the thousands of dollars of fees and costs associated with a DUI, and how it will impact their insurance for 3-5 years. With teenagers, the prospect of losing their license as well as their spending cash may be the biggest deterrents of all.

Discuss Distractions

Today’s teenagers have serious distractions behind the wheel. The most serious of these distractions is texting while driving. To demonstrate just how dangerous it is, parents can show their teenagers anti texting-and-driving videos available online, and ask them to take the “It Can Wait” pledge, which proclaims that “no text is worth the risk.” Teenagers can even upload their pledge to Facebook.

Resources

Here are a few resources parents should check out before handing over the car keys to their teenager:
“Teen Driver: A Family Guide To Teen Safety” was created by The National Safety Council and General Motors, and is full of in-depth, indispensable information.
“From Reid’s Dad: A Blog For Parents Of Teen Drivers” is full of resources and reflections written by Tim Hollister, who lost his teenage son, Reid, in a car accident.
“The Good Egg Guide For Parents of New Drivers” aims to “help keep your sons and daughters safer behind the wheel.”

The trademarks mentioned in this story are held by their respective owners.
Heather Spohr is a writer and philanthropist who blogs at the award-winning
The Spohrs Are Multiplying.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The Importance of Earnest Service


Service of an Expert Salesman....


When an improved product and expert salesman mesh, it’s a pleasure to spend money. For a service fanatic, it’s poetry to behold–like dancing with a star.

This happened to us the other week when Barry Lang from Audia Chevrolet in Millbrook, NY called to tell us our lease had expired on our Chevy Malibu. My husband Homer Byington, not a car enthusiast, was impressed by the negotiation.  He said, “I knew I had to do something about the lease, and Barry got to me before I reached out to Audia Chevrolet.  There was plenty of time to make a decision: buy the car we’d driven for three years or lease a new one.

“He could tell I was technologically illiterate and conducted his sales pitch in language I could understand,” said Homer"He also priced his offer competitively, not taking advantage of me.” Homer had checked with a family member in a related business who confirmed the lease price was fair. 

Meanwhile, while we liked the 2010 Malibu we turned in, it had its faults, every one of which was addressed in the 2013 auto. The designers reduced the size of the side view mirror that previously had been so big that at certain angles I had to practically stand up in my seat while making a left hand turn for fear of running over someone hidden behind the device. The windshield seems bigger and the rear headrests smaller increasing visibility. Chevy also removed a lump that housed a break light at eye level for the cars behind, which took away rear window visibility for the driver. And it added handles above each door as a standard feature and enlarged the glove compartment.

Back to Barry. He was patient with our questions, explaining how the car’s Bluetooth system worked and other features basic for most but unfamiliar to us. We took a week to decide whether to buy or lease again and a car in the color we liked–a blue/gray–was still there on our return. When we noted this Barry said he’d reserved it for us.

We’ve written previously about how friends and family members have been treated dismissively and disrespectfully by showroom staff selling highfalutin brands with hefty price tags. We don’t think Barry could make someone feel diminished; arrogance isn’t his style yet he could sell high end products with equal success.

If you drop in to Audia Chevrolet, my bet is that one of the Audia brothers will be there. One brother, Peter, chatted with us briefly last Saturday before we signed up and this Saturday Bob handed me my permanent NY State registration. During the week someone at Audia had paid for and picked it up at Motor Vehicles.

Can you share a boast about a similar sales experience for any product?

6 Responses to “Service of an Expert Salesman”

  1. April 8th, 2013 Lucrezia Said:
I’m the wrong person to ask since I know what I want 99.99% of the time and have a practiced deaf ear towards spiels. As to the remaining fraction of a percent, the ear is listening because of personal like, not because of ablity to sell.
  1. April 8th, 2013 Jeanne Byington Said:
That’s what was so amazing about Barry–no spiel. He didn’t try to sell us stuff we’d have no interest in–he listened to Homer and didn’t try to ride over him with blah blah.
  1. April 8th, 2013 Lisa McGee Said:
Well, if I am ever in a position to turn in my hunk of junk for a new improved model – I certainly hope to have an experience like this – sounds refreshingly pleasant as does your new car!!
  1. April 8th, 2013 Jeanne Byington Said:
Lisa,
Speaking with someone through the car’s Bluetooth system is the strangest thing! Oh, and while we were out earlier today, my husband said that Barry called and left a message. He wanted to know how we liked the car.
 
  1. April 8th, 2013 JPM Said:
Like your husband, I’m technologically impaired, but I’m also automotively illiterate. I know that this is un-American, I don’t even know the names of most car brands. Naturally, car salesmen see me coming miles away.
The first car I ever bought, a used one at that – I remember it didn’t have a roof and was American – was so overpriced that when I moved to New York a year and a half later and had to sell it, I had to pay the car company $1,800 (and that was when $1,800 was a lot of money) to take it back.
The second, and last one I ever bought, was in Brooklyn almost thirty years ago. I didn’t care what the thing looked like, or how fast it would go, only that it would go. Also, I was working a sixty hour week then and couldn’t afford to take days off to get it serviced. The salesman swore that his dealership serviced the vehicles it sold, properly and at a fair price. All I had to do was leave it off at the dealer when I went to work and pick it up on my way home. Like a dope, I believed him, but the first time I showed up for service, having made an appointment, I was told to go away and that they “were busy serving customers.” And when I tried to find the salesman, he was nowhere to be found.
Fortunately, we had a friendly gas station in the neighborhood where we lived run by a man who owned and flew his own airplane. Those were the days when you made more money pumping gas than working in a bank. How times have changed.
Indeed they must have, if your Barry is typical of today’s salesmen. What a great experience! I’m almost tempted to buy a car myself, if it feels as good as all that.
  1. April 8th, 2013 Jeanne Byington Said:
JPM,
I wish that Barry was typical of today’s salesmen. If he were, I wouldn’t have all the grumpy posts that I sprinkle in with the others. It’s a joy to write about someone who does his job well. In fact, I keep thinking of other things he did right but I had to stop–who would believe me?
 
Thoughts from JM Byington & Associates, Inc.





 
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

2014 Silverado Delivers Power, Efficiency and Value


News Release: Monday, April 1, 2013



-  Best fuel economy of any V-8 
   pickup – EPA estimated
   23 mpg highway
-  Better fuel economy than
   2013 Ford EcoBoost V-6
-  Base prices carry over from 
   current models



DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced initial pricing, performance data, and EPA fuel efficiency estimates for the 2014 Silverado 1500, raising the bar in the fiercely competitive light-duty pickup segment.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the new 2014 Silverado regular cab will start at $24,585, including a $995 destination freight charge, the same base price as the 2013 model. For that price, the 2014 Silverado regular cab, which starts production this summer, will include a number of major improvements

Get full details here: 2014 Silverado

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2014 Chevy Silverado - Hudson Valley Region


The all new redesigned 2014 Silverado, and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra, are due to arrive this spring. They were last all-new as 2007 models.
 
All three engines — a 4.3-liter V-6 and V-8s of 5.3 liters and 6.2liters — are new. In addition to efficient direct injection of fuel, each can drop to 4-cylinder operation to preserve fuel. The automaker has yet to release power ratings or mileage estimates. The transmission are 6-speed automatics.
 
The frame has been updated with high-strength steel. The interior is new, as is the cab — of which, Chevy says, “nearly two-thirds” is high-strength steel. For the first time the Crew Cab will be available with a 6-foot-6 box. 
 
Visit Audia Chevrolet and test drive the all new 2014 Silverado this spring. 

Friday, February 15, 2013

Chevy Truck Month .... Great Deals Won't Last

Audia Chevrolet.... Hudson Valley


More great news, Chevy fans! J.D. Power and Associates ranked the Camaro the most dependable midsize sporty car, and the Tahoe the most dependable large crossover/SUV in its 2013 US Vehicle Dependability Study. Be proud, Camaro & Tahoe drivers! http://spr.ly/jdp3.
 
Stop into Audia Chevrolet and test drive one of these vehicles during Chevy Truck Month.  

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Audia Chevy - Hudson Valley



 
Chevy Truck Month is finally back ......
It's a great time to get a deal on Chevy Trucks
 
See our selection of Great Savings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stop into Audia Chevrolet Today
 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hudson Valley - Chevy's Giving More Event

This holiday season starts with something big from
 
 
 
We're giving more savings, more cash back and more great deals on the cars that offer more.
 
 
Like the Silverado which is the most dependable, longest lasting full size pickups on the road.
 
 
 
 
 
Or the Sonic with the most available horsepower and torque in its class.
 
 
 
Whichever vehicle you choose, you're getting more with Chevy. 
 
So stop into Audia Chevrolet, tour the new facility during Chevy's Year End Sales Event to get a great deal like 0% APR financing for 60 months for qualified buyers plus cash back on a brand new Silverado.   Plus for every sold Audia Chevrolet will donate $100  to the American Red Cross for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Chevy Confidence, 60 Days. Love it or Return it.

We're so confident you'll love your new Chevy, we'll give you up to 60 days to make sure of it with our new Love It or Return it Guarantee. 

Buy any 2012 or 2013 Chevy, and if you're not happy, you can bring it right back. Needless to say, we're pretty confident you won't want to let it go. 

That's Chevy Confidence.

 

Audia Chevrolet
Click here for details. 

Must return between 30-60 days. Mileage and Damage limitations apply. Excludes leases. Excludes GM and Dealer Employees.

 See Terms & Conditions

Friday, May 18, 2012

Spring Is In The Air


Spring is the perfect time to have Audia Chevrolet inspect your car and to ensure it's up to date with all required maintenance. It's important to check all vehicles operating lights as well. See our money saving offers.
Book Your Appointment online or call 845-677-6220