Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is now at your Ford Dealer on Virginia Beach
October 28, 2009
This F-150 model is tough and functional inside and out. True to nature, the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) has successfully created a class-exclusive utility truck perfect for any adventure or work load. Available options such as a tailgate step, box side steps and cargo management options make accessing, loading and organizing cargo easy no matter how big or small you are.
Feel ruggedly tough and good looking in your new Raptor. Raptor’s exterior say, “Let’s play in the dirt,” while the interior sets a new standard of ruggedly crafted materials and innovative off-road technologies. Mechanically, Raptor is equipped straight from the factory to handle serious off-roading.
Experience a true off-road challenge that uses its 5.4L V8 engine and 4×4 power to make it uphill, over rocks or through dirt with ease. Try the Hill Descent Control and Off-Road Mode to make safer descents and maneuvers. Rest assured, even while it seems you are abusing your F-150; it can handle it. The engine is protected by a massive front skid plate, specially tuned shocks by FOX Racing Shox and an electronic Locking Rear Differential which ensures the wheels turn at the same time via a 4.10 axle ratio.
Inside you will sit comfortably atop a host of excellent standard features, such as upgraded dual-zone climate controls, easy to read gauges, a message center, cruise, a steering wheel tilt and much more.
Most important are all the standard safety features on the Raptor. With its state-of-the-art accident-avoidance technology and passenger protection features, F-150 reigns as America’s safest full-size pickup. The truck’s standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control,™ Safety Canopy® System with roll-fold side curtain airbags and high-strength safety cage structure all work together for solid performance.
Other great features include:
- Distinctive “brick wall” grille with Ford name carved into it
- Integrated marker lamps that accent Raptor’s imposing stance
- Unique front bumper, vented power dome hood, front fascia and fenders, and functional heat extractors on the hood
- Front fenders include additional heat extractors and are flared to accommodate and additional 7 inches of track width
- Ford SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires with 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and matching spare
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel – includes thumb pads and an orange leather strip. The Strip acts as a centering sight line – helpful in extreme driving maneuvers
- Leather-trimmed seats – are designed with unique bolsters that help keep driver and passengers planted in the seats when the going gets rough (available Interior Appearance Package includes orange interior accents and orange leather seat inserts)
- SYNC with traffic, directions and information
- AM/FM stereo/Single-disc CD/MP3 Capability
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio
- Available Voice-activated Navigation System with Sony Audio
- AND MUCH MORE!
So, what’s not to love about this heavy duty vehicle? Try it out for yourself and if you happen to live in the Virginia Beach area, visit our Virginia Beach Ford dealer – Hall Ford in Newport News.
Win two tickets to the premiere of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”
October 26, 2009
Sign up now for the change to win two free tickets to the premiere of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in L.A. on November 16th. And by signing up, you can also play the What Drives Edward contest for a change to win a brand-new Volvo XC60.
Win your very own Volvo XC60! Complete all 6 phases of the What Drives Edward Contest to unlock the final puzzle. If you are the first to solve this final puzzle, you could bring home a brand-new Volvo XC60, just like Edward’s in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” So what drives Edward may soon drive you.
There’s more to life than a Volvo. There’s having the power to keep safe what you hold most dear. That’s why you drive one.
The Volvo XC60 is an all new crossover from Volvo with world-first technology. This vehicle comes standard with City Safety, an auto-braking equipment that can stop the car itself. This vehicle is something completely different from Volvo. It’s a new breed of car, if you will. Its crossover designs are sleek and sporty and will be sure to grab the attention of onlookers.
Test one for yourself. See “what drives Edward” at Herb Gordon Volvo in Silver Spring.
Herb Gordon Volvo
3121 Automobile Blvd. Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
1.877.300.1681
MileOne Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer Again in 2009
October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009 MileOne Automotive participated in the 2009 Making Strides Event in Baltimore, Maryland. As a flagship sponsor MileOne encouraged all employees to support the cause in any way they could whether it was making a donation, walking, or wearing pink on power pink Thursdays during October. Our turn out this year was better than ever with over 500 employees, friends and family who either attended the walk, donated or helped with fundraisers.
The event began with bagels, coffee and snacks then a group photo, inspirational speeches from cancer survivors and flagship sponsors, and ended with the four mile walk.
MileOne lead the walk in one of their wrapped Ravens vehicles. MileOne is a partner with the Baltimore Ravens and decals eight cars each year for every home game on Ravens Walk. The vehicle featured at this event was an all new 2010 Chevy Traverse. The Traverse started the race accompanied with cancer survivors and continued the four mile route around the lake and back as the pace car.
For the last twelve years, MileOne has worked with The American Cancer Society to help raise awareness and funds in Baltimore. To date, MileOne has raised over $2 Million and made sizable donations of their own: over $65,000 for Making Strides, over $50,000 for The John Steadman Golf Tournament of Hope and has also donated many vehicles for raffle at the Relay for Life Events each year.
Its obvious MileOne is committed to this charity for a reason. We believe in the hope and support it gives to patients, survivors, and families. Its just one way we know how to give back to our community who has supported us in Baltimore for so many years. This charity is extremely important to MileOne and as a large company; it is heart warming to see so many people share a common belief.
The New 2010 Ford Fusion
October 23, 2009
In normal times, the Fusion, at only three model years old, would have been due for a minor refresh—some added features and a updated nose and tail. Instead, Ford spent $650 million on a major overhaul affecting engines, transmissions, interiors, and styling. The result is a dramatically improved and refined mid-size sedan that comprises a full range of models, including a base gasoline four-cylinder model, a mid-level V-6, an exceptional hybrid, and a gutsy Sport model with a big-bore V-6.
The 2010 Fusion’s new styling looks sharp, especially the aggressive front end that puts a new face on Ford’s three-bar grille. The design requires a new hood and front fenders, and the result is as sculptural as it is contemporary. The changes at the rear are more subtle and, along with updating the look, improve visibility because the third brake light is now mounted at the top of the trunk lid. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid model will appeal to those who don’t want to flaunt their sensibilities; only the Hybrid badges give you obvious visual confirmation that you’re looking at the most efficient mid-size sedan on the road.
For 2010, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and both V-6 engines are quiet, smooth, and significantly more fuel-efficient. All 2010 Ford Fusion models are significantly more refined inside than the outgoing model thanks to more (and more efficiently applied) insulation, thicker glass, and additional seals on the doors. Furthermore, the entire instrument panel is new and made from a seamless, soft-to-the-touch material that fits with tight tolerances for a high-quality appearance.
The instruments sport a 3-D look that is easy to read even in direct sunlight. The middle area of the instrument panel (called the center stack) is also reconfigured to accommodate an eight-inch LCD monitor included in vehicles ordered with the voice-activated navigation system. Hybrid models get their own interior upgrade, in the form of an Eco-Guide instrument cluster.
On top of the dense standard feature list, the 2010 Fusion also offers the following as options (depending on model): a reverse camera with a screen embedded in the rearview mirror or the NAV unit (if equipped), Sirius Travel Link, a moonroof, and a Sony audio system.
Regarding safety, the 2010 Ford Fusion offers what has become the standard quiver of features: ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, and six airbags. Extra safety-directed arrows include the Blind Spot Information System, rearview-sensing system with camera, and 911 Assist for vehicles with SYNC—all options on most models.
The Ford Fusion earns mostly five-star ratings from the federal government, along with only the best scores from the insurance-affiliated IIHS (The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The IIHS deems the 2010 Fusion a Top Safety Pick.
If you seek proof that Detroit in general, and Ford in particular, can build a comfortable, high-quality, fine-driving, and hyper-efficient sedan that is more than competitive, look to the 2010 Ford Fusion.
Hall Ford
12896 Jefferson Ave Newport News, Virginia 23608
1.866.252.3319
OnStar Helps Recover Stolen SUV Preventing High Speed Chase
October 21, 2009
DETROIT, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ — GM and OnStar announce the use of OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (SVS) service to help safely recover a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe that was carjacked at gunpoint from a subscriber in Visalia, California. This is the first time that SVS has been activated to help a subscriber in a carjacking situation.
At approximately 3:18 a.m. PDT on Sunday, Oct. 18, Lindsay, California resident Jose Ruiz and his cousin were carjacked by a lone assailant wielding a shotgun. The perpetrator ordered the two men out of the vehicle, robbed them of personal belongings and sped off in the Tahoe.
Ruiz was able to flag down a police officer to report the incident. He notified them that his vehicle was equipped with OnStar, and requested that the Visalia officers leverage the service to help recover his vehicle.
Once OnStar advisors verified that the Tahoe had been stolen and that the subscriber had requested assistance, they were able to quickly locate the Tahoe and alert the Visalia officers of its location. They were also then able to initiate OnStar’s newest stolen vehicle recovery service, Remote Ignition Block, to ensure that if the suspect stopped the vehicle before the officers were able to locate it visually, he wouldn’t be able to restart it. Once officers had the vehicle in sight, they requested that Stolen Vehicle Slowdown be initiated. Once the vehicle had been safely slowed to a stop, the suspect then attempted to escape on foot, but was quickly apprehended by officers without incident.
Less than 16 minutes after OnStar was first contacted, Ruiz’ Tahoe was safely recovered.
“While this was the first time that we’ve used the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service, we have used OnStar in several other cases to help locate and recover stolen vehicles. It’s a valuable tool for our agency,” shared Visalia Police Department Sergeant Steven Phillips. “In this case, it helped us not only safely recover a vehicle for a local citizen, but also prevented a dangerous high-speed chase and allowed us to quickly apprehend a suspect. It’s a win for everyone.”
While obviously thrilled to have his vehicle back, Ruiz was even more pleased that no lives were lost and no one was injured in the incident.
“As soon as he took my car, the first thing I thought of was to call OnStar because I knew they could get it back,” Ruiz recalled. “It was a frightening situation, but I know it could have been a lot worse. I’m very grateful that OnStar was there for me.”
Since launch in October of 2008, OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service has been deployed 38 times in a wide variety of situations, including rental vehicles, thefts from dealers and on stationary vehicles in order to prevent a high-speed chase from potentially starting.
In 2008, 334 people were killed in the U.S. in crashes that resulted from police pursuits, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown helps take high speed pursuits out of the equation, and reduces the chance that a subscriber’s stolen vehicle will be crashed during a chase.
“This situation allowed us to leverage our full suite of Stolen Vehicle Assistance services – Vehicle Location, RIB and SVS,” said OnStar President Walt Dorfstatter. “This is the perfect illustration of how our services come together for the benefit of our subscribers and the community.”
How Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Works
Once an OnStar subscriber has reported a stolen vehicle to law enforcement, he or she can call OnStar and request Stolen Vehicle Assistance. An OnStar Advisor will use advanced Global Positioning Satellite technology to pinpoint the exact location of the stolen vehicle which will be provided only to law enforcement.
Once law enforcement officials have the stolen vehicle in a clear line of sight to know conditions are safe, they can request that the OnStar Advisor remotely slow it down. OnStar will then send a signal to the vehicle’s engine, reducing engine power and gradually slowing the vehicle to idle speed while all other vehicle systems, including power steering and brakes, remain fully operational.
OnStar has offered Stolen Vehicle Assistance services with GPS location since 1996. It now receives approximately 500 Stolen Vehicle Assistance requests from subscribers each month, and has helped in nearly 40,000 requests over the past twelve years. OnStar’s suite of services also includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Crisis Assist, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Hands Free Calling and OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics.
OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown was put into production in October of 2008 and is exclusively on GM vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The service is included in the OnStar subscription that comes standard for one year on eligible Model Year 2009 and newer OnStar-equipped vehicles. Subscribers who prefer not to have the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown capability on their vehicle may contact OnStar to opt out of the service at any time. The rest of their OnStar services will remain active and unaffected. For more information regarding OnStar’s services, please visit www.onstar.com.
About OnStar by GM
OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 30 MY 2010 GM models. OnStar is standard for one year on nearly all new GM retail vehicles in the United States and Canada. OnStar provides services to nearly 6 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. More information about OnStar can be found at http://www.onstar.com/.
SOURCE: General Motors
Cars Are Safer Than Ever
October 20, 2009
On September 9, 2009, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety destroyed a perfectly good 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air. This wanton dispatching of a perfectly good 50-year-old Chevy dismayed lovers of vintage cars, but it did add a “Thank God” to the old saying, “They just don’t build them like they used to.”
Presumably as a part of celebrations marking its Golden Anniversary year, the IIHS set up a mano a mano matchup between a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and the hoary Bel Air. One round, no timeouts.
In one of those cold, unwelcoming crash-test buildings, the two cars and their dummy pilots smacked each other at a speed of 40 mph in the front-offset format. That meant that the Bel Air’s left headlight struck the Malibu in about the middle of its hood. The result was not encouraging to those who believe that ancient iron trumps 21st Century plastic.
If the Bel Air’s dummy driver didn’t “die” in the crash, it would be a simulated miracle. The driver of the Malibu, however, enjoyed the protection of an airbag and seat belts, and got through the encounter bruised but breathing.
Because I am old enough to have driven a 1959 Bel Air when it was new, the IIHS demonstration got me to thinking about just how far we’ve come in the safety area since the year before John F. Kennedy became President of the United States. In those 50 years, we have come to take a lot of now-common safety features for granted. Here are just a few of them.
Tires: Tired no longer regularly blow out or otherwise lose their air supply at the slightest provocation. We often overlook the considerable contributions the tire companies have made to safe vehicle operation.
Seat belts: These things have come from cumbersome urban legends (“My great-uncle’s barber knew a man who was trapped in a burning vehicle by his seat belt.”) to easy-to-use devices that only the criminally dense among us refuse to use.
Airbags: Taken together with seat belts, the airbag has kept no telling how many drivers in their seat after a crash instead of letting them rocket through the windshield. We now also have side and head-level airbags.
Crushable steering columns: Once upon a time it was possible to impale yourself on the steering column and suffer the discomfort that comes with shoving the horn button through your sternum. Not any more.
Antilock braking systems: These lifesavers are as ubiquitous as wheel covers nowadays and demonstrate on a daily basis what a good idea it is to have electronic wizardry keep all four of your car’s wheels turning at the same speed.
Crumple zones: You can see these at work if you watch Indy racing. Instead of using the driver to absorb impact, you use collapsing front ends and engine compartments. This theory can be traced to an old stunt man trick: jumping from the third floor onto a stack of cardboard boxes which collapse in order and diminish the kinetic energy our hero generated during his free fall.
Alcohol awareness impact: Not a feature, but a practice that deserves mention. The involvement of alcohol in vehicular accidents and deaths almost defies overstatement. The IIHS estimates that 40 percent of road fatalities involve alcohol. Bad enough, but down substantially from the 1970s when the figure was 70 percent. The National Institute of Health says that reductions in driving after drinking saved more than 150,000 lives between 1982 and 2001, which would be more than the combined total saved by increases in seat belt use, airbags, and motorcycle and bicycle helmets.
There are of course a bushel of other new safety features—electronic stability control, rear-vision cameras and directional headlights to name just three—and there are dozens more either here or on the way. But suppose we ask what have all these improvements done for us?
The answer is one hell of a lot. Using only a few of the relevant statistics, here’s the story in brief.
In 1959, 36,223 motorists missed their next meal. As a nation we drove 700.5 million miles, and that worked out to 5.2 fatalities per million miles traveled. Last year, with our population having grown from 179.3 million in 1969 to an estimated 300 million today, the year 2008 saw 37,261 highway deaths. U.S. motorists drove 2.9 billion miles last year and averaged 1.27 fatalities per million miles traveled.
In rough numbers, there were 120 million more of us, we drove four times as many miles, and we killed one-fifth as many people. That is beyond outstanding.
But at what cost? In 1959, the average cost of a new car was $2,200 and the average worker made $5,010. In 2008, the average worker earned $40,532 but had to pay $27,958 for a new car. In other words, the buyer paid nearly 40 percent of a year’s take for an automobile in 1959 but had to pay 69 percent in 2008. That’s a stunning rise, and you can bet that a large part of that increase in car prices is due to the inclusion of safety equipment. Imagine how much money the bean counters could thrift (their word) out of a car if they removed all the safety devices added in the past 50 years.
The real question is: Is safety worth it? I think you have to say it is. Otherwise, using the historic yardsticks for fatalities per million miles traveled, you’d have to add about 150,000 motorists a year to the Grim Reaper’s tote board. I say spend the money.
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
October 16, 2009
When I was growing up, the station wagon seemed to be the way a family moved around.
I remember we had a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Wagon that would now have qualified for the “Cash for Clunkers,”
but between the back and the luggage rack there was little we could not fit in it; though the ride was not the most comfortable from the pop-up third row seat.
Then came the Mini-Van, which every couple with children seemed to own.
I know my next door neighbor purchased a Honda Odyssey because it was the best, had the most amenities, and met the standard of the neighborhood.
I think I even caught some envious neighbors staring across their yards.
However, with the cost of gas fluctuating and America trying to go Green, it seems change is in the air.
At least according to Popular Mechanic’s Ben Stewart in an article he published nearly two years ago: The face of the American Family vehicle is changing again.
Have you heard the term CROSSOVER? Well, it is just that.
Take a sedan, add parts of the station wagon your parents loved and the Mini-Van you either rode in 
or drove, and “cross” them together.
So, will America really want the Crossover?
Honda is betting on it. The new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour by American Honda Company is the latest of crossovers to be announced. Not ready for a test drive yet (due out in November), the Crosstour has an upscale interior for 5 passengers and an innovative storage compartment in the rear. It sports a 3.5 liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and is even available in a four-wheel drive version.
With an aerodynamic exterior, the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) keeps the sporty, low-profile of the Accord.
The interior styling provides a wide body feel with systems inset into the panels and overall a very roomy feel.
The question remains, is this what America wants? Honda rarely makes a mistake, so I am betting this vehicle will be a winner.
I know I am going to be one of the first to run down to the store and take a ride. See you there!
MotorWorld Honda 1.866.291.7917
150 MotorWorld Drive Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Heritage Westminster Honda 1.877.854.6351
580 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 21157
Heritage Honda Towson Service Center 1.866.781.8394
724 York Rd. Towson, MD 21204
Heritage Honda 1.888.471.7866
9213 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21234
Hall Honda Elizabeth City1.800.628.5348
105 Tanglewood Parkway South. Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Hall Honda 1.866.813.5799
3516 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452
2009 Dodge Ram Wins The Highest Total Quality Award
October 14, 2009
San Diego – Volkswagen of America and Ford Motor Corporation were announced today as full-line corporate leaders in Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) Total Quality Index® (TQI). Across their various brands, both corporations are consistently producing vehicles judged high in perceived quality and emotional delight, resulting in models that customers can love. Volkswagen of America also had the greatest number of TQI leaders across the segments being measured than any other brand: Rabbit, Jetta, CC, New Beetle, Tiguan and Audi A4. Ford has Focus as the leader in the popular Small Car segment.
The Total Quality Index® asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving – much more than simply counting problems. Results from studies that measure the number of problems or the overall satisfaction of a vehicle do not measure the customers’ commitment to, advocacy for or loyalty to their vehicles accurately. “In today’s difficult market, the difference between products that generate consideration, build brands and increase sales versus those that do not is often how much delight and love the product generates with its customers,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Chairman of Strategic Vision.
In a recently published survey conducted by another research company that only counted problems, MINI was rated the worst quality brand. However, our most recent research study which examines the entire ownership experience and MINI owners’ perceptions of quality, from styling to performance including what went wrong and what created delight; MINI is the highest rated brand in Total Quality in its price category. Therefore, it is not a surprise that MINI was one of the two brands to increase sales during last year’s start of the US and automotive recession. “When you have a product worthy of love, customers will come,” states Alexander Edwards, President of SVI.
The past twelve months have been rough for domestic manufacturers as constant negative news is delivered, bankruptcies are filed, and the mantra, “Why won’t Detroit build quality vehicles that people want to buy?” is stated again and again. However, it is important to note that four of the top ten-selling vehicles in the first quarter of this year were domestics. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have all scored well with customers in Total Quality and in sales.
General Motors had four segment leaders: Pontiac G8, GMC Envoy, Yukon XL and the Chevrolet Corvette (which was the highest rated Total Quality Index of any vehicles this year). Customers report that these vehicles deliver what they want from each segment. These leaders have delightful interiors, performance and styling providing to customers an added sense of security, confidence, fun and excitement. It is also important to note that Saturn and Pontiac brands performed well in TQI across most of their models, with both brands tied for having the highest TQI scores in their price segment.
The Chrysler Group has increased in Total Quality from last year with the Dodge Ram leading the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the history of the 15 year study. This is also the first time the Ram has achieved this honor since 1999 when it lost its title for the first time to competition. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers. “For truck buyers, the Dodge Ram has reclaimed its perceived leadership in innovation, a corporate hallmark,” states Alexander Edwards. “We have tracked innovation as a critical dimension in success since 1979 and have shown that it has been the single most powerful factor in success across categories, especially among automobiles.”
American Honda Motors, Nissan Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales each led in two segments with strong positions in many others. The Nissan Maxima tied with the G8 in the Large Car segment while the Infiniti FX and EX, both competing in the Near-Luxury Utility segment tied with each other. The FX and EX both delivered strong performance and exterior styling that led to a greater perception of quality leading to an enhanced sense of prestige and individuality for their owners.
For American Honda Motors, the Honda Ridgeline and Odyssey lead their segments with delightful capability and overall flexibility in each of the models. Both models show innovation that produces leadership. Odyssey became a leader among minivans when it offered the most innovative product in its segment years ago. Ridgeline burst onto the scene as Truck of the Year with innovation unmatched by competition in its segment. Although Ridgeline’s price has kept sales below that of competitors, those who buy it often report that they are delighted with almost every aspect. The innovation and delight delivered by each of these leaders lead owners to state that their next vehicle will be a Honda.
Toyota Motor Sales led with the all-new Toyota Venza and Toyota 4Runner. Both vehicles, as do most Toyota and Lexus products, delivered high levels of trust associated with the Toyota brand name and the brand’s attention to interior details. Customers reported that both of these vehicles showed increased thoughtfulness in their design. Few things-gone-wrong combined with higher expected durability and reliability provided a foundation for Toyota’s leadership position in these segments. With the added thoughtfulness and utility of the products, Toyota’s customers were truly delighted.
Having few problems (solid initial quality) can provide foundational assurance to customers, increasing brand trust and expected durability and reliability. As seen in similar studies, SVI found that the number of problems per vehicle found in the Lexus brand is statistically the lowest of all brands. Lexus’ goal should be to focus on enhanced products and communications to show customers that they are focused on delivering more than basic satisfaction as they build on their foundation.
Finally, in the Luxury categories the BMW X3 tied with the Infiniti FX and EX on Total Quality. The Mercedes S-Class has again defined luxury in its class, leading for the fourth time in the past six years. The Land Rover Range Rover is the leader in the Luxury utility segment. Many other Land Rover / Jaguar models also scored very well with models like the Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ scoring just below top positions in their segments.
Buyers rated the following vehicles tops in their segments:
| Segment | Winner(s) |
TQI Score |
| Small Car | Ford Focus Sedan |
877 |
| Small Multi-Function | Volkswagen Rabbit |
889 |
| Mid-Size Car | Volkswagen Jetta Sedan |
891 |
| Large Car | Nissan Maxima Pontiac G8 |
900 |
| Near-Luxury Car | Volkswagen CC Sedan Audi A4 Sedan |
923 |
| Luxury Car | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
934 |
| Specialty Coupe | Volkswagen New Beetle |
924 |
| Premium Coupe | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe |
938 |
| Minivan | Honda Odyssey |
865 |
| Entry Utility | Volkswagen Tiguan |
914 |
| Mid-Size Crossover Utility | Toyota Venza |
925 |
| Mid-Size Traditional Utility | GMC Envoy Toyota 4Runner |
859 |
| Large Utility | GMC Yukon XL |
899 |
| Near-Luxury Utility | Infiniti FX Infiniti EX35 BMW X3 |
906 |
| Luxury Utility | Land Rover Range Rover |
920 |
| Standard Pickup | Honda Ridgeline |
874 |
| Full-Size Pickup | Dodge Ram 1500 |
899 |
*2008 Total Quality Award® winner
“We know Total Quality is strengthened by delighting customers and getting them to love you. We stand ready to include love in all the work that we do since measuring love is the next step in discriminating between winning and losing in today’s competitive environment,” states Dr. Edwards. “Since 1999, our exploratory studies have shown that the power of love wins customers, creates advocacy, strengthens commitment, and builds loyalty. It is critical how we measure quality, delight and love if we are going to be able to help companies deliver.”
The Total Quality Index® was calculated from 20,101 buyers who bought 2008 & 2009 models in September to December of 2008. Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards® annually since 1995. Since its foundation in 1972 and incorporation in 1989, Strategic Vision has studied consumer and constituent decision-making for a wide variety of clients, including most auto manufacturers, Coca-Cola, American Airlines, Procter and Gamble, the White House, 10 Downing Street, and many advertising agencies. Its unique expertise is identifying consumers’ motivational hierarchies, including the values, emotions, and images that shape perceptions and behavior. The firm’s in-depth Discovery Interviews and ValueCentered Surveys provide comprehensive, integrated and actionable outcomes, linking behavior to attributes to consequences to values and emotions to images. For more information please visit www.strategicvision.com.
Outstanding Service at Mercedes-Benz Dealership
October 13, 2009
Dear Mr. Fader,
It is with pleasure that I write to you about my always outstanding experience at the Herb Gordon Mercedes-Benz dealership. I have been a loyal customer of the dealership since 1980 and, once again, I am reminded why.
Recently, my car was in for service, requiring the involvement of my insurance company. Under the combined guidance of Gary Dove and Tony Wasfi, what felt initially like a quagmire, became easily resolved. Gary is a master of immediately assessing the issues, suggesting the best solutions, and offering reassuring and competent guidance throughout the process. I also know that my car is in the best, professional hands under Gary’s and Tony’s direction. Tony not only diligently managed the repair process; he interceded on my behalf with my insurance company in an accommodating and professional manner. As if this were not enough, the superb assistance I receive from both Gary and Tony is always delivered with the utmost respect and courtesy.
It is often said that the best form of advertising is “word-of-mouth” and the best business is a result of referrals. I never hesitate to relate these extraordinary and pleasant interactions to my friends and colleagues and refer them to Herb Gordon Mercedes-Benz.
Although I suspect that this is not news to you, my experiences over the years are proof positive that Mr. Dove, Mr. Wasfi and the entire Herb Gordon Mercedes-Benz team of professionals are irreplaceable assets to “Atlantic Automotive.”
Very truly yours,
Cynthia Forrest
Herb Gordon Mercedes-Benz 877.868.8484
3161 Automobile Blvd., Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
