Thursday, July 22, 2010

Top Auto Brands As Reviewed By Women

2010 Semi-Annual Report Shows Women rank Mercedes, Jeep, Lexus, BMW and Chrysler Highest

PITTSBURGH- Women-Drivers.com has released its semi-annual 2010 report showing the Top Auto Brands as rated by women’s dealership reviews. Each year, the company tracks thousands of consumer reviews with regards to women’s Purchasing, Browsing and Service experience at car dealerships in the United States.
The consumer review website connects women and families to women-friendly car dealerships by showcasing dealers in a respective zip code radius with the highest scores. Getting reviews from female consumers is free for all dealerships.
On the site, individual dealerships’ scores range from 1.0 - 5.0. Dealers with Women Satisfaction Index, or WSI® scores between 3.80 – 5.0 are recognized and marketed as Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™. Dealers use this online reputation management tool to distinguish and leverage their business. Reviews are optimized for search engines.
The WSI® data comes from audited consumer reviews. Women now account for over half of all car purchases; however, they influence and initiate almost 80%. When shopping for a new vehicle, more than half of women buyers visit three or more dealerships; one of the critical reasons the company captures ‘browsing’ experiences. Browsing is a key indicator of whether she will return to this dealership.
“Car manufacturers and dealerships that highly engage and support women during the purchase process are placing themselves in a strong position to convert more browsers to buyers, and, to get more referrals—all translating to increased sales. Credit the top performing brands; clearly these companies and dealerships are doing a great job with customer engagement “, said Anne Fleming, President & Car Buying Advocate of the company.
WSI® scores in the report are placed into the four (4) categories: Overall, Purchasing, Browsing, and Service.

The following are the Top 10 OVERALL* Brands with the average WSI Score being 4.05:

Mercedes: 4.68
Jeep: 4.41
Lexus: 4.37
BMW: 4.36
Chrysler: 4.35
Acura: 4.19
Honda: 4.18
Buick: 4.15
Dodge: 4.13
Nissan: 4.11

The next tier of Top 10 brands is:

Mazda: 4.03
Hyundai: 3.94
Chevrolet: 3.93
Subaru: 3.91
Ford: 3.86
Lincoln: 3.86
Toyota: 3.85
Volkswagen: 3.73
GMC: 3.70
KIA: 3.49

* Some brands are not represented in this report because they are no longer being marketed and sold in 2010 and beyond, or due to lack of statistically significant data.

The Top 10 Brands for PURCHASING experiences at dealerships:

Mercedes and Dodge dealers received the highest WSI® ranking among women buyers with a 4.83 score for Purchasing a vehicle. The average WSI® score for all brands in this category was 4.27. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers who were very satisfied with the engagement and treatment by the sales person, their overall dealership experience, as well as the financing process.

Mercedes and Dodge: 4.83
Lexus: 4.78
Chrysler: 4.64
KIA: 4.62
Jeep: 4.45
Buick: 4.44
Toyota: 4.32
Mazda: 4.30
Nissan: 4.29
Chevrolet: 4.25
The Top 10 Brands for BROWSING experiences at dealerships:

Mercedes dealers scored the highest, with a WSI® of 4.52 score among women customers who went into the dealership but did not purchase that day. The average WSI score for all brands in this category was 3.72. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers who were very satisfied with the engagement and treatment by the sales person and their overall dealership experience.

Mercedes: 4.52
Mazda: 4.15
Nissan: 4.09
KIA: 4.07
Jeep: 4.03
Chevrolet: 3.92
Dodge: 3.91
Chrysler: 3.79
Acura and Ford: 3.75
Volkswagen: 3.73

The Top 10 Brands for SERVICE experiences at dealerships: Acura dealers scored the highest from women having their car serviced with a WSI® score of 4.80. The average WSI® score for all brands in this category was 3.91. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers that had an easy time scheduling a service visit, received an estimate prior to work being completed, had alternative options provided, felt they were treated respectfully and paid an amount consistent with what was quoted.

Acura: 4.80
BMW and Mercedes: 4.57
Honda: 4.54
Chrysler: 4.47
Lexus: 4.29
Buick: 4.25
Subaru: 4.05
Nissan and Volkswagen: 3.88
Toyota: 3.76
Chevrolet and Ford: 3.58

About Women-Drivers.com

Women-Drivers.com connects women & families with certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ dealerships. Consumers rate their Browsing, Purchasing and Service experiences at 16,500 dealerships in the United States. The company markets Women Satisfaction Index™ subscriptions which provides personalized analytics showing what women really experience, allowing dealerships to improve their level of service to this powerful purchasing group.


Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS ACHIEVE HIGHEST RANKING IN PROSPECT SATISFACTION INDEX

MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS ACHIEVE HIGHEST RANKING; DETROIT BRAND DEALERS MOST IMPROVED IN 2010 PIED PIPER PROSPECT SATISFACTION INDEX®

Annual auto industry benchmarking study measures how each brand’s dealerships treat car shoppers

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA – July 12, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz dealerships ranked highest in the newly released 2010 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index® (PSI®) U.S. Auto Industry Study, one of a series of unique national benchmarking studies using “mystery shoppers” to measure and compare how consumers are treated when shopping.

Detroit brands led the way in 2010 for most improvement, with Ford, Lincoln and Chevrolet scoring above the industry average for the first time since PSI auto industry benchmarking began four years ago.

The independent study sent 3,658 hired anonymous “mystery shoppers” into auto dealerships nationwide, then used the patent-pending PSI process to compile the results into an accurate measurement of how each brand’s dealerships treat car shoppers.


Overall auto industry performance improved notably from 2009 to 2010, with 25 of the 34 major auto brands achieving higher PSI scores. Although luxury brands continue to lead the industry for treatment of car shoppers, the improvement of mainstream brands has been striking. For example, when comparing the 2010 Ford shopping experience with that of 2007, we find that the typical Ford salesperson was 52% more likely to discuss vehicle features unique from the competition, 29% more likely to introduce him or herself and 65% more likely to proactively mention the availability of different financing options.

Despite the widespread and continual improvement in how cars are sold, there is still plenty of room for improvement, although not necessarily in the expected areas. For example, the stereotypical car shopping experience of having an overbearing salesperson happened far less often (6% of the time) than the opposite: a salesperson who simply was not helpful enough and did not devote enough time and attention to the car shopper (18% of the time). Another area of potential disappointment for car shoppers has been the decision by some brands and dealerships to limit or discontinue offering brochures. Industry wide, salespeople proactively offered a brochure following a visit only 57% of the time; the lowest level in the last three years.

Substantial variation in shopper treatment by brand continues. For example, both Volvo and BMW salespeople mentioned their brand’s maintenance program and associated costs 80% of the time or more, while shoppers looking for a Scion, Mitsubishi or Dodge heard about it less than one-third of the time. Lexus and Porsche salespeople reviewed the vehicle’s features and controls 95% of the time before leaving on a test drive, but BMW salespeople reviewed it only 74% of the time. At Land Rover, Smart or Mini dealerships, salespeople nearly always handled the entire visit themselves and rarely introduced shoppers to dealership management. In contrast, at Suzuki, Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota and Infiniti dealerships the salespeople introduced shoppers to dealership management to help close the sale 40% of the time or more. Salespeople who work for dealerships selling Nissan, Mazda, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota or Volkswagen were most likely to follow-up with shoppers within 48 hours after the initial visit, while salespeople who work for dealerships selling Buick, Mitsubishi, Chevrolet and Acura were least likely to follow-up with shoppers after the initial visit.

“Today’s car shoppers are armed with far more vehicle and pricing information than ever before,” said Fran O’Hagan, CEO of Pied Piper Management Co., LLC. “Successful brands and dealerships have responded by acting as helpful enablers for today’s shoppers. At the most successful dealerships, the stereotype of the old-fashioned car salesperson no longer exists.”

The 2010 Pied Piper PSI U.S. Auto Industry Study was conducted between July 2009 and June 2010 using 3,658 hired anonymous “mystery shoppers” at dealerships located throughout the U.S. Examples of other recent Pied Piper PSI studies are the 2010 Pied Piper PSI U.S. Motorcycle Industry Study, in which Polaris Industries, Inc’s Victory brand was ranked first, and the 2008 Pied Piper PSI U.S. RV Industry Study (Class A), in which Winnebago’s Itasca brand was ranked first. Complete Pied Piper PSI industry study results are provided to vehicle manufacturers and national dealer groups. Manufacturers, national dealer groups and individual dealerships also order PSI evaluations as a tool to improve the sales effectiveness of their dealerships. For more information about the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, and the patent-pending PSI process, go to www.piedpiperpsi.com.

About Pied Piper Management Company, LLC

Pied Piper Management Company, LLC is a seven year old Monterey, California company that develops and runs sales and marketing programs to maximize the performance of dealer networks. Go to www.piedpipermc.com.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Green Makes it 3 in a row at Norisring DTM-Spengler still leads the points


AMG Mercedes continued their roll towards the 2010 DTM Championship, and Jamie Green made it a hat-trick with his 3rd win in a row at the famous Norisring circuit in Nuremburg on Sunday.

Green's Junge Stern AMG C-Class DTM finished 0.591 seconds ahead of Abt Sport Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom after 89 laps on the ultra fast city circuit. Canadian Bruno Spengler finished 3rd in his Daimler Bank AMG C-Class further cementing his lead in the Championship. Salzgitter AMG C-Class driver Gary Paffett ended up 6th. After setting fastest time in qualifying Lauerus AMG C-Class driver Ralf Schumacher suffered a drive thru penalty after jumping the start and finished 11th.

The next round of the DTM is at the Nurburgring on August 8th.
1. Jamie Green Junge Stern Mucke Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM
2. Mattias Ekstrom Abt Sportline Audi A4 DTM
3. Bruno Spengler Daimler Bank HWA AMG C-Class DTM
6. Gary Paffett Salzgitter HWA AMG C-Class DTM
9. Maro Engel GO Persson Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM
10. Paul Di Resta AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG C-Class DTM
11. Ralf Schumacher Laureus HWA AMG C-Class DTM
 
Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

Thursday, June 24, 2010

AMG 6.2 liter V-8 Wins "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010"

AMG M156 6.2 liter V-8 has for the second year in a row, earned the coveted Best High Performance Engine Award


Mercedes-AMG builds the best sports engine


Stuttgart/Affalterbach – The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took away two top accolades as part of the coveted "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010": the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp comfortably took top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories. This is the second year running that the eight-cylinder engine from AMG has beaten off the competition.

Bearing the internal designation M 156, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres produces between 336 kW (457 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), develops up to 630 Nm of torque and features in various AMG models, including the C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for the agile power delivery is the consistent technology transfer from motorsport, which has been an inseparable part of the company philosophy at Mercedes-AMG for over four decades. The verdict of juror Jason Cammisa from Automobile Magazine (USA): "The absolute epitome of a German hot rod V8 engine!" Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine (USA): For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!"

The great potential of the award-winning AMG V8 is also reflected in its character-packed, powerful evolution: the engine – dubbed the M 159 – for the SLS AMG super sports car is based on the M 156; in the gullwing the AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine develops 420 kW (571 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm. Another outstanding vehicle is the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus and maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp). The overhauled features inside the engine are responsible for the increase in output: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft make the engine three kilograms lighter. The reduced inertia enhances the agility of the eight-cylinder unit, which offers even more exhilarating responsiveness.

Mercedes-AMG beats off established rivals

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" rank among the most prestigious honours in the automotive sector and have been organised by specialist UK publisher, UKIP Media & Events, since 1999. An independent jury of 65 renowned motor journalists from 32 countries chooses the best engines of the year. Follow-ing on from the success in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine also managed to beat off prestigious rivals from Germany, Italy, the UK, USA and Japan this year, enabling Mercedes-AMG to demonstrate once again its consummate expertise in developing and producing exhilarating high-performance engines.

Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG:

"Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers."

To find your AMG vehicle, click HERE

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mercedes-Benz Continues Move Up the Charts With #3 Ranking in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study

The following is a exerpt of a report released June 17, 2010 by J.D. Power regarding Initial Quality Survey. You may click link at bottom of page to see entire article.

The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term vehicle durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories—design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.

Mercedes-Benz USA Chief Executive Officer speaks about just released J.D. Power ranking HERE.

2010 IQS Ranking Highlights

Porsche leads the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 83 PP100. Following in the rankings are, respectively, Acura (which moves from 14th rank position in 2009 to second in 2010), Mercedes-Benz (which improves from sixth rank position in 2009 to third in 2010), Lexus and Ford (which moves into the top five for the first time since the inception of the study). MINI posts the largest improvement in 2010, reducing problems by 32 PP100 from 2009. Toyota's problem count increases by 16 PP100, moving it from sixth rank position in 2009 to 21st in 2010. "Clearly, Toyota has endured a difficult year," said Sargent. "Recent consumer concerns regarding Toyota's quality are reflected in the nameplate's performance in the 2010 study. That said, Toyota's success was built on a well-deserved reputation for quality, and there is little doubt that they will do everything possible to regain that reputation."
Ford and Lexus each garner three segment awards. Ford captures awards for the Focus, Mustang and Taurus, while Lexus receives awards for the GS, GX and LS models. The Lexus LS has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100.
Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota receive two awards each. Chevrolet models earning awards are the Avalanche (in a tie) and the Tahoe. Honda receives awards for the Accord and the Accord Crosstour, while Toyota receives awards for the FJ Cruiser and Sienna.
Also receiving segment awards are: Acura RDX, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra LD (in a tie), Hyundai Accent, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Frontier, Scion xB and Volvo C70.
The 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2010 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and to drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2010. Visit the J.D. Power Business Center for additional information on J.D. Power's automotive research.

2010 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 Vehicles
Porsche 83
Acura 86
Mercedes-Benz 87
Lexus 88
Ford 93
Honda 95
Hyundai 102
Lincoln 106
Infiniti 107
Volvo 109
Industry Average 109
Ram 110
Audi 111
Cadillac 111
Chevrolet 111
Nissan 111
BMW 113
Mercury 113
Buick 114
Mazda 114
Scion 114
Toyota 117
Subaru 121
Chrysler 122
Suzuki 122
GMC 126
Kia 126
Jeep 129
Dodge 130
Jaguar 130
MINI 133
Volkswagen 135
Mitsubishi 146
Land Rover 170

See Complete Report HERE

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte

Friday, May 14, 2010

It’s Back! The Annual Hendrick Luxury Tent Event




Looking for an Incredible value on a New, Certified Pre-Owned, or top-quality luxury vehicle? The Hendrick Luxury Tent Event is for you.

Exceptional Pricing during this Spectacular Sales Event!

• New and Pre-Owned vehicles specially marked with Red-Tag prices

• Interest rates as low as 1.99% APR* on some models plus special lease incentives on many new vehicles

• Over 300 vehicles available and all are on SALE

• 90% of Pre-Owned Vehicles - CARFAX one-owner

Look for the HUGE Tent in front of the dealership and under it you’ll find the season’s best deals. If you've been waiting for the Right Time, the Right Luxury Vehicle, and the Right Deal you must take advantage of this special event.


Click Here to view our entire pre-owned inventory.

Monday, April 26, 2010

AMG Mercedes Teams Score First Win of Season in German Touring Car Series


It couldn't have gone any better for the AMG Mercedes Teams at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) at Hockenheim this weekend. AMG Mercedes Teams scored the first win in the championship opening race since 2006 in style.

HWA-AMG Salzgitter C-Class driver Gary Paffett qualified on the pole and romped to his third victory at the circuit followed by Daimler Bank HWA AMG driver Bruno Spengler in second, Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG driver Jamie Green third, and AMG Driving Academy HWA driver Paul Di-Resta fourth. The highest finishing Audi was fifth.

AMG Mercedes Deutsche Bank Mucke Motorsport driver David Coulthard opened his DTM history with a solid 12th place finish.

The rules for the series have been frozen with no new cars being constructed for the 2010 season ahead of a new rules package for 2011.

AMG-HWA and Audi Abt Sportline Teams run 2009 spec cars all other Teams run 2008 spec cars.

The next race is May 2nd in Oscherslaben, Germany

1. Gary Paffett- Salzgitter HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
2. Bruno Spengler - Daimler Bank HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
3. Jamie Green- Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG Mercedes C-Class
4.Paul Di Resta -AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
5.Mike Rockenfeller- Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4
6.Mattias Ekstrom- Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
7.Tim Scheider -Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
8. Miguel Molina- Audi Sport Team Abt Rookie Audi A4
9. Ralf Schumacher- Laureus HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
10, Alexander Premat -Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4

HENDRICK MOTORS OF CHARLOTTE