Super Car Guys

Fearless by Adrian Hicks

This occurred to me while watching Kyndall (My one year old) scale and clear the child gate when she thought nobody was watching: We are naturally fearless and curious by birthright.

 

After years of conditioning, and instruction, we develop fears and apprehension often without the adjoining experience. Here is my one year old.... having no clue of the danger involved in this feat, only focused on the goal of clearing that gate! Fear was never an issue. Only the joy of getting into something on the other side. What is your "Gate" today? What is in front of you that won’t allow you to even touch the that thing that you want on the other side? I mean, you can see it.... you know that you are capable of possessing it..... why do you live in fear of the obstruction? Fear is the domain of the adversary. I have heard it said that most people have no earthly clue of what they can do, because all that they have heard is what they CAN'T do.

 

Will you let the "gate" stop you again, today? Kyndall didn't... she didn't know it was supposed to.

 

Be fearless today.

 

Adrian Hicks

Cash for Clunkers – Is it for me?

The Cash for Clunkers legislation has passed, and has received President Obama's signature. Here is a summary of the facts you need to know about the “CARS” Cash Allowance Rebate System.

1. What's a clunker? A driveable vehicle 1984 or newer, with a fuel economy rating of no more than 18 mpg. To find out the official mileage on your clunker, visit fueleconomy.gov the official site for fuel mileage calculations.

2. Here's how CARS works: you trade in your older vehicle for cash towards the purchase of a brand new, more fuel-efficient one. The better the mileage of the new vehicle, the more money you'll get towards its purchase - either $3,500 or $4,500.  The minimum combined fuel economy of a new vehicle purchased under the program must be at least 22 mpg, while new small trucks and SUVs have to get at least 18 mpg, and large trucks have to get 15 mpg. The old cars must be salvaged once you trade it in.

3. No such luck, car “flippers”: the program is off-limits to buy an old vehicle and "flip" it - the vehicle must have been insured and registered by the same owner continuously for at least one year before the trade.

4. The environmental idea behind the bill is that it takes old, inefficient vehicles off of the road.  As with any bill there is controversy from all sides surrounding the bill.  Simply Google “Cash for Clunkers” and peruse the over 2,000,000 recent entries. 

5. Consumers should act fast. The bill provides vouchers for one million purchases, and the window of time is only from July 1 to October 31, 2009 (whichever occurs first). The bill will be revisited in the fourth quarter of 2009, but changes may be made at that time.

6. You don't need a voucher; dealers will apply a credit at purchase

7. The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.

For official information regarding the program, visit the official website at cars.gov

For local information regarding the program or questions about if your vehicle qualifies give Scott Pitman a call or email. 

Scott Pitman has been involved in the auto industry in Wichita for the past 20 years.  Scott it the Chief Evangelist and Operating Partner for Suzuki of Wichita and RideHomeHappy.com

spitman@ridehomehappy.com

 

 

 

Cash for Clunkers Info

EVERY NEW SUZUKI's QUALIFY FOR THE CAR ALLOWANCE REBATE SYSTEM!

There will NEVER be a better time to buy a new Suzuki than this window in time! The Cash for Clunkers or CARS bill (Car Allowance Rebate System), designed to get older inefficient vehicles off the road and help clean up the environment, means that in addition to the cash-saving Suzuki of Wichita's pricing offers, you can get up to an additional $4,500 in CARS rebates from the United Stated Government towards the purchase of a new Suzuki.  This CARS rebate coupled with our already low prices will put much of our inventory under $9,995 and as low as $7,488 plus freight, fees and tax for a brand new car!  Why would you buy a used car when you can buy a new one for less?  This opportunity creates one of the best chances EVER for a customer to purchase a vehicle with substantial initial equity...Exciting!

Now that the bill is signed, it will take the government a few weeks to put all the pieces in place. So stay tuned to RideHomeHappy.com for updates on when the program goes into effect.

All New 2009 Suzuki models qualify, including:

• SX4 Sedan 
• SX4 Sedan LE
• SX4 Sedan LE with Convenience Package
• SX4 Sport
• SX4 Sport with Technology Package
• SX4 Sport with Touring Package
• SX4 Crossover
• SX4 Crossover with Technology Package
• SX4 Crossover with Touring Package
• Grand Vitara
• Grand Vitara Premium
• Grand Vitara XSport
• Grand Vitara Luxury
• XL7 Premium
• XL7 Luxury
• XL7 Limited
• Equator Extended Cab
• Equator Extended Cab w/ Comfort Package
• Equator Extended Cab Premium
• Equator Extended Cab Sport

For details on the government-administered CARS program, including what trade-in vehicles qualify, click the CARS logo:

Old House Rocks - A Fundraising Concert for the Orpheum...

 Old House Rocks - a benefit for the Orpheum Theater - takes place on Friday, May 1 at 8:00pm, featuring the bands "Ten Day Wish" and "3 Ring Circus."  It promises to be a fun filled evening with ALL proceeds of the show going towards the continued restoration of this historic theater.  The event is the brainchild of six WSU communication students as their project for the Strategic Communication in Organizations class. 

The Orpheum, a well known landmark here in Wichita, opened in 1922 and was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1980.  Please help us make our community a better place to live and work by joining us on Friday night.

You can purchase tickets for $15 at selectaseat.com or go to www.wichitaorpheum.com for more information.

Thank you Everyday Heroes!

Suzuki of Wichita Everyday Heroes Program... Suzuki of Wichita is about more than just selling cars.  We care about helping people. We can never fully repay our Everyday Heroes, but we can help reward them for that little extra they give to the community.  Here are a few of the benefits of our Everyday Heroes Program: Available to all of the following Everyday Heroes—even those with Credit Challenges. Reduced Down Payments - Qualify with as little as $0 down in many cases. 90-days to first payment through several participating lenders with approved credit. Additional Vehicle Savings & Discounts on most vehicles.  Extended Service Contract & GAP Insurance Savings from MSRP. Our Suzuki family salutes you as you serve our communities! "Those who say we are in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look." - Ronald Reagan Suzuki of Wichita Salutes Our Everyday Heroes: Military (All Branches) Teachers & Educators Firefighters & Law Enforcement Foster & Adoptive Parents Clergy & Church Volunteers Single Parents Healthcare Professionals Farmers Stay at Home Mom's Government Employees (City, State & Federal) Social Workers Ask a Non-Commissioned Salesperson or Manager for details.  If we have left off any group of Heroes, we apologize.  Please notify us and we will update the list.  Our way of saying “Thank You!”

Winter Storm produces New Suzuki "Ice" Wheel Lineup

My good friend Dusty B. sent me these pictures this morning (after a crazy Kansas weekend of major ice and snow) of his new wheel design for Forenza & Reno's.  He is calling it the "Suzuki Platinum Ice Series."  Are Suzuki customers simply that much smarter than everyone else?  Nice work Dusty!  How much to mount and balance these?

I Always Hated Math Class...

 

But you don't have to LIKE math to appreciate this.  We have 44 2008 Suzuki Forenza's left for sale at the unbelieveable price of $8,988 plus freight.  Seriously, a BRAND NEW car (Not a demo or program vehicle) complete with America's #1 Warranty (Suzuki's 100,000 mile/7 Yr Powertrain Limited Warranty).

This car isn't some stripped down base model with No A/C, No Stereo, and No Fun.  It comes with Power Windows and Locks, a MP3/CD Player with iPod integration, Floor Mats, Air Conditioning, and more fun than you can shake a stick at. 

Why buy a Used Car when you can buy a BRAND NEW ONE for less?

President's Club Award

 

Here are Scott, Brandon, and the rest of the team receiving the President's Club Award from Suzuki Motor Corp's, Koichi Suzuki.  "This has been one of our main goals for 2008 and we are excited about the accomplishment," said Scott Pitman.  The President's Club is awarded to the top 25 volume Suzuki Dealers in the nation with stellar Customer Satisfaction ratings.  Suzuki of Wichita finished 2008 as the 4th highest volume Suzuki Dealer in the U.S. mostly while selling out of a triple wide trailer as a temporary showroom.

The press release from Suzuki follows:

SUZUKI OF WICHITA HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING

SALES AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

·         Scott Pitman and Brandon Steven earn prestigious Suzuki Auto President’s Club status

 

Wichita, KS – (February 11, 2009) – American Suzuki Motor Corp. names Suzuki of Wichita to its 2008 President’s Club – making it one of the top 25 dealers in the company’s U.S. dealer network, which totals over 400.  Suzuki Auto dealers qualify for the coveted honor based on annual sales volume and by garnering high customer satisfaction scores in both sales and service categories.

 

“We are thrilled to be a Suzuki President’s Club dealer – and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the community,” said Scott Pitman of Suzuki of Wichita East.  “This is a great opportunity to share our success with other winners from across the country and to be recognized as an integral part of Suzuki’s national operations.”

 

For 2008, Suzuki of Wichita ranked fourth in sales for all Suzuki dealers nationally, and first in sales for the central region.   A key driver of Suzuki of Wichita East’s success was the dealer’s superior customer satisfaction ratings.  Compared with all dealers, Suzuki of Wichita ranked 10th in sales satisfaction as measured by JD Powers and Associates.

 

American Suzuki finished 2008 with sales of 84,865 vehicles, marking the company’s fourth all-time record sales year in the U.S.

 

“Suzuki’s sales, despite a difficult economic climate in 2008, were aided by outstanding dealerships such as Suzuki of Wichita,” said Kevin Saito, president of American Suzuki.  “I applaud Scott, Brandon, and their dedicated staff for their commitment to increase sales and provide exemplary customer service and satisfaction throughout the year.”

 

 

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states.  With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer.  In 2008, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs.  Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions.  For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

 

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Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, jeff.holland@suz.com

Extreme MakeOver - Dealership Edition

After spending a little over a year in our Triple-Wide Temporary Executive Sales Office, it was time for the team to see the product of our hard work.  Tony Suzuki yelled, "Bus Driver, Move that Triple-Wide!"  And the rest, as they say, is history.

The Story of the SUV-Asaurus

The Story of the SUV-Asaurus...

Once upon a time, SUV-Asauruses roamed the earth.  People happily drove them everywhere and anywhere.  They took them skiing and surfing, and to the mall.  People didn't really think about what they were doing, they just did it.  The BIGGER the Saurus, the BETTER the Saurus.

Now the SUV-Asauruses loved to guzzle gasoline, but their owners didn't really care because gas was cheaper than cheap.  Then suddenly things changed.  Gas Prices went through the roof and people began to sell their SUV-Asauruses.  BUT nobody want them because they were too blasted expensive to drive.  And this made everyone VERY unhappy.  So like a bad rash, the SUV-Asauruses slowly went away.

Bu then, just when everyone thought all the SUV adventure and fun was done, a new kind of SUV called the Suzuki Grand Vitara, or the GV for short, arrived.  It was compact in size so it got good gas mileage - 26 miles per gallon on the highway.  And it had excellent power, in fact its V6 had 64 more horsepower than a Honda CRV.  And unlike most other compact SUV's, it had true 4x4 capability available, so people could take it to all the places they loved to go AND do all the things they loved to do.  So once again, EVERYONE was happy.

Well everyone except the SUV-Asaurus.

LIVE LARGE...  DRIVE SMALL...