Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru

Vietnam Veteran Mike Reeder Celebrated As Hometown Hero

2011-11-18T13:03:00.002-06:00

Local veteran Mike Reeder is being honored for his service and love for our country in big ways this month. With Veteran's Day on 11.11.11, he'll spend the morning with the fourth graders at Oakview Elementary sharing his story and being celebrated for his service. Mike has also been chosen as the November Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero.

Reeder lost both of his legs in Vietnam, but he "hasn't let that slow him down", according to Earl Hensel, an acquaintance of Reeder's, and supporter of Outward Bound, an organization that assists returning disabled veterans in coping with life in America and the sponsor of the nomination for his Hometown Hero award.

Now retired he is known as an accomplished golfer, recently being featured in an ESPN report chronicling his journey to play on the old course at St. Andrews, and shooting a 79 while there.

"When we received Mike's nomination the decision to honor him was a no-brainer. He is a hero to not only our local community, but a hero to our nation", said John Gallagher, General Manager of Darrell Waltrip Automotive.

As a part of the Hometown Hero award $500 will be donated in his honor to Mike's charity of choice- Challenged Athletes Foundation, the non-profit who sent Mike and his wife to Scotland to play at St. Andrews.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive's Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at http://www.darrellwaltrip.com/.

25th Anniversary Celebration

2011-10-07T12:14:00.001-05:00

Join Darrell Waltrip Automotive on Saturday, October 8 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1430 Murfreesboro Road, as they thank the community for making their last twenty-five years of business a success!

“Our hope has always been to invest in the community the way the community has invested in us,” says General Manager, John Gallagher. “This event is our way of saying thank you to the residents of Williamson County and the surrounding area for supporting us for 25 years.”

The free community celebration and lunch will be held in the parking lot of the Honda showroom, complemented by local nonprofit partners hosting activities for families. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is teaming up with Trace Bikes to provide children ages 6-12 with a Bicycle Safety Rodeo. Mercy Children’s Clinic will be hosting carnival games with prizes, the Franklin Family YMCA is providing bounce houses, and there will be music on-site. Snow Ball Heaven has been invited to give out snow-cones, and there will be police cars and fire trucks to explore.

The community is invited to come and celebrate, free of charge. For more information visit http://www.darrellwaltrip.com.

Evelyn Hickerson named DWA Hometown Hero for August

2011-08-18T10:23:00.001-05:00

Left: Cathy Buchanan & Right: Evelyn Hickerson accept a grant from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (MTEMC)
To inspire and impact the lives of both children and adults is a quality that most people only hope to attain. This month, Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Hero award goes to one woman who has successfully attained this level of influence. For her compassion toward educating and inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds, Evelyn Hickerson is named the Hometown Hero this August.

Evelyn Hickerson has been teaching for over 30 years, currently teaching at Johnson Elementary School in Franklin. In the summer of 2010 she started Gentry’s Educational Foundation in honor of her parents, James and Josephine Gentry. Using the money left to her upon their passing, she and her husband Robert started the foundation to give children in Franklin the opportunity to enrich their lives through education, support, and mentoring.

Gentry’s Summer Camp is offered at no cost to elementary age students from diverse backgrounds. It includes reading, math, technology, fitness, science, creative arts, and character education classes taught by teachers from Johnson Elementary. The one-month camp has had an extremely high success rate. Since their start in the summer of 2010, they have already doubled in size.

“This is all of Evelyn’s heart,” says close friend, coworker, and partner in expanding Gentry’s Foundation programs, Cathy Buchanan. “Her drive, her will, and her never giving up…she really is an angel here on Earth.”

In May, Cathy Buchanan heard about Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes campaign. She spread the word to her coworkers at Johnson Elementary School, inspiring nearly 30 nominations for Mrs. Evelyn Hickerson – the most nominations for one individual thus far in the Hometown Heroes campaign. Together the teachers shared compelling stories as to why Mrs. Hickerson should be a DWA Hometown Hero.

“Her generous spirit is providing for children that might not have other places to be for summer, children who need remediation to have success in school, and those who need the support of caring adults as mentors.” -Jan Cochran, former principal of JES

“She has a way of making everyone she comes into contact with, coworkers and students feel special and loved.” -Erin Lefkovitz.

“Evelyn is a tireless champion for children.” - Venetia Henry

“Helping children is her love, and she is ours!” - Colleen Hooper

“She has encouraged and helped many younger teachers in reaching their goals as educators. She inspires many and makes sure that all children have the opportunity to learn.” -Dinah Wade.

“Everyone that Mrs. Hickerson touches is a better person after knowing this incredible women! She goes out of her way for children every day and gives hope to so many people.” – Bethany Wiseman

“Her love for children to do their best and us to give them our best makes her my hometown hero.” -Deborah Willett.

An assembly will be held in Mrs. Hickerson’s honor in October and will include performances by her students and a check presentation for Gentry’s Educational Foundation from DWA. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.gentryseducationalfoundation.com.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com. If you have been inspired by this story to get involved in your community, please visit www.givingmatters.com.

Kenny Lane Awarded as July's Hometown Hero

2011-07-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

July's Hometown Hero award goes to Kenny Lane, former Fire Chief of Brentwood, for serving such a vital role in the development of Brentwood’s Fire Department and for his dedication to bettering his entire community.

Kenny Lane has served the Fire Department from the beginning of its inception in 1986. Since 1993, he has led the department as the Fire Chief, retiring from the department on June 30th of this year.

Mary Phillips, the President of the Brentwood Woman’s Club, nominated Kenny Lane as Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Hero. In honor of his retirement, they purchased a Rehab Emergency Trailer to use for disasters and emergency situations in the Middle Tennessee area.

Lane has chosen to give the $500 donation by Darrell Waltrip Automotive to a non-profit organization that he has a high regard for, the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home of Brentwood. “I am honored to be able to do this for such a worthy organization that has done so much for their community,” says Lane. “They have helped so many kids who have had a rough start.” Kenny has been involved with Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home throughout his career with the city of Brentwood and through his association with the Rotary Club.

About Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes
Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Inc, a non-profit organization founded in 1891, is a ministry of the churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, which provides residential care to children. Thousands of children in Tennessee suffer the pain and loneliness of a family in crisis. TBCH cares for approximately 200 of these children each year who find themselves without a place to call home due to family crisis. All children are accepted regardless of race, creed, or socio-economic background. They have six campuses across Tennessee and the Houses of Healing and Hope in Brentwood care for the single parents and their children.

Williamson County American Red Cross Donation

2011-07-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

Darrell Waltrip Honda is donating $1 for every new follower on Facebook/Twitter to the Williamson County chapter of the American Red Cross.

If you haven't become a fan of Darrell Waltrip Honda, follow the links below to get started!

Dr. David Vanderpool Named June Hometown Hero

2011-06-22T09:26:00.001-05:00

Pictured: Dr. Vanderpool and his son David working on-site in Ghana.
In honor of Father’s Day, Dr. David Vanderpool was selected as Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Hero for the month of June.

Vanderpool was nominated by his son for his passion to improve the lives of others. “I have been profoundly influenced by my father and his selfless giving, and am grateful that others see him as the hero that I know him to be,” says son, David Stalling Vanderpool. From Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, and Mozambique to New Orleans, Alabama and Nashville, Vanderpool works to build the infrastructure to combat global poverty and devotes his time and talents toward worldwide disaster relief.

In 2005 he founded Mobile Medical Disaster Relief (MMDR), an international non-profit that works to serve the destitute in areas left impoverished by natural disasters and human oppression. The $500 donation from Darrell Waltrip Automotive will go toward MMDR’s next campaign, which aims to provide medical care and clean water projects in Ghana to leverage the release of children from slavery.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com. If you are inspired by this story and would like to get involved in your community, please visit http://www.givingmatters.com/.

About MMDR
MMDR uses medicine, community development, and micro-enterprise to help fulfill the medical needs of vulnerable and under-served people in the United States and throughout the world. MMDR continues to aid Haiti’s post-earthquake recovery, taking monthly medical teams into the neediest areas, providing free medical care and partnering with communities for development. In the US, following the devastation of the Tuscaloosa, AL tornado, MMDR was quick to respond with medical supplies, food and water. MMDR has programs in 14 countries and is constantly expanding to encompass the growing effects of global poverty. For more information, please visit http://www.mmdr.org/.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Honors Mary Beth Gates

2011-05-23T09:15:00.001-05:00

Full-time mother & volunteer named May Hometown Hero

L to R: Darrell Waltrip, Mary Beth Gates (Volunteer Accountant, High Hopes & Hometown Hero of the month), John Gallagher (General Manager, DWA), Holly Beth Roach (Fund Development Coordinator, High Hopes), Sallie Vanhoose (Executive Assistant to ED, High Hopes)

On Tuesday May 17, Darrell Waltrip Automotive honored their second Hometown Hero, Mary Beth Gates of Nashville. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, she was recognized for her inspiring approach to community service as a full-time mother and volunteer.

After leaving HCA in 2006, Mary Beth became High Hopes’ Volunteer Accountant, volunteering approximately 552 hours annually. “Mary Beth goes above and beyond the day-to-day accounting duties necessary for High Hopes to function,” says Fund Development Coordinator, Holly Beth Roach. What began with a complete reorganization and restructuring of their financial system has now become a full-time position. Mary Beth consults with the Board of Directors, prepares and presents reports, pitches in at fundraisers, and is an advocate in the community for the organization.

Above all, Mary Beth spends her time away from volunteer work with her child. As a mother of a child with special needs, Mary Beth has a special connection with High Hopes. It’s no surprise that she chose the $500 donation by Darrell Waltrip Automotive to go toward High Hopes: an Inclusive Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic with a mission to equip children and youth with the skills necessary to achieve success through education, rehabilitation, and loving support. To learn more, visit www.highhopesnash.org.

As a thank you for Mary Beth’s continued service, she received a relaxing weekend get-away complimentary of Aloft Hotel of Cool Springs.
Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com. If you have been inspired by this story to get involved in your community, please visit www.givingmatters.com.

LifeFlight Lands at Darrell Waltrip Automotive

2011-05-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

Here's the video Vanderbilt LifeFlight put together on Darrell Waltrip Automotive's Van Donation- it's fantastic!!

From Vanderbilt LifeFlight: Vanderbilt LifeFlight is proud to deliver equipment back to EMS agencies in an effort to assist them maintain proper levels of the life saving equipment and save money on lost equipment. Our equipment return program is made possible thanks the generous donation of a van by Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group in Franklin, Tenn. Watch as LifeFlight lands at Darrell Waltrip to celebrate their donation. Several emergency agencies from Lincoln, Williamson, and Davidson Counties were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Announces First Hometown Hero

2011-04-19T08:08:00.001-05:00

(Left to Right: Eva Barker, Michael Barker, R.H. Barker, & Darrell Waltrip)
Franklin, Tenn. – April 13th marks the announcement of Hometown Hero, Robert Houston Barker of Franklin. In February, Darrell Waltrip Automotive kicked off their Hometown Heroes campaign to highlight everyday heroes in Middle Tennessee, and the first hero has been chosen!

Anne Frances describes her grandfather as a man of “great faith, honesty, family values and professional etiquette.” Barker has rightfully earned his hero status and his story deserves to be shared.

A fifth generation Williamson County resident, Barker recently celebrated his ninety-first birthday. A man of service throughout his lifetime, Barker served in WWII in the 5th Armored Division.

At the Elbe River, Barker’s battalion liberated nearly 1,000 prisoners of war on April 12, 1945. One of the POWs liberated, Bate Southall, later proved to be a childhood friend of Barker’s. They spent their youth together in Burwood and both now reside in Middle Tennessee.

Home from the war, Barker and his wife Eva Mae Davidson opened Western Auto on Main Street in 1948, serving Middle Tennessee residents for a total of 32 years. Ann Frances and her father Jerry reminisce about their Christmases spent in the Barker household and the joys shared opening Christmas presents after the shop closed for the holidays. “Every year - even after getting home late - at least one person would call who forgot their layaway and Daddy would go back to the store so they had their Christmas,” says Robert’s son, Jerry. The store provided many residents their first lines of credit, bicycles, baseball gloves and more.

Throughout his lifetime, Robert’s service in his community has stretched beyond taking care of his customers at Western Auto. Barker was a long-time member and former president of the Franklin Lions Club. This month Barker has chosen to give the $500 donation from Darrell Waltrip Automotive to the Franklin Lions Club, a service organization known for working to end preventable blindness. “The Franklin Lions Club acknowledges with great appreciation this donation that will help us continue to serve others,” says current President, Joy Chapman.

(Left to Right: Williamson County Trustee Joey Davis, Franklin Lions Club President Joy Chapman, Michael Barker, R.H. Barker, and Eva Barker)

Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com. If you have been inspired by this story to get involved in your community, visit www.givingmatters.com to learn about other non-profits in your area and ways to support a cause dear to your heart.

DARRELL WALTRIP AUTOMOTIVE GOES GREEN: Dealership Becomes First Live Green Partner of Its Kind

2011-03-30T10:57:00.001-06:00

Darrell Waltrip Automotive, inspired by the City of Franklin’s movement to encourage businesses to go green will be the city’s first Automotive Live Green Partner. Taking the lead as a Platinum member, they have made the commitment to implement a culture of sustainability within the workplace.

“Helping Franklin become more sustainable is a community-wide effort and we are thankful that Darrell Waltrip Automotive is taking the lead in their industry,” stated Andrew Orr, Sustainability Coordinator of the City of Franklin.

The decision to become a Live Green Partner came from their investment in the Middle Tennessee community. In the past ten years, Darrell Waltrip Automotive has invested half of a million dollars toward philanthropic outreach, supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Mercy Children’s Clinic and the American Red Cross.

“The biggest mantra behind going green is this: reduce, reuse, recycle,” says Jamie Putnam, Volvo-Subaru Parts Manager, who has led the green initiative at the dealership. They reached the platinum level by reducing their energy use through the installation of Energy Star CFL lighting in all four showrooms, reusing the plastic seat covers for vehicles being serviced, and having their scrap tires picked up weekly to be reused in playgrounds. “In the future we will look at doing even more,” says Putnam.

From restaurants to retail stores, more than 100 businesses in Franklin have made the commitment to promote sustainable operations in the work place by becoming a Live Green Partner. To learn more about sustainable practices in Franklin visit www.franklin-gov.com/index.aspx?page=463.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive is a premier Honda, Volvo, & Subaru car dealership near Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee (TN). Specializing in Honda, Volvo, and Subaru Sales, Finance, Service, and Parts, Darrell Waltrip Automotive provides high quality service to its customers. Located at 1430 Murfreesboro Road in Franklin TN, Darrell Waltrip Automotive extends its services to nearby areas throughout Middle Tennessee. For more information, please visit our website, www.darrellwaltrip.com.

Tips for Saving Money on Gas

2011-03-30T09:23:00.002-06:00

I’m not sure about you- but every time I have to fill up my car with gas, I cringe. Every day, gas prices seem to increase, and the overall increase from March 2010 to March 2011 is staggering.

With little relief at the pump in sight, we wanted to bring you some tips for getting more bang for your buck at the pump.

One of the first things you can do to reduce the number of trips to the gas station is to watch how aggressive you drive. Make sure you’re not reliving your drag-racing days when intersection lights turn green. Take off slowly from a full stop- it’s a very minor adjustment to your driving, but it can have a huge impact on your gas mileage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% around town”.

Accelerating and braking slowly can really make a difference on your wallet. Traffic congestion around Nashville and the surrounding areas is notoriously bad- and while idling at some point on I-65 or one of the other highways is guaranteed, it doesn’t have to drain your gas tank.

Our second tip is to slow down! Did you know that most vehicles get the greatest fuel efficiency between 45MPH and 55MPH?

This chart shows that fuel efficiency actually DECREASES for speeds in excess of 60MPH.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas”. Slowing down can make a big difference on the number of trips you make to the pump each month.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive wins 2010 Sizzle Award for Best Auto Dealership

2011-03-08T11:45:00.001-06:00

The 2010 Sizzle Award, sponsored by FranklinIs.com and Southern Exposure Magazine, recognized Darrell Waltrip Automotive as the Best Automotive Dealership in Williamson County.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive has won the award for Best Auto Dealership annually since 2007.

The Sizzle Awards recognize outstanding local businesses in a number of categories, including services, cuisines, shopping, personal care, home, and more throughout Williamson County.

The awards were presented at the 5th Annual Sizzle Awards Banquet, hosted by Harry Chapman, at Jamison Hall in The Factory at Franklin on March 7, 2011.

This was the fifth year for the Sizzle Awards, the online community poll for Williamson County presented by Southern Exposure Magazine and FranklinIs.com.

Thank you to everyone who voted for Darrell Waltrip Automotive!

LifeFlight Partners With Darrell Waltrip Automotive to Offer New Service to EMS

2011-03-03T08:58:00.004-06:00

Nashville (Tenn.) - Ambulance services that come to Nashville hospitals from outlying counties often have to return home leaving valuable equipment behind that is still being used to stabilize patients.

Spine boards, straps and head immobilization devices are just some of the thousands of pieces of equipment left at Nashville area emergency departments. Getting this equipment back is often challenging and the loss of equipment can be quite expensive for ambulance services.

Vanderbilt LifeFlight will soon begin delivering equipment back to EMS agencies in an effort to assist them maintain proper levels of the life-saving equipment and save money on lost equipment.

Thanks to the generous donation of a van by Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group in Franklin, Tenn., Dana Keele, EMT, outreach liaison, will be making regular equipment delivery rounds to counties in the LifeFlight service area.

“We are very excited to begin this new program and appreciate the assistance from Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group in helping make this happen,” said Jeanne Yeatman, RN., EMT, director of LifeFlight.

"Darrell Waltrip Automotive is proud to be able to provide a van to assist Vanderbilt LifeFlight in their life-saving work in the Nashville and surrounding areas," said John Gallagher, General Manager, Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru. “This donation is a continued example of Darrell Waltrip Automotive's commitment to the community. Over the past 10 years we have been able to invest more than half a million dollars into Nashville area non-profits and are pleased to continue to do so."
Initially the effort will focus on returning more than 300 pieces of equipment currently at Vanderbilt and once this is done, LifeFlight will pick up and return equipment left at other Nashville hospitals.

“We are excited that Vanderbilt is providing this service. Currently we have to send a part-time employee to Nashville at least once a week to retrieve equipment that EMS crews were unable to bring back at the time of their transport. This will allow us to utilize this employee more effectively with other tasks”, said Keith Douglas, director of Sumner County EMS. “I believe this is yet another great example of Vanderbilt's dedication to the EMS community and they are a tremendous partner for Sumner County EMS.”

Chad Graham, director of Bedford County EMS, agreed.

“Bedford EMS is excited to see Vanderbilt LifeFlight taking a proactive role in dealing with equipment recovery,” Graham said. “With limited funds available to serve our communities, this service will make a positive impact in our system.”

Another EMS provider located south of Nashville, said the new program will allow his ambulances to return back to their service area faster.
“We are 85 miles from Nashville and it will make our turnaround time faster not having to retrieve equipment,” said Richard Wright, director of Lincoln Medical Center EMS.

Agencies that have special needs or urgent requests can e-mail EMSEquipment@vanderbilt.edu. Once the initial equipment is returned, a regular schedule will be established so that EMS agencies can anticipate the day each week their equipment will arrive.

“This is a milestone in our customer service efforts and a fantastic way to show the hard working EMS professionals that we are proud to be a part of their team,” said Brent Lemmonds, MS, RN, EMT-P, FACHE, administrative director of Emergency Services.

Vanderbilt is the only hospital in Middle Tennessee to offer personal delivery service.

Part 1 of 3 of the presentation!

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Kicks Off Hometown Heroes Program

2011-02-17T14:43:00.003-06:00

February 15, 2011 marked the start of Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes program. Each month, Darrell Waltrip Automotive will recognize one hero and make a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. Additionally, all heroes will also receive a special prize package as recognition of their own hero status.

We kicked off our new program with the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce after-hours mixer, which included hearty h'or duerves and beverages from local vendors, including Franklin’s Bunganot Pig, Constant Craving Caterers, & Moon Wine & Spirits. Shuff’s Music & Piano showroom donated a baby grand piano for the event. Additionally, coffee was provided by Beve Mobile Coffee. We would like to thank all of our vendors, including VIP Williamson County Magazine and Williamson Herald for their participation!

If you would like to nominate your local Middle Tennessee hero, please visit Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes website and submit your nomination!

Thank you again to all of our vendors and attendees- what a great event!

Rainy Days

2010-11-23T08:52:00.001-06:00

What a beautiful morning! My commute to work was alright, despite the rain; but as I got closer to Franklin, I could feel my car hydroplaning as I exited 65-South to Murfreesboro Road. Luckily, it was around 6:30am, and there were no other cars on the road- but what to do if you are in particularly heavy traffic?

In case you, or someone you might know, would be interested in some helpful driving-in-rain tidbits, I wanted to point you in an excellent direction for guidance.

Edmunds published these Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain, and after reading them, I must say they do come in handy.

Allow more time for travel. I think this is extremely important- with the buildup of oil and grease on the road, trying to get anywhere in a hurry is risky business. Add a couple inches of water, and it can mean disaster quickly. Plus, we all know how Nashville traffic can get, and traffic will be backed up somewhere- so go a little slower.
Break earlier and with less force. This follows the ‘allow more time for travel’ (and go a little slower) part. Making sure that you allow enough room between you and the car in front of you helps when traffic stops to a stand-still. Additionally, it allows time for the driver behind you to brake as well.
Avoid Puddles. Water typically runs to the side of the road, so making sure you remain as close to the middle as possible helps prevent running into deep standing water. “Water splashing up into your car’s engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems”, and masks problems on the surface. Is there a pothole under the water? Trouble.
Don’t Use Cruise Control. In bad weather reaction time is of the utmost importance- cruise control allows you “to be less vigilant”, so try not to use it in rainy weather.
Turn on your headlights. With visibility an issue, it allows other drivers to see you, and allows you to see the road.
Defog your windows.

If you do start to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly or turn the wheel. Like I did this morning, release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, Edmunds offers, “tap the brake pedal”- unless you have anti-lock brakes, then you can put your foot down.

Make sure you stay on top of your car’s condition- if you have any questions about your tires (pressure and tread depth), brakes, front/rear wiper blades, or defroster, call your local shop to get it checked out!
For service call 615-791-1101 and ask the receptionist to connect you with Honda, Volvo, or Subaru Service.

Read the full Edmunds article here: http://beta.edmunds.com/car-safety/tips-and-techniques-for-driving-in-rain.html?articleid=45401

Happy holiday driving!

Franklin Veterans Day Parade

2010-11-16T13:34:00.005-06:00

November 11, 2010 marked the 9th Annual Franklin Veterans Day Parade. The Veterans parade prior to September 11th 2001 had only been held once before in 1946, after the end of the Second World War.

The parade boasted 612 Veterans from the area, and represented World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. WAKM Radio worked in conjunction with Franklin Special School District, Williamson County Veteran Affairs Office, the City of Franklin, and Williamson County Archives.

This year was the first year for the parade to host a reception for the Veterans, which was a phenomenal success and allowed the Veterans and civilians to browse through the extensive archives documenting the military and societal history of Williamson County.

2010 Jack and Back MS Bike Ride Fund Raiser

2010-10-06T16:45:00.002-05:00

Darrell Waltrip Team Riders.

Beth Schaller, Mark Smallwood, Jamie Putman, Dick Wilson, Andy Giordano, John Gallagher, Jean "Coach" Rollins.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Donates $500 to Battle Ground Academy

2010-10-05T10:21:00.004-05:00

Front Row L-R: Kim Bauer, Camille Caldwell, Jacklyn Abernathy, Brenna Kirkpatrick, Mary Nowland Sessions, Catherine Raymond, Brandon Jackson, Clara Wempe, Tanner Welch, Katie Baier, & Mack Roberts
Back Row L-R: Stokes Dunavan, Evan Derry, General Manager John Gallagher, Darrell Waltrip, Mercy Clinic’s Event Director Jessica Perry, Andy Zhu, Austin Bond, Olivia Lewis, Matthew Minor, & Matthew Klett

Earlier this week, Darrell Waltrip Automotive Owner Darrell Waltrip, General Manager John Gallagher and Mercy Clinic’s Event Director Jessica Perry presented Battle Ground Academy’s (BGA) Head of Middle School Kenneth Wempe with a check for $500. The check was donated by Darrell Waltrip Automotive for the BGA cross-country track team members, the largest team raised by a school for the Franklin Classic.

The Franklin Classic was hosted earlier in September and raised money for Mercy Children’s Clinic in Franklin, TN.

Battle Ground Academy was established in 1889 and was named “due to its original location on the battle ground of the Civil War Battle of Franklin”, according to their website.

Dr. John Griffith, Head of BGA, states, “from formative kindergarten activities to rigorous college preparatory courses, students at BGA receive the individualized attention that allows them to thrive both in school and life”.

BGA is an independent college preparatory academy and currently serves over 300 students in their middle school, grades 5-8. Head of School Kenneth Wempe said no decision has been made on how to spend the funds, but they will likely be used for something tangible that benefits the school.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Staff Ride in the 2010 Jack & Back

2010-09-15T10:05:00.001-05:00

This is the 16th year of Jack Daniel’s “Bike to Jack & Back” MS Bike Ride. This year, the Jack & Back Ride takes place October 2-3. The Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society hopes "to raise $671,000 to help fund research and programs for people living with MS."

Here at Darrell Waltrip Automotive, we have several employees and managers looking to help the Mid South Chapter reach that goal! Jean “Coach” Rollins, John Gallagher, Andy Giordano, Dick Wilson, Mark Smallwood, Jamie Putman, and Beth Schaller have all signed up to participate in this year’s event! Rollins, Gallagher, and Giordano are veterans of the Jack & Back, with this year’s race being their 5th Jack & Back.

Training for ‘Jack’ is tough- cyclists have the option to ride either 57 or 75 miles during each day of the bike ride, with preparations for the race beginning months before!

Around 950 cyclists and 150 volunteers participate in the annual Jack & Back.
In 2009, the Mid South Chapter "raised over $2 million dollars, serving more than 8,400 clients in 107 counties across the state of Tennessee, northern Georgia, northern Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas."
For more information about the Mid South Chapter, please visit their website.

Honda Tops American-Made Index on Cars.com

2010-09-14T10:40:00.002-05:00

The Cars.com American-Made Index
By Kelsey Mays, Cars.com

What Are the Top American-Made Cars?
Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts come from and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. We disqualify models with a domestic parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.

Rank Make/Model U.S. Assembly Location Last Rank

1. Toyota Camry Georgetown, Ky.; Lafayette, Ind. 1
2. Honda Accord Marysville, Ohio; Lincoln, Ala. —
3. Ford Escape Kansas City, Mo. —
4. Ford Focus Wayne, Mich. —
5. Chevrolet Malibu Kansas City, Kan. 3
6. Honda Odyssey Lincoln, Ala. 4

Excludes hybrid variants (applies to Camry, Escape and Malibu). The Camry excludes the related Venza; the Accord excludes the related Crosstour.
*Quad cab and crew cab only. Excludes Ram 1500 single cab, which is assembled in Mexico.
Sources: Automaker data, Automotive News, dealership data, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
__________________________________________________________
In today's global economy, there's no easy way to determine just how American a car is. Many cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using parts that come from elsewhere. Some cars assembled in the U.S. from strictly American-made parts don't sell well, meaning fewer Americans are employed to build them. Cars.com's American-Made Index recognizes cars that are built here, have a high amount of domestic parts and are bought in large numbers by American consumers.

Accord Up, F-150 Down
The Toyota Camry, which dethroned the Ford F-150 pickup in last year's AMI, remains at the top for 2010. But the No. 2 model, Honda's strong-selling Accord, surged unexpectedly. Since the AMI's 2006 inception, we've scrutinized two generations of Accords. In the past, Honda sold few imported Accords to U.S. buyers — "a percentage below 10 percent for many years," spokesman Ed Miller said — but the Accord spent several years with its domestic parts percentage in the 60s. That's not the case this year. With all Accords sold in the U.S. now assembled in either Ohio or Alabama, the Accord's 75 percent domestic content and strong sales came close to unseating Toyota for first place.

Full article here

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Supports 32nd Franklin Classic

2010-09-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

On Labor Day, September 6, 2010, Mercy Children’s Clinic in Franklin, TN held the 32nd annual Franklin Classic, with proceeds from the fundraiser benefiting their clinical services. Mercy Clinic is a “comprehensive pediatric healthcare facility that serves thousands of children from 32 counties”, according to Event Director Jessica Perry. The clinic has been operating in the Franklin Community since 1999 and, as a non-profit organization, relies on fundraising events, such as the Franklin Classic, to keep its facilities open.

Events at the Franklin Classic included a 5k run, a 10k run, a 4k family walk, and a 1k children’s run. The 5k race winner was Donald Bowman, with a total time of 17:28. Jacob Carrigan placed second with a time of 17:45, and David Scott came in a close third at 17:55. In the 10k race, Scott Wietecha finished first with a time of 32:12. Additionally, there were activities for children in the KidZone, and Scat Springs performed live at the Classic.

The Franklin Classic is Mercy Clinic’s “largest fundraising effort… With an annual budget of nearly $3 million, 50% of which is raised through sponsors and donations, we're hoping to raise $100,000 through this year’s event”, according to the Franklin Classic event guide. Official figures will not be out for a few weeks. The number of race runners and walkers totaled over 3,000 and Perry estimates there were an additional 3,000-5,000 spectators at the event Monday morning.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive helped the clinic by donating $20 per test drive during the two registration days September 3-4. The test drives took race participants and volunteers around a short route, and were met with much enthusiasm. Darrell Waltrip Automotive donated over $2,000 to Mercy Clinic from the two days of test drives. In total, Darrell Waltrip Automotive donated $12,000 to benefit Mercy Clinic through sponsorships and other miscellaneous donations, including a $500 cash prize to the school that put together the largest team for the Franklin Classic.

Check out our photo collage on our website!

How to Read a Tire Sidewall | Autobytel.com

2010-09-08T14:26:00.000-05:00

How to Read a Tire Sidewall
Translate the jibberish on your tire by Kirk Bell
http://bit.ly/cMuAQm

The typical tire size is expressed something like this: P245/45R17 93H M+S. Those numbers and letters can seem like Greek, so let's define them one at a time.

P: The first letter stands for the tire's intended use. P is the most common and it means Passenger. LT stands for Light Truck. An LT tire has a sturdier construction than a P tire, and it can carry a greater load, which we will talk about later.

245: The width of the tire, from sidewall to sidewall, in millimeters. A 245 is 245 millimeters, or 24.5 centimeters, wide. The tread width is actually somewhat smaller than the tire's actual width.

45: Aspect Ratio. This is the sidewall's height from the inside diameter to the outside diameter. It is expressed as a percentage of the width. A 245/45 is 45 percent as tall as it is wide, making it approximately 110.25 millimeters tall. As aspect ratios decrease, the tire's firmness increases. Smaller aspect ratios, such as 35 or 40 are generally reserved for performance tires on sports cars.

R: The tire's type of construction. R stands for Radial, and all new cars and light trucks today use radials. You may also see B in this spot for Bias Ply. Bias ply tires were used prior to the mid 1970s.

17: The tire's inner diameter, which matches the outer diameter of your car's wheels.

93: Load Rating. Load ratings range from 0 to 279 and each has a corresponding weight associated with it. A 93 load rating means that tire is certified to carry up to 1433 pounds at maximum inflation pressure. If a car weighs 4000 pounds, then each tire handles 1000 pounds with no passengers or cargo aboard. If you intend to tow a heavy boat or trailer, you should buy tires with a higher load rating. This will require some math to figure out the vehicle weight, the trailer weight, and the weight of a load you may carry inside the vehicle while towing. Add it all up, divide by four, and make sure your replacement tires have a corresponding load rating.

H: Speed Rating. All passenger tires have a speed rating expressed as a letter. Those letters and the corresponding speeds the tires are capable of are included in this chart:
S: 112 mph
T: 118 mph
U: 124 mph
H: 130 mph
V: 149 mph
W: 168 mph
Y: 186 mph
Z: over 186 mph

A Speed Rating is really an indication of a tire's ability to dissipate heat to avoid a blowout. Higher speeds mean greater heat buildup. Tires with higher speed ratings are constructed to handle heat better. In general, they also ride harder than tires with lower speed ratings. S-, T-, and U-rated tires are considered regular passenger-car tires. H- and V-ratings are reserved for touring tires, which are generally found on sport sedans. The Z rating is for performance tires found on sports cars.

M+S: Mud and Snow. This is an all-season tire. A summer performance tire would have no designation here.

Honda Begins Production of 2011 Odyssey Minivan in Alabama

2010-09-03T13:18:00.001-05:00

LINCOLN, Ala. August 31, 2010

Honda marked the start of production of the all-new, Alabama-built 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan today with an end-of-the-line celebration that included participation by more than 1,200 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA).

The Odyssey minivan has been the top-selling minivan in the U.S. for the past two years and is considered the benchmark vehicle in the minivan class. The completely-redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its already award-winning, class-leading design with a more-distinctive style, higher fuel efficiency and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the "ultimate in family transportation."

"In about four weeks, our Honda dealers will have this new Odyssey on their showroom floor. But I don't think it will be there for long," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda Motor Co. "Whether you're driving in Oregon or Orlando, Milwaukee or Mobile - everyone in this great, glorious nation of ours will know that every 'American Odyssey' has its roots right here in Lincoln, Alabama."

Tuesday's event at the assembly line celebrated the start of mass production of the new Odyssey, which has received a total makeover for the 2011 model year. HMA is the exclusive global production source of the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup. The Lincoln plant also shares production of the Accord V-6 Sedan with the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio and builds the V-6 engines that power each model.

"What a beautiful vehicle we have created together," said Art StCyr, chief engineer for the 2011 Odyssey at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. "It's called the American Odyssey because - for the first time - the Odyssey minivan was designed, developed, and manufactured in the U.S. What a great sense of pride that brings to all of us."

The 2011 Odyssey's more-aerodynamic shape with a lower roofline contributes to class-leading fuel efficiency; yet improved interior packaging maintains similar vertical functionality as the previous model. A wider stance creates a more accommodating interior while accenting the exterior's dynamic appearance. The 2011 Odyssey will go on sale this fall at Honda dealerships across the U.S.

Also, on Friday, Sept. 3, the $1.4 billion Lincoln plant will mark another milestone with production of the 2 millionth Honda vehicle to be built in Alabama. HMA employs more than 4,000 associates and has the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles and V-6 engines each year.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive sponsors 32nd Annual Franklin Classic

2010-08-27T06:33:00.005-05:00

Darrell Waltrip Automotive, Tennessee's #1 Honda, Volvo and Subaru dealer is the proud sponsor of the 32nd Annual Franklin Classic to be held on Monday, September 6, 2010. The proceeds of the event will benefit Mercy Children's Clinic, a nonprofit pediatric health care center where no child is turned away because of inability to pay.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive cares for the community it serves and is pleased to be associated with this event and the noble cause behind it.

Waltrip Automotive is giving $500 cash to the school that registers the largest team (Register at www.franklinclassic.org).
Come and test drive a Honda, Volvo, or Subaru car at Mercy Children's Clinic on Friday, September 3, 2010 or Saturday, September 4, 2010 and $20 will be donated to the clinic per test drive.

The Franklin Classic is Middle Tennessee's oldest race, drawing thousands of runners, walkers, and cheering fans to historic downtown Franklin. The events will include 5K & 10K runs, a 4K walk, and a 1K kids run.

Darrell Waltrip himself is the official 5K and 10K race starter. Participants and supporters can enjoy the free kids' zone, family activities, and live music in Franklin's main square during the event. Come and join Darrell Waltrip Automotive this Labor Day for the 32nd Franklin Classic!

Honda Graduate Program at Darrell Waltrip Honda, Franklin, TN

2010-08-17T09:08:00.001-05:00

A sweet deal from Honda for your post-college life

Franklin, TN, August 16, 2010 – Darrel Waltrip Honda, a leading Honda dealer near Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee (TN), is pleased to offer Special AHFC APR Financing of 0.9% APR for 24-60 months on 2010 Honda Civic Coupe under the Honda Graduate Program.
The offer is meant for well-qualified buyers who qualify for the Honda Graduate Program criteria. The sharply styled, feature-rich Civic Coupe has a huge reputation for durability, quality and reliability.
Graduates with a master’s, bachelor’s or associate degree from a US accredited college or registered nursing school are eligible for the program. They should have graduated in the past two years or will graduate in the next four months. The customers must make minimum 5% down payment and should have no adverse credit history. They should have verifiable proof of employment or a firm commitment from an employer with a start date no more than 120 days from the date of the finance contract.
The offer is valid up to September 7, 2010, on new and unregistered 2010 Civic Coupe models and only on approved credit by Honda Financial Services through participating dealers. See Darrell Waltrip Honda for detailed official information of the program.
About Darrell Waltrip Honda, Franklin, TN
Darrell Waltrip Honda is a premier Honda dealership near Nashville in Franklin, TN. Specializing in Honda sales, finance, service and parts, Darrell Waltrip Honda provides high quality service to its customers. The dealership has an enormous collection of new, used, and certified pre-owned Honda models such as the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Fit, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline.
Darrell Waltrip Honda is a member of the Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrickcars.com family.
Contact Darrell Waltrip Honda,
1430 Murfreesboro Road Franklin, TN 37067.
Phone: (800) 679-4157
Website: http://www.darrellwaltriphonda.com/

Darrell Waltrip Automotive is Hiring!

2010-08-16T12:30:00.005-05:00

Darrell Waltrip Automotive is now hiring experienced salespersons!

Visit our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7NwtyW2_0c or call Bill Kimbrough for more information: 1-888-254-6632 or at 615-516-3604!

No. 5 Mark Martin Hendrickcars.com Helmet Sweepstakes

2010-07-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hendrickcars.com and Hendrick Motorsports have teamed up to provide one lucky winner one of the best looking helmets in the series. But you have to hurry; the Sweepstakes ends August 4, 2010.

Visit Hendrickcars.com to submit a sweepstakes entry. One lucky winner will receive the replica helmet signed by Mark Martin.

Martin’s 32 top-10 finishes and 38 lead-lap finishes at Pocono are the most for the NASCAR veteran at any racetrack. Meanwhile his 19 top-five finishes rank second -- just behind the 22 he has recorded at Dover. In June at Pocono, Martin started 14th and raced into the top-10 before being involved in a last-lap multi-car accident that left him with a 29th-place finish.

Don't Forget, visit Hendrickcars.com to register!! While you're there, search from up to 5,000 top quality pre-owned vehicles. Just like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr. and Mark Martin say, it makes a difference when you drive a Hendrick car.

Search from thousands of manufacturer certified pre-owned vehicles and many CARFAX one owners (CARFAX reports are free on Hendrickcars.com).
Good luck in the sweepstakes!!

Darrell and MW at Daytona Speedway

2010-07-12T16:25:00.001-05:00

(MW and DW at Daytona)

If you ever needed signs of the impending NASCAR Apocalypse, well here they are.
....as if DW's shirt alone wasn't scary enough.....

Below: DW and MW operating heavy machinery in Turn 1 of Daytona International Speedway this morning at 11am.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive's Detail Supervisor Receives Patriotic Employer Award

2010-07-07T12:07:00.002-05:00

(Left to Right: John Gallagher and Justin Patton)

In June, Justin Patton, Darrell Waltrip Honda’s Detail Supervisor, received the Patriotic Employer Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) . The ESGR is a Department of Defense Agency and began in 1972. Patton was nominated for the award by his employee PV2 Jason Scott, who is currently serving in Iraq with TN ARNG’S 278th ACR. In addition to Patton receiving the Patriotic Employer Award, General Manager John Gallagher reaffirmed Darrell Waltrip Honda’s commitment by counter-signing the Statement of Support .

Carl Lambert, Area Chairman of Middle Tennessee’s ESGR states, “Your support and encouragement is vital to ensure the success of our men and women of the National Guard and Reserve”. Lambert has been the Area Chairman for Middle Tennessee ESGR Committee since December 2008 and states, “During that time, our committee members have presented 482 Patriotic Employer Awards to businesses and metropolitan/state/federal agencies within Middle Tennessee”. This shows the growing support in the Middle Tennessee area of employers regarding members of the National Guard and Reserve.

(Justin Patton and Bill Camargo)

Autobytel names 2010 Honda Accord Coupe one of the top 10 New Car Financing Deals for June

2010-06-24T12:49:00.001-05:00

Autobytel states, “Honda reliability, great build quality, high resale value and a two-door silhouette make for quite an appealing combination in the Accord Coupe”. The Honda Accord Coupe retails at $22,555. Financing if purchased by 7/7/2010 is 0.9% for 24-36 mo. or 1.9% for 60 months.

Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin (Exit 65 off of I-65) is offering $20,995 for 2010 manual Accord Coupes through July 7th, with the same financing available!

The article continues to list Honda Accord Coupe features that set it apart from similar models, “The standard features of the base Honda Accord Coupe include 190-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" alloy wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and stability control”.

Honda maintains a commitment to safety for everyone, “that means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants”.

Hurry in and test drive a 2010 Accord Coupe today! Financing offer ends July 7th!

http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_int/8624

Introducing the 2011 Odyssey!!

2010-06-23T14:05:00.002-05:00

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate minivan reinvented, re-energized and evolved. With its modern styling, spacious interior, and high-tech features, the new Odyssey almost demands a new category. Although it carries up to 8 passengers, there's nothing "minivan" about the Odyssey’s efficient-yet-sporty performance, available 10-way power adjustable leather-trimmed front seating, authoritative acceleration and all the thoughtful engineering you'd expect from a Honda.

Of course, the new Odyssey pushes the tech envelope further with available features like a 16.2-inch dual-view-capable ultra-wide DVD Rear Entertainment System with HDMI input, and a premium audio system with 12 speakers. Everything is gracefully held together by a lattice of user-friendliness and simplicity—just load it with family and friends, gear up, and go.

http://www.automobiles.honda.com/2011-odyssey/

Subaru and Darrell Waltrip Subaru Donate Happy Tales’ Care-A-Van

2010-06-18T14:15:00.002-05:00

(Left to Right: Murray Johns, Jamie Putman, John Gallagher, & Kat Hitchcock)

Looking at the Wish-List located on the Happy Tales’ website, one can immediately see their ‘Pie in the Sky’ list, which includes two items: a used van and gift cards to various stores. Kat Hitchcock, the executive director, stated that Happy Tales had “discussed having transportation for their animal services” throughout the time she has been there, and even further back since their start-up in 1996.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru partnered to contribute a small amount per Subaru test driven to raise money for the van to be given to Happy Tales Humane. The van is a Honda Odyssey and “will be used to transport foster pets to adoption days”, according to the recent Tennessean article on the donation.

Kat laughingly recalls the incident that made her run out to the parking lot when she first saw the van and was given the keys, stating that she “had no idea” about the donation and thought that a cat had been injured.

Jamie Putman from Darrell Waltrip joined with Kourtney Horner of Happy Tales to surprise Kat with the van. The custom graphics on the van were provided by Murray Johns of 12-Point SignWorks.

All of us at Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru wish many happy miles for Kat and the Happy Tales crew- there isn’t a better organization we could have helped!!

http://www.darrellwaltripsubaru.com/

http://happytaleshumane.com/

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100618/WILLIAMSON01/6180301/Darrell-Waltrip-dealership-gives-van-to-Happy-Tales

http://www.12pointsignworks.com/

Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity House Built by Darrell Waltrip Automotive Staff

2010-06-18T11:46:00.002-05:00

(Left to Right: Carmen Jackson, Bianca Jackson, & Beth Schaller)

Here is the link to the video on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlTj6fgeZUQ&feature=channel

Earlier in June, 6 members of the Darrell Waltrip staff helped construct a Habitat Home for Carmen Jackson and her daughter Bianca. The members of the staff included Beth Schaller, Tammy Padilla, Chaz Caldwell, Connie Cummins, and Bobby Groves. They helped paint the house, put up molding, worked on the roof, and cleaned the house for the family to move in on their dedication day.
Carmen and Bianca Jackson are originally from New Orleans; however, they lost their home during Hurricane Katrina and have since relocated to Franklin and have made Franklin their home. Carmen works for a local daycare and Bianca recently graduated from Franklin High School. They were selected by Habitat of Williamson County to receive assistance in owning their own home.
This is Darrell Watrip’s 8th Habitat Home to sponsor, and we already are getting ready for our 9th house to be built next year!
Congratulations to Carmen and Bianca- we hope you have many wonderful years in your new home and thank you to our staff for helping to make a difference in the Franklin community!

Darrell Waltrip Donates $16,700 to the Williamson County Chapter of the Red Cross

2010-06-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, Darrell Waltrip and General Manager John Gallagher of Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru of Franklin Tennessee made a contribution to the American Red Cross for every new or pre-owned car sold from the dealership in May, with the contribution totaling $16,700. Darrell Waltrip Automotive seeks to give back to the residents of Franklin and the surrounding areas hit by the recent flood in early May.

The Williamson County Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Williamson, Hickman, and Humphreys counties, and the money donated will assist the Red Cross in providing vital services to the community regarding disaster relief. These services include “immediate emergency assistance such as food, clothing, shelter…for persons who have been affected by disaster”, according to their website. Executive Director, Susan Shreve, stated “this community really rallied” in response to the effectiveness of the community involvement for relief.

Shreve continued to state that the Williamson County Chapter of the Red Cross has “touched every corner of the community, from a distributing a bottle of water, to financial assistance, to meals”. The Red Cross, through community support, has provided “relief and hope” to the residents of Franklin and the surrounding areas.

All Red Cross disaster relief is free to individuals and is, “made possible by generous donations of time and money from the community”. Darrell Waltrip Automotive looks to give back to the Franklin community through this recent adversity and looks forward to continuing its support to deserving organizations that play a strong role locally. NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip commented, “Thank you for letting us be a part of the relief effort”. The money raised by Darrell Waltrip Automotive will help assist maintaining services and programs provided by the local chapter of the Red Cross.

In addition to the contribution made to the Red Cross, throughout the month of May, Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru of Franklin has worked to ensure that residents of the area were assisted in the recovery process by also offering Employee Pricing to flood victims on every new or pre-owned vehicle sold in May.

Darrell Waltrip’s convenient location just off exit 65 on I-65 in Franklin has always been an easy destination for vehicle maintenance over the years and Darrell Waltrip’s commitment to quality new and used vehicles has fostered a relationship with its customers that leads to continued loyalty. Particularly during this devastating time where individuals are looking at rebuilding their lives, Darrell Waltrip Automotive is working to ensure that customer satisfaction is still our primary goal.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive supports the economic recovery of the Franklin area through this donation to the Red Cross, embracing its position as a long-standing member of the community. With an estimated total damage to the Nashville area totaling over $1.5 billion dollars, Darrell Waltrip Automotive strives to assist families during this time.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive has been serving the Franklin area since June 1986, and is located just off exit 65 on I-65 in Franklin. Darrell Waltrip’s commitment to quality new and used vehicles has fostered a strong relationship with its customers. During this recovery period, Darrell Waltrip Automotive would like to thank its customers for their continual support and for helping us give back to the Franklin community!!

Everybody Knows Somebody Who Loves a Honda

2010-06-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

Do you know someone who loves a Darrell Waltrip Honda??
We love our Service Team!

The Honda Civic Tour is Back!

2010-05-26T10:21:00.004-05:00

The Honda Civic Tour is back! This year the customized Civic SI has been styled by the band Paramore. To see more details on the car or to enter the sweepstakes, visit http://automobiles.honda.com/events-and-sponsorships/civic-tour.aspx

Ultimate Speed Go-Kart Event!

2010-05-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

Watch Jeff Gordon race sponsored teams at the Jeff Gordon Foundation Ultimate Speed Go-Kart Event on Wednesday, May 26th, in Charlotte! Purchase your ticket today and help support the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital!

Click here to purchase tickets!

Hendrick Motorsports All-Star Hospitality Event

2010-05-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

If you're going to be in the Charlotte, N.C. area on May 22nd, make sure you stop by the All-Star Hospitality Event.

Dale Jr. is granting his 200th Wish for Make-A-Wish®. To commemorate this event, The Dale Jr Foundation (TDJF) will be hosting a hospitality event on May 22nd at the All-Star Race in Charlotte, N.C. All proceeds will benefit TDJF and Make-A-Wish Foundation in Central and Western North Carolina.

The event features pre-race hospitality with food and drinks, pit tours, pre-race access to All-Star festivities. Additionally, festivies will include, goody bags, raffle prizes, a performance by CREED, and a question-and-answer session with Dale Jr.!

Hendrickcars.com Race Suit Sweepstakes!

2010-03-02T15:15:00.002-06:00

Enter to win Mark Martin's race suit from the Kobalt Tools 500! The race is scheduled for 3/7/10 and will be held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

To enter visit http://www.hendrickcars.com/.

Don't forget to check out the new specials we have at Darrell Waltrip Honda!

Introducing the CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe

2010-01-19T12:20:00.003-06:00

Have a look at the official unveiling of the 2011 Honda CR-Z at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Don't forget to check out our current deals at Darrell Waltrip Honda-Volvo-Subaru!

2010-01-05T16:38:00.007-06:00

In 2008, Yahoo! created a brand-new award to recognize the number-one car on Yahoo! Autos. The criteria were user interest, intent and satisfaction, and the winner was the Honda Accord Sedan. Yahoo! noted that "[w]hile the head-turning styling and spirited performance appeal to the senses, other amenities of the Accord Sedan address rational concerns. Besides Honda's emphasis on great efficiency, the Accord boasts numerous standard safety features, including electronic stability control, six airbags and anti-lock brakes."

-http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/reviews.aspx

2010 Honda Accord Holds Best Resale Value

2009-12-18T16:36:00.006-06:00

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the trusted automotive information resource, has honored the 2010 Accord with its Best Resale Value Award in the Mid-Size Car category. This prestigious award is given to vehicles that are expected to have the best resale value after five years of ownership.

Subaru Wins Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award for 2010

2009-12-02T17:14:00.004-06:00

ALG, a subsidiary of DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.(Nasdaq: TRAK) and the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, today announced its 11th annual Residual Value Awards, honoring the vehicles in each segment that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

Subaru of America has won the Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award for the first time, jumping over perennially strong Honda. Subaru also received individual segment awards for the Forester in the Compact Utility Vehicle category and the Outback in the Midsize Utility Vehicle category

Honda, the runner-up for the Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award, received three segment Residual Value Awards, for the Fit (Entry Compact Car); the Accord (Midsize Car); and the Odyssey (Minivan).

Source: www.alg.com

Save The Fairground Raceway For History

2009-12-02T10:38:00.003-06:00

Here is a email sent to Darrell

Title: Mrs.
First Name: Shelia
Last Name: Adams
City: Gallatin
State: TN
Zip: 37066
Comments: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SUBMIT THIS TO MR. DARRELL WALTRIP Mr. Waltrip, I want to thank you and Sterling Marlin for taking a stand in favor of the Fair Grounds and Race Track. It's a huge part of the history of Nashville and should NEVER be eliminated. I am 60 years old and my father used to take me to the races as a child, which I remember vividly. I remember the good times I spent with Daddy in those (at that time) rickety old stands and can see the smiles on his face and hear the laughter as we watched those old cars running around that old track. I had left and returned there the night of the fire and cried like a baby. I was so afraid there would be nothing left, it was almost like watching my own home being destroyed. I, like so many others, also remember sneaking in as a teenager because I didn't have the money to pay to get in and I wanted to save the precious little I had for the rides and the hot dogs and cotton candy. Those are memories that I know I am not the only one who has them. There are so few places that still exist where people my age remember the ultimate thrill of going to the TN State Fair Grounds and Race Track, these are in my heart and memory. It was just shown in the last few days how important that wonderful place is---housing all of those poor abused horses. There are so many vital things other than the typical fair and races that complex can be used for, which makes it an ultimately important area which deserves to live on in its glory. I am appalled that there has even been a thought of closing down this wonderful old place that has brought so many memories to so many. I also would be interested in knowing if this place would qualify as an Historical place, thereby stopping the destruction of what it has stood for for so many years. If it is listed as an Historical establishment, can that not block the demise of it?
PLEASE pass on my deepest appreciation for Sterling Marlin being there with you and the two of you standing your ground and stating the full importance of the history of such a grand old place.
Sincerely & with GREAT Gratitude,
Shelia Adams

2009-11-18T09:23:00.004-06:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends all 2010 Subaru models!

Darrell Waltrip Subaru is proud to service and sell Subaru vehicles and is committed to providing the best value, quality and service for their customers.

Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control, which research shows significantly reduces crash risk.

Top Safety Pick list for 2010. Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. This automaker earns 5 awards for 2010. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have 6 winners.

"With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety."

Missing the mark: Not a single model from the world's biggest automaker by sales is represented among this year's winners. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010. Four other manufacturers whose vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick in the past didn't have a qualifying vehicle for 2010: BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Saab.

For a complete list of the 2010 models that are recommended please visit
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr111809.htmlv

2009-11-18T08:40:00.004-06:00

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Neatly Fills A Gap In The Honda Lineup

by Gus Gustafson
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will feature a versatile, upscale 5-passenger interior with an innovative rear storage area, a standard 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive when it goes on sale on Novemb2010 Honda Accord Crosstour neatly fills a gap in the Honda lineuper 20, 2009. The... Read more »

2009-10-28T08:38:00.005-06:00

2010 Subaru Outback named Motor Trend's SUV for 2010

2009-10-16T16:19:00.007-05:00

Press Release 10/16/2009

The all new 2010 Subaru Outback has just won the Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year award for 2010. This is the 2nd consecutive year Subaru has achieved this lofty achievement. Last year the all new 2009 Subaru Forester was the Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the year.

Darrell Waltrip is the official Subaru dealer of the all new 2010 Outback for the Greater Nashville area. We will be presenting the new 2010 Outback at the REI store in Nashville the 29th & 30th of October for the general public to test drive and experience this great SUV.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru is inviting you to a "Sneak-Preview" showing & test drive before the REI National Event. You can experience & purchase the 2010 Outback from our current stock today. In celebration of this award Subaru is offering 3.9% apr up to 60 months (w.a.c.) from now until Oct. 31st 2009. Subaru is also offering fantastic lease terms and payments for you to consider as well.

Please contact us at 615-791-1101 if you would like to schedule an appointment or visit our dealership at 1450 Murfreesboro road, Franklin TN. (I-65 @ exit #65). Sales hours are Mon. - Sat. 9am-8pm and special hours until the end of October. Sundays from noon-6pm.

We look forward to seeing you soon behind the wheel of a new 2010 Darrell Waltrip Subaru!

Mike Wall is Winner of Honda Fit for Mercy Raffle

2009-10-14T12:49:00.004-05:00

L-R Brad O'Shoney (Mercy Children's Clinic Board Member), Darrell Waltrip, Mike Wall, Jessica Perry (Community Relations Specialist, Mercy Children's Clinic), John Galleghar (General Manager, Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo Subaru), Rich Siebert (Mercy Children's Clinic Vice Chairman of the Board) See Video

Are You Satisifed with Darrell Waltrip Honda

2009-08-17T10:05:00.004-05:00

Below are results from survey sent to Julie (right)

Dear Mr. Gallagher,
In response to the inquiry, yes, I was satisfied. However, satisfied is not a strong enough word. I had a fantastic experience in all dealings with Darrell Waltrip, primarily due to the great service and attention from David Pilgrim (right). He went out of his way to stay in touch with me, even while I was still in Nashville at another dealer, attempting to buy a CR-V in Davidson County where I reside. When I contacted him again the next day, he was just as helpful and I drove to Franklin where he made it his personal mission to find me the vehicle I wanted, at a fair price, and before cash for clunkers ran out. He was pleasant and efficient, despite the fact that I was acting totally neurotic because I had family in town and had a tight time deadline. He was also very effective in getting exactly what I wanted and did not try to sell me a vehicle that I didn’t want just because it was on the lot. David also did not speak badly of the other Honda dealership which had made gross misrepresentations to me, but was instead, positive about what Darrell Waltrip could do for me. The financial representative, Daniel Cox, was likewise exceptionally pleasant and professional.
I also would say that I recognize that I bought my first new vehicle in 18 years in perhaps the most frenzied 7 days of car sales in the history of the auto industry. One would never have known that by the personal, courteous and exceptional service that I received. I can assure you that despite the fact that I wanted to buy my vehicle in Davidson County where I work and live with my family, I will recommend DW to everyone that I know who is interested in purchasing a Honda, Subaru or Volvo. It is worth the drive.

Best regards,
Julie
Assistant in Medicine
Vanderbilt Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
Division of Gastroenterology, VUMC

Win A 2009 Honda Fit, Supporting Mercy Children's Clinic In Franklin TN

2009-08-11T12:55:00.003-05:00

Earn a chance to win a brand-new Honda fit valued at 16,200 while supporting the work of Mercy Children’s Clinic to provide healthcare for more than 3,000 underserved children from more than 30 countries in Middle Tennessee.
Mercy Children’s clinic and Darrell Waltrip Honda are partnering for “Fit for Mercy,” a car raffle kicking off August 6. We’re raffling off a Honda Fit with the help of our partnership with Darrell Waltrip Honda and the support of our other sponsors: BancorpSouth, the Cool Springs Galleria, The Bell Group of Fridrich & Clark Realtors, Provident Wealth Management, Buzzplant New Media Solutions and Southland Construction Co.
Only 5,000 Tickets will be sold at $25 each online at http://www.fitformercy.org/ and at the follow locations: Darrell Waltrip Honda, Volvo and Subaru; area BancorpSouth locations; Mercy Children’s Clinic; The Franklin Class on September 7th; and at the Cool Springs Galleria where the actual car will be featured during the months of September and October.
Don’t miss your chance to win this fun new car! The fit is unique, 5-door compact car that gets exceptional fuel economy – 31 mpg combined. It seats five comfortably and is equipped with six airbags and earned a five-star safety rating. The edgy styling and legendary reliability are just what you would expect from Honda.
The winning ticket will be pulled by Darrell Waltrip the evening of October 5 at the dealer’s show room in Franklin.
Mercy is a Franklin-based nonprofit organization that delivers comprehensive pediatric and mental health care service to children from all socio-economic backgrounds including those with out health insurance or enrolled in TennCare. The Mercy family consists of Mercy Children’s Clinic, Mercy Family Services and the Mercy Chronic Care Home. Mercy has a staff of more than 40, including eight pediatricians and a psychiatrist. Since 1999 more than 9,400 children from 32 Middle Tennessee countries have called Mercy Children’s Clinic their medical home. At Mercy, NO child is ever turned away- regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

2009-08-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

Seator will Vote on "Cash For Clunkers" Friday

2009-08-05T08:35:00.004-05:00

Every other call I get at the dealership is asking if we are still participating in the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Cliff Banks from Ward’s Auto wrote this week:
The U.S. Senate will make a choice this week, either to keep cash-for-clunkers alive and support small businesses or unwittingly declare war on small business by killing the stimulus package, while righteously attesting to misguided, ill-informed ideals.Congress gave the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only 30 days to create an unbelievably complicated program. What NHTSA pulled off is nothing short of heroic, despite the problems.
Not only did Congress not give the agency enough time to build a sound program, it complicated matters by instructing NHTSA to make sure no fraud occurred under the cash-for-clunkers program. That became one of the agency’s top goals, which ended up handcuffing dealers.Most egregious is that Congress woefully under funded the program. What was supposed to be $4 billion was reduced to $1 billion because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on whether the funding should come from existing or new stimulus money.
The $2 billion the House approved last week is to come out of existing stimulus money, so it’s not adding to the debt of future generations. The money is already there.Cash-for-clunkers is all about small business. More than 20,000 dealers put their money and their businesses on the line last week, trusting the Congress. Some dealers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in marketing and ordering extra inventory because they want to do their part in getting the economy rolling again.
The insane success of cash-for-clunkers proves two things: First, small business drives the economy of this country. It was the dealers that made the program work. During the month of July, thousands of dealers built savvy marketing plans, trained their staff and readied their stores for what they hoped would be extraordinary success.
When the administrative problems reared their ugly head last week, dealers didn’t complain. Instead, they buckled down with their employees – many of them working around the clock to get the required paperwork submitted.
The second lesson is one most Republicans should be jumping all over. Cash-for-clunkers proves putting money into the hands of the people is what’s going to get us out of this recession.Senators seem to be forgetting cash-for-clunkers is about optimism, hard work and cooperation – the very ideals that are going to lift this country out of its economic malaise.
Will cash-for-clunkers do it alone? Of course not! But it’s a start, and a darn good one. If you want to get into this program contact your Senator's office today and let him know where you stand.

Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition

2009-08-03T10:10:00.001-05:00

Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition, but it doesn’t mean the cars didn’t find a niche. The Outback, a raised wagon version of the Legacy, has become a favorite of suburban families and outdoorsy folks.
In fall of 2009, Subaru will start selling the 5th generation of the all-new 2010 Legacy. A short list of the new features includes:
Roomiest Legacy Ever with New Level of Comfort, Quiet and Refinement
Bold New Design Stands Apart from Mainstream Midsize Sedans
New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
2.5GT Models Gain 265-hp Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Transmission
New Legacy 3.6R Models Featuring More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine
Learn more at www.subaru.com/2010legacy.
The 2010 Legacy will still sport Subaru’s trademark symmetrical AWD feature standard. The engine choices be a 170 hp SOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four, a 256 hp DOHC 24 valve 3.6L flat six and a 265 hp turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four. The three transmissions available are the continuously variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and 6-speed manual. The engines being retained will be improved and will include a new alloy cylinder block to help reduce weight as well as a longer stroke action to improve torque levels.
The new car will build upon the lines of the current model (pictured) but will feature a more prominent grille, sharper and more angular headlights, flared fenders and a more chiseled overall appearance. Its designers describe it as being significantly different yet still easily recognizable as a Legacy. Once again, the new Legacy will include both the standard sedan and wagon models plus the popular Outback soft-roader, according to Edmunds.
The new Legacy will range from $20,995 to $31,995 with options to fit almost any budget. Since it gets a fuel economy rating average of between 26-21 mpg (depending on engine and transmission combination) the 2010 Legacy is a great CARS bill alternative for purchase.

Dogs agree: The 2010 Honda Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever

2009-07-29T14:41:00.001-05:00

The Honda Element has always had many features that made it appeal to dog lovers. The EX model has the FCX fabric which resists spills and fur alike. The floor of the Element is not carpeted so it can easily be cleaned with a rag or sponge. I have to caution anyone not to use a hose to clean out the car. The speakers and other electronics may be damaged (some how this rumor started with the introduction of the vehicle).

Now the Element has gone one-step further to make it even more enjoyable to the canine passenger. Honda is releasing the Dog Friendly™ accessory package in the fall of 2009.

Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you. The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:
· Pet restraint systems
· Cushioned pet bed
· Load-in ramp
· Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
· All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats
· Spill-resistant water bowl
· Electrical fan
· Tote bag
· Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
· A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving

Cash For Clunkers A Big Hit

2009-07-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

The “cash for clunkers” bill, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), became a law on June 25, 2009. This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle. The OFFICIAL website to get information on this program is www.CARS.gov.
In less than a week scammers and predators have opened up websites inducing consumers to provide their name, address, make, model and social security numbers in order to “register for the cash for clunkers bill”. DO NOT REGISTER YOURSELF OR YOUR CAR. It will be the responsibility of the dealership to handle all of the paperwork required.
Before you go to a dealership to purchase a vehicle under the CARS program, call them first and make sure they are able to participate. Only a selected number of dealerships will participate in the program. Every dealership that does participate will have to pass an approval process by the federal government ahead of time.
At this point, there are seven main criteria for your trade-in to qualify for the CARS program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements). The website to find your vehicle mileage is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.

Darrell Waltrip Honda provides Honda suite of services

2009-05-28T00:19:00.001-05:00

At Darrell Waltrip Honda, Franklin, TN, our service department is always striving to make our customers’ routine service appointment, a pleasant experience. Our qualified Service Professionals will take care of all of your vehicle's maintenance and repairs. Darrell Waltrip Honda has invested in the latest service technology; all our service advisors and technical staff are customer focused and trained in Honda service techniques and repair procedures.

While you wait for you car at Darrell Waltrip Honda, we perform Air conditioning service and repairs; Four wheel computer alignment and tire balancing; Tire replacement; Brake repairs and replacement; Automatic and manual transmission service and repairs; Battery testing and replacement; Oil change; Fuel filter; Cooling system; Shocks and Tire rotation procedures.

You can request a service appointment online, using our easy email form. Simply fill in the fields with the information requested. You will receive a prompt reply to schedule your service appointment. Please call us at service department phone no. (866) 687-4452. Darrell Waltrip Honda is located at 1430 Murfreesboro Road Franklin, TN 37067.

http://www.darrellwaltriphonda.com/partsservice/serviceappointment.jsp

Darrell Waltrip Subaru At Play It Again

2009-04-10T12:07:00.002-05:00

Darrell Waltrip Subaru will be at Play It Again Sports in Cool Springs (next to Whole Foods, across from Target) on Friday, April 17th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Any customer who is interested in test driving a new model Subaru will receive a $20 gift card to Play It Again Sports after the demonstration! Various models will be available for viewing and driving. Come see what Subaru can offer you!

Help Us Spare An Animal

2009-04-01T12:56:00.001-06:00

The From Sweden With Lov Tour

2009-03-26T14:07:00.005-06:00

The From Sweden with Lov Tour was a great success here at Darrell Waltrip Volvo. Thanks to all who participated!

Darrell Waltrip himself appeared for the unveiling of Volvo’s newest model, the 2010 Volvo XC60. Darrell was joined by John Gallagher, General Manager of Darrell Waltrip Automotive, as well as Michelle and JoaKim, executive representatives from Volvo of America. The representatives began with a brief history of Volvo and the company’s impressive contributions to automotive safety. (You may be surprised to learn that among Volvo’s inventions is the seatbelt!)

The new crossover SUV was then revealed. The XC60 is equipped with many standard safety elements but features the all new City Safety system. City Safety uses a laser sensor to automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is approaching an object or vehicle too quickly (up to 18 mph). Attendees test drove the XC60 and demonstrated that City Safety stopped the vehicle to avoid hitting a pylon, even when the driver failed to apply the brakes! City Safety is intended to help avoid a crash or reduce the impact of a collision in slow moving traffic.

The From Sweden with Lov Tour continues the introduction of the remarkable XC60 nationwide through March. Special thanks to Panera Bread for providing coffee and pastries, and to J&M Corporate Catering for the delicious homemade cookies!

2009-03-26T14:03:00.000-06:00

Darrell Waltrip Acquires Subaru Dealership

2009-03-06T09:13:00.004-06:00

Franklin, TN – March 4, 2009 -- Darrell Waltrip Automotive today announced the addition of Subaru to its portfolio of premier automotive brands of Honda and Volvo. The new dealership, Darrell Waltrip Volvo Subaru is now an authorized point for Subaru parts, sales, and customer service for the people of middle Tennessee.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to better service the Subaru community and truly compliment our current offering with a line-up of vehicles that perfectly matches the active lifestyles of people living in our area," said CEO Darrell Waltrip. "While other automotive manufacturer sales are declining across the U.S., Subaru is gaining market share and increasing sales, due in large part to the 100 percent All-Wheel Drive line-up including the 2009 Forester - Motor Trend's 'Sport/Utility of the Year' "

“Subaru's commitment to quality and appealing line-up of AWD vehicles, coupled with our experience in middle Tennessee, makes this opportunity a smart choice. We're looking forward to introducing our new friends to the type of service and commitment that has made Darrell Waltrip a successful part of the community for over 25 years” explained Waltrip.

About Darrell Waltrip Automotive

Darrell Waltrip Automotive started in 1984 as Darrell Waltrip Honda and opened Darrell Waltrip Volvo in 1994. Both Darrell Waltrip Honda and Darrell Waltrip Volvo are #1 in sales volume in middle Tennessee’s for the past 10 years.

Darrell Waltrip’s convenient location just off exit 65 on I-65 in Franklin, has always been an easy destination for vehicle maintenance over the years and Darrell Waltrip’s commitment to quality new and used vehicles has fostered a relationship with its customers that leads to continued loyalty. Darrell Waltrip knows that one of your friends and family is driving a vehicle from Darrell Waltrip Automotive and takes the responsibility of their happiness as its first order of business.

2009 Honda Accord Sedan: Style, Technology…And Just Everything Inside

2008-09-17T12:12:00.001-05:00

Your own Honda dealership, Darrell Waltrip Honda has the 2009 Honda Accord in stock. This elegantly designed luxury sedan is a carryover of the feature-packed 2008 model. This premium midsize sedan is available in LX, LX-P, EX, EX-L, EX V6, and EX-L V6 trim levels. Apart from an exquisite design, the Accord Sedan offers better performance and greater comfort. It comes packed with plenty of advanced technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency, and enhanced safety of occupants.

The 2009 Honda Accord Sedan can be equipped with three engine types: a 177-horsepower 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine, a 190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, and a 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. These engines are paired with a quick-shifting standard 5-speed manual transmission. However, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control system is also available optional.

With an extensive front-end, exclusively designed 6-sided grille, more aggressively arched fenders, distinctive upper and lower style lines along the body sides, and a sweeping roofline with chrome window trimmings, the 2009 Accord grabs all attention on the road. Drive home the all-new Accord from Darrell Waltrip Honda located at 1430 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37067.

2008-09-11T12:47:00.007-05:00

Greg Gibbs Great Help In

Buying Honda CR-V

Hi, I just received your e-mail regarding my new vehicle purchase from Darrell Waltrip. We bought our first Honda, a Civic Hatchback, back in 1994 after dropping our Volvo off for service. We had just come back from 5 years in Europe and were new to the area. We loved the service we received at Waltrip Volvo and decided to buy a little commuter car for me. I owned that car for 12 years and 210000 miles and was sold on Honda. We then bought a Civic 4-door in 2001 and I again enjoyed my new Honda. After 2 grandkids came along we traded the Civic in 2005 for an Accord . The luxurious and dependable ride of this car was wonderful. I loved the bigger interior and the XM radio. Putting 113000 miles on it in 3 years did'nt do anything to the car. It drove as good as new. However, I cut down on my commute and we thought of getting an 08 model Accord at this time since I don't drive so much anymore. So that's what happened about 10days ago. I took the car home for one night and brought it back the next day for installation of the LOJack system and to check on the tire light that came on. Since this was a Saturday they did not finish with it and I was given a "loaner" , a new CRV and had it until Tuesday. Then after picking up the Accord on Tuesday the light came on again and I was told to bring it back for another inspection by the mechanics. At this point I was given a Pilot as a loaner. I was very impressed by how I was never inconvenienced for a minute because of the loaners. Those cars were great.Then finally on Wednesday after work my car was ready and I picked it up that evening. I was excited until I was halfway to Clarksville. Then my back began to ache and by the time I got home I was in pain. No matter what I tried , I couldn't get the seat to be comfortable to my back. I have disc disease and the way the seat in the new Accord is shaped and firmed up put me in agony. I did not notice this as much the first day I took the car home, just thought I was somewhat stiff, but there was no way missing it the second time. The car drove beautifully but was a terrible fit for me. You can not imagine my horror at the thought of the consequences, having just purchased a new vehicle I couldn't sit in for more than 15 minutes comfortably and trading in a perfectly comfortable car I couldn't get back. Needless to say I spent a horrible night hurting and stressing wondering what to do. When my husband called from Iraq in the morning I was so upset, he told me to call Darrell Waltrip and ask my salesperson , Greg Gibbs, if there was something they could do for me. I was so embarrassed about my situation and felt very hopeless at that time but Greg couldn't have been nicer. He was so understanding and made me feel that this was not an impossible situation. He told me he'd call right back after talking to his manager and when he did, he asked me what vehicle I would feel good in . His manager had agreed to take back the Accord and they'd work with me to get me into another vehicle that day! You can't imagine how relieved and grateful I felt. Since I really felt comfortable in the loaner CRV I decided to go with one. Greg made sure I got what I wanted, that I was comfortable and worked out such a good deal as far as the financial side was concerned. I was so glad that I was able to drive off with a car that suited me and that didn't kill my back. Greg checked on me again by phone on Saturday to see if I was still doing ok with the CRV. I so appreciate everything he did for me in my crazy situation. I love the CRV and both myself and my husband are very grateful. Despite the bad start for me this car buying experience was great. Please know that Greg did go out of his way to help me and since my husband is in Iraq and couldn't be there with me it felt good to have a salesperson who actually cared and stayed with me for 3 hours until this mess I got myself into was taken care of.Please accept our thanks and recommendation for Greg. Darrell Waltrip Honda will continue to get our business and we will recommend you to our friends. Sincerely,Paul and Ulie

2008-08-25T08:20:00.009-05:00

New Civic Buyer Pleased With Buying Process

Receive your email and I would like to thank Rich Rippel and everyone there at Darrell Waltrip Honda for all the help and kindness I received. I was very comfortable from the moment I walked in and I absolutely love the new Civic. Again thanks for everything.

Bonnie

Internet Car Shopping

2008-08-19T09:25:00.005-05:00

In today’s competitive automobile market it is definitely a buyer’s market.
This gives the consumer an advantage for the smart shopper who has done their homework. There in lies the challenge.

Automobile buyers have an unprecedented amount of information at their finger tips from the media, manufacturers and the Internet. Buyer beware all of this information may not be accurate. Different areas of the nation have different market conditions. i.e. The book value of a convertible in Florida for the month of September will not hold true in Montana and vise-versa a 4wd truck in Wyoming in January is not the same market value in Southern California.

The raw data such as wheel base, horse power and MPG are reliable and statistically accurate numbers. The “subjective” information such as interest rates, trade in values and new vehicle price quotes are not necessarily reliable. This is where the consumer must do their homework.

The Internet has been a wonderful tool for the consumer to find out what the current market prices expected to pay for a new vehicle with little effort needed. Simply submitting a request for a specific Make and Model can get you started. Be aware that just submitting a price quote many different events will occur.

You will most likely receive an automated email reply stating the dealership(s) have received your requests and you can expect them to be calling you or emailing you a price quote once they have verified the information they have received is accurate.

At this point you will receive your price quotes and you are armed and ready to go to the dealer to buy your new vehicle for the lowest quoted price. STOP ! Before leaving your computer you must do some more home work to avoid the frustration and wasted time trying to get a local dealer to honor a price quote from another dealer. Follow these rules:

Confirm with the selling dealer your price quote includes, freight, any dealer installed accessories and the stock number of the specific vehicle the price quote is for.
Ask the dealer to calculate all sales tax (if applicable), license fees and dealer documentation fees.
Make sure the price quote is good for a minimum of 10 days.
Make sure the price quote includes all factory incentives.

By doing this little bit of extra homework you can now go to your local dealer with the information to make an intelligent decision without having to get frustrated. This information will save you time and money.

If a dealer on line doesn’t provide you this detailed information, ASK FOR IT. If they do not disclose all charges without having to come to the dealership in person, simply move on to the next dealership.

Be aware that a price quote from a dealership more than 2 hours away from you is “Risky Business.” This simply means the dealer has a very low percentage chance of you actually putting your foot in their dealership due to the logistics. Some dealers would rather quote you a “Low Ball” price knowing that you will take this number into a local dealership as leverage to make your purchase. In the event you do come to their dealership you may find the quoted vehicle is already sold or that the price didn’t include one of the above mentioned items. After you have made the long drive to find out this information you “settle” for another vehicle because you don’t want to drive back home without a vehicle and have to go back to your local dealer and face them.

This shopping experience is happening all across the country. Be smart.

“If it sounds too good to be true…….it probably is.”

Think of the entire transaction when buying a vehicle. What is my time worth? What is a fair price, not necessarily the lowest price. Am I being treated with respect and fairness. What relationship will I have after I make the purchase with this selling dealer?

If you focus on these important factors and not the “Gimmicks” like life time oil changes or limited lifetime warranties to get you to come to the dealerships and not jus the price you can truly enjoy your new vehicle.

An Old Wise Car Buyer

Darrell Waltrip helps Iraq War Veteran

2008-07-06T13:23:00.008-05:00

NASCAR champion and Honda Volvo dealer Darrell Waltrip helps Iraq war veteran who was victimized by an Internet scam. Darrell Waltrip stepped in and gave him a 2004 Honda Accord on Tuesday 07/02/08.

Jay Strobino, 24 of Franklin, who lost $5,500 trying to buy a used Honda Accord on Craigslist earlier this year, wired the money to a scam artist who claimed to be heading out soon for military deployment, setting up a fake WorldPay Web site to handle the purchase.

Once Darrel Waltrip heard of this scam from the general manager, John Gallagher, they decided to give him an Accord. Jay took delivery of the 2004 Accord Tuesday “It’s beyond awesome,”

“There are so many fake sites you really have to be sure. We’re in the car business, and he got ripped off by someone pretending to be real.” Darrell said he was also motivated by Strobino’s military service. Jay was shot thirteen times in a firefight south of Bagdad in 2004, is a Silver Star medal recipient, the 3rd highest ranking military honor.

“I thought that’s a no-brainer – let’s help the kid out,” Waltrip said after handing the keys at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo Tuesday.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200807020210/BUSINESS01/807020418

How the Internet Department does business at Darrell Waltrip Honda Volv

2008-05-14T14:50:00.001-05:00

INTERNET DEPARTMENT SALES CONCEPT STATEMENT

For over 20 years Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo
has been doing business here in the Nashville area.
It is with great pride we have become Middle
Tennessee’s largest Honda dealer and receiving
the Honda Presidents award multiple years for
outstanding ethics and professionalism. To this
day our commitment to complete customer
satisfaction is still our number one goal.

Our Internet selling process is designed to make
your purchasing experience easier than ever before.
We work exclusively with Internet customers to save
you time and money by answering all of your questions.
As an Internet sales consultant I am paid on productivity
and customer satisfaction. Therefore, my ultimate goal
is to make you completely satisfied.

As with any successful business, out Internet customers
are sending their friends, family and coworkers to us as a testimony to the way we do business here at Darrell Waltrip
Honda /Volvo. Most of our Internet customers wouldn’t
purchase another vehicle in any other way.

New 2009 Pilot Are you Ready?

2008-04-20T07:49:00.005-05:00

The new 2009 Honda Pilot might just be the most prepared, useful and ready-for-anything vehicle on the road. Within its completely redesigned exterior, you'll find:
Increased space: Plenty of room for 8 passengers, or fold the rear seats down to carry extra cargo. More luxury: Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation SystemTM with voice recognition,* DVD Rear Entertainment System, tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control (EX and above), power tailgate and more. Better performance: A strong, 250-hp i-VTEC® V-6 with Honda's fuel-saving Variable Cylinder ManagementTM (VCM®)† Serious safety: Including ACETM body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist ® and advanced airbag systems.
And now you can see photos, a 360-degree spin and get all the other information you've been waiting for. You can even make a "Readysode"--a mix-your-own video you can pass along to your pals. So visit the site and see more of what's new for the 2009 Pilot. Because when it pulls into dealers in May, you'll want to be ready.

Greenest Cars of 2008

2008-04-09T13:07:00.003-05:00

If you want to drive the most environmentally friendly or "greenest" vehicle, you need to think small or think hybrid. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), one third of the top 12 vehicles that rank as the greenest of 2008 feature hybrid powertrains. These vehicles combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
A nonprofit organization, the ACEEE is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening the economy. Each year the ACEEE publishes the Green Book, listing the Green Scores and environmental information about vehicles available in the new model year, as well as a list of the 12 "greenest" vehicles available that year.
"Hybrids stand out, even after being taken down a notch by the new fuel economy calculations," said ACEEE vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan. "And sales rose by a whopping 40 percent last year. This interest in hybrid vehicles should shine the spotlight on other green vehicle technologies that can significantly improve fuel efficiency."
View Pictures: America's "Greenest" Vehicles
One of the mainstays of the ACEEE "Greenest Vehicles" list for the last several years — and repeating at the top of the list for the second consecutive year — is the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX. Scoring 57 points for 2008, the Civic GX operates on compressed natural gas (CNG). While it may not go as far on each gallon of fuel as some other entries, its combination of high efficiency and near-zero emissions makes it the highest-ranking vehicle for the environment. Note that the Civic GX is for sale to retail customers only in California and New York.

Message Board: Are domestic vehicles being fairly judged by the ACEEE?
Another European model added to the list for 2008 is the MINI Cooper / MINI Clubman. The fun-to-drive MINI lands in the eighth position with a Green Score of 44. And unlike last year when there were no domestic cars on the list, Ford has the sole domestic offering to make the cut. The Ford Focus takes the ninth position with its 2.0-liter PZEV 4-cylinder engine.
The second, third and sixth eco-friendliest vehicles in the U.S. are all hybrids — the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Nissan Altima Hybrid, respectively. The only other hybrid to make it into the ACEEE's top 12 happens to be the largest car on the list — the Camry Hybrid. Coming in tenth, this midsize hybrid earns a Green Score of 44, matching the MINI Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Honda Fit.
Greenest Vehicles of 2008, With Green Score
Honda Civic GX
57
Toyota Prius
53
Honda Civic Hybrid
51
Smart fortwo
49
Toyota Yaris
46
Nissan Altima Hybrid
46
Toyota Corolla
45
MINI Cooper/Clubman
44
Ford Focus
44
Toyota Camry Hybrid
44
Honda Civic
44
Honda Fit
44
Source: ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks
In the market for a new car? MSN Autos is pleased to provide you with information and services designed to save you time, money and hassle. Click to research prices and specifications on any new car on the market or click to get a free price quote through MSN Autos' New-Car Buying Service.

Your dealership has the best customer service I've ever seen!

2008-03-10T11:35:00.003-06:00

Dear Torii,

Your dealership has the best customer service I've ever seen! Every time I walk in the door I'm greeted immediately and if my salesman isn't available another member is summoned instantly. I'm impressed. I guess that's the reason we've purchased two Honda's within the past year from your dealership. Keep up the good work,

Very truly yours,

D. C.

Honda, Best Car Sold In USA

2008-03-04T11:38:00.004-06:00

Honda tops, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year, the first time the country's largest expert, independent, non-profit consumer product testing organization issued such information.

Honda expects a surge in 2008

2007-12-18T14:41:00.000-06:00

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.

ATTENTION COSTCO MEMBERS!

2007-12-14T22:28:00.001-06:00

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.

J.D. Power: Honda, finance units tops

2007-12-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

Customer Service Is What We Do

2007-12-14T11:53:00.000-06:00

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

Jorden Mackey Participates in WCCAC

2007-11-15T15:04:00.000-06:00

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.

2008 CIVIC 4DR MUGEN SI

2007-11-02T14:51:00.000-06:00

For more information click here

Trick Or Treat

2007-10-31T14:16:00.000-06:00

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.

Salesman and Technicians of Month

2007-10-29T10:02:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-29T09:55:00.000-06:00

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.

2007-10-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

Gates, Highest Scoring Tech In The Nation
Allen 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).

Everyone Loves Lunch In The Service Lane

2007-09-26T15:13:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-09-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

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

Great Job John Schmidt

2007-09-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

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

# 2 For Kimberly And Sean Riley

2007-09-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-06-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

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!

Volvo Safety Day Big Success

2007-05-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

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.

Darrell Waltrip Honda Wins President's Award

2007-05-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

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.