Honda Motor Co. expects its U.S. sales to increase between 3% and 5% in 2008 despite a slight drop in the overall market, said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda auto operations.
Total light vehicle sales in 2008 likely will be around 15.7 million, Mendel said Thursday during a visit to metro Detroit. Total U.S. sales are expected to finish at 16.3 million this year.
Through November, Honda's U.S. sales are up 3.1% to 1.4 million vehicles, thanks largely to a redesigned Accord and CR-V.
Honda should continue to receive a lift in 2008 from these vehicles, Mendel said. A redesigned Pilot, a three-row SUV, and Fit, a subcompact hatchback, are planned for next year.
"We haven't let our foot off the gas on the product development side," Mendel said.
Honda also could attract customers shifting to more fuel-efficient vehicles in the face of higher gas prices, he said.
"When fuel prices are an issue with consumers, I think we benefit even more because we either lead or are among the leaders in every segment where we compete," Mendel said.
Honda's expectations for 2008 are reasonable, said Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids. IRN forecasts overall light-vehicle sales of 15.5 million next year.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
ATTENTION COSTCO MEMBERS!
Save on your next new vehicle purchase with the COSTCO Auto Buying Program. This exclusive program saves COSTCO members money, time and hassle!
Take advantage of:
Low, prearranged pricing on many makes and models
Authorized contacts at participating dealerships
Member advocates who provide great service before, during and after your purchase
Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo has been made the EXCLUSIVE dealer in the Middle Tennessee area for the Auto Buying Program (both Honda and Volvo) for Costco.
Take advantage of:
Low, prearranged pricing on many makes and models
Authorized contacts at participating dealerships
Member advocates who provide great service before, during and after your purchase
Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo has been made the EXCLUSIVE dealer in the Middle Tennessee area for the Auto Buying Program (both Honda and Volvo) for Costco.
J.D. Power: Honda, finance units tops
BMW Financial Services, Ford Credit, Honda Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services each rank highest in satisfying customers with the new-vehicle financing process, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study.
In the non-luxury lease segment, Honda Financial Services ranks highest (813), performing particularly well in provider offering, and billing and payment. Ford Credit (783) and GMAC (777) follow in the segment rankings.
Initial Lease Satisfaction Index Ranking: Non-Luxury Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
Honda Financial Services 813Ford Credit 783GMAC 777Toyota Financial Services 768Volkswagen Credit 768Non-Luxury Lease Segment Average 762Chrysler Financial 739Nissan Motor Acceptance 708
In the non-luxury lease segment, Honda Financial Services ranks highest (813), performing particularly well in provider offering, and billing and payment. Ford Credit (783) and GMAC (777) follow in the segment rankings.
Initial Lease Satisfaction Index Ranking: Non-Luxury Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
Honda Financial Services 813Ford Credit 783GMAC 777Toyota Financial Services 768Volkswagen Credit 768Non-Luxury Lease Segment Average 762Chrysler Financial 739Nissan Motor Acceptance 708
Customer Service Is What We Do
Hello Kelvin,
Thank you for scheduling an opportunity for my daughter to have the headlights adjusted on her new car (bought from Hootie). I also appreciate you calling me when you found out you would be off yesterday afternoon and for you arranging with Byron for her to arrive. Byron had the Service Department adjust her headlights within 5 minutes and someone put the tag on her car.
I do not have to tell you how nice it is to get good service…but I will tell you it is especially nice when you send your daughter and she is treated courteously and with the professional integrity she experienced because of your help.
Because of your effort, I will not hesitate to refer people to your Dealership. Thank you very much,
Doug
Doug Everett
http://www.portablecooling.com/
Toll-Free 1-800-807-5798
Toll-Free Fax 1-800-591-9424
16 Years Serving North America
Thank you for scheduling an opportunity for my daughter to have the headlights adjusted on her new car (bought from Hootie). I also appreciate you calling me when you found out you would be off yesterday afternoon and for you arranging with Byron for her to arrive. Byron had the Service Department adjust her headlights within 5 minutes and someone put the tag on her car.
I do not have to tell you how nice it is to get good service…but I will tell you it is especially nice when you send your daughter and she is treated courteously and with the professional integrity she experienced because of your help.
Because of your effort, I will not hesitate to refer people to your Dealership. Thank you very much,
Doug
Doug Everett
http://www.portablecooling.com/
Toll-Free 1-800-807-5798
Toll-Free Fax 1-800-591-9424
16 Years Serving North America
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Jorden Mackey Participates in WCCAC
Mayor John Schroer (City of Franklin, TN) congratulates Jordan Mackey on her participation in the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission (WCCAC). WCCAC is an arts program in Williamson County which promotes development, accessibility, and excellence of cultural arts. The paintings shown in the background will be touring all the communities in the county over the next 8 months.
Jordan Mackey is the granddaughter of Kelvin Mackey, who has been working with Darrell Waltrip Honda for 21 years, and is the daughter of Clay and Jeannie Mackey, Clay is a Captain with 20 years of service with the Franklin Fire Department.
Jordan Mackey is the granddaughter of Kelvin Mackey, who has been working with Darrell Waltrip Honda for 21 years, and is the daughter of Clay and Jeannie Mackey, Clay is a Captain with 20 years of service with the Franklin Fire Department.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Trick Or Treat
Courtney Orosz (left) and Jill Burgett (right) give a special treat to Andrew, son of Chris and Kristin, while waiting on vehicle to be serviced.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Salesman and Technicians of Month
Pictured Above (listed from right to left): John Gallagher congratulates Marilyn Hofmeister and Greg Schmidt on receiving the salesperson of the month award. Marilyn received the Volvo salesperson of the month award and Greg received the Honda salesperson of the month award! Not pictured: Used car salesman of the month Greg Hudik. Not pictured technicians for the month of September, William Lifsey of Honda, Tim Thompson of Volvo.
Newcomers For September Welcomed
Pictured Above: Honda sales manager Bill Kimbrough (middle) welcomes new sales training Manger Vince Caccese (right) and new Honda salesperson Robert Madison (left)!
Not pictured Justin Fox detailer, Michelle Hartley Volvo cashier and David Draheim, Used Car porter.
Not pictured Justin Fox detailer, Michelle Hartley Volvo cashier and David Draheim, Used Car porter.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Gates, Highest Scoring Tech In The NationAllen Gates was the highest scoring Volvo Tech (nationwide) on this year’s ASE tests…he won an expense-paid trip for two to Scottsdale AZ and $1,000.
L to R: Ray Crouch (Volvo Aftersales Manager), Jim Baldridge (Volvo Field Technical Specialist), Allen Gates (D.W. Volvo Shop Foreman), Mary Greene (Volvo Market Manager), Byron Hill (D.W. Volvo Service Manager).
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Everyone Loves Lunch In The Service Lane
This is a picture taken from our monthly dealership meeting. Every month every employee in the dealership gets together to review how the dealership is doing in sales and service, have lunch, and congratulate the top salesmen and technicians!
Shown is general manager John Gallagher (right) congratulating Volvo service writer Will Allen for his outstanding effort to help a customer. The letter listed below describes Will Allen’s heroic attempt.
Dear Mr. Gallagher;
I’m writing to tell you a story of how one of your employees demonstrated caring and quick action in response to an incident that was rapidly becoming an emergency situation.
On Thursday August 30th at about 11:45 AM the doors to my car (Volvo S60) inadvertently locked with my 22 month old child (Savannah) inside. As you can imagine I was in panic mode not knowing what to do. My husband called AAA and I thought to call Volvo. I called the service department and spoke to a gentleman to whom I explained my dire situation. He asked what type of Volvo I had and I told him. He said he would call me right back. The gentleman called me back within 2 minutes and said he was on his way and would be there in 5 minutes. The man’s name was Will Allen.
He arrived in less than 5 minutes and appeared to fly from his car and run to mine. He got the car opened in less than a minute. Will Allen was an angel that day sent to remedy what could have been a tragic situation. Even after the problem was solved, he let my daughter sit on his lap in his car so she could cool off.
If you have an employee recognition program with your company I urge you to show Will Allen the recognition he truly deserves, because my husband and I will never forget him.
In closing, I’d just like to say if this is an example of the character of your employees you should be truly complimented and grateful.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Traci Tumbelson
Dear Mr. Gallagher;
I’m writing to tell you a story of how one of your employees demonstrated caring and quick action in response to an incident that was rapidly becoming an emergency situation.
On Thursday August 30th at about 11:45 AM the doors to my car (Volvo S60) inadvertently locked with my 22 month old child (Savannah) inside. As you can imagine I was in panic mode not knowing what to do. My husband called AAA and I thought to call Volvo. I called the service department and spoke to a gentleman to whom I explained my dire situation. He asked what type of Volvo I had and I told him. He said he would call me right back. The gentleman called me back within 2 minutes and said he was on his way and would be there in 5 minutes. The man’s name was Will Allen.
He arrived in less than 5 minutes and appeared to fly from his car and run to mine. He got the car opened in less than a minute. Will Allen was an angel that day sent to remedy what could have been a tragic situation. Even after the problem was solved, he let my daughter sit on his lap in his car so she could cool off.
If you have an employee recognition program with your company I urge you to show Will Allen the recognition he truly deserves, because my husband and I will never forget him.
In closing, I’d just like to say if this is an example of the character of your employees you should be truly complimented and grateful.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Traci Tumbelson
Great Job John Schmidt
9/14/2007
Dear John,
Just a brief note to say thanks for the surprise service you provided us to during our purchase of the new Odyssey. You were honest from the start, there were no surprises (of the bad kind), and you listened to our needs and worked hard to find the right deal for us. We are 100% satisfied with you and all those we worked with-Kevin, Dan and Tracy included.
We said a thank-you prayer after we got in the new car, and we also said “thank you” for you. May God bless you and your wife, and we look forward to driving our new Odyssey!
Brent
Dear John,
Just a brief note to say thanks for the surprise service you provided us to during our purchase of the new Odyssey. You were honest from the start, there were no surprises (of the bad kind), and you listened to our needs and worked hard to find the right deal for us. We are 100% satisfied with you and all those we worked with-Kevin, Dan and Tracy included.
We said a thank-you prayer after we got in the new car, and we also said “thank you” for you. May God bless you and your wife, and we look forward to driving our new Odyssey!
Brent
# 2 For Kimberly And Sean Riley
Pictured above are Kimberly Riley (wife of long time employee Sean Riley) and their newest edition to the family, Alexandria Riley! Alexandria is not the only little one; this is Sean and Kimberly’s second child along with Joshua Riley who is now 3. They grow up so fast!
New Baby For Dupane And Dominique
Shown here is Honda salesman Dupane Phavongsay with baby Beckham who is the newest addition to the Phavongsay family. This is Dupane and Dominique Phavongsay’s first child. We are just as excited as they are!
Michael Welch Master Technician
Shown is Service manager Archie Becquet (right) congratulating Michael Welch (left) on achieving the “master technician” award. Michael is the first person in 17 years to ever be fully qualified to win this award! Congratulations Michael!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Let Us Hear From You
Here at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo we strive to provide the best customer service possible and our newly designed Blog gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. Visiting our Blog will allow you to do a variety of things, such as post comments, browse service bulletins, look at new models, furnish links to other areas of interest, let you know about special promotions and even keep you up to date on what DW himself has planned for our store! We would love to hear about your experience with us here at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo and value any customer opinions, feedback, questions and/or comments that you may have. Let us know how you felt about your time spent with us, if all of your expectations were met, your service visits, or anything else you would share. Feel free to visit the Blog anytime and even mark it as one of your favorite sites!
Here at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo we strive to provide the best customer service possible and our newly designed Blog gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. Visiting our Blog will allow you to do a variety of things, such as post comments, browse service bulletins, look at new models, furnish links to other areas of interest, let you know about special promotions and even keep you up to date on what DW himself has planned for our store! We would love to hear about your experience with us here at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo and value any customer opinions, feedback, questions and/or comments that you may have. Let us know how you felt about your time spent with us, if all of your expectations were met, your service visits, or anything else you would share. Feel free to visit the Blog anytime and even mark it as one of your favorite sites!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Volvo Safety Day Big Success
Volvo Safety Day brings out the community.Be in the Click Bear hands out goodies to the kids and asks everyone to "Be in the Click" and buckle your seat belt.
The Williamson County Sherrif's department shows the proper way to install a child seat in your vehicle.
Tennesee Highway patrol shows what happens when a roll over accident occurs-rather scary!
There was good food for all with hot dogs and hamburgers.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Darrell Waltrip Honda Wins President's Award
What does it mean to be a recipient
of the Honda President’s Award?
For us here at Darrell Waltrip Honda, It is the greatest honor bestowed on a Honda dealership. Not only have we received the honor this past year in 2006, but we have had the pleasure of making this our ninth year to receive the Honda President’s Award.
It is a source of pride to be one of only 171 dealerships receiving the honor. Better yet, there have only been 5 Honda stores to receive more Honda President’s Awards than Darrell Waltrip Honda.
It is confirmation that team members are dedicated to excellence.
It is a recognition that you appreciate our commitment to exceptional customer service.
For you, it is a pleasurable automobile experience.
It is a quality product that satisfies your automotive needs.
It is knowing you will be treated as a valuable customer.
It is experiencing excellence in customer service in every area of our operation.
Darrell Waltrip Honda has been presented with the coveted Honda President’s Award trophy as a symbol of our accomplishment. The trophies represent our success and commitment to continuing to provide unparalleled service to our customers not only in 2006 but also in the 9 times that Darrell Waltrip has received this great honor. Every member of our team has participated in earning this prestigious award. We are all proud of our accomplishment and remain dedicated to delivering excellence.
Thank you for honoring us with your business. We believe in the importance of what the President’s Award represents, and the mutual benefits it provides. Allow us to demonstrate the benefits of partnering with an award-winning dealership and experience for yourself the Honda President’s Award difference.
For us here at Darrell Waltrip Honda, It is the greatest honor bestowed on a Honda dealership. Not only have we received the honor this past year in 2006, but we have had the pleasure of making this our ninth year to receive the Honda President’s Award.
It is a source of pride to be one of only 171 dealerships receiving the honor. Better yet, there have only been 5 Honda stores to receive more Honda President’s Awards than Darrell Waltrip Honda.
It is confirmation that team members are dedicated to excellence.
It is a recognition that you appreciate our commitment to exceptional customer service.
For you, it is a pleasurable automobile experience.
It is a quality product that satisfies your automotive needs.
It is knowing you will be treated as a valuable customer.
It is experiencing excellence in customer service in every area of our operation.
Darrell Waltrip Honda has been presented with the coveted Honda President’s Award trophy as a symbol of our accomplishment. The trophies represent our success and commitment to continuing to provide unparalleled service to our customers not only in 2006 but also in the 9 times that Darrell Waltrip has received this great honor. Every member of our team has participated in earning this prestigious award. We are all proud of our accomplishment and remain dedicated to delivering excellence.
Thank you for honoring us with your business. We believe in the importance of what the President’s Award represents, and the mutual benefits it provides. Allow us to demonstrate the benefits of partnering with an award-winning dealership and experience for yourself the Honda President’s Award difference.
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