The streets of Milwaukee were a scary place to be a few weeks back.  We got over eight inches in a matter of hours, which caused massive flooding in a lot of areas.  As scary as that was, you are not completely in the clear yet.  Now that the rain has stopped, it is important to ensure your car did not receive any damage from the large amounts of water.  Whenever there is flooding or a lot of rain, there are several things that can go wrong:

Breaks: When a lot of water gets into your breaks it cause them to rust and erode.  When this starts to happen you may hear a squeaking sound when you break.  If this is the case, it is much easier to re-lube and clean your breaks than replace them in a few weeks.

Steering: Your steering column is filled with important lubricants, just like your engine.  If water got into the column then those lubricants become useless.  Without lube your steering will quickly become hampered.  Again, it is much easier to replace the lubricants now then replace your steering column down the line.

Undercarriage: Your car has drain plugs that prevent water from staying in your vehicle.  However, it is easy for these plugs to become blocked and for water to stay in your vehicle.  If this happens, rust and erosion are imminent. It is important to check your entire vehicle for water to ensure this does not happen.

Engine: If water got into your engine you are more than likely noticing the poor performance by now.  If your car is sputtering, stalling or not operating correctly, you more than likely got water into the engine.  However, water might be sitting in your oil pan which will again cause your vehicle to eventually breakdown.  It would be much better to get an oil change than a new engine!

When we had as much water as we had a few weeks ago, a lot can go wrong on a vehicle!  That is why Ewald Automotive is offering a FREE FLOOD INSPECTION for anyone that wants to ensure his or her car is running properly.  If you are unfortunate enough to have damage, we will take 20% off of any repairs.  If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please feel free to visit our website at: ewaldauto.com

There are a lot of special considerations when looking at a vehicle for your family.  Not only will it be responsible for getting you around town, it will be responsible for your family’s safety and convenience.  Making a final decision will take some careful consideration; here are a few questions that can get you closer to your answer:

What’s the cargo? This will have the biggest impact on the style of vehicle you look at.  If you have to get a large group of children to and from school, appointments and other events, a minivan might be your best option.  If you have kids but also a lot of cargo like pets and groceries, perhaps you should look at an SUV.  If you have a smaller family, consider a car as the most practical means of transportation.

Where will you be driving? Let’s face it, gas is not cheap!  However, before you jump head first into a hybrid, consider your driving style.  If you’re driving mainly around the city, a hybrid might be best for you.  However, if your normal trips consist of a lot of highway driving, look into a smaller engine vehicle.  Either way, understanding your driving habits will help you out tremendously.

What is the safest option? When it comes to your family, safety is usually your number one concern.  Purchasing a vehicle should be no different.  Once you have the style of vehicle picked out, look at the safety reports on which one is the safest.  There are generally yearly reports, with breakdowns for each type of vehicle, so do a quick search online and find out what is the safest. 

How much can you afford? Notice that price is the last talking point?  I completely understand needing to fit into a budget but by finding a vehicle that fits your needs first, you will be much more satisfied with your purchase.  Also, when looking at the price tag also consider additional costs like insurance and maintenance.  Another quick search online will show you the best vehicles to insure and maintain.  This can ensure that your new vehicle purchase really does fit into your budget. 

Hopefully these tips help you find a vehicle that gets your family safely where they need to go for years to come.  If you have any questions on finding the right vehicle for your family, please let me know at: cihde@ewaldauto.com

Let’s face it: cars are expensive.  No matter how you slice it, purchasing a new vehicle requires a significant investment.  With that in mind, most people go into the car buying process trying to figure out how they can spend the least amount of money possible on a new vehicle.  While this is completely understandable, there may be a better way to go about the process than to focus on money.

When I work with someone I start by asking them what the absolute essentials are for their vehicle.  If they have children they will need additional seating, if they tow something a lot they will need an equipped vehicle or if they haul a lot of gear they will need an appropriate amount of space.  By starting with the absolute requirements you are able to take your desires out of the equation for a bit and focus on what kind of vehicle you actually need.

Once the requirements have been listed, we take a look at their current vehicle.  What are some of the things that they absolutely love about their current vehicle?  On the other hand, what do they dislike about their current vehicle?  This list will help you immensely when picking out a new vehicle.  It takes you away from and empty list of options and allows you to focus on the key features you desire.

With your requirements, key features and absolute no’s in place, you are able to start looking at what kind of vehicle you are looking to purchase.  However, instead of looking at a long list of possible options, you have a small number of vehicles that will fit your criteria.  Although you have not focused on price during this process, you should still walk away with the greatest value.

The reason I recommend this style of shopping to my customers is because it leaves them driving away happy the majority of the time.  Instead of looking for a vehicle that matches certain price criteria, you are able to search for a vehicle that you will be happy driving off the lot.  And while it may seem like you would pay more by using this method, the opposite is usually the case.

How does this method compare to your style of shopping?  What have you found to be the most effective way of walking away from a sale happy?  Has focusing on price ever caused you to walk away unhappy?  As always, I invite you to reply privately at: cihde@ewaldauto.com

The majority of consumers have probably bought something online.  Whether this is a small item or a large purchase, online shopping has become the norm in our society.  As someone on the other side of the computer, selling instead of buying, I have noticed a difference in how people shop when they are online, compared to shopping in person.  However, I have yet to nail down the exact differences between the two.

The biggest difference I have noticed in online shopping is the role that anonymity plays in the process.  As a car dealership, when someone comes into our store to get a quote on a vehicle, they are usually a fairly serious shopper.  However, when people ask for the same quote online, they generally seem to be very early in the process of shopping, if they are truly in the market at all.  It seems that not having to look people in the face makes it easier to seek out the information you are looking for.

The other large difference that I have noticed is that online shoppers are almost always price shoppers.  As a dealership that sells on overall value, it has been difficult to translate this onto the internet.  Generally if we do not have the best price online, we potentially lose the customer without them getting a chance to see how we do business.  As much as we would like to sell to people based on our relationship with them, we realize that we must adjust our online strategy in order to stay with the times.

Besides these glaring differences, there is still a lot we need to learn about online shoppers.  One of the biggest questions we have comes from when we have the same price as our competition.  With price out of the way, what makes consumers purchase from one company over another?  Is it based on ease of ordering?  The website of the company?  The timeliness of the response? Without a doubt we wish we had the answer so any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Besides that, we want to better understand what brings people to us online.  We track our advertising and search results but we haven’t nailed down what makes us earn your click over our competition.  When you’re shopping online, what makes you click on one ad or link over another?  Do you do research or pick the one you think looks like the best fit?  If you can share how you shop online, I would greatly appreciate it!  We are always trying to learn how we can better serve our customers.  As always, if you would like to respond in private, please feel free to reach me at: cihde@ewaldauto.com

The word trust seems to get thrown around a lot.  Within the car industry it is constantly talked about as a key-deciding factor for buyers.  When I look for new vendors I tell them that trust is crucial to doing business with me.  However, seldom do I think about what it really means to trust someone.

This came to my attention because I recently switched vendors on something, even though I trusted the old vendor completely.  The new vendor showed me how much time and money I could be saving with them and my alliance to the old vendor seemed to quickly fade.  After only a few short meetings I found myself easily ending an eight-year relationship.  At that point it hit me how quickly my trust shifted from the old vendor to the new one.

What came to my attention is that even though I did trust the old vendor, they did not look out for my best interest.  They did not do everything in their power to get me what I needed, as fast as possible and at a lower cost.  This made me realize how fickle trust can be.  It is not simply a matter of whether or not you trust someone; it is to what degree you trust them that it really matters.

I think about this in my own industry and it makes perfect sense.  If someone bought cars from me for eight years and then found out they could get the same car faster and cheaper, they would immediately trust me less and the other person more.  The true key to trust is to not just establish it but to reinforce it.  Taking trust to the next level and building a relationship of value to that customer reinforces me and my product/service in their mind. The goal is to remind our customers that not only do we want their business today, but we’d like to keep it for years to come.

The truth about trust is that it is not something that you gain once and then forget about.  Trust is something that, once earned, must constantly be reinforced and strengthened.  Having realized this, I personally will be spending a part of my time every week not just gaining people’s trust, but keeping it.

It may not always seem like it, but you have a lot of power when purchasing a vehicle.  Now more than ever, dealerships want to work with their customers to ensure they meet their needs.  What is important is to find a dealership that you can partner with to provide the best shopping experience.  Once you have found that partner, the ball is in your court.

I often hear shoppers tell me they think car shopping should take several months.  Although it is a major purchase decision, it does not have to be a long process.  The key is to set-aside time to figure out what options and features are important to you and then which models fit those needs and desires.  From there it is a simple matter of test driving those models to narrow down your options to the best possible fit.

This is where most people think that purchasing a vehicle becomes difficult.  I am fully aware of the expectation that negotiations should be a long, drawn-out process but I will assure you that is not the case.  Once you have a model selected that you want to purchase, you have the power to negotiate a fair deal.

There are two things that give you the upper hand when negotiating a price.  First off, there is a major shortage of used cars in the market right now.  Dealers are looking for good trade-ins that they can offer to their customer base.  Secondly, no dealership wants you to walk out the door.  Once you walk out, dealers realize you are not likely to return.  So go into any negotiations confident that you will walkout with a fair deal.

This truly is a buyer’s market, as long as you are an informed consumer.  Use the internet as a resource to do some research before you start shopping in earnest.  Also, look for a dealership that really does make you feel comfortable throughout the entire shopping process, this will make all the difference in the world!  And of course, if you every need any help at all, please let me know: cihde@ewaldauto.com

I was recently helping a friend decide on what type of car she wanted to buy.  She really likes the crossover body style so I recommended she drive the Ford Edge.  She hesitated for a bit and then asked: “Doesn’t Ford stand for Fix Or Repair Daily?”

My friend’s question made me realize that a lot of people still do not perceive American automakers to be on par with their Asian counter parts.  The truth of the matter though is that Ford and other American automakers are beating the likes of Toyota and Honda in the quality department.  In fact, Ford tops both companies in JD Power and Associates’ quality survey.  And while you may think this has something to do with Toyota’s recall issues, the survey was published in July of 2009, before anyone was talking about Toyota recalls.

The quality of the Ford automobiles can also be seen in their safety ratings.  Motortrend has given Fords almost entirely 5 out of 5 ratings, with one lone 4 out of 5 across the entire product line.  These ratings show that the Ford products are not only the highest quality, they are also safe to drive!

What is really exciting about the quality of the Ford line-up is that the cars are not only of good quality and safe, they are cool to drive too!  The Ford Fiesta that is just arriving is the perfect car for any urban drivers.  The Ford Mustang is an American staple that keeps getting better.  The Ford F-150 is one of the most solid trucks in history.  The list could go on and one.

Not only are the cars great, what is inside the cars is exciting too.  Ford’s new MyTouch system will be coming out in the 2011 models.  The system allows you to talk to your car to perform just about any task.  It also integrates with your smart phone to offer complete connectivity.

As I explained to my friend, Ford clearly no longer stands for Fix Or Repair Daily.  It now stands for some of the best vehicles that can be found on the road today.  If you would like a tour of the great Ford line-up, please let me know: 414-777-4393

Everyday our Business Development Center (BDC) receives inquires from people that indicate they are interested in purchasing a vehicle.  It is the job of the BDC to then follow-up with a customer until they purchase a vehicle or indicate they are no longer interested.  Sometimes, this can mean months and months of unreturned emails and unanswered phone calls.

Last week I noticed that 7 people, that came through the Automotive Advantage program, had yet to return a single contact by the BDC to simply indicate whether they were still interested.  I personally emailed all of them to ask for a simple yes or no on whether they wanted us to stay in contact with them.  Surprisingly, all seven responded, which really got me thinking.

The BDC had spent hours upon hours to try to get in contact with these people.  The people had received the messages but simply decided to not respond.  To me, that seems like a waste of their time and ours.  If they were not interested, a two-minute phone call would have stopped the inquiries.  If they wanted to wait a few months, a quick email would have had us follow-up when it was more convenient.   If they bought elsewhere, a heads up would have prevented us wasting our time.

What I want to know is why do people not return the calls?  What is the expectation or how often a company should contact you, once you have indicated an interest?  How could we better contact our potential customers that will make them want to respond?  I want to make sure we are creating a shopping experience that is enjoyable to all.  Your help is greatly appreciated and if you would like to respond in private, please feel free: cihde@ewaldauto.com

Life is about who you know, not what you know.  The old saying seems to hold pretty true in today’s business world.  Even as we face an ever-flattening global market, it still seems like the network you create can have the largest impact on your success or failure in business.  Knowing this, I make it a priority to constantly grow and nurture my network.

Since my network is so important to me, I make it a priority to pass them references or business whenever possible.  If I meet a new contact that I know would help someone in my network, I pass along his or her contact information.  If I’m in the market for something I turn to my network to find the product I need.  The way I see it, I would rather do business with people that I know than work with complete strangers that will never see me again.

Recently it has come to my attention that not everyone treats his or her network with the same amount of loyalty.  Within the last week I have had two people that I know well purchase vehicles from a direct competitor.  I then noticed that during a week I’ll give out several leads to people and do not see a single one in return.

Now, I fully realize that these people are in no way obligated to do business with me or to send me leads.  This post isn’t meant to complain about my network or to say that everyone should treat their network the same way that I do.  I’m sure everyone out there has their own way of treating their network.  What I’m trying to figure out is if I am doing something wrong or if other people simply treat their networks differently than I do.  I see myself giving out a lot more than I am getting back and I’m not sure why.

What do you believe is your obligation to your network?  Do you owe them referrals and leads if they send them to you?  Should you try to do business with the people you have met?  Is it considered standard practice to pass along kind jesters that people show you?

I’m really interested to hear what everyone has to say about the topic.  I firmly believe that a network is something that should be grown and nurtured, I’m curious to see if everyone else agrees with that.  If you would like to send me your response in private, please feel free to do so: cihde@ewaldauto.com

Several times a summer I load my family into our car and we hit the open road.  Whether we will be driving for a few hours or a few days, I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way to ensure we get there safely.  I ran some of these by our technicians at Ewald and they agreed they were important to safe summer travels.  Here is what I have learned:

1. Cleanliness is next to Godliness: Although cleaning your car may seem like a vanity thing, it actually helps protect your vehicle.  You should even consider breaking out the wax once or twice a year to ensure you protect the paint of your vehicle.  A clean vehicle is a quick first step to making sure it will get you where you need to go this summer.

2. Don’t run on empty: I used to have a tendency to wait until the very last minute to refill my gas tank, however, this is a bad habit that is a bad habit.  Try to refill your car before it gets below a quarter tank.  This will help prevent dirt, debris and rust from entering the fuel system.  As you make your treks this summer, try to stop sooner than later to prevent any damage.

3. Stop to smell the roses: It may be second nature to hop in your vehicle and take off. But try to avoid this. Make an effort to look over your vehicle on a daily basis.  If daily does not fit into your schedule, at least look her over before any long trips.  Start on the outside and look at your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and have plenty of tread and then look under the vehicle to ensure there is nothing hanging down.  Go under the hood next to ensure all your fluids are properly filled and are the appropriate color.  If you are not sure what these should look like, consult your owner’s manual.  Finally, jump in the driver’s seat to ensure all lights and electronics are working properly.

4. Don’t always pinch pennies:  I have written plenty of posts about saving money and living on a budget.  However, the one place you don’t want to skimp on things is your car.  For the most part, cheaper parts are cheaper for a reason; they’re not as well made.  Whenever purchasing something for your vehicle, always ensure you are getting a quality part that will not break.

5. Life is about who you know:  As important as it is to know how to upkeep your vehicle, it is also important to have a trusted professional that can handle the larger maintenance issues.  When looking for that trusted person, be sure to check both their education and work experience.  Also, look for a shop that can work with different makes and models so you can take all your vehicles to the same place.  Finally, visit the shop before it is time to take your car in to ensure you are happy with the people and service you will be working with.

These tips were simple ways to help keep my family safe on our summer travels.  I hope they help keep your family safe as you enjoy a great summer!  If you have any tips that have worked out great for you, I would love to hear them: cihde@ewaldauto.com

There may be nothing more exciting than getting your driver’s license for the first time when you are a teenager.  That is, unless you are the parent of that person!  For anyone that has children, it is easy to understand what a terrifying time this can be.  While nothing can completely calm the fears associated with this time, one such mom has taken it upon herself to help those in a similar situation.

As someone in the automotive industry, I am always looking for resources for our customers, some of which are parents whose children are getting their driver’s license.  When I was in high school, learning to drive was a part of the curriculum and everyone was mandated to take defensive driving courses.  Unfortunately, those days have passed us by and are now replaced with graduated licenses.  In order to help parents through this graduated phase, Anne Scallon created Before the Wheel (beforethewheel.com).

Before the Wheel is a resource for parents that are facing their young ones learning how to drive.  It provides best practices to ensure teens learn how to become safe and competent drivers.  Whether it is your first time dealing with such a situation, or you have gone through it before, Before the Wheel exists to support you and your family.

One of the best things about Before the Wheel is that it is from right here in the Milwaukee area.  When I met with Anne, to discuss the new project, she told me about her reason for starting the site.  She talked about her first time going through the experience and about how she wished for a place of support.  Instead of waiting for someone to create something for her, Anne took it upon herself to create the resource that she wished she could have had.

Ewald Automotive Group is proud to stand behind Anne and Before the Wheel.  We invite anyone that is, has or will be dealing with teen drivers to visit the website at www.beforethewheel.com .  It is a great resource to help parents ensure their teens stay as safe as possible while learning to drive.  Thanks for the great work, Anne!

Join us this Saturday, May 8th from 11am to 1pm as we grill out and race the Klements Sausage Racers!  We invite everyone to bring their children to enjoy all the fun!  The event is meant to help  Oconomowoc Youth Baseball win a baseball diamond make-over courtesy of Chevrolet.

The event will take place at Ewald Chevrolet Buick on Highway 16 in Oconomowoc.  We are proud sponsors of Oconomowoc Youth Baseball and hope you will help us support them.

Women are a powerful force in the automotive industry.  Not only do we buy over half of the new vehicles sold every year (54%), we influence up to 80% of all purchase decisions.  This is on top of that fact that we account for 65% of service work done at dealerships.  All in all we provide $200 billion dollars worth of buying power to the industry!  Not too shabby for us ladies, if I do say so myself!

Despite this massive buying power that we posses, we still only make up 8% of car salespeople across the country.  A lot of this could explain why so often women feel the need to bring along a male “security blanket” to help them shop.  Hopefully you do not fall into this category but, if you do, it is really not surprising at all.

The fact of the matter is that women shop and buy differently than men.  Generally, we are much more relationship based in our major purchase decision making.  We want to buy from someone that we feel good about buying from.  This is evident in the fact that we pay as much as $1,353 extra on vehicle purchases just to avoid negotiation!  We would much rather find someone we feel comfortable buying from than drive all over town and haggle for the very best price.

This is not to say that we are poor shoppers.  When it comes to buying cars, observations have shown that women tend to be more concerned with amenities, color, style and safety features, opposed to male counterparts that tend to care about performance, economy and price.   Also, women take more time to research which vehicle is the correct one for their current situation, not which one they can simply get the best price on.  The majority of the situations I run across on a daily basis involve the following: “Here is my situation…can you help me?”  Ladies are looking for assistance, assurance and…a good deal.

So, you’re in the market – what do you do now?  Realize that, as a woman you hold a lot of buying power. You make major decisions each and every day and buying a vehicle should be no different. Know what it is that you want and don’t be afraid to ask for it.  Do your research to become more familiar with the vehicle in question and seek out answers to your questions. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable during the sales process, walk away because you deserve better.  And, as always, if you want to reach out to me, please feel free: cihde@ewaldauto.com

P.S.  I got all of my statistics from women-drivers.com.  I would highly suggest you check-it out if you’re in the market!

What a better way to start spring than Chevrolet, Baseball and the Sausage Racers!  In the spirit of community collaboration and teamwork taught through youth sports, Ewald Chevrolet Buick has once again partnered with Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club through the Chevy Youth Baseball program that will include equipment donations as well as fundraising opportunities during the 2010 little league baseball season.  To really kick off the event they have invited the Youth Baseball Teams and the Klements Sausage Racers to the Ewald Chevrolet Dealership May 8^th.

Now in its third year in the Milwaukee area, Chevy Youth Baseball is an initiative that establishes a positive relationship between your local Chevrolet dealers and the communities they serve.  Ewald Chevrolet Buick selected the Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club because of the league’s proximity to the dealership.  Over the course of the season, Ewald Chevrolet Buick will donate team equipment kit items, which include: equipment bags, ball buckets, coaches’ padfolios, water bottles and t-shirts.

Ewald Chevrolet and Chevrolet Motors will also donate a Chevy Equinox which will be raffled off by participating teams, including Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club.  Team and leagues that participate in the Chevy Equinox raffle keep 100 percent of the proceeds.  Over the past three years local Chevy dealers have helped raise more than 3.6 million for participating leagues.

Last year’s winner of the new 2009 Chevy Tahoe was Doug Pierce of Oconomowoc.  Doug purchased his winning raffle ticket through the Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club.

“We are looking forward to another great season with the Oconomowoc Area Baseball Club that will be filled with exciting games and an enhanced experience for the kids and the teams through the equipment donations” said Brian Ewald of Ewald Chevrolet Buick.  “Chevy Youth Baseball is just one example of how committed our dealership is to supporting the youth and families in the Oconomowoc community.

I also wish to remind everyone to visit www.chevybaseball.com and vote for Oconomowoc’s zip code so that the children and the community can win a new ball diamond courtesy of Chevrolet and Scotts Lawn Care Company.”  “It will be like hitting a double if we can win a ball diamond and have someone from the Lake Country Area win the Chevy Equinox” said Ewald.

“Chevrolet is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and Youth Baseball, it’s because of this relationship that we are able to host the “Kick Off Event” for the Oconomowoc Youth Baseball and have the Klements Sausage Racers at the dealership.  Bring the kids to meet the Klements Sausage Racers and have your photo taken with them.   We will gladly print or email them for you.” said Schutte.

For more information about Chevy Youth Baseball, visit www.chevyyouthbasebaseball.com.

For more information about helping Oconomowoc win a new Baseball Diamond visit www.chevybaseball.com.

For more information about purchasing raffle tickets to win the all new Chevy Equinox contact Steve Smith at snksmith@charter.net

Over the past 46 years, the Ewald Automotive Group has worked hard to serve the Metro-Milwaukee area to the best of our ability.  After this long record of service, we would like to ask you for one favor.  Now through May 2, WISN.com is holding their annual A-List competition to find the best of everything in Milwaukee.  For the first time ever, they are looking for the best new car dealership in the metro area.

All of us at Ewald Automotive Group would be humbled if you would be willing to take a few moments to vote for your favorite Ewald location.  You can do so by visiting http://wisn.cityvoter.com/contests/spring-fever/4767/auto/dealers?page=2 and selecting which location you prefer to use.  If for some reason you do not feel we are the best dealer though, we would love to know why you would not vote for us so we can continue to improve.  However, for all of our loyal customers out there, we would like to thank you for an amazing 46 years and we look forward to many more!

Thanks,

Cortney

My husband and I were super excited last week when we found out that Brewers license plates are now available for order.  I’m not sure if we’ll end up getting them for our car or not but it is pretty cool to be able to represent Milwaukee and the Brewers like that.  I’m guessing we’ll have to make our decision soon though, we like the retro plate the best and I have a feeling those will be going quick!

Upon hearing about the new plates, I decided to see what other license plates are available in the state of Wisconsin.  I was amazed to find dozens of different plates for just about every interest, cause and service.  To check them out for yourself, you can visit: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/plateguide/special.htm.  However, here is a sampling of a few of my favorites:

Celebrate Children: As a proud mother myself, I love the idea of supporting the Celebrate Children Foundation.  Sure, the plates cost a little bit more but at least you know the money is going to a good place.  Not only that, the plate then act as a mobile billboard for the foundation!
Endangered Resources: Our family loves the outdoors and enjoying all that Wisconsin has to offer.  This seems like a great way to ensure that our beautiful nature will be around for generations to come.
Military Group: My husband served in the United States Marine Corps and I was always raised with a strong sense of gratitude for our men and women in the service.  I know I feel a strong sense of pride whenever I see someone with a military license plate.

Packers: I mean, common, this is Wisconsin!

So I guess even if you’re not interested in the new Brewers license plate, there are plenty of options for you.  Just save me a retro Brewers plate please!

The queen would need a new chariot.  The fire in the stables completely destroyed her previous one and she would need a new one immediately.  And so a decree went out to all the land: find the queen the very best chariot.

And so the kingdom’s three chariot makers began working tirelessly to sculpt the very finest ride that they could make.  They toiled day and night and night and day to create perfection for their dear queen.  When the day came for the queen to select her new chariot, the manufactures arrived at the castle.  One by one they went around and described why their chariot was the very best.

After listening to all of the manufacturers give their speeches, the queen carefully inspected each chariot.  When she had her fill she walked back to her thrown and sat down with a large thump.  After an eternal silence, she spoke to the manufactures: “I have asked you all to create for me the very best chariot that you could and you have all done that.  But after hearing you speak and inspecting your creations, I see little difference between the chariots.  So, please tell me good sirs, why is it that I should use the kingdom’s money to purchase your chariot over the others?”

Gardon, a large man that had been working with his hands his entire life, was the first to stand and speak.  “My queen, because of all the wonderful things that you have done for this kingdom, I will gladly donate my chariot for you to ride.  This way, all the land will know that the queen rides in one of my chariots and will want me to make their chariots as well.  I would be honored and humbled if you would except my gift.”  The queen nodded blankly and Gardon once again kneeled.

William, a round man with bright red cheeks, was quick to stand after Gardon kneeled.  “Your highness, I too would ask for not a penny from the kingdom.  You have done far too much for your people and I would be honored just to know that you had selected my chariot.  I have made many chariots for many people and have made plenty of money doing so.  So, unlike Gardon, I do not hope to bring myself more business, I simply wish to honor my queen.”  Again the queen nodded and William proudly returned to his kneeling position.

The third manufacturer was slow to stand.  When finally arose he spoke in a quite voice that was barely audible.  “Your highness, my name is Nebi and I am afraid you will have to except one of the other gentlemen’s gift.  You see, I am a poor man and cannot afford to give away my chariot.  However, if you did decide to buy mine, I can promise you that I will be here everyday to make sure that it continues to ride just as nice as it does today and if there is ever a problem you can count on me to be there for you.”  And just as slowly as he stood, Nebi returned to a knee as Gardon and William smiled in confidence.

The queen carefully scanned over the men.  “Gentlemen, I want to thank you all for coming here today.  Gardon and William, you are extremely kind to offer me your chariots for absolutely nothing, however, I fear that they are worth exactly that: nothing.  As queen, I demand the very best value for my chariot and you Nebi, have shown me that.  When all others talked about how cheap their offering was, you stood by your price and explained why it was worth more.  Instead of succumbing to the temptation to enter the price war, you showed me your value.  You spoke of the superior service and dedication that I can expect when all other things are equal. This I respect and this is why I will choose your chariot.”

Recently my youngest child started attending daycare.  For anyone that has their kids in daycare, they know how expensive this can be!  The additional cost really put us in a tight financial spot, so my husband and I decided to completely re-evaluate our monthly budget.

We started by reviewing every bill and expense that we pay each month.  Being in the auto industry, I immediately looked at my car payment.  Since my lease was coming up, I decided to look at the programs available from the manufacturers we represent and find a vehicle with a lower lease payment.  I decided to purchase prepaid maintenance as well so that I would never have that expense budgeted every month instead of the random visit to the service department.  The new vehicle also lowered my insurance premium but I shopped insurance to make sure I was receiving the best deal.  Luckily I was but by the time it was all said and done, I was saving over $75 a month.

There wasn’t too much else that I could change on my fixed expenses, but I re-evaluated my other costs.  As in most families, our grocery bill is pretty significant.  I decided to try some discount grocers and was very pleased with what I found.  I was able to get the same quality groceries and save my family about $40 a week on groceries.  That is up to $160 a month in savings in that one simple move!

Now that I am on a roll, I am continuing to look at other options.  I am also looking into web-based budgeting systems such as mint.com.  I have heard great things about the site and enrolled in it this weekend to find that it is super useful to helping everything financial related to stay organized.

What have been some of your best money saving techniques?  If there is something that really works for you, that I am not thinking of, I would love to hear it!  Otherwise, I hope I sparked some ideas for you to begin your savings journey.  Good luck!

The green topic has been in the mainstream media for sometime now and it continues to get attention.  As a corporation, Ewald Automotive Group has made the decision to become more environmentally conscious.  Since this is our first attempt to move the needle, I would like your feedback on the subject.

As of right now we are considering several different options to make Ewald more “green.”   The first of these is to put a major effort behind recycling 100% of the items that can be recycled.  While this sounds fairly simple, implementation could be difficult.  Our main question with this option is enforcement.  Besides educating our employees and reminding them from time to time, how do we ensure everyone is recycling?

We are also looking at replacing our standard light bulbs with energy efficient models.   As of right now it appears to be a substantial initial investment but one that will save us money by reduced energy and increasing bulb life.  Does anyone have any solid numbers on what the ROI timeframe is or what the best bulbs are?  A difficulty we face with bulbs is that we need a wide range of them.  Our facilities have everything from standard office lighting to industrial units for our shops.

We also want to look into other energy saving possibilities within our dealerships but we have yet to find anything that would warrant the investment.  If anyone has any ideas on how we could improve our energy consumption in a cost effective manner, I would love to hear about it.

Besides these things we are open to any other suggestions that you have.  We consider this an important step to take in 2010 so we welcome your feedback.  Please feel free to send me your suggestions: cihde@ewaldauto.com

An acquaintance of mine approached me after a networking event last week.  She explained to me that she had a Honda CRV and that she knew that she needed a larger vehicle, but had no idea where to start.  She told me her family had recently added a third child and they were having a hard time fitting three car seats in the back of the CRV.  As we talked through her problem, I had a couple of questions I needed her to answer.

How much “stuff” do you need to haul around? In this case, I already knew she had three kids and their car seats to fit in.  Since I have two kids of my own, I know that kids come with a lot of baggage and storage capacity is a necessity. This pretty much guarantees she will need some sort of minivan, but if she would have a problem with that, it is important to look at other model types available.  However, she was happy with the minivan suggestion, so I was able to very quickly run her through the current models and their strengths and weaknesses.  With this in mind, she could start test-driving a few.

What can you afford?  Have you thought about this yet? My family is as budget conscious as any other family, so I always want to fit this into the equation when deciding to make a vehicle change.  In this case, she knew she could afford around $300-$350 a month.  I explained the general rule of thumb that $100 per month gets you $5000 worth of vehicle.  This put her around $15,000-17,500.  However, her trade(the Honda CRV) was most likely worth a few thousand dollars, so she could reasonably look at vehicles up to $20,000.   At this point, we were getting very close to identifying what she could seriously consider for her next vehicle.

What is your driving style? By style, I mean how do you spend 80% of the time in your car? I asked my friend what her typical driving day included. Between commuting, taking the kids to day care and the bi-annual vacation to Colorado, the dominant style was short commuting. She wanted to ensure the kids were comfortable for the long trips they take and that they would be safe on a daily basis. With this in mind, we narrowed her search further to a top safety rated minivan with good highway gas mileage ratings.

When we started out our conversation she had stated that she wanted to purchase a vehicle in the spring.  Her thinking was that it would take that long to find the vehicle they wanted.  However, as we answered these quick questions during a 10 minute conversation, it became clear that it would be very easy to select the perfect vehicle to meet their needs and wants rather quickly, which may have surprised her due to her own expectations of the sales process.   She found out that it doesn’t have to take forever if the right questions are asked and answered during the process.

Thinking through the above questions can help you narrow down what vehicle you are looking for next time you are thinking about making a change.  If you’d like someone to run a question by or to help you with the process, drop me an email at cihde@ewaldauto.com.

I woke up this morning and realized that I am very much like most adults who are the parents of two young children who work full-time. I rise with the thoughts of just wanting to go back to sleep because I was awoken 3 times during the night by my teething little boy  and my daughter who decided it would be fun to sleep with mom and dad at 2am.

I get up, shower, get dressed and within 45 minutes my adrenaline for the day kicks in (aka strong coffee). I drop the kids at the babysitters and realize I need to be on my A-game for the next 9.5 hours because nothing happens in my world until a vehicle is sold.

I begin my day at one of our dealerships and meet with our service department about an internal contest that I am managing. It’s early so we keep the meeting short and sweet, and before I know it, I am in the car on my way to our corporate office for a daily review with my account manager to see where we are focusing our efforts today. We strategize and put together a few lunch ’n learn programs for two of our most supportive accounts. Our goal in doing these is to inform and educate the employees of these organizations so they know the resources available to them and to provide a platform that provides honest answers and sets expectations for our program going forward.

Now I am off to a luncheon in Brookfield that helps women in business thrive and strengthen their leadership skills. I arrive and realize how empowering it is to be involved with a network of ladies that care not only about me personally, but also want to see me succeed professionally. We discuss our goals and objectives as a group for the year and plan many meaningful and educational programs to further our development. I then meet with one of our group board members to discuss a possible partnership between a non-profit that supports safe teen driving programs and my employer. The possibilities are endless and our brainstorming session further validates what my role is not only within our company but with our community.

After I have checked my blackberry to scan through over 30 emails(in a 3 hour timeframe – geez!), I drive expeditiously to another one of our locations because I have a sales team meeting. Our plan today is to cover what our customers expect from us and how we can deliver the solutions our customers need without “selling” to them. After all, we are in the transportation solutions business. The sales associates bring needed input and opinions to our process and the value received only makes us a stronger team, even when each store has a different culture and clientele. By the time our discussion comes to a close, I realize that the day is coming to a close and it’s time to head home.

As I drive to pick up my kids, I further realize that it’s a blessing to be involved in an industry that constantly evolves and challenges us, as people in business. Each day brings about new opportunities and it’s up to me to decide how I am going to make the most of them. I enjoy what I do and the people that I help. Can most people say that at the end of the day?

To contact me directly, send me an email – cihde@ewaldauto.com. I welcome your comments.

For most people, the thought of an all-day training event sounds like some sort of punishment.  However, I am an odd ball and I actually look forward to training sessions!  For me it is another chance to learn and improve what it is I do at work and I always seem to walk away with something new to apply.  So, when I heard about a training event to teach employees about their three responsibilities to a customer, I jumped at the chance to attend.

As I listened to the three things that we must provide each of our customers, I realized that the same training we were receiving could be applied to helping you buy your next car.  Here are the three things we are responsible to our customers for and how you can apply them to your next vehicle purchase:

Identify the correct vehicle: Most people walk into a dealership with an idea of what kind of vehicle they want, it is our job to narrow that down to the exact car you are looking for.  In order to do this we will help you by walking around the vehicle with you to ensure it is what you are looking for, allow you to drive the vehicle, ensure you understand the features and benefits and ensure it is the vehicle you need. This is your time to make sure any questions you have about the vehicle are answered.

Work within the customer’s budget:  This is what gets most people worried.  They do not want to find the car they really want unless they know it will be in their price range.  What we advise people to do is find a car they want and then we will find a way to fit it into your budget.  For most people, their budget comes down to the amount they pay per month.  So if they know they can afford $500 per month it is more important to get financing terms that will meet this than a lower price with a higher monthly rate.  That said, have a realistic understanding of how much vehicle your monthly payments will buy (a general rule of thumb is $100 per month for every $5000 of vehicle).  It is our job to find you the correct vehicle and get it within your budget, not figure out your budget and put you into a car to match it.

Work in a timely matter:  How long should it take for you to own your new vehicle? This can be fairly open to interpretation, depending upon the customer’s purchase time frame.  Some people expect car buying to take a month and others think they can buy a car in 30 minutes. While both scenarios are extremes, we see them every day. It is important to have the correct expectations going into the deal and finding someone you can build rapport with who will educate you as you go through the purchase process.  We follow a strict procedure to ensure that you walk away completely satisfied every time and because we know our customers approve.

Knowing what some of our responsibilities are will help you understand how you can improve your vehicle purchasing process.  Should you ever have any questions, please feel free to email me: cihde@ewaldauto.com

At a very young age, I discovered what my dad and extended family did for a living. They sold and serviced automobiles. It was cool when I was a little kid because my dad would bring home the latest and greatest cars for us to explore, he even let us steer the wheel a few times on drives around the neighborhood.

As I approached my teenage years, I had the opportunity to work at one of our dealerships in the office. I learned about work ethic, how to file a service repair order by the vehicle identification number and that a warm office is most often underappreciated, since our file room wasn’t heated and I needed a space heater.

After a few years of learning the administrative support structure in our store and graduating to part-time receptionist, I realized that eventually I would need a car to get where I needed to go, including work, golf team and socializing with my friends. My dad advised and taught me that in our business “There’s No Such Thing as a FREE Lunch” so I planned to put away the money I was earning to make that first car purchase.

When the time came, my parents sat down with me and explained the responsibilities of owning a vehicle and asked me if I thought I was ready for that responsibility. Undoubtedly, I said YES! So, we took a look at what I had saved and looked at what I could afford and settled on a BRAND NEW 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier!

My dad had to find the right one for my budget but it worked out and I was so excited.  It was teal, the real turquoise color that everyone wanted in 1996. It was a 2-door coupe with a CD player! What a great option to have! And it was brand new. I was the first person to drive it out of our dealership. At the age of 16, I was a vehicle owner and I had done it all on my own!

As I reflect on that one experience, I realize that many other people get quite nostalgic about their first purchase experience and it makes me curious about what you might like to share with others.  If you have a story to share, please do!

To email me directly, cihde@ewaldauto.com or visit my blog at www.ewaldautomotiveadvantage.com/blog.

Don’t worry, I don’t intend to talk about my new weight loss plan or how this year will be the year I finally quit smoking (mainly because I don’t smoke and don’t need to loose weight!).  Although personal resolutions are great, this year I decided to focus on what I want to change professionally. Perhaps, some of my resolutions will resonate with you and aid you to approach the people around you in the new year with a new vigor.

Realize other people’s strengths: So often it is easy to assume that because we are good at something, everyone should be good at it.  To us, the job is simple, so it is hard for us to understand why anyone else doesn’t find it to be the same as we do.  However, this year I want to focus on the fact that we all have our own unique strengths. Some people are better at conflict resolution than others. Some people are IT savvy, whereas I know there are many of us that are not.  When you enable and encourage people to use their strengths, you are inevitably strengthening the company as a whole and allowing the individual to grow professionally.

Ask for help: This one is going to be hard!  Even when I find myself buried in work and completely fed-up, I still find it difficult to ask for the help I need.  I fully understand that I need assistance, and I should probably delegate the task, but the asking for it doesn’t seem worth the relief that it will bring.  This year I resolve to make a habit out of asking for the assistance I need, before I become overwhelmed.

Communicate more: Obviously, I use social media and technology to communicate but at the same time I need to make a conscious effort to increase my human-to-human communication.  The very act of picking up the phone or stopping by an office can make such a difference in today’s world.  Whether it is my colleagues or my clients, the time it takes to talk face-to-face can mean a lot to people.  It is my goal to not rely on technology as much this year and force myself to make the effort to talk face-to-face whenever possible.

Collaborate: This one is mainly focused on my clients.  I often try to work with my clients to best serve and inform their employees but I often feel like I am asking something of them instead of providing something to them.  This year I want to find out what my clients want and then collaborate with them to make that happen.  I am positive that by working hand in hand I will reduce their burden and better serve their company and employees.

Follow-up: On busy days, simply checking your voicemail can seem like a herculean chore.  The time it takes to return a phone call or reply to an email may be minimal but when there are hundreds of emails and phone calls to respond to, it adds up.  This year I want to set aside time to make sure that I can timely follow-up with every correspondence.  I know this will allow my brain to process information, requests and conversation more effectively, which helps me the best I can be in my role.

What do you want to accomplish in 2010? Personally, what is hindering you that only you can fix? What goals and resolutions can you set for yourself? Think about it and then let us know. You never know, maybe I can help you or you can help me…

Until next time, have a Safe and Happy New Year. I wish you much success in achieving what you desire!

With only two days left in this decade, now may be a great time to take one last look at buying a new car.  Although you do not want to rush into anything, the IRS’ tax deduction for vehicle purchases is a great way to save a lot of money on your new vehicle.

This is directly from the IRS website:

Taxpayers who buy a new car or several other types of motor vehicles this year may be entitled to a special tax deduction when they file their 2009 federal tax returns next year. The tax break is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Here are seven things you should know about this new deduction:

State and local sales taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of qualifying vehicles are deductible.

Qualified motor vehicles generally include new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles.

Purchases must occur after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010.

This deduction can be taken regardless of whether or not you itemize other deductions on your tax return.

Taxpayers will claim this deduction when filing their 2009 federal income tax return next year.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

The deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

Consumers who are considering buying a new car may find that this tax incentive means there may have never been a better time to buy.

For more information about the sales and excise tax deduction for motor vehicle purchases visit the official IRS web site at IRS.gov.

Wisconsin’s winter roads can be brutal at best.  It seems they take pride in destroying your car at any cost.  We always hope to be the one driving by the car in the ditch but every now and again, we are nose deep in snow, concrete and earth.  Before this happens to you, it is important to have a plan.

The first thing you have to know is what to do immediately after the crash.  First of all, make sure everyone including you is okay.  Regardless of the severity make sure you call the police, without a report it may be hard to file an insurance claim.  If there are other cars involved, get their insurance information as soon as possible and be prepared to share yours.  If you do not have a camera on your cell phone, then it is a good idea to carry a disposable camera in your car.  Pictures of any accident scene will greatly help in insurance claims.

Once things wrap up on the scene of the accident, it will be important to know where you want to get your car towed.  Most often people will choose the closest repair shop but this may not always be the best answer.  A good repair shop will give you a free estimate in order to earn your business, they will accept all insurances and all technicians will be ASE certified.  It may also be good to look for a shop that offers onsite rental cars or shuttles and services all makes and models.  By doing your research ahead of time and finding your repair shop before any accident, you could save yourself a major headache down the line.

As soon as you are able, make sure to call your insurance company.  It is important to know the phone number that you should call to file a claim and your policy number.  From there try to provide them as much information as possible.

This last step is important: relax.  They are called accidents for a reason and they happen to just about everyone.  Take a few minutes to mentally process what happened and then let it slip away from your mind.  If you’ve followed these steps, then you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Get your car ready for winter with this great coupon.  You’ll have everything you need to hit the roads with confidence.

Let me preface this by saying that this post is meant for informational purposes for those intending to shop for a vehicle over the Black Friday weekend. I promise to return to a non-selling capacity next week.  It is simply my intention to let you know what offers are available so that consumers can make an informed buying decision.

That aside, this is the perfect season to think about buying or leasing a new car.  There are a lot of really great incentives out there right now:

Leases:

KIA Fortes and Souls are leasing for $159/month for those with approved credit and $2400 trade equity or down payment plus tax, title, license and service fees.  This is a 36 month, 36,000 mile lease.

Ford Fusions are leasing for $199/month for those with approved credit.  It is a 27 month, 10,500 miles per year lease with $3,294 due at signing (this means cash or trade equity) plus tax, title, license and service fees.  The first month’s payment is included in the signing money.

A 2010 Ford Escape can be yours for 27 months for only $244/month.  Approved credit is required on this 10,500 miles per year lease.  The first month’s payment is included with the $3,339 due at signing plus tax, title, license and service fees.

Outstanding Ford F-150s can be yours for just $349 per month.  It is a 39 month, 10,000 miles per year lease that requires only $6,994 due at signing.  Your first month’s rent is included in the signing payment.

Buying:

The popular Chevy Traverse can be yours for only $389 per month.  Approved credit and down payment required on this hot deal.

All 2009s have 0% financing for 72 months and carry great incentives and good rebates.  There are not too many left in stock so make sure you get in right away.

Please keep in mind – many of these programs go through the end of November, which is Monday.  Time is limited. Offers will change in December. If you have any questions, please send me an email at cihde@ewaldauto.com

People ask me what they need to do to be knowledgeable about the buying process all the time. From my experience, I have found there are a few key criteria all consumers should be aware of before they start their search for their next vehicle. Here are some suggestions:

Know your budget: Beyond just knowing what you want to spend per month, calculate the total cost of owning a vehicle.  Check out how the vehicle you want will effect your insurance, research standard maintenance costs and consider repair cost differences.  The last thing you want to do is exceed your budget with an expense you did not think about completely.

Be realistic about trade-in value: Beyond just going to Kelly Blue Book, look at what cars like yours are selling for in your area.  Also, consider what your car would go for at auction.  Most important, be realistic about the condition of your vehicle.

Research the car you NEED: I highlight NEED because I’m sure we all have a dream car that we want.  Instead, consider how you will use your vehicle the majority of the time you are driving it.  If you travel all over the place, an SUV or truck probably isn’t the ideal choice.  If you have a family with many children, a dog or lots of stuff, a sedan probably won’t work too well.  Look at what you will use your vehicle for 75% of the time and make your decision based off of that.

Plan for a down payment: The number I tell my customers to plan for is 20% of the agreed upon price.  Although your trade-in can be included in this, I wouldn’t recommend including any rebates you may receive.  First, rebate amounts change frequently, so if you are planning for a purchase in three months, those rebates may no longer be available.  Second, financial institutions want to see how much money you are willing to contribute out of your pocket.  Thirdly, a down payment decreases your monthly payment and makes the monthly budget more affordable.

Know your credit: This is as simple as obtaining your credit score to ensure you do not having anything outstanding that you did not know about.  There are numerous websites that allow you to check it once a year at no charge.  Your credit score is a key indicator of the type of financing terms you will be offered when you make a purchase decision. Be aware of this score so you aren’t surprised with your financing options.

Hopefully, this information arms you with the confidence to start a discussion in your household about a vehicle purchase.  A more educated consumer makes the buying process easier for the sales associate and you yourself.  Should you ever need more information about how to make your purchase decision, please feel free to email me at: cihde@ewaldauto.com

An ancient beast once ruled the road.   When it reigned, it reigned supreme and for that very reason it will go down in history.  Like all things though, its time came and went and no longer does the station wagon rule the road.

During the time of the station wagon, things were different.  There was one car in the family and when it needed to be replaced, the whole family drove down to the car dealership to find a new one.  There were dozens of wagons on the lot so the family could choose just the right model for them.  Shortly after a test drive and some tire kicking, the dream wagon was driven off the lot and into the driveway.

Those were the days… things have changed since then.  America’s automobile of choice went from station wagon to SUV and now to a crossover.  And just as the vehicle of choice has changed, so too does the way we shop for them.  Car buying has become a process.  And as we move away from the post-SUV era the process is once again evolving.

We are used to dealerships with large lots with just about any car that we want.  We are used to being able to select the exact car we want and then drive it off the lot the next day.  We are used to our dream car always being in stock and ready for our pick-up.  These things may be true, but there is a shift occurring that consumers should know about.

Today, manufacturers try to build vehicles that they know they can sell and the market demands.  Inventories may be lower to adjust to this new plan, which means the consumer may not have the selection they have been used to. This does not mean that you cannot get the car that you want, but you may end up in a situation where you need to order “your car” direct from the manufacturer or locate one within the dealer network.

From what I have witnessed in recent months, I would recommend that anyone in the market does not wait until the day they are ready to purchase.  Go in a few months early to talk to your dealer and ensure the car you want will be ready when you are.  This is especially true if the vehicle you are looking for is extremely popular or the new model year is just starting to arrive.

Preparation on the consumer’s part will eliminate frustration when acquiring the vehicle of choice. Most dealers are in the business of earning customers and will go the extra mile to inform the consumer on current market conditions so they know what to expect. Don’t be afraid to call, ask questions and remain informed when you find yourself in the market to make a purchase decision.

Hopefully, we all have one in our lives.  Whenever our product breaks, or needs upgrading or adjustment, we give him a call.  We know he will do the work just the way we want, because we have seen him do it time and time again.  He is “my guy.”

In the automobile industry, he is “my car guy.” You know who I am talking about; the one you take your car to whenever your car breaks down, needs an oil change and tires, or something just doesn’t sound right under the hood.  Maybe you were referred to him, met him by coincidence or he’s a long-time personal friend.  Regardless, you would not think about taking your car to anyone else.

To be honest, I’m a little jealous of the “car guy.”  Not because I am a woman, but because I want a chance to be who he is.  Working for a car dealership immediately labels me as an unethical scammer, just out to make a buck.  I’m sure there may be other dealers that have perpetuated this stereotype, but I find it unfair that I must be lumped in with general population.

Regardless of other people’s misconceptions, I am jealous of “my guy” because his business is completely relationship driven.  What an awesome opportunity to work with those that know your work and trust you.  It is my goal to find and work with people like that, but it seems that just because I work for a dealership, people do not trust us.

Now, I’m not saying trust should just be given, I know it has to be earned.  What I strive for everyday is to be my customer’s “car guy.”  I want them to pick up the phone and ask for help if they have questions.  I want them to know that they will get the best we have to offer every time they need us.  I want them to know that I will do everything in my power to ensure they are happy with each visit to our dealerships.

If you are not getting this type of passion from “my guy”, give me a shot to show you how we can be your new “car guy” for the long haul.

In order to ensure all of our social media users stay safe this winter, we would like to offer you this free 31 point inspection.  This will ensure that your car is ready for the long Wisconsin winters.  Even if you think your car will be fine, there is no sense taking a chance!  Stop by any Ewald dealer and be ready for when Jack Frost comes nipping at your nose.

At some point, every car will need to be serviced.  Whether this service is a minor up keep that you prefer to do yourself, or a major overhaul that you know will take help, it is important to consider where you service your car.  A small mistake on the servicing of your car can lead to a major headache.  Keep these things in mind next time your car needs something done to it:

Think twice: There are a lot of men and women that prefer to service their vehicle themselves.  Though this does make sense, it can be very dangerous if your car is under a warranty.  Without verified service records, it becomes very hard to make a claim on your warranty.  Even simple oil changes could void your claim.
Get a guarantee: If you do take your car in to be serviced, make sure the work the company does is guaranteed.  If a shop is not willing to stand by their work then that should be a major indicator that something is wrong.  Get out of there and go to a place that offers 100% customer satisfaction.
Ensure you get the best price: Never think you are getting a deal because a shop tells you that you are.  Ensure you get pricing information from several companies before you make your final decision.  If a shop really wants your business they will honor any competitor’s coupons, so do not be afraid to ask the shop you like to match their competitor’s price.
Keep records: If you always get your vehicle serviced at the same place then this will not be a problem.  Regardless, make sure that you write down everything that is done to your car and when.  Even if the shop is keeping records, you should ensure they are kept properly.  At Ewald Automotive Group,  we offer a personalized service website that allows you to track and monitor your car’s service records.
Utilize your time: I heard someone say on the radio the other day that time has become the new currency.  It certainly seems this way as Americans get busier and busier.  To maximize the use of your time, find a shop that will fix your car on your time.  Extended weekend hours, shuttle services and loaner cars are all great programs that allow you to get your car serviced in a way that does not interrupt your life.

I doubt any of us enjoy getting our car serviced. However, if you ensure your service facility meets these standards, it will be as pleasant as it can be.  And yes, a plug for my employer… at Ewald, we meet all of these criteria, and much more!

For some reason, there are people that do not like car negotiations.  My guess would be because they had a bad experience with a dealership at some point and had more headaches than the negotiations were worth.  I am glad to say that I rarely hear this complaint from our customers.  For those that do not like the idea of negotiating for a vehicle, there is a solution for you.

Imagine for a moment your employer cared so much about you that they went ahead and negotiated the best price for you on all your automotive needs.   How great would that be?  As impossible as that may sound, there are companies that make extra effort for their employees every day.

Using this type of program allows you the peace of mind in knowing your company has taken the majority of the work out of your next major vehicle purchase.  Employers who have done this are enrolled in the Automotive Advantage Program.  In signing up for the program, they ensured the employees will receive the very best our company has to offer.

If the thought of having to negotiate for your next car seems like a major burden, then just ask your employer why they don’t do it for you!  This may seem like an unlikely stretch, but it is actually easier than you might think. The Automotive Advantage Program speaks for itself and makes negotiation a non-issue.

Ewald Chevrolet Buick  is proud to be a part of the Oconomowoc Chamber Harvest Fest on Sunday October 11 from 10-3.   There will be activities for the whole family and pumpkin decorating for the children.  Will also have our latest cars on display so you can see all that Ewald Chevrolet Buick has to offer.

I have spent the majority of my life in the retail auto industry, so I have heard the horror stories about buying a car.   I’ve heard about the car salesman that just won’t leave you alone after you leave the lot.  I’ve heard about the dealer that rushed you into a car that you almost immediately regretted buying.  I’ve heard about the pushing, negotiating and unnecessary stress that so many consumers associate with buying a car.

By listening to these comments and criticisms, I have learned a thing or two.  I have learned that people do not want to be hassled while buying a car.  I have learned that people want someone that they trust to walk them through the car buying process with ease.  I have learned to treat my customers exactly how I want to be treated, regardless of whether they buy from me today or not.

I have a genuine desire to ensure my customers remain happy.  I know how to ask the right questions and find the car that you want.  I know how to find a vehicle that will fit into your budget, so you can afford to buy it.  I know how to take the pressure out of the car buying experience.

For over fifteen years, I have earned a lot of customers by working in all departments in an auto dealership. They have taught me the true definition of customer dedication and satisfaction.  I have earned their trust.   I have earned their respect.  I have earned the right to call myself a customer enthusiast.

I have spent my entire life in the retail auto industry; I know how to sell cars.

Print off and bring in the below coupon to any Ewald Automotive Dealer for $10 off of a Lube, Oil and Filter change.  As always this includes our 31 point inspection and free car wash*.  This is the perfect opportunity to check out our new extended Saturday service hours that now go from 7am-5pm.  Hurry though, this coupon expires 9/30/09!

*Car wash not available at Hartford location

It’s Official!  Ewald adds JEEP franchise to it’s Oconomowoc Chrysler location!
 
That’s right….Ewald Chrysler Jeep in Oconomowoc will now offer the award winning full line up of new JEEP vehicles including:  Compass, Patriot, Wrangler 2DR, Wrangler 4DR Unlimited, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, and Commander!
 
The Ewald Family is excited to expand our line-up in Oconomowoc to our customers with these outstanding SUV’s!  We have added sales staff, certified technicians, and management to assist our customers with this addition!  
 
We are taking immediate orders for all 2010 models!  We have priority inventory selection for being a new dealer!  As always, we will be offering great service and the best deal on your new JEEP!
 
We participate in the Chrysler Corporation Employee and Supplier/Affiliate Rewards Program as well!
 
Ewald is also the only factory authorized service center for all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models in the Lake Country area.

The main problem with Cash for Clunkers is that people thought, and continue to think, that it was the only good time to buy a car.  In reality, today’s car buying market is one of the best it has ever been.  As a matter of fact, the purchasing programs that are available today are the some of the best the auto industry as ever seen.

An exciting statistic in this market is that interest rates are approximately 2% below normal.  In many cases this can save you up to $50 a month on your payments.  This means that the monthly payment on a car you buy today may be right inline with what you would have been paying on a Clunkers deal.  Furthermore, there are many manufactures that are offering 0% financing on certain vehicles.  Such deals make it easy to fit a car payment into your budget.

Another key factor in today’s market is that Cash for Clunkers took a good deal of used cars off the road.  With hundreds of thousands of fewer vehicles now in circulation, dealers must pay far more to buy a used vehicle.  This is to your advantage because if you are looking to trade in a vehicle, your trade in value could be anywhere from 5-19% above average.  Used car values seldom ever go up so this is an extremely rare event that could be to the advantage of anyone looking for a new or used car. 

Whether you missed out on Clunkers, are not happy with the car you purchased or simply weren’t in a position to buy at the time, there are plenty of incentives to help you get the car you are dreaming of.  If you sit down with me I will help you find the car that is perfect for you and then decide when it is the best time to buy.  No dealer worth his or her weight wants to put someone in a car they will not be happy with or cannot afford.

You slowly creep around the parking lot.  If you just stay in your car they wont be able to harass you.  Finally temptation is too great, the car you have been looking for is right in front of you.  Your new car is staring you in the face. 

The second you emerge from your current vehicle you are pounced on.  The classic car salesman, in his classic cheap tie and his classic overbearing approach corners you.  Now you must follow his process, whether you want to or not.  Finally you have been able to do what you want: drive your car.

It’s perfect; it is everything you ever wanted.  Just the thought of seeing it in your driveway gives you goose bumps.  But there are so many questions left unanswered: Can you really afford it?  Is this really the car that is right for you?  Should you lease or buy?  Mr. Classic Car Salesman tells you not to worry; he’ll make sure you are taken care of.  His assurance doesn’t calm your nerves too much.

What can I do to get you in this car today?  Did he really just ask you that?  You want to laugh in his face, tell him if the car were free you wouldn’t buy from him.  However, you maintain your cool and simply inform him there is nothing he could do.

You are finally able to claw your way out of the dealership and the very thought of going through the tedious process of negotiating to buy a car makes you shutter.   You want car buying to be hassle free, you don’t want to have to negotiate to get the best price, you wish there was someone that actually cared about you and could walk you through the process.

What you want, but do not realize, is Ewald’s Automotive Advantage employee benefit program.