Drive green to save green
Back in the gas crunch of 2005-those halcyon days when we were "battling" $2.50-a-gallon prices-we were told that changing our driving habits was the best way to cut our vehicle's fuel consumption. Today, it's truer than ever before: we are the most significant factor in what kind of gas mileage we get going from "here" to "there."
That's not to say that driving a more fuel-efficient car won't bring about a huge difference at the pump. Obviously, making your commute or running your errands in a gas-sipper instead of a gas-guzzler will yield signifi cant savings. But if buying a new, more efficient vehicle is out of the question for you right now, you can still make sure your gas mileage is as good as it gets.
Drive smart
Rethink your technique. Start out from stop signs, traffic lights and your own driveway with a steady, gradually increasing pressure on the gas pedal. Anticipate the next turn or stop and lift your foot off the gas to slow down into it, letting the weight of the car do some of the work before you brake.
Maintain the legal speed limit, since reaching your destination a few minutes faster empties your tank faster, too: 55 mph can give you as much as 21 percent better mileage than 65-70 mph. And don't forget to shift! Driving at high speeds in low gears can consume up to 45 percent more fuel than you need.
Try this: check your gas mileage on a tankful, driving as usual. Then, after you fill 'er up again, alter your behind-the-wheel habits and make an effort to combine trips, remove extra cargo weight and follow other suggestions. Did you improve your fuel efficiency? Let us know at DrivingTimes@FredBeans.com.
Buy smart
If your primary need is to save money, it makes little sense to trade in your paid-off vehicle for a newer model just for more miles per gallon.
On the other hand, if you're in the market to replace your vehicle or add a new one to your family's lineup, Fred Beans dealerships offer you a host of choices that deliver great fuel cost savings. Besides the hybrids-Ford Escape, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Tahoe, and Saturn's Green Line Aura and VUE- you'll fi nd plenty of new and pre-owned model getting 30 mpg and better.
For more suggestions for fuel-saving car care and driving techniques, go to www.FuelEconomy.gov or get the Beans Means Green tip sheet, which is available at www.FredBeans.com or from any Fred Beans cashier.
Carry on: WATER
The responses to "What's in Your Glove Box?" [DT20] have offered some wise suggestions. This one, from reader Kathy Murphy in Dublin, Bucks County, is worth sharing-especially since we're writing during the early June near-record heat and humidity.
"Carry bottled water," she advises. It is the perfect hydrator for passengers and much less messy than coffee, soda or juice.
That water also comes in handy for cleaning up spills, washing little ones' sticky faces and hands or freshening up your own hands after changing a tire or before meeting a client. Then there's your vehicle itself. You'll thank Kathy Murphy if you need to top off your radiator or refill that suddenly empty windshield washer reservoir.
Clean and green
What's this about reusing the plastic bottles you bought your water in? Don't. Even plastic bottles made from polycarbonate resin, long considered safe, may leach chemicals over time, especially when exposed to the heat in your car or dishwasher.
If you want to play it safe and green, use (and re-use) an unlined stainless steel bottle that you can disinfect regularly. Or refi ll a clean quart-sized glass juice jar. Either way, wedge the bottle securely in a seat-back pocket so it doesn't roll around the fl oor, where it could get caught under the driver's pedals or disconnect wires under the seats.
Hyundai embraces hi-tech with new Genesis sedan
Hyundai's first full-sized luxury-sport sedan, the 2009 Genesis, is loaded with technology new to the automaker's lineup. But does that worry those people who have been watching Hyundai's steep and steady improvement over the past eight years?
Not a bit.
"I'm not concerned at all," says Tim Bergey of Fred Beans Hyundai in Doylestown. "Since 2001, every Hyundai new release-every one-has come out without a hitch.
"No complaints, no reliability issues, none of the concerns generally expected for a new release of any product. Fit and finish, reliability, equipment level...the Genesis is going to be extremely competitive right out of the gate."
That's all part of Hyundai commitment to lose no time earning the respect of buyers and industry experts, turning out vehicles that are consistently improving in design, quality, innovation and reliability, year after year. With the Genesis, Hyundai reinforces its reputation.
And the tech is...
The performance-driven, rear-wheel-drive, 6-speed automatic rolls off the lot with a price range from $33,000 for the well-equipped 3.8-liter V6 to $42,000 for the fully loaded 4.6-liter V8. Genesis debuts such technology options as the Lexicon(R) 15-speaker premium surround sound audio system, navigation system with 6-disc in-dash DVD changer, backup camera, HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights and auto-cornering front lighting system. Other fi rsts: parking-assistance sensors now in the front as well as the rear and a cooled as well as heated driver's seat.
Not unexpectedly, Genesis comes with a long list of standard features, too, including electronic active front head restraints, eight airbags with active restraints and electronic stability control-features normally found on much more expensive cars.
No explanation needed!
"In the last five years, I haven't had to explain to people why they should trust Hyundai," says Bergey. "The perception has been growing that Hyundai is a really good car-among reviewers as well as owners. In fact, a leading consumer group recently named the Hyundai Santa Fe and Elantra SE as the best cars on the market in their respective categories.
"I anticipate a lot of cross-shoppers," says Bergey. "Those who are going for true quality and value, instead of just the quality implied in a prestige name brand, might find themselves stepping into a Hyundai showroom to find Genesis.
On May 29, we held our second Family Movie Night for AutoRewards members. More than 615 people joined us in two theaters at the Barn Cinema south of Doylestown for an exclusive showing of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I think everyone had a pretty good time. I know I did.
We were joined in the lobby before the show by Barbara Gross from CB Cares, the group we've partnered with to make a sample Safe Driving Contract available to teens and their families. Barbara handed out contracts and explained how they work to quite a few interested parents and young drivers who came to the movie. Available at any dealership or through DrivingTimes@FredBeans.com, the contract is intended to prompt a dialog about responsibilities and expectations between the adults and soon-to-be adults who share the use of the family vehicles. We believe it can help save lives.
Beans to make new GM complex green
The new 32,000-square-foot General Motors complex planned for the east side of North Easton Road is going green.
Fred Beans and Nancy Stracione, his executive assistant, have been busy since January exploring how the facility can incorporate some of the techniques, technology and materials that make an automotive dealership "sustainable." In March, they attended an environmental seminar presented by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. More recently, they toured LaFontaine in Highland, Michigan, the fi rst dealership in the nation certifi ed "gold" by LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design).
There will be some limits on just what sustainable features the Beans facility can include. Still, besides the waste oil the auto group already recycles, Stracione says they'll be able to make a significant difference with such elements as
- Floors with radiant heat
- Building orientation
- Natural lighting and low-energy bulbs
- Recycled and local building materials
- Stormwater recapture
- Recycled paper products
- Low-E glass
- Pervious surfaces
- Low-flush toilets
- Low- or no-VOC finishes
"It's a good thing for the community and for our organization," says Stracione.
'Every day is race day'
Some stories are meant to be shared. Like this one about Matt Erb, a June graduate of Boyertown High School who completed a work-study program at Fred Beans of Limerick this spring, where he improved the staff's response time to Internet sales leads and revised written communications.
Although he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair for mobility and support, Matt hasn't allowed his diagnosis or its challenges to limit him. His love of cars and racing won him a dream trip through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to Chicagoland Speedway to meet his favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. Last summer, he earned a certificate in car sales through the Greater Philadelphia Car Dealer Association.
"When I talked to Matt," says Limerick General Manager Chris Mancini, "I realized he was articulate, intelligent and very good with computers. He has this sticker on the back of his wheelchair that says, 'Every day is race day,' and it seems to be his motto. He is getting the most out of every day."
And now, this hard-working, earnest, funny and bright young man is on his way to becoming a regular Beans employee. "Matt will continue to check our response time to Internet leads, along with monitoring phone calls. He has already been an asset to our operations, and I'd be pleased to have him join us."
'Little Fred' makes his appearance
Sometimes it seems that Fred Beans is everywhere at once, overseeing every aspect of his automotive business. But he's not getting any younger, and this is a far-reaching organization stretching into several counties. To help relieve some of the pressure, the creative team at Stream Too, the Beans advertising and marketing subsidiary, developed "Little Fred."
Little Fred will show up in ads and in sales and service materials- and may just make a few public appearances on Big Fred's behalf. Just like the original, Little Fred stands for integrity and a friendly, respectful automotive buying or service experience.
News about our people and activities around the organization
Ruffing heads up Nissan in Doylestown
Kurt Ruffing, a veteran of the business for more than 30 years, has taken over as general manager at Fred Beans Nissan on West Swamp Road. Kurt has spent the past seven years at the Doylestown Ford store, most recently as general sales manager.
"Every day is a new and different experience," he says. "The products are constantly changing, the customers are changing. You meet generations of the same families, both customers and employees, and get to share a very special time in people's lives when they take delivery of that first or fiftieth new car. No matter what the year or what the price, it's new to them and it's a reason to celebrate.
"I strongly urge anyone who has not sat in or driven a Nissan to do so. The ride, handling and feel of these vehicles is really incredible. After spending all of my 30 years in the business as a domestic car representative, I was really taken by the quality of these vehicles. Whether a car or a truck, Nissan is a nameplate to be reckoned with."
Kurt is married for 25 years to "my best friend and love of my life, Joy." They have three children-two just graduating from college and one heading off this fall.
Balloon Artist Sets Buoyant Tone for
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For the 11th straight year, the eight dealerships and seven subsidiary services in Doylestown hosted a day in the workplace for the children of its workforce as part of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day(R) in April.
"We recognize the value of introducing our children to the workplace environment," says Jen Keiser, general manager at Autorent and one of the three Beans sisters who have planned this event for the past decade. "At the same time, we are aware that the world today leaves less time for kids to be kids. We decided to insert some pure fun and a little magic into our program this year."As John Cassidy, a renowned balloon sculptor and magician, went to work putting a new "twist" on the national theme, "Making Choices for a Better World," the Cadillac Saab store exploded with nonsense and hilarity. Bringing youngsters from the audience to the front to participate in his audacious tricks, he had young people and adults alike crowing with laughter at his banter and balloon-sculpting skills.
At one point, Cadillac Saab's general manager Greg Pilong turned to the employees from another facility who were drawn in by the excitement in his showroom. "You should come over more often," he quipped. "We do this every day at lunch."
Fred Beans spoke to the families about the pleasure he takes in hosting and participating in this annual event. "Better than any Christmas party, I like seeing families interact together. We think it's so important to put our money back into our young people."
The children came to work with parents in the morning to get a taste for their parents' work world, then gathered with their adults to enjoy lunch and John Cassidy.
New looks, more comfort
If you've been through the Doylestown Ford or Nissan stores, you know we've been "under construction"-big time! Both locations have been undergoing significant renovations, mostly to the customer service and waiting areas. The Nissan dealership is finished; Ford is in the final stages.
"We consistently upgrade the facilities," notes Fred Beans. "We keep improving them to meet-to exceed-your expectations. You can look forward to comfortable seating, something to pass the time while you wait, and a safe, entertaining play area when you have youngsters with you."
Fred Beans' Doylestown Nissan store underwent $2 million in renovations, adding 4000 square feet and bringing the entire building, inside and out, to match Nissan's program and brand standards. The ceiling was raised significantly, the showroom expanded 30 percent and you'll see greater emphasis on customer comfort with the new heated drive-thru and improved customer waiting area.
Fred Beans Ford in Doylestown is the flagship Beans dealership, holding a seat of honor at the north end of Easton Road. Its $1 million worth of improvements will add 1200 square feet to its customer spaces, including a new service write-up section that's designed to be more conveniently located further from the service bays. Besides the improved play room and the two separate waiting areas with plasma TVs, you will have an Internet counter with up-to-the-minute computer systems where you can log on.
The Ford showroom will gain a new tile floor and a slightly raised ceiling, making it a much brighter space to showcase our vehicles. And we promise you'll find it is worth it, once the carpenters, electricians, painters, carpet installers and other contractors pack up for the last time.
Thank you for your patience. We hope these changes make doing business with us- whether it's sales, service or just looking-even more convenient and comfortable.
Mentoring program completes nine years
When the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships mentored its first small group of Central Bucks School District students for six weeks in Spring 2000, only Central Bucks West and East high school seniors were involved. Nine years later, the number of participants has doubled to 16 select business students meeting every afternoon for nine weeks, and seniors and juniors from all three Central Bucks high schools are invited to take part in the successful business-school partnership.
On the last day of the program for this year's students, Fred Beans sent them off with one final piece of advice: "When it's perfect, it's good enough."
The respected program has garnered praise from the students, the district and business and educational organizations. With eight dealerships and a range of adjunct services such as parts sales, collision services, advertising, marketing and accounting, the Beans organization- and the staff members who volunteer to mentor the students-offers enough diversity to provide surprisingly varied learning opportunities and experiences.
Get your answers here
Ah, technology! It connects us to people and information on the other side of the world, in the past...and on the seat next to us. (Think teenagers texting their friends!)
And now, it allows you to get answers in real time from Fred Beans sales staff for all of your automotive product questions. Called Live Chat, you access it via FredBeans.com and the dealership that most interests you.
"It's a slick little program," says Sheila Springer, general sales manager for Fred Beans Subaru, one of the first stores to be up and running. "It's easy to use, and it gives instant information.
When you go onto the Fred Beans homepage and click to the Subaru store, a window slides down with a photo of the salesperson available for Live Chat. You call the toll-free phone number to talk or start instant messaging to chat online."
Sheila says that so far, most of the chats involve inventory and fuel economy questions or requests for special program information such as interest rates and available rebates.
Live Chat is available when the stores are open: generally all day Monday through Saturday and Monday through Friday evenings.
I was away after getting my car fixed and just opened your letter. I wanted to thank you for your attention to detail by sending me the AutoRewards info. I feel uneducated and vulnerable when my car needs to be serviced, so to feel cared for is encouraging to see in business.
This was by far the best car buying/ leasing experience I have ever had. Rich Davis is incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, detail-oriented and customer-focused. He never failed to get right back to me with answers to my questions and really worked to make sure that I was getting exactly the total package I was looking for. We were leaving for our vacation on a Thursday morning and he was able to get the car to us on Wednesday night via your drivers, one of whom helped me get a huge roof rack on top of the Suburban. BRAVO to Fred Beans for doing things so first class.
Dave McCartney, Saturn of Doylestown,
I want to thank you for taking
care of me. There are very few
auto dealerships that would have
gone the extra two miles that you
and your team did for me. You have
given me confi dence that your dealership
will work out any issue that
may arise.
Fred Beans,
I heard you were a hands-on businessman
when it comes to your
dealerships, and I can appreciate
that! So I was not too surprised to
meet you at your Mitsubishi/Ford
dealership on Saturday. As I mentioned
to you, I am a banker and appreciate
the "relationship" concept.
I will keep it in mind when shopping
for another car and talking to
friends about dealers.
AutoRent in 3 convenient locations
We can get you there
Here's a quandary we've all experienced in some form or another: you bought the 6-passenger sport utility because you spend your afternoons chauffeuring 12-year-olds to band practice or swim meets, but now you want to drive alone to your friend's wedding in Minneapolis.
Or flip it: the practical coupe you purchased for your daily 45-minute commute won't get your college freshman's music CDs to his campus two states away (let alone his clothes and band instruments).
There is a solution, and it's a lot less expensive than you'd think, says Jen Keiser, general manager of the three Fred Beans Autorent locations in Doylestown, Limerick and Devon. In fact, renting a vehicle for a specific purpose is the best way to have what you need-without the cost of owning and maintaining an additional car fulltime.
"Some parents will rent a new car for themselves to drive over the summer or winter break, leaving the family vehicle for college kids who are back home for only a limited time. We have great long-term rates that make this a practical choice for many families."
Besides business travel or the inconvenience of an accident, an unlimited-miles package is great for a busy weekend when you want to avoid racking up the miles on your leased vehicle. Others need a cargo van occasionally for business-such as during the busy season for a caterer or florist-or personal use, like getting that huge flat-screen TV from the big box store to your home.
Then there's that parent-child rite of passage, delivering your young person to college with all her gear. Does she really need her entire wardrobe this semester?
Unfortunately, that's not a question Keiser can answer. On the other hand, ask her about daily, weekend, weekly or longer-term rates, special rental packages, or what vehicle will hold four buddies and fishing equipment for the annual male-bonding trip to Canada this summer, and she or one of her staff will tell you what you need to know.
Autorent has more than 140 vehicles in its fleet, from a fuel-efficient Ford Focus or the popular Ford Escape to the 7-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan. All Autorent's cars and trucks are automatics, less than two years old, with air conditioning and cruise control. Should you hit a snag, they're all covered by 24-hour roadside assistance. Autorent offers AAA and seniors' discounts and competitive rates for collision-repair replacement rentals-and it will direct-bill your insurance company to save you outof- pocket costs.
Loyal customer enjoys AutoRewards
Loyal Fred Beans customer Samantha Irving is an enthusiastic AutoRewards card holder. In fact, the rest of us could take lessons from Sam on how to get the most out of our AutoRewards membership.
A couple of years ago, the Irvings attended the Willow Grove Air Show as Fred Beans' guests. Last fall, her family visited None Such Farm, took a pony ride and brought home two pumpkins. (They loved it so much, she's hoping to go back this October.) And they have two years of family photos with Santa, compliments of AutoRewards. She's looking forward to the day when she can join the throngs at a Beans Movie Night, but for now, with a toddler and an infant, she'll "have to catch it on DVD."
"All these promos, plus I've never had any problems with service. I really do appreciate the AutoRewards program-lately it's been the 50-cents-off at Rita's at least once a week!"
Your AutoRewards Points
Member adds to fleet, saves $1200
Bill Norcross Sr., owner of SpeediPrint'r in Doylestown, says he has no trouble remembering to show his AutoRewards card when he has one of his personal or business vehicles in for service. But he tends to forget to tap the membership benefits. Fortunately, he and his salesperson, Barbara Beans, remembered his AutoRewards point balance when it came to making a big purchase last fall, saving him $1,200 on his black cherry 2008 Cadillac SRX. Why Fred Beans for all his service? "Years ago," he tells us, "I had this old Ford pickup truck with transmission problems. I went to an independent shop and was told yep, it needs a new transmission. But the service tech at the Ford store told me all it needed was an $89 service. That was enough for me."
