Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Why My Car Is The Dodge Dart

 
 When Dodge unveiled the all new 2013 Dodge Dart, they resurrected a giant of the automotive industry.   The 2013 Dodge Dart is based off of the platform used in Alfa Romeo Giulietta and offers consumer's six different model choices and twelve different paint colours to choose from.  The Dart offers its drivers class leading technology and up to 4.8L / 100 KM.  The Dodge Dart far surpasses in appearance, options, fuel economy and in the overall driving experience and leaves the competition in the dust.


While facts and figures are great to read, it is much better to hear an individuals opinion of the Dodge Dart and this is what we have done for you, our blog readers.  Decio Menezes, the Internet Manager of Southbank chose to purchase a Dodge Dart as soon as they were first delivered to our lot.  He has never looked back since.  Below,  you will find an interview with Decio, describing why his car is the Dart. 

 
 
 
 
Valerie: Decio, what do you love most about the Dodge Dart?
 
Decio: Honestly, I love the drive, it is a really fun car to drive.  The 1.4 turbo engine meant I did not have to sacrifice my love of driving by purchasing the Dart, if anything, it made it better.
 
Valerie: How does the Dodge Dart accommodate your lifestyle?
 
Decio: The Dart is great for me.  I live in the suburbs, with my girlfriend and my dog.  I get 580 KM per tank in city driving, to me that is unheard of.  There is tons of storage space, I can easily fit all of my gym equipment and hockey bag in the trunk and the extra front seat storage compartments are a real nice bonus to have. 
 
Valerie: How do you think the Dodge Dart compares to its other competitors currently out in the market?
 
Decio: Frankly, there is no competition.  The design and options of the Dart are far superior to the Hyundai Elantra or Chevrolet Cruze.  The Dart is a classic, you can't compare a classic.
 
Valerie: What was the deciding factor in your decision to purchase the Dart?
 
Decio: I am a numbers guy, so it came down to the price.  I paid just over $22 000 for my Dart and when I compared what I was spending, to what I was getting, there was no doubt in my mind.  It makes sense.  Anyone would be crazy not to purchase the Dart.
 
Valerie: What would you like to tell consumers who are currently considering purchasing a Dodge Dart?
 
Decio: I would tell them to go for it and that they will not be disappointed.  I would suggest anyone who is interested to come and see me and to talk to me about the Dart.  I have not regretted my decision and will be a Dart driver for a long time coming. 
 


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Tis the Season - The Southbank Dodge Pot Luck

 
Christmas is just around the corner, with only 28 more days and the Southbank staff is getting into the spirit of this festive season.  Our Christmas tree was put up and decorated yesterday evening, by members of every department; Whilst it is not Rockefeller centre, we are quite proud of it. 
 
From left to right: Michael Leblanc, Mr. Jeep and Robert Lariviere
 
Today was not just any average Thursday, because it was Southbank's annual pot luck lunch.  Staff from all departments brought in their favorite dishes to share with their colleagues.  While the majority of staff brought in home made creations, our culinary challenged colleagues were not criticized... Well maybe just a little!   
 
We had dishes that brought us from our showroom to all over the globe, ranging from hummus, to Jamaican pattys, to the very original barbecued lasagna.  The highlight and award for most creative dish was awarded to Dave Baerg, our diesel specialist technician;  His Diesel Dave Venison Stew was a huge hit.
 
Hungry technicians

Thania Hamilton-Green setting up the desert table
 
Rick Cain barbecuing his home made lasagna
 
A panorama view of the festivities


Monday, November 19, 2012

Movember at Southbank Dodge

With the arrival of the month of November comes Movember!  For those of you not familiar, Movember is a movement that was started to raise awareness for prostate cancer.  Men are encouraged not to shave their beards or mustaches for the entire month of November.  This will serve as a visual reminder to the general public of how important early detection is to beating prostate cancer.
 
The Southbank Family is participating in honor of our fellow colleague: Winifred Edward, who is a prostate cancer survivor. 
 
Prostate Cancer Survivor -  Winifred Edward
 
Staff from all departments including: sales, service, parts and administration are participating.  Before pictures of clean shaven staff were taken, which will be followed by pictures being taken at the end of the month, featuring a much hairier staff. 
 
Several fund raising events are being held throughout the month to raise funds for prostate cancer research so the fight can continue.
 

 
 

From top to bottom: Mr. Gustavo Aliaga, Mr. Guy Parker, Mr Derek "Mr. Jeep" Shutron, all clean shaven.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

The Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award

Mr. Bernard "Bernie" Frappier



You can always count on one thing on Saturdays at Southbank; When the clock strikes 11:00AM, Bernard Frappier, affectionately known as Bernie to Southbank customers and staff, will begin setting up his hot dog station. 

Bernie has been a loyal customer of Southbank for over thirty years.  He bought his first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1975 and instantly became part of the Southbank Family.  When Bernie decided to retire, he became Southbank's Food and Beverage Manager and Bernie's Hot Dog Saturdays were born. 

Bernie epitomizes the qualities that we hope every Southbank employee possesses.  His kindnesses, joyful spirit, sense of humor and devotion to Southbank have been unwavering for over twenty years.  Bernie is always the first to offer a helping hand to someone, to ask how you are doing and to offer you a candy, because he says, you need to smile.  His “Bernie Dogs” have become an institution in themselves at Southbank on Saturdays, his words of wisdom are cherished and above all else, he is loved by the entire Southbank Staff.   





This year, and in the years to come, we would not only like to award long serving employees, but  to establish an award to recognize employees from all departments who epitomize Southbank Dodge in their day to day actions; regardless if they are new to our family, or have been here for twenty years.
The Southbank Social Committee has decided to name this award after Bernie who holds all of the qualities we  value at Southbank Dodge.

The first Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award will be given out at our annual Christmas party.  The awards will be presented by none other than Bernie.

From the entire Southbank staff, we would like to say: "Thank you for all you do Bernie."

 


Monday, March 5, 2012

Best Car for Women Who Like Muscle Cars

Top Pick in Muscle Cars for Women – Dodge Challenger

Honestly, I just cannot get over how much I love the way the Dodge Challenger looks. It’s got enough of a retro throwback to make you want to break out the pin curls, but is packed with technological wonders, both under the hood and in the dash. The UConnect system lets you stay plugged in to your contacts and navigation, but also to your music, your devices, and your sanity. One of the main reasons I choose the Dodge Challenger as the top of the best muscle cars for women is because the Challenger gives you a wide spread of vehicles, depending on your preference for power. Starting with the SE gives you a V6 engine for bringing the heat, but you can trot your foxy self all the way up to the 392 SRT8 for a V8 Hemi engine that will leave them all in the dust. And I’ve never met a woman who doesn’t enjoy kicking a little in their faces every now and again.