SouthBank Nation in the Community

SouthBank Nation participated in 

SouthKeys Greenboro's The Next Great Garage Sale on Saturday May 16.  

SouthBank staff members from all departments came together; braving the rainy weather, dressed in their finest, to barbeque hamburgers and hot dogs to support SouthBank's local community.  The event was held to raise donations for the Pavilion Food Bank.  

 The turn out was amazing and the event gave SouthBank staff members an opportunity to get to know their neighbors and to let everyone know that SouthBank cares!

The SouthBank volunteers take a selfie at the event!

Mario showing his SouthBank pride!

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 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.

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 Most Frequently Asked Questions of the Southbank Service Department

The Southbank Service Department has established itself as a leader in the city of Ottawa, providing the best care for our customer's vehicles.  Our trained technicians continually educate themselves to improve their knowledge and skills, so that Southbank customers can reap the benefits. 

 

To most people, taking your vehicle in for servicing can be a daunting task.  We the general population are not trained technicians, nor do we have any kind of knowledge on the inner workings of our vehicle.  That is why Southbank Nation asked Peter Lafrance,  a ten year Southbank employee and Shop Foreman of the Southbank Service Department to list the benefits of the top three services.

 

 

Wheel Alignment

1- Better gas mileage.  When the wheels are aligned there is less rolling resistance.
2- Better mileage out of your tires, misaligned wheels will wear tires prematurely.
3- Keeps your tire warranties.
4- Less wear on other part's (tie rods/ball joints).
5- Easier to drive, meaning your vehicle will not pull to one side or the other, or wander when driving.  This also maintains the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle.
Peter recommends wheel at least once a year, depending on your driving conditions.

 

Tire Rotation

1- Longer tire life, which in turn will save  you money on tires.

2- Better fuel economy, due to better handling and steering.
3- Better performance and a better driving experience. Your tires are worn evenly.
Peter recommends a tire rotation every 10,000 to 12,000 km's or roughly every second oil change.

Fuel System Cleaning Benefits                               
1-Better fuel economy
2-Starts easier
3-Better acceleration
4-All around smoother, cleaner running vehicle
Peter recommends a fuel system cleaning every 30 to 36,000 km's.  Peter also stresses that it also really does depend on your driving conditions; long idle times and city driving can change these intervals.

Peter Lafrance, being awarded the Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award

 

So the next time you are in for service, make sure you say hi to Peter! 

He and the rest of the Southbank Service Team will be waiting for you!

 

 

 



Jeep and Dodge Are Named in Forbes Top 15 Least Expensive Vehicles to Insure

When purchasing a vehicle, there are so many things to consider before making that final selection.  Aside from choosing the color you like best or the options that are best suited to your lifestyle, there is one thing that is always at the top of a consumer's mind: Insurance.

 

Insurance is a necessity, but can sometimes prove a challenge to some consumer's budget.  It is that extra cost that must be configured into the monthly car payment.  And sometimes it can be the deciding factor between the consumer purchasing the vehicle they want, or the vehicle they can afford.

 

This is where the Jeep and Dodge brands come in.  Forbes Magazine just released their list of the 15 Least Expensive Vehicles to Insure.  The Jeep and Dodge brand took an amazing four spots out of fifteen, more than any other automotive brand.

 

Jeep

 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Compass

The Jeep Patriot

 

Dodge

 

The Dodge Grand Caravan

So when considering your next vehicle purchase, remember to consider Jeep and Dodge.  Not only would you get an amazing vehicle, but also, a little extra money in your pocket!

 



2013 Ram Wins Motor Trend Truck of the Year



 

 

When you dedicate yourself to continually raising the bar, great things happen. The 2013 Ram was built on a legendary history of durability and capability.  The 2013 Ram 1500 sets a new standard for excellence, which in turn has earned the prestigious title of 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. 

 

 

Judges from Motor Trend were impressed with not only the new engine and fuel economy of the 2013 Ram, but with the Ram's air suspension system, which allows Ram drivers to vary the truck's ride and handling and, with a setting that lowers the truck's ride height on the highway, contributes to additional gains in fuel efficiency.   

 

 

With best-in-class fuel efficiency of up to 36 mpg, class-leading, storage solutions like RamBox, and available segment-exclusive technologies including Active Grille Shutters, 4-corner Air Suspension, and 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the 2013 Ram 1500 redefines what a consumer should expect in a pickup. The Ram is here to stay.               

                       

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. 

 



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.

2012 Dodge Challenger 392 SRT8

According to MSN the 2010 Dodge Challenger 392 SRT8 is a Manly Machine.

You can't talk about Ford and Chevrolet muscle without mentioning Dodge, but this is far from a courtesy call. The Challenger SRT8 is Dodge's answer to the Mustang and Camaro, and with a 470-horsepower V8 engine, it's a firm retort. You won't be waiting for an automatic transmission to decide when to downshift, either; this one has a 6-speed manual transmission. And don't forget to tick the option box for the Green with Envy exterior paint (yes, it is the actual color name), which gets you two fat, black stripes along the top of the car.

What's new at Dodge 2012

According to MSN...

Like its parent company, Dodge has a new zeal for life. Take a look at last year's Charger, with its better-quality build and materials and sleeker design. Dodge hasn't announced any entirely new 2012 models; it has, however, revealed a few high-power variants of existing models to keep things interesting.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 All you need to know is this: 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The all-new 2012 Dodge Charger can now propel itself to 60 mph in the high four-second range and top out at 175 mph. Amazingly, it also nets a 25 percent increase in highway fuel economy. Other goodies for 2012 are a new adaptive suspension and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Availability: Fall 2011

2012 Dodge Avenger R/T Unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Avenger R/T is the new top-of-the-line version of the recently redesigned Avenger model. Featuring a 283-horsepower engine and a thoroughly reworked suspension, the new trim is designed to breathe some driving excitement into the midsize sedan. Despite the added power, the acclaimed Pentastar V6 engine returns decent fuel-economy figures of 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway.
Availability: Fall 2011

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 While the Challenger wasn't included on our list of redesigned models for last year, Dodge did introduce its maximum-performance 392 variant to the world in 2011. For 2012, the model carries over largely unchanged, meaning it still packs a mean punch from its 6.4-liter 470-horsepower V8 engine. The most significant change lies in the suspension, which is now an all-new 2-mode adaptive damping design.
Availability: Fall 2011