Winter Tires, Do I? Or Don't I?

Does anyone remember the lazy hazy days of summer?  They seem a million miles away to me.  Gone are the carefree days of long drives with the top down, wearing easy breezy shorts and tshirts and hello to snowsuits, galoshes and yes the great Canadian debate: snow tires.

Every winter season begins the same.  On Halloween, a sudden cold snap hits and we begin that great debate either with ourselves, or our loved ones: do we have winter tires installed?  To me, the answer is quite simply YES!  There should be no debate and no argument.  Just because we are Canadians and as a general population can not only bear sub zero temperatures, but rather embrace it does not mean our vehicles are just as eager to meet the task.

For those of you who are still on the fence of whether to have winter tires installed onto your vehicle, here are a few tips to consider:

1. Do not wait until the first snow fall to go out and have your winter tires installed.  Firstly, you will most definitely not be the only one who decided to wait, making install times longer and product availability less.
2. Just because it has not snowed does not mean you do not need winter tires!  Winter tires protect you and your vehicle from the sudden drop in temperature.  Once the outside temperature hits approximately 7 degrees Celsius, the rubber on your tires, whether summer or all seasons, become inflexible, which means that your vehicle will have no traction.
3. The main purpose of a winter tire is to move water.  Tires melt the snow and ice as they apply pressure.  This causes the creation of a small layer of water underneath your tires.  Winter tires are specifically designed to combat this water, with specially designed grooves and channels.  Without winter tires, your car will hydroplane due to the thin layer of water.
4. Do not let all-season tires provide you with a false sense of comfort. On snow, ice or cold pavement, the stopping distance of a car with winter tires can be up to 30 to 40 per cent shorter than one with all-seasons. 
5. Winter tires have come a long way.  Gone are the days of bulky tires that completely change the drive of your vehicle.  As technology has advanced, it has allowed companies to create new rubber compounds that have allowed companies to make the optimal winter tire, without sacrificing any other part of your vehicle.
6. Consider it an investment.  While there is a cost that comes along with installing winter tires, is it a proven fact that they do save lives and prevent accidents during the Canadian winter season.  Transport Canada highly recommends that all drivers have winter tires installed onto their vehicle.

There are a few things that we can count on in Ottawa.  One of them is that snow will come.  Along with it, ice, sleet and freezing rain.  So why waste any more time huffing and puffing and debating.  Go out and get your winter tires.  

It is the Canadian thing to do!

Texting While Driving: Is It Really Worth It?

  One of the greatest technological innovations that has evolved is the cell phone.  When first released, they were huge bricks with large antennas; fast forward to present day and they can fit in the palm of your hand.   In the past, being able to place a call from anywhere other than a landline was the ultimate convenience.  Today, people conduct their daily lives from their cell phones, from online banking, to booking trips and keeping up to the second with world news, cell phones and their convenience have become seemingly irreplaceable. 

 

While a cell phone can be a saviour, put in the wrong hands, it can also be as dangerous as a loaded gun.  Texting while driving has claimed too many lives and sadly, even with new legislation, fines and penalties put in place by provincial governments, the number is not shrinking, but growing.  If this seems to be a little bit of a stretch to you, take a look at the statistics:

 

- Canadians send ten million text messages per hour.

 

 

-Text messaging while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely.

 

- Texting drivers' reaction times deteriorate by 35%

 

 

- 82% of teenagers aged 16-17 now own cellphones, and are considered the most at-risk

demographic for texting behind the wheel.

 

-When talking on a mobile phone, drivers are shown to be 18 percent slower to react to brake lights.

 

-Drivers are more cautious while conversing; however, they take 17 percent longer to return to regular speeds after breaking, which, understandably, frustrates following traffic

 

-Drivers talking on mobile phones are responsible for 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries annually.

 

 

-In Canada, 6 people die every day in road crashes with more than 218,000 injuries and  2,900 deaths just since January 1, 2011.

 

 

-One out of 4 car crashes is caused by distracted drivers using a cell phone.

 

 

-Texting while driving is equivalent to drinking 4 beers and then getting behind the wheel.

1 in 5 adult drivers admit to using a cell phone while driving.

 

 

-1 in 2 teens admit to texting or calling while behind the wheel of a car.

 

 

The next time your phone rings while driving, think before you reach for it.  Is that text message really worth your life?  Or worse, worth the life of an innocent stranger?  The Southbank Family is taking the pledge to be phone free while driving. 

Will you join us?

 

 



Debunking The Top Myths About The Car Business

Before you even cross the Southbank Dodge threshold, or any other dealership, you may have some preconceived notions of how a dealership works; while you may be right in some of your assumptions, for the most part, there is much more fiction out there than fact.  The car business has long been plagued with consumer's assumptions towards them and the product they are selling.  Today, we hope to put the top myths of the car business to rest, for good!

Myth #1: 

Profit margins for car dealers on new cars are huge.

Every customer goes into a dealership ready to negotiate.  This is still the case today but it has become a much simpler process. The margins on most cars for dealers are so small that manufacturers themselves are providing cashback incentives, incredibly low interest rates, and in some cases both to help your purchasing decision. Dealers are helping as well by offering vehicle accessories, dealership gift cards, or other incentives to help earn your business. Once you become out client, we would like it keep it that way!

Myth #2: 

Anything for a sale!

Although some dealerships still pay their salespeople a commission, many are turning toward salary scales instead. Either way, the focus for every franchised new car dealer, Southbank included, is on customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships.

Myth #3: 

Servicing your car is more expensive at a dealer.

The reason your dealer may charge more per hour is because their technicians can complete that job in significantly less time. If you took your vehicle elsewhere they may charge less per hour but I’d bet that your final bill will be the same, if not more than if you had gone to your franchised new car dealer. Add in the fact that your dealer is going to be around for a long time, their techs are always up to date on new vehicle technology, and the quality of service you get is top notch, and it’s always a no brainer for me when I get my vehicle serviced.

Myth #4

There is too much turnover in a dealership, I never see the same face twice.

While every employer experiences staffing changes, including dealerships, the myth that turnover is rampant in the car business could not be farther from the truth.  At Southbank, we have a large number of staff who have been loyal to us and our customers for five, ten, fifteen, twenty and yes, even thirty years.   

I hope that we have put some of the most common myths to rest and that you now know the difference between fact and myth!

Keeping Your Investment Squeaky Clean

Whether you treat your car like your baby, or simply treat it as an investment, the fact of the matter is, you need to protect your vehicle.  One of the easiest and most overlooked ways of protecting your vehicle, whether it be a Jeep Wrangler or Dodge Caravan is to keep it squeaky clean!   

 

Most of us do not stop and think about the harsh elements that our vehicles are exposed to during only one week's worth of driving.  Whether it be salt and sand in the winter, or rain and bird droppings in the heat of summer, your vehicle's exterior is exposed to it all and more.  To protect your vehicle and its potential trade in value follow the tips listed below!  They are the easiest and quickest way to protect your baby!

1. Wash your vehicle at least once a week.  This may seem excessive, but if you stop and think about all the elements that your vehicle is exposed to in one week, it will make sense.
2. Always try to park in the shade.  The shade will prevent the sun from bonding any unwanted elements to the paint of your vehicle.
3. Do not forget about the tires and rims!  Most people think about detailing the exterior and interior of the vehicle, but tend to overlook the tires.  Ensure that you take the extra time to get your detailer to clean both the tires and rims, especially the front tires, as this is where the brake dust accumulates. 
4. Wax, wax, wax!  Your vehicle should be waxed at least three to four times a year.  Some vehicle owners believe that the standard factory clear coat will be enough protection for the life of the vehicle.  This is not true.  If you want to be nice to your vehicle and its potential dollar amount upon trade in, spring for a wax job!
5. The inside counts just as much as the outside!  What is the use of having a beautifully detailed exterior when the interior looks like a tornado just went through it?  Ensure that you ask your professional detailer to spruce up the interior of your vehicle.  From the carpets and mats, to the seats and windows.  This is will ensure your vehicle is beautiful from the inside out!

We all take time for some much needed tlc for ourselves.  So book some time for your vehicle's tlc.  You won't just be getting the reward of driving around in a spotless vehicle, but it will payoff in dollars when it comes to trade your baby in and upgrade.   If you have any further detailing questions, do not hesitate to contact the professionals at the Southbank Auto Spa!  They will be glad to help you in any way. 

The "A Team" of the Southbank Auto Spa

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Norm Haggar

Norm Haggar is a fixture and proud "life" of Southbank.  He is loved by Southbank's long time clientèle and has worked in almost every facet of the dealership.  Today, as fleet and corporate sales manager, he gets the best of both worlds, engaging in the sales process of Southbank, while still loyally serving Southbank's service department customers.  Southbank Blogger recently sat down with Norm to discuss his new role and his hopes for Southbank in the future.

Southbank Blogger: Good afternoon Norm!  Please tell us, exactly how long have you been with Southbank?

Norm Haggar: I have been part of the Southbank Family for 24 years and 307 days.  Not that I am counting!

Southbank Blogger: Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?  And why you love your job?

Norm Haggar: I am 5'9, hard working and have what I consider to be a very outgoing personality.  I enjoy my job at Southbank because I get to meet new people on a daily basis and guide them through the purchasing process of their new vehicle.  People always leave happy and that in turn makes me happy.

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe is the most important duty of a fleet/corporate manager?

Norm Haggar: My primary focus and goal in my position is to build and maintain customer relations for the sales and service departments.  I keep in contact with all of my customers to make sure they do not forget who I am and the services both I and Southbank can provide.   

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe sets Southbank apart from other dealerships in the Ottawa area?

Norm Haggar: I think the difference begins as soon as a customer walks through the Southbank doors.  Southbank has a laid back, friendly atmosphere.  We laugh, we joke with each other, we are here to get the job done, but with some fun thrown into the mix.  I believe that we treat every customer with honesty and fairness and that is translated to the customer's experience.  Whether you are dealing with the service, parts or sales department, each staff member will go above and beyond to help a customer out.   You cannot find that sort of teamwork in most dealerships these days.  

Southbank Blogger: Norm, what do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Norm Haggar: I hope they leave feeling like they just became part of a new family and feel satisfied with their purchase.  I hope they feel that they dealt with some really nice people and not only got the best possible deal and service out there, but also got to make some friends along the way.  

Southbank Blogger: Last question!  What are three things that you like to communicate to Southbank customers?

Norm Haggar: 1) The entire Southbank staff stands behind everything that we do.  

2) Anyone from Southbank is here to help you.  No matter what department, or job title, the staff of Southbank, myself included are here to serve our customers until they are 100% satisfied. 

3) Southbank really is a family.  I know it sounds corny, but there is a reason I have been here for so long.  There would be no Southbank if not for my co workers.  They make Southbank great.  

Summer Time For You & Your Truck

Summer has finally arrived!  Hopefully for most of you, it will be more play than work.  However, whilst it might be all summer rays and lounging at the cottage for you, have you ever stopped and wonder about the effect summertime has on your truck?  If you are like me, the answer would be - No.  

When Ram released the official 2013 Ram Truck Super Bowl commercial - "Farmer", it highlighted all of the work that both farmers and Rams really do.  To see the commercial, click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMpZ0TGjbWE

 While most of us do not work on a farm, we do put our trucks to the test when summer rolls around.  Whether it may be towing a trailer to the family camp site, or towing your fishing boat out to the lake, summer means work for your truck.

Due to the fact that more demand is put on your truck, proper summer maintenance curtailed to your truck should always be a priority.  
Here are some of Peter Lafrance's tips for proper summer maintenance of your truck:

• Keep your engine oil at the proper level.  If the oil is left too low, it will cause the oil to oxidize, which in turn will put more wear on your truck's engine.
• Stop idling!  Although people believe that idling will allow for your vehicle's engine to cool down, idling will also burn more fuel and in turn, will burn a hole in your pocket.
• For those of you (like me!) who love to add accessories to your truck, do not add anything that will reduce air flow through the grill.
• Ask your service adviser to make sure your air filter is clean.  If it isn't, have it replaced.  It will not only improve your engine's performance, but will also save you money on fuel.
• Ask your service adviser to check your tire pressure.  Tires that are both over or under inflated can pose a serious risk.  Please remember to check your trailer's tires as well!

For those of you planning on doing any travelling this weekend, or at any point during the summer season, we ask that you put these tips into practice to make sure that your summer travel plans remain what they should be: carefree and worry free time spent with loved ones.

• Buckle Up!: It should be like second nature to put your seat belt on once you get into a vehicle.  However, a reminder never hurt, so please make sure that all passengers, including those in car seats are safely buckled up.  It is the quickest and easiest way to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
• Don't Over Pack: We know that camping trips require a lot of supplies.  Put please, when packing your vehicle up, make sure that your view of all angles of the road are left visible at all times.  
• Watch Out For Others: With the warm weather comes the need for drivers to share the roads with cyclists and motorcyclists.  Children playing outside, roller bladders and pedestrians are also out in full force and drivers need to pay attention.  
• Arrive Alive: Summer brings with it many family get togethers, nights spent on friend's patios and poolside weekends.  If your planned activity is going to involve enjoying an alcoholic beverage, please make sure you have made arrangements for a designated driver to bring you home.  
• Construction Season: Everyone knows that summer is construction season.  While this may cause traffic for commuters, please keep in mind that construction workers on exposed on the roads and to be weary of them.

On behalf of the entire Southbank Family, we wish you a safe and happy summer!  

And do not forget your sunscreen!

Are You Ready For the Ultimate Speed Partnership?

In a partnership that can only be described as a match made in car enthusiast's heaven, Dodge and SRT has partnered with Universal Studios to join forces to bring to the screen The Fast & Furious 6.

The film is set for release on May 24th, 2013 and is the sixth instalment in the widely popular franchise.  The hero car of the film will be none other than a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which was made especially for the film by SRT.  The Challenger will be driven by the unstoppable Dominic Toretto.  

The partnership between Universal and Dodge will not stop at just featuring vehicles in the movie, but will create and support marketing initiatives which will include: merchandise, social media campaigns and co-branded advertising campaigns.

Asked why he believe the partnership was a good fit for Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC said, "[l]ike Fast and Furious 6, Dodge fuels the passions of the automotive enthusiast.  Our innovative vehicles stand apart in performance and style, providing our customers with a way to express who they are and what they can do in the work."

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Kile Loveridge

Kile Loveridge has been part of the Southbank family for five years.  As a parts adviser, Kile plays a crucial role in the Southbank Parts Department.  His dedication and team spirit is always evident towards both customers and staff.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Kile to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers. 

Southbank Blogger: Good Afternoon Kile!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

 

Kile Loveridge: My name is Kile and I am 28 years old.  I recently got engaged.  I am very much into sports and extra curricular activities; whether it is playing hockey volleyball or just heading to the gym, I love to stay active.  I am also obviously a car guy.  I happen to own my own 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.  It is my baby and I like to keep it in tip top shape.

 

Southbank Blogger: What do you think is the most important duty of  a parts adviser?

 

Kile Loveridge: I believe that the most important duty I have as a parts adviser of Southbank Dodge is to make sure that in the end, my customers are always satisfied with their Southbank experience and that my customer service towards them, allows them to maintain highest opinion of Southbank as a company.  Whether it is accessories, parts, or basic knowledge of a certain vehicle, as parts advisers, we need to make sure we have as many answers as there are questions.  My team and I try not to use the word "no." If it is available somewhere, we will do our best to get it for you.  

Southbank Blogger: Kile, what do you believe sets the Southbank Parts Department apart from other parts departments in Ottawa?

Kile Loveridge: I think my colleagues and their personalities puts us ahead of any other parts department in the city.  We all take on different roles and help one another when we need it.  We all have our specialties and when we come together, we can pretty much tackle anything and everything.  We make sure that our environment is one you would want to wake up in the morning and and look forward to coming to work to.  

 

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Kile Loveridge: Personally, when I finish with a customer, I want them to be happy with not only their purchase, but more importantly, with their experience here at Southbank.  Above anything, I hope my customers leave the Southbank Dodge Parts Department feeling the same way I do; that there is no better parts department in the city.  

Southbank Blogger: What are three things that you would like to communicate to Southbank customers?

Kile Loveridge: One, if you have a question, we will have an answer. Two, we will always do our best to get you what you want.  Three, we love our job and hope that love passes onto you, in terms of our customer service.

 

 

 

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Martin Gonzales Mendizabal

At Southbank Dodge, we consider ourselves to be more than a business, we are a family.  Every one of our team members plays a role in building a foundation that allows Southbank Dodge to be great.  We are proud of our staff and that is why we have introduced to you our readers, The Faces of Southbank.  We hope that these posts allow you the opportunity to get to know our team and see how fortunate we are to all be part of the Southbank family.

Martin Gonzales Mendizabal has been part of the Southbank family for almost a year.  As detailing foreman, Martin plays a vital role in the Southbank Service Department and also in the day to day life of Southbank.  He is always smiling and is always willing to help.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Martin to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers.

Southbank Blogger: Good morning Martin!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Martin Gonzales Mendizabal: Good morning!  My name is Martin, I have been with Southbank Dodge for almost a year now.  I was born in Peru and have been living in Canada for the past twenty one years.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe is your most important role in your job?

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: I believe that my most important function in my role as detailing shop foreman is to make sure every customer is happy.  I love my role at Southbank.  I love to make customers smile and I love knowing that when I see a customer leave happy, I played a part in that.  That makes coming to work every day worth it.  

Southbank Blogger: Martin, what do you believe sets Southbank Dodge apart from other dealers in the city of Ottawa?

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: That is an easy question that I can answer in one word.  Family.  Family sets Southbank apart from any other dealer.  Southbank is a family business and I believe it is because of this that the staff of Southbank have become a family.  We all care about one another, we all relate to each other and we are always there for each other. 

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers feel when they leave Southbank Dodge? 

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: Firstly, when customers walk into Southbank, I want them to feel confident that they are in capable hands.  I want them to feel comfortable enough to ask any question they may have concerning their vehicle.  When they leave Southbank, I want them to feel satisfied that they received the best possible service and more importantly that they feel like they too are part of the Southbank family.  

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Mat "The Ram Man" Pigeon

The Southbank Dodge family is made up of many different faces.  Every person plays an integral part in forming our team; a team that strives to deliver each customer with one hundred percent satisfaction.  

Mat Pigeon has been part of the Southbank family for over three years and plays a crucial role in Southbank's Financial Services Department.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Mat to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers.

Southbank Blogger: Good afternoon Mat!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Mat Pigeon: Well, my name is Mathieu Pigeon a.k.a "the Ram Man".  I have been at Southbank for a little over three years.  I am fully bilingual and a fishing fanatic.

Mat and his Dodge Ram

Southbank Blogger: How did you come to get the nickname "the Ram Man"?

Mat Pigeon: I am the proud owner of a 2012 Dodge Ram Laramie Hemi.  Right after I purchased it, my co workers started calling me "the Ram Man" and it stuck.  

Southbank Blogger: Could you explain what your role as Finance Services Manager entails?

Mat Pigeon: Of course.  Apart from myself, I have my three other colleagues who comprise the financial services department.  Our responsibility is to guide Southbank customers through the purchase of their new vehicle.  Whether it is questions with financing, which bank to use, licensing, insurance or protection options, we are the go to people.  I like to think we take all of the headache out of purchasing a new vehicle.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you like most about your job?

Mat Pigeon:  I am a people person.  My job allows me the opportunity to meet and interact with new people on a daily basis.  I have met so many different people, from all over the world.  Every day I go to work, I know it will not be the same as yesterday, which keeps me challenged.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you think sets the Southbank Finance Department apart from other finance department in the city?

Mat Pigeon: Good question.  I believe that because Southbank is the largest volume dealer in Ottawa, it allows us the opportunity to form great relationships.  The Southbank finance department has over time, established a solid relationship with nine major financial institutions, which allows us the flexibility to get all of our customers exactly what they want.    We have an amazing team, which also sets us apart, along with a great support staff, which allows us to go above and beyond what any other finance department could.

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Mat Pigeon: I hope that every customer leaves the finance department feeling that I gave them 100%.  If they leave happy, I did my job.

Peter's Top 10 Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

The summer weather has finally come to Ottawa!  That means, patio season has arrived, time spent by the pool and Sens playoff hockey!  What summer time also means is, it is time to prep your vehicle for the gruelling temperatures that Ottawa can climb to during this beloved time. 

Peter Lafrance, Southbank Service Manager, has prepared his top ten list of recommended summer maintenance tips for your vehicle to follow before you hit the open road. Here they are:

1. Check your tires - Peter stresses that tires are one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle.  Under or overinflated tires can pose a serious risk to you as driver, your passengers and fellow drivers on the road. 
2. Change your oil and oil filter - Peter recommends that you change your oil and oil filter every 5000kms.  The oil in your vehicle should appear to be a brownish yellow colour on the dipstick if it is clean.  If the oil is dark, with dirt and grime in it, Peter says it is definitely time for an oil change.  
3. De-Winterize your vehicle - Peter says first thing is first - remove your winter tires!  Second, book a detailing appointment with Southbank to make sure your vehicle is properly cleaned, including the very crucial area of the undercarriage of the vehicle.  Due to Ottawa's horrible winter season, the gunk, grime and salt of old man winter can get stuck in your under carriage and will eat away at the metal.  
4. Maintain the hoses and belts of your vehicle - Hoses and belts are crucial components to your vehicle.  If your vehicle's belts snap or its hoses crack, your radiator will soon over heat and that will mean that you will be stranded on the side of the road.
5. Change your vehicle's air filter - Peter says if you are looking for a quick way to increase your gas mileage, change your filter.  This can easily improve your gas mileage as much as ten percent.  Debris, salt and gravel from winter driving can become lodged in the filter, causing it to become inefficient, so if you are planning a road trip, make sure you check your filter.
   
6. Check your wind shield wipers - During the winter, your wind shield wipers battle snow, ice, freezing temperatures and salt.  Although they can come out of the winter season intact, they may be in bad shape.  Freezing temperatures can cause them to crack and the rubber to tear, making it impossible to protect you from those summer showers.  Peter says it is always a smart decision to change your wind shield wipers, as it is a cost effective way to enhance the safety of your vehicle. 
7. Maintain your brakes - Peter states that because of the huge importance brakes play to the safety of you and your passengers whilst in your vehicle, it is imperative that you regularly maintain them.  If your brakes are too soft, or too resistant, or creating a loud screeching noise, Peter says it is time for a check up.  
8. Check your coolant and radiator - Peter recommends that if you have not had your radiator flushed and new coolant added to your vehicle recently, this is time.  While we sit in our vehicles in the heat, during the endless Ottawa traffic that we all know and love, pressure is being put on our vehicle's radiator to maintain its optimal temperature.  By flushing the radiator and adding new coolant, Peter says you are reducing the strain the heat is putting on your vehicle.
   
9. Maintain your vehicle's air conditioning - It's a hot summer day and you and your loved ones have hit the road for a mini summer vacation.  Two hours in and your air conditioning stops working, leaving you exposed to the unbearable heat.  Peter recommends that if your vehicle is having a difficult maintaining a cool temperature, bring it in to Southbank to have us look at it, just to make sure you will not be left stuck in the heat.
10. Drive Safe! - Peter says that the most important thing to remember about your vehicle, whether it be in the summer or winter months is to drive safe.  Always maintain your vehicle, make sure all passengers wear their seatbelts and if you are planning on attending a summer get together, make sure you have a designated driver.  

From Peter Lafrance and the rest of the Southbank Family, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy summer season.  Drive safe and have fun!

Southbank Is Proud to Introduce Our New Service Manager: Peter Lafrance

At Southbank, we believe we are only as strong as our staff.  We consider ourselves to be a family; we celebrate each other's successes and stand by each other during our tribulations.    It is because of this that we are proud to introduce to you: Peter Lafrance, Southbank's new Service Manager.  I sat down with Peter to talk to him about his new role at Southbank and what he believes are the core values that build and maintain a strong Service Department.

Peter Lafrance, Southbank Service Mgr

Southbank Blogger: Good morning Peter.  Can you please tell us how long you have been with Southbank Dodge?

Peter Lafrance: I have worked at Southbank Dodge for eleven years.  I began my career as a technician and from there was promoted to Shop Foreman and then to Assistant Service Manager, before beginning my new role as Service Manager.  Eleven years has certainly flown by and I am excited what the next eleven have in store for me at Southbank.

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what do you think is the most important duty of a Service Manager?

Peter Lafrance: I believe the most important role of a Service Manager is to make sure that all of the service staff, from advisor's to technicians work together as a team with the rest of the Southbank staff in the pursuit of one common goal: to ensure that the Southbank customer always comes first and is satisfied with the service from the moment they enter the drive-thru until they drive off with their vehicle.  

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what do you believe sets the Southbank Service Department apart from other service departments in Ottawa and the surrounding communities? 

Peter Lafrance: Our service department is set apart from other service departments in the city for a number of reasons and it is difficult to just pick one.  I believe an important factor that sets us apart from other service departments is my staff`s loyalty to Southbank.  A large number of my team members have been here for over thirty years and I believe this is a testament to the dedication each customer will receive when they come to the Southbank Service Department.   Another important factor is in the way that any service staff member is willing to work as a team for Southbank as a whole, which in turn transcends to the customer.  Over my eleven years here, that is one of the greatest things I have seen, it does not matter if you are from service, sales or parts, you are willing to help any customer or team member.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave the Southbank Service Department feeling?

Peter Lafrance: I hope that every customer that leaves Southbank feels that they are part of the Southbank family.  From the first day I started, I felt that Southbank was different and I hope that is carried onto the customer.  I hope that each customer leaves satisfied with every step and aspect of their visit to Southbank Service.

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what are three things that you would like to communicate to Southbank Service customers? 

Peter Lafrance: One, would be to make sure every customer is happy with their visit to Southbank and if for some reason, they are not, please tell us how we can make you happy.

Two, is for our customers to know that the entire Southbank staff works as a team.  I must stress this.  We do not draw departmental lines.  Every Southbank staff member is here to ensure the customer`s complete satisfaction, no matter if you are a service, parts or sales customer, you are part of the Southbank family and we are here to serve you.

Three would have to be that as Service Manager, my door is always open to any Southbank customer.  My job is to make sure every customer is happy with their Southbank experience.  I want to get to know the people that allow Southbank to continue to succeed.  Without you, there would be no Southbank.  We owe it to you.  

Please come in to see Peter and the rest of the Southbank team and see for yourself what makes Southbank different.  

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Stands Tall Amongst Its Competitors

If you are like me, you are eagerly counting down the days until the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesels grace our lots.  We are at sixty days and counting...

For those who doubt the ability of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 EcoDiesel, Motor Trend recently put it up against three other competitors: The Prsche Cayenne Diesel,  the Volkswagen Touareg TDI and the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec.  As you can tell, the Grand Cherokee was in good company amongst its competitors; all four vehicles possess qualities that make them stand out amongst the other competitors in the market.

And how did the Jeep Grand Cherokee stand up to the competition?  Motor Trend Magazine    states, ``you might as well call this one your bestie.  Your best friend gets you in every way and isn`t judgemental.  You trust this person.  You`d also trust our Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.`  

Motor Trend acknowledged that the Grand Cherokee was the only vehicle amongst its competitors to have true four-wheel drive and still possess the off-road capability that made Jeep the brand it is today.  The interior and its features were noted to be one of the most comfortable for both the driver and passengers.  The new wood trim, classy colour schemes and easy accessibility.  Motor Trend Critics found that the `Jeep held its own against the premium German marques just fine.`

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Here

"The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be the benchmark for mid-size SUVs..."  that is how confident Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC is of the capability and performance of the new Jeep Cherokee.  

The 2014 Cherokee had its unveiling at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYAS) and immediately set off a fire storm in newspapers, blogs and social media across North America.  With its debut, the Cherokee brings with it not only the dependability of the Jeep brand, but for the first time a nine-speed automatic transmission.  Fuel economy being on every consumer's mind, the 2014 Cherokee has made an estimated 45 percent fuel economy improvement over its outgoing sister - the Jeep Liberty.  

Not only does the Cherokee impress with its sleek new design and fuel economy improvements, but the 2014 Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect.  This feature results in reduced energy loss when the Jeep's 4x4 is not required; which in turn will improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.  Other new features that are considered "firsts" in the 2014 Cherokee are a nine-speed automatic transmission, a 3.2 Pentastar VVT V6 engine and an estimated 6.3L/100km (45 mpg) highway fuel economy, along with ten standard air bags to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

The design of the 2014 Cherokee has pushed the Jeep brand into the next era of midsized SUVs, whilst staying true to the bones of what has made Jeep one of the most recognizable brands in automotive history.  

The Cherokee was built in the spirit of the Jeep Brand - there is no where a Jeep cannot take you.