It's hard to believe January is almost gone already. It's winter in the AskPatty Nation, for whatever that's worth - it's been blissfully mild for this Tennessee native, which is a welcome relief from the snowy days of the past two winters. But whatever the weather is, it's not slowing down the Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly locations who have hit the ground running in 2012. Check them out!
Victoria Transmission Victoria Transmission & Auto Care is supporting their community through donations for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. An organization started to address the needs in the Victoria, BC area, they expanded to become the largest food bank on Vancouver Island. Bring your vehicle in for a Transmission Service by 1/31/2012 – and we will make a $25 donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Victoria. Visit their website for more information or make an appointment today: http://victrans.com/
Pearson Ford Pearson Ford of Zionsville had joined the Auto Safety Association of America as the exclusive Ford Motor Company center for the greater Indianapolis area. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners can now go to the ASA’s website www.autosafetynow.org and schedule a free vehicle recall check as well as a free vehicle safety inspection with Pearson Ford. full article: http://www.pr.com/press-release/382149
Tires Plus Total Car Care Tires Plus Total Car Care - Minot, Minot Air Force Base and Bismarck, North Dakota, has been recoginzed in their local press as a Certified Female Frienldy location. With an empahasis on better communication and making their customers more comfortable, owner Jard Lundeen is taking the AskPatty training to heart. Among the things they did was add a collection of family DVDs, books and magazines for children, they have snacks and a coffee machine that makes single servings from a wide variety of flavored choices. full article: http://bit.ly/sABMv8
Nigro's Auto Body ABRN (Auto Body Repair News) analysed the collision industry and selected 10 shops from across the country that stood out as leaders above all the rest. These shops go the extra mile for their clients, their community, and their workmanship. We are pleased to announce that Nigro’s Auto Body of Philadelphia, PA has made the list of top shops, and remains one of the most innovative and unique body shops in the United States. “Much about Nigro's is unusual. The shop actually traces its origins to Italy and the European method of repairing vehicles, which Nigro says outpaces much of the technology used in America. Co-owner and father of Domenic, Aniello Nigro trained and worked in Florence, Italy, before coming to Philadelphia to open the shop in 1984.” Check out the whole story here: http://bit.ly/xkKDQ0
Steven Toyota Steven Toyota of Harrisonburg, VA celebrated their 20th anniversary this month. Congratulations! Here's what they had to say on Facebook about the event: "Thank you to all of our wonderful customers & our dedicated employees. We would not be where we are without you! We look forward to serving the Valley for many more years! Stop by & celebrate with us!"
Potomac Falls Express Lube & Car Wash Potomac Falls Express Lube & Car Wash, Potomac Falls, Virginia, has partnered with a number of local restaurants to offer savings on automotive services and lunch! Visit their location Monday through Friday between the hours of 11:30 and 2 p.m. to save on Express Lube services and receive a coupon to use that day at the one of the participating restaurants. Follow the link to see a list of restaurants and special offers: http://bit.ly/zHv546
This month featured the country’s most revered auto show NAIAS’, Detroit Auto Show. Upon first thought of the show chills of excitement made me giddy to be able to see the latest models for 2012 and beyond. Car manufacturer’s attended from across the globe and provided more than enough options when it came to new vehicles coming soon (or within the next year) to local dealerships. The theme from the major auto players seemed to be adding diversity to vehicles so they could perform at multiple levels. The line-up was immense while advances in safety, and technology were very clearly enhanced.
The show was also a way for manufacturer’s to show they have not only been listening to consumers but they have been heeding the call and meeting their needs. One of the most buzzed about vehicles at the show (which has been kept tightly under wraps) was the new fully redesigned Ford Fusion. No longer a big brother version to the Focus, the Fusion is now completely its own unique car. It has midsize sized feel with a streamlined and sporty vibe. The Fusion will be offered with eco-options such as the pure electric Energi and the Fusion Hybrid models which will be released in Fall. The coolest aspects of the Fusion Energi is that it takes half of the time to charge an Energi than most other electric cars within its class and it more than doubles the amount of electric drive time.
Ford then continued to show their eco-friendlier side by announcing they will be launching six electric and hybrid cars releasing this year to early next. They are the Ford Focus, Fusion (standard, hybrid and Energi), C Max Energy, C Max Hybrid, and Ford's Transit Connect Van. Fusion Hybrid designers say they look to the release and the capabilities of the hybrid in achieving up to 47 miles per gallon later this fall.
You always have a ‘choice,’ even where something simple is concerned – even something as simple as your car’s engine air filter. Say you’ve been driving around without having changed your car’s engine air filter in a while. You can choose to buy one for $15-20 and install it yourself or perhaps with the helping hand of a friendly parts store clerk. Or, down the road, you may find yourself shopping for a laundry list of parts and a reliable repair shop.
Under these circumstances, your shopping list could include:
Piston rings - $120
Full gasket set - $175
Connecting rod bearings - $80
Main bearings - $80
Machine work - $600
Repair shop labor to remove/reinstall engine and parts - $1,200
AskPatty.com Inc, the premier online resource for automotive advice for women by women announced today that they have launched a new geo-location female-friendly website adjacent to AskPatty.com that is dedicated to helping women take advantage of money saving offers, coupons and expert automotive advice FAST with the company's growing network of Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail locations across the U S. and Canada. The new website address at www.askpattycertifiedfemalefriendly.com, enhances the online experience women have with Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail locations in their local area.
The Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® program, launched in 2006, offers female-friendly certification, ongoing training and marketing to women expertise for automotive retailers to insure the highest level of customer satisfaction for women. The program provides comprehensive tools and training on how to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women. Included in the program are innovative award winning marketing and advertising to women strategies.
“Just as AskPatty.com continues to evolve as the premier trusted source of automotive advice to women by women, our fast growing network of Certified Female Friendly® locations across the U. S. and Canada is evolving too,” says Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com and Marketing to Women Conference board member. "Our goal is to continue to add more value to women looking for a trustworthy hassle-free experience with our network. This simple and clean geo-location design helps women find the closest Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail location and money saving coupons FAST. A mobile geo-locationversion of the new site is also coming soon to help women find Certified Female Friendly® locations and coupons on the go."
Before the launch of the new site, Certified Female Friendly® retailers were available to readers via a search by zip code on the AskPatty.com homepage, the new dedicated female-friendly website affords women Geo-Location results right on the homepage. Women are greeted immediately with a selection of Certified Female Friendly® locations in their local area, along with local coupons and specials, no manual search required. Women can also sign up for a free membership to participate in the Ask Patty community to review Certified Female Friendly® locations, their vehicles for the benefit of other women, get expert automotive advice via email and cash in on additional specials and coupons.
About AskPatty.com, Inc.
With international headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California, AskPatty.com, Inc. takes a two-pronged approach to revolutionizing the women's automotive retail market in the U. S. and Canada: For consumers, the AskPatty.com website is the premier safe and reliable source for expert automotive advice and research for women by women. For auto dealers, tire dealers, quick lubes, car washes, collision centers, service and repair centers the AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® program provides a comprehensive program on how to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women.
Women can find an Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® location, money saving special offers, coupons and advice fast by going here www.askpattycertifiedfemalefriendly.com.
Go here to learn how to become Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly®.
When the weather gets colder, our cars get more temperamental – but slow starts, frozen doors, and frosted glass isn't all you have to worry about as your family's Tire Super-Mom. Have you paid attention to those tires as the temperatures plummeted? If the answer is no, you're not alone – but fret not! Cooper Tire and AskPatty.com have joined forces once again to bring you important Winter Tire Safety Tips.
You know the basics from our Tire Super-Mom guide – and if you don't, go here for a refresher. Always make sure your tread is wearing evenly, check that pressure, and don't forget to air your spare. Winter, after all, is a magical time of year ... or is it? For many, winter temperatures and snow is enough to make a hermit out of the most adventurous. Yet, work, school, errands and life call us out of our warm abodes and, for those who drive, it's best to be aware of the importance of tire safety and maintenance, especially during the winter months. Why? Let's take a look.
Jodi Kippe, Crowe-Horwath; Cherie Watters, Puente Hills Hyundai; Audrey Zavodsky, Professional Racer, to Receive Top Honors
In recognition of their professional accomplishments and contributions to the automotive industry, three distinguished businesswomen have been chosen to receive the coveted Spirit of Leadership Award, presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI).
This year’s honorees are Jodi Kippe, partner at Crowe-Horwath, a public accounting and consulting firm specializing in audit, tax, advisory, risk, and performance services; Cherie Watters, general manager of three southern California dealerships—Puente Hills Hyundai, Mazda of Puente Hills and South Bay Hyundai; and Audrey Zavodsky, PhD, professional race-car driver and head of human resources, leadership and professional development, for Ford Motor Company.
The women will be honored at the 13th Annual Spirit of Leadership Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 4, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards dinner, hosted by WAAI, is being held in conjunction with the 2012 NADA/ATD Convention. Proceeds from the event will be contributed to the WAAI International Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to qualified students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.
“The women selected as this year’s honorees have a proven track record of exceptional professional achievements and as role models and mentors in both the automotive industry and their communities,” stated Lorraine Schultz, WAAI founder and CEO. “We are privileged to recognize these accomplished women.”
Founded in 1995, WAAI centers it efforts on recognizing the achievements of women in the automotive industry, providing networking and relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging growth through mentoring, ?educational endeavors and scholarships.
For additional information on the awards dinner, including sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and to purchase tickets, visit the WAAI website, www.waai.com. Or email to Lori Sousa, event coordinator, lsousa@dealerriskservices.com.
So, this exploded onto the internet yesterday, so forgive me if you've seen this before, but I couldn't not write about this ad.
You know that we at Ask Patty always look forward to the Super Bowl, because of all the great car ads! Many of you will probably remember Volkswagen's ad from last year, which featured an adorable child-Vader trying his force powers on everything around him, including dad's VW. It was absolutely adorable, and that kid, along with Volkswagen, were lavished with much attention.
Well, it looks like they're continuing the Star Wars trend this year, but they're going a little more... canine in the interpretation. This new ad premiered earlier this week:
The ad includes the date "2-5-12" which, not coincidentally, is Super Bowl Sunday, and the ad's Youtube page promises that "everything will make sense" then.
I'll certainly be watching closely for the punchline. Stay tuned for further updates from the Bark Side!
We always like to let you know when one of the Ask PattyCertified Female Friendly retailers does something cool, and this is one of those times. Tamara Darvish is a vice president of DARCARS Automotive Group, a privately owned group of 34 franchises in the Washington Metro area, and she's written something pretty amazing. It's called OUTRAGED: How Detroit and the Wall Street Car Czars Killed the American Dream, and it's a story about how the auto industry's collapse in 2008 and the subsequent bailouts may have saved auto manufacturers, but ultimately spelled doom for many smaller dealerships across the country. Check it out:
The “taking out” of America’s hometown car dealers is perhaps the most misunderstood or little-known story of the decade, certainly of the last few years. The collapse of the “Detroit Two” automakers (General Motors and Chrysler; Ford is the third component that makes up the so-called “Big Three,” or “Detroit Three” automakers), and a temporary government group designed to rescue them set the stage for the events that transpired. The automakers saw new life. But a good portion of “Main-Street” car dealers were left to hang out to dry. Main Street and Highway 61 are used as metaphors for the rejected dealers, many of whose businesses were located on Main Streets or along highways in rural, small and midsize towns, as consultants pointed out. And dealers, as portrayed here, represent entrepreneurs everywhere, as symbols of the American dream.
Pretty heavy stuff - but important stuff! 2008 and the resulting chaos was tough for everybody, but the best thing we can do now is learn from those mistakes so we don't repeat them again. Ever. Thanks to Tammy for penning this torrid tale, and contratulations to you from the whole Ask Patty team. We hope it's a hit for you!
You can learn more about Tammy and her book at http://www.tammydarvish.com/, and the book's available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and Amazon - plus, it's available on the Kindle. Go get it!
This site, its contents and all related content, formats and documents are copyrighted property of AskPatty.com, Inc and are not to be reproduced or republished without the written consent of AskPatty.com, Inc. - Ask Patty® and Certified Female Friendly® are U.S. registered trademarks owned by AskPatty.com, Inc.
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