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

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!

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.

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 Faces of Southbank

Everyone knows that the majority of the time, people spend more time at work than they do with their families at home.  That is the case at Southbank.  This is why we call ourselves: The Southbank Family, because we are, simply put, a family.  We may not agree with each other all the time, or share the same personality traits or likes and dislikes, but we come together every day to make the best of Southbank. 

 

In visiting Southbank, you will notice that we have a very eclectic staff.  One that spans the globe and that could fill hundreds of books with their personal stories.  The shared differences is what makes Southbank an amazing place to work. 

 

Here are some Southbank Stories:

 

Stanford Noble

 

Stan is a very familiar face to the staff and long time customers of Southbank.  He began working at Southbank as a sales representative in 1991 and has not looked back since.  Stan hails from Jamaica and is affectionately known as "Agent 35" to the Southbank staff.  His professional demeanor, dapper style and caring attitude have made him irreplaceable to Southbank. Stan spearheads the Southbank Social Committee along with Southbank's involvement in many organizations, including The Rideau Carleton Race Track.  He is the go to Southbank photographer and handy man.   Stan has traveled the world and has many a story up his sleeve, but he says his heart will always be in Jamaica and Southbank of course.

 

Gustavo Aliaga

 

 

Gustavo, or Gus as he is known at Southbank, has been with Southbank as a sales representative for nine years.  Gus hails from Peru and has proven to be a great asset to Southbank's Spanish speaking community.  Gustavo is a father figure to the younger members of Southbank's sales team.  You can always catch him fixing some one's tie, or giving them a few styling tips.  Gus is famous for his dance moves.  Every year at the Southbank Christmas party, he never ceases to amaze with his Latin dance skills and boundless amounts of energy.  Gus is a proud grandfather to a beautiful little girl and is the only grandfather we know who still does 100 push ups a day.  His coined phrases "It's unbelievable" and "Amazing!" are what bring life into the Southbank showroom.  And if you have any doubt about Gus' push up abilities, we have the video below to prove it!  Go to: http://www.facebook.com/southbanknation to see it!

 

 

Norm Haggar

 

 

Norm has been with Southbank since the tender age of twelve.  Now maybe that could be a slight exaggeration, however, Norm has been with Southbank for over twenty four years and is a Southbank lifer.  Norm began in the Southbank Service department as a coop student, a program that Southbank still participates in to this day, and rose through the ranks.  From student, to mechanic, to shop foreman, to service manager, Norm has seen and done it all.  Southbank customers have never shown more loyalty than to Norm and he feels privileged to have grown with his customers and their families.  After taking six months off to travel the world and work on his tan, Norm is back and in the sales department trying something new!  The Southbank family is happy to finally have him back and jealous of his tan.