Had a great year and are Ready For Christmas!
All I want for Christmas is a new Ferrari or Maserati! Ok, so I’m dreaming a little out of my league, but perhaps I would settle for something a little more down to earth and affordable such as a Buick Regal, Volkswagen CC, or perhaps a Lincoln MKS!
This is the time of year for giving, and new car purchases aside, our New Tecumseth auto dealers are already getting into the Christmas spirit! Christmas is traditionally kicked off in New Tecumseth with Santa parades in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.
Typically, your local dealers get into the festive spirit by supporting the parades with cars. I asked some of the dealers what else they do to celebrate the festive season.
Eric Vant Stryker, General Manger of Trillium Ford Lincoln in Alliston, was enthusiastic when he mentioned that “his dealership is supporting the Gibson Centre’s Christmas Children’s program this year”, while Alliston Volkswagen General Manager, Spencer Thompson, said, “his dealership had arranged to support some local, needy families over Christmas, with gifts through Children’s Aid”.
From my perspective it’s nice to see our community-based dealers supporting our Town with the Christmas spirit.
Traditionally, car manufacturers count on this time of the year to pass along excellent savings through their dealers to their customers by offering incentives to help clear their current model-year cars (2012) to make room for their latest offerings. These factory incentives are just now starting to hit the dealerships, so keep an eye out for some attractive, year-end deals!
Eric also said, “We are looking forward to the completion of the expansion of our Ford dealership” and, in particular, he is very excited about the addition of a rapid service reception and detail area. According to Eric, “despite the disruption of the construction, sales generally have been very good this year and the Ford product line has remained very strong”! Jamie Chantler, Sales Manager for Ernie Dean GMC, said that their “Equinox and Cruze vehicles have been leading their sales this year and GMC product quality today is at an all-time high”!
Spencer Thompson glowed when he mentioned that his sales had grown by 30% this year! Wow, what a great success story here in New Tecumseth! Spencer pointed out that “the cost of fuel today has driven many customers to his dealership, in particular looking for the very fuel- efficient, diesel engine option Volkswagen is renowned for”.
As an aside note, I recently assisted my newly married son with purchasing a new vehicle. It’s been a while since I was on the selling or receiving end, but I must say that the recession has sharpened North American product quality and the dealer sales force! I was pleasantly surprised with the much improved quality of “the new post-recession big three product”, and the product knowledge in general of the dealer sales people we met. Some key deciding points for my son’s purchase were fuel economy, interior space (for family planning), warranty component coverage, service maintenance coverage, winter snow tire package and customer valet service. These are all very important items for a busy young couple to consider when budgeting for annual finances, car maintenance and operational costs! I’m sure you will also find the deal you’re looking for in our town this Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all!
Written by Alan Masters
