Water Buoy Floats at Dick Scott Nissan

by Tim Joseph

Don't you hate it when you're fishing and you drop your keys in the water? Do you hate the feeling of sitting out in the middle of the lake and not being able to start your boat, or worse, you get the boat back to shore but you can't go anywhere cuz your car keys are 12 feet under water? Are you sick of looking for a giant magnet just to forget where exactly the keys went in? We have a solution!

WaterBuoy is the size of a regular keyfob but once your keys fall in the water it uses a patented method to inflate a balloon with a harmless gas and lift itself to safety. It can lift over 2 pound which makes it idea for GPS units, phones, radios, cameras, PDS's... It also has a light that is visible up to 820 feet. Both the light and the balloon work for a minimum 24 hours giving you plenty of time to go in and get your keys. If you would like to keep your cooler afloat simply weigh your cooler and dive by two. Thats how many waterbuoys you'll need to secure to the cooler to lift it back to the surface.

Dick Scott Nissan is pleased to be a dealer of this device. If you're interested, please contact Doug Harris at 800-504-8536.

Nissan Scratch Shield

by Tim Joseph

Lets file this one under "This Rocks!"

Have you ever been washing your car and noticed a ton of scratches all over it? I hate when that happens. All the polishing and buffing you have to do to get the paint to look nice. I guess if the car sat inside the house somewhere where nothing touched it this wouldn't be a problem. Cars are driven on the road and parked in public lots and as much as we love them, they don't look perfect forever.

Aparently Nissan engineers don't like their cars being scratched either. They've developed a new paint that is more scratch resistant than conventional clearcoats. This helps maintain the showroom look for a longer period of time. On top of that the paint repairs fine scratches by itself. It will have five times less scratches than a vehicle with a conventional clearcoat. The process takes anywhere from one day to one week. Honestly, I won't mind the wait.

The paint is made with a highly elastic resin combined with a conventional clearcoat which increases the paint's flexibility. Why didn't I think of that? This also increases its strength by raising the resin density. See the graphics below-

It is unclear when this technology will be available on your favorite Nissan model. It is already being offered on some Infiniti vehicles. Now if they could only make a metal that repairs itself when it gets dented...

If you're interested in a new Nissan vehicle, contact Dick Scott Nissan 800-504-8536

Kia To Build Small Cars In America

by Tim Joseph

Kia Motors America is in the process of building an assemply plant in West Point, GA. The initial plans where to build a pickup truck in this facility. Becuase of the rising cost of gas Kia/Hyundai have decided to instead build small fuel efficient cars.

As of right now, the only vehicle I am absolutely sure they will be producing in Georgia is the Sorento," said Alex Fedorak, who heads public relations for Kia Motors America

The plant is scheduled to open in November 2009 and will employ about 2,500 people. It could produce as many as 300,000 vehicles. Sorento will probably not be the only vehicle built in the plant. Hyundai and Kia plan to share technology and parts.

"The days are gone when only one car was built at one plant," said Michael Robinet, an analyst for CSM Worldwide.

To schedule a test drive Kia today, contact Dick Scott Kia at 800-730-9872

Two New Models Roll Off The Line

by Tim Joseph

Today the first of the all new 2008 Dodge Challengers rolled off the assembly line.

“Even though the development time for this Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the shortest in Chrysler’s history, the wait for this exciting car has been too long, and the wait is finally over,” said Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice-president of manufacturing.

The Challenger is being build at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario.

Yesterday, the newly redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima rolled off the line at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant.

"Even though it's a down market, our sales goals (for the Maxima) are higher than last year's," Castignetti said. "This is going to be the best flagship in our history."

They're on their way! If you're interested, please contact:

Dick Scott Dodge - 800-571-6906

Dick Scott Nissan - 800-504-8536

Gayot.com Top 10's

by Tim Joseph

With the price of gas soaring to new heights people must make changes in their lifestyle to compensate. $4 a gallon used to sound like an idol threat but now it's a reality. Many people have already taken advantage of programs like Chrysler's $2.99/gallon guarentee. Others are buying smaller, inexpensive, more fuel efficient vehicles. But finding the right small car to trade your nice SUV is for can be a daunting task.

Gayot.com (guy-OH), a dining and travel review website named after Andre Gayot, offers us a little help with their Top 10 Best Small Cars and Top 10 Best Value Automobiles.

The Nissan Versa was present on both lists! Great job Versa! With its high crash test rating, 36 mpg and sub-$13k base price it would look good on anyone's list.

Kia Rio and Rio5 made the best small car list. Starting at under $11k and producing 32 mpg the Rio keeps a lot more money in your pocket where it belongs.

The Kia Sedona showed up on the best value list. The website describes it as "A powerful, roomy and versatile family hauler with a low, low price."

We could sit and brag about our vehicles all day long but its more convincing to our customers when other people do the bragging for us.

If you are interested in a Versa, Rio or the $2.99/gallon offer, please call:

Dick Scott Nissan at 800-504-8536
Dick Scott Kia at 800-730-9872
Dick Scott Dodge at 800-571-6906
Dick Scott Motormall at 800-486-2415

JeepSpace.com

by Tim Joseph

Part of the fun of owning a new car, truck or SUV is the looks you get everywhere you go. More specifically, the looks you get from people who drive the same vehicle as you. Recently, Dick Scott dealerships have hosted annual car shows for the Motor City Viper Owners and the Nissan Infinity Owners of Detroit. There is no better feeling that the one you get from talking about your car with other people and having them tell you how much they like it.

Recently I stumbled upon a website that made me raise and eyebrow. It's JeepSpace.com. A social networking website for Jeep owners. The concept is similar to MySpace.com in that you sign up, post pictures, make friends and even write a blog. The difference, other than it is for Jeep owners, is that you can find Jeep events, read articles about Jeeps and join Jeep clubs. Buying a Jeep is almost like being inducted into a fraternity. Once you are an owner, you're a member of the club and privy to some great benefits. If you're a Jeep owner, I encourage you to sign up. If you're not yet an owner, you should definately take a look at all of the benefits to ownership. JeepSpace.com along with our Dick Scott Difference and Rewards program, could make this the best experience you've ever had owning a car.

If you are interested in owning a new Jeep, please contact Dick Scott Motormall at 800-486-2415

Date A Kia?

by Tim Joseph

Most of the time shopping for a new car is a lot of fun but other times it can be quite cumbersome. While we here and Dick Scott always try to make it a fun experience, Kia has developed a way to make it that much better. KiaMatch.com is a website that asks the question, "What if you could find love with a few clicks of your mouse?" The idea is to find the kia that will make you fall in love by answering a few simple questions.

The first question is asked me was "I am... a guy or a girl." Simple enough, click guy and move on. My second question was "Your idea of a perfect date would be..." I chose answer number one, a walk in the woods, jog on the beach followed by a gondola ride. On to question three- "Which of the following mental pictures turns you on?" Answer number one has to do with a lumberjack woman. Not exactly my idea scenario. Number two was a lifeguard on the beach playing a viola. I do love music by the beach so that was my answer. The Kia Sportage ended up being my perfect match and I have to admit I'm in love.

After you've found your perfect match, call Dick Scott Kia at 800-730-9872.

Mini Van Crash Test Ratings

Chrysler issued the following press release:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., The all-new 2008 ChryslerTown & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan earned "good" ratings, the highest ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),in both frontal offset and side crashworthiness tests.

"Minivans are the one of the safest vehicles on the road and our all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are built withmore than 25 years of proven engineering innovations," said Larry Lyons,Vice President -- Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "Our Chryslerand Dodge minivans come loaded with standard features including all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, advance multi-stage front driver andpassenger air bags and an Electronic Stability Program."

If you are interested in taking a closer look at one of these vehicles, please contact:
Dick Scott Dodge - (734) 451-2110
Dick Scott MotorMall - (517) 223-3721

Motor City Viper Owners Spring Tech Day

Saturday, May 10, 2008, Dick Scott Dodge hosted the Motor City Viper Owners club Spring Tech Day. This is a yearly event at Dick Scott. For more information and pictures please visit their message forum.

Is The Nissan Versa Safe?

by Tim Joseph

A lot of people ask me if the Nissan Versa is safe. This has become an even bigger issue now that Chrysler and Nissan have announced a partnership to build cars for each other. Nissan is going to be developing a small vehicle for Chrysler and Chrysler will develop a large pickup for Nissan. Here is what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has to say:

The following are in oder, Front, Rear, Side. Good is the highest rating available.
Nissan Versa Good, Good, Good
Toyota Yaris (w/ sidebags) Good, Good, Marginal
Honda Fit Good, Good, Poor
Mini Cooper (tested previously) Good, Acceptable, Marginal
Chevrolet Aveo Acceptable, Marginal, Poor
Scion xB Good, Poor, Marginal
Toyota Yaris (w/o side airbags) Good, Poor, Marginal
Hyundai Accept Acceptable, Poor, Poor

Nissan's Top 10 Engine

From Ward's Auto World

New Nissan V6 Named One of Ward’s 10 Best Engines

DETROIT (Dec. 12, 2007) –Nissan’s VQ37VHR engine has been named to the 10 Best Engines list by Ward’s Automotive Group, marking the 14th straight year a VQ series engine has earned that distinction. It is the only engine that has been included every year since the award began in 1995.

Ward’s evaluated the VQ37VHR, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, in the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe. The G37 marks the first application of the new 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Rated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new engine contains approximately 35 percent new and unique parts from the Infiniti G35 sedan’s VQ35HR engine, which was included in Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2007.

Along with utilizing a larger displacement than the previous 3.5-liter powerplant, the G37 Coupe’s VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. The VVEL system is also expected to improve emissions and fuel efficiency.

The engine also features increased cylinder block height (from the previous 3.5-liter design), ladder frame construction for greater rigidity, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system.

A new, specially tuned dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust backpressure to help improve engine breathing. Both intake and exhaust enhance driving pleasure with their authentic performance notes.

This year, six editors from Ward’s Automotive Group scored 37 engines in a number of objective and subjective parameters. To qualify for the award, the engine must be available in a regular-production, U.S.-specification model on sale no later than the first quarter of 2008 in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

The Ward’s 10 Best Engines awards will be presented on January 16, 2008 at a ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.

About Ward’s Automotive Group
Ward’s Automotive Group, a Southfield, Mich.-based division of Penton Media, has been a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis for more than 80 years. Ward’s AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals globally. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis Ward’s produces. Other Ward’s titles include: the twice-monthly newsletter Ward’s Engine & Vehicle Technology Update, the weekly newsletter Ward’s Automotive Reports, monthly magazine Ward’s Dealer Business and a wealth of reference annuals, online databases and customized data reports.

Dick Scott Nissan - (734) 495-1000

Youth Michigan Bass Anglers

The Youth Michigan Bass Anglers

Charity Car Wash

Saturday June 21, 2008

10am to 3pm

at

Dick Scott Dodge

Come out and help us raise money for this organization!

Kia Of The Future

by Tim Joseph

It may be hard to believe but Kia went bankrupt 10 years ago due to the Asian financial crisis. It may be hard to believe because today Kia is so well established and growing by leaps and bounds. In 1998 Kia was sold to Hyundai Motor Company. Back then Kia sold two vehicles, the Sephia and the Sportage. Just a car and an SUV.

Today, Kia has a whole lineup of vehicles including cars of all different prices and styles, SUV’s, crossovers, and a mini van. Not only that but they have been ranked highest in quality and backed by a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Kia’s sales are ever increasing at a time when everyone else’s sales are decreasing. There is a reason. Kia is a high quality vehicle at a very affordable price.

Where will Kia be in the future? Kia recently hired Peter Schreyer—one of the automobile industry’s most celebrated and influential designers—to be their Chief Design Officer. Schreyer is the man behind the Volkswagen New Beetle, the Audi TT and the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo. He is a true innovator and will surely take Kia to the next lever.

Eui Sun Chung, President and CEO of Kia, is excited that Mr. Schreyer has joined Kia, commenting, “As we continue to develop the Kia brand, we must continually enhance our vehicles through world class, innovative advances in product design. Mr. Schreyer’s appointment underlines our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding customers’ expectations.

“Mr. Schreyer’s track record speaks for itself. We are looking forward to laying out a long-term strategy that will center on molding a unique and consistent design lineage for the entire future Kia lineup. We are focused on boosting our competitiveness and image by dramatically upgrading the design element, while adding a strong emotional dimension to the brand.” That “strong emotional dimension,” as Mr. Chung so eloquently puts it? That’s passion.

So if you’re impressed with Kia now compared to 1998, just wait. It will only get better.

If you're interested in checking out what Kia has to offer, Please contact Dick Scott Kia at (734) 397-9900

Nissan Altima Put To The Test

by Tim Joseph

Let’s face it; we put a lot of blind faith in the vehicles we buy. We don’t know who built it, who tested it, how it was tested, did the engineers really know what they were doing…etc. Nissan has an answer to, at least a couple questions regarding how well made your car really is. Nissanusa.com has posted a series of videos showing you what type of tests they put the Nissan Altima through to unsure you are driving a quality vehicle. Take a look at the Altima tests and I think you’ll agree with me when I say I’m glad I wasn’t the one who tested it!

Nissan's Memorial Day Sale

Nissan North America and Dick Scott Nissan are pleased to announce their Memorial Day Bonus Cash offer. You have two days only to take advantage of these incentives. May 23rd and 24th.

Purchase one of the following new Nissan vehicles and receive an extra rebate in addition to the already fantastic incentive.

$500 off:
- 08 Versa
- 08 Sentra
- 08 Altima Sedan & Coupe
- 08 Maxima
- 08 350Z Coupe & Roadster
- 08 Rogue
- 09 Murano

$1,500 off:
- 07 350Z Roadster

$1,000 off:
- 07 350Z Coupe & NISMO
- 08 Xterra
- 08 Pathfinder
- 08 Frontier
- 08 & 08 1/2 Titan
- 08 & 08 1/2 Armada
- 08 & 08 1/2 Quest

For example- 2008 Titan currently has a $5,000 rebate. On May 23rd or 24th you'll get $6,000 off!

Call Dick Scott Nissan at (734) 495-1000 to schedule your test drive today!

$2.99 Extended!

by Tim Joseph

Just yesterday I was telling you how successful our $2.99 per gallon program was doing. Why wouldn't it be? With the cost of a barrel now heading toward $130 it seems like there will be no relief anytime soon. But the bad news is you weren't quite ready to lease or purchase a new vehicle! The good news is that Chrysler LLC has just announced that they are extending the program until July 7, 2008! Now you have a little bit more time to lock in that price for 3 years.

Refuel America Update

by Tim Joseph

On May 7 when we announce the $2.99 per gallon Refuel America program from Chrysler, the cost of gas in our area was arounf $3.61 per gallon. Since then the priced has gone up over 30 cents a gallon. When they announced the program we never could have imagined that the price of gas would go up so quickly. This has made the program that much more valuable to our customers and I just wanted to revisit the program here on the blog.

The Refuel America program has become a great success. A lot of people who wanted to purchase a new SUV or minivan to take on vacation were wondering if they could even afford a vacation with the rising gas prices. Now they can. Others wanted smaller vehicles to save money on gas but were afraid that is gas prices kept going up they would still feel the pintch. Whatever the reason, this program has helped out a lot of people. If you're thinking of a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle, please contact our Dodge store in Plymouth at (800) 571-6906 or our Motormall in Fowlerville at (800) 486-2415.

2008 Dodge Challenger

Dick Scott is excited about the opportunity to provide our customers with two of the most talked about vehicles of the year. The 2009 Nissan GT-R and the 2008 Dodge Challenger. Edmunds had this to say about the Challenger:

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a muscle car, right? An American muscle car. So naturally, the first thing I want to do when I jump behind the wheel is a big American smoky burnout. "Not here," says Pete Gladysz, the Dodge guy babysitting our test car and riding shotgun, as he looks around the leafy, tranquil residential street we're on in the middle of Pasadena. "Wait 'till we get to the track." Gladysz, powertrain senior manager for Chrysler LLC's SRT Group, sounds serious. So I wait.

A Big Brute
With all that bulk and its softer shock tuning, I frankly don't expect much in the handling department. Like that Charger, around town the Challenger is a big, heavy, ponderous car, a feeling amplified by its heavily bolstered, leather-upholstered bucket seats and the greenhouse of mail-slot-size windows. But the harder I push the Challenger on the endless curves of the Angeles Forest Highway, the lighter on its feet it gets. This car belies its nose-heavy 54 percent front/46 percent rear weight distribution with a neutral feel right up to the point where the electronic stability program (ESP) starts to activate. In fact, the ESP is programmed to let you play a little with oversteer if you want to balance weight transfer with throttle in tight corners. And in broader sweeping turns, you can actually hang the rear end out a little before the ESP selectively applies braking and modulates throttle input to save you from yourself. Later, at the test track negotiating our 600-foot slalom, the Challenger's capabilities once again became obvious on the first flat, controlled pass. From then on, it's only a matter of finding the quick way through the cones. Our testers note a quite neutral balance despite being a little vague on turn-in, but the short suspension travel helps transitions from left to right.

The Real Deal
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be the talk of the town for the next few months, as well it should be. Available in Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic or Brilliant Black, it looks, feels and sounds like a muscle car. It's got one of the sweetest exhaust notes you'll hear this side of a Flowmaster muffler. And they're only building 6,400 examples before they move on to lesser-powered versions. Of those, 4,000 are already sold. With all the standard leather inside and all kinds of high-tech stuff in the instrument panel, it's something of a performance bargain at its $40,095 base price. It's a true muscle car in every sense of the word.

Field Elementry School PTA

Yesterday, May 14, 2008, Jason Scott had the privilege of presenting a check to Field Elementary School in Canton, MI. The PTA used Dick Scott Dodge to raise funds by sending people to test drive new Dodge Journey vehicles. They earned $5 for every test drive. The school's Principal, Pete Kudlak, and PTA President, Ann Marie Rockov, were kind enough to stop by the dealership personally.

The program was a huge success, not only for the dealership but for the PTA who earned a check for $880.

”Drive for the Kids is a mutually beneficial program. We’re happy to help the school, and we really enjoy demonstrating a terrific product, said Jason Scott, General Manager of Dick Scott Dodge. “Parents are genuinely interested in testing the versatility of the minivans, and appreciate the extra dollars for the school. I think everyone had a good time.”

Drive for the Kids was introduced in 1994. Since then, Dodge dealers have worked with parents and educators to conduct thousands of school fundraising events in communities across the nation. These events help to fund student needs from playgrounds and field trips to reading programs and computers.

It's another way we show that we're committed to this community.

Plymouth YMCA Father’s Day Run

Dick Scott Dodge will be sponsoring the 29th Annual Plymouth YMCA Father’s Day Run. The event will take place on June 15, 2008. This run has become a tradition for many families in the community as well as many from Canada, Florida and New York. Last year, over 1500 runners took to the streets of Downtown Plymouth.

The Father’s Day run is not only important because it is a tradition; it is also a huge part of the Strong Kids Scholarship program. This provides children with life changing experiences that would not be possible otherwise.

To further support the Plymouth YMCA, Dick Scott is having a used cell phone drive at all of our locations. We will have donation boxes set up in the show rooms of each of our dealerships to collect your old cell phones. All proceeds will go to help the Plymouth YMCA. If you would like to volunteer to work or run in the event please go to the Plymouth YMCA website for more information.

The "Dick Scott Difference"

Purchase or lease you next vehicle at Dick Scott and experience the "Dick Scott Difference!" Not only do you get the vehicle of your dreams with the top notch service you deserve, you also get:

• Dick Scott Rewards Program: To reward our loyal customers, earn points for every dollar you spend at any Dick Scott Dealership and redeem for free merchandise and services.
• Dick Scott Ambassador Program: Earn up to $250 for each person you refer to Dick Scott that purchases or leases a vehicle.
• Collision advantage: Perform all of your factory recommended maintenance at and Dick Scott Dealership and get up to $250 of your deductible waived at out 1800 square foot state of the art Collision Center.
• Break the Negative Equity Cycle: Our proven Trade Cycle Management Program empowers you to drive this next vehicle until it is easy and affordable to trade. You may never have to be upside down again!
• Concierge Service: We will pick up you vehicle for repair and return it back to you the same day.
• Best Value Guarantee
• Tire Advantage Member: Through our association with the manufacturers, we offer competitive prices on all tires for your New or Pre-owned Vehicle
• Lease Advantage: Receive 10% off factory prices for end of lease damage at our Collision Center. We'll do all the work and save you money in the process.
• 90 Days Same as Cash Financing: Interest free financing for service work.
• Full Service Parts & Service Department: Featuring extended service and sales hours, factory trained and certified personnel, online appointment scheduling, free car washes, early-bird drop off service, free shuttle service, Genuine Nissan parts and accessories. We service all makes and models!

**Check with your Salesperson or Service Advisor for complete details**
Experience the "Dick Scott Difference," you'll be glad you did!

Nissan To Roll Out Electric Vehicle in the U.S. by 2010

From Insideline.com -

TOKYO — Nissan announced on Tuesday that it plans to sell an all-electric vehicle in the U.S. and Japan by 2010, a move that may position the Japanese automaker to be the first to market here with a zero-emissions vehicle.

The announcement signals what appears to be a major sea change at Nissan. The company's chief executive, Carlos Ghosn has not been a proponent of alternative fuel vehicles, such as gas-electric hybrids until now. He had called them "niche products" that serve a limited purpose in meeting strict emissions standards in places like California. In a statement on Tuesday, Nissan said the all-electric vehicle will roll out first in the U.S. and Japan, and then globally in 2012.

Nissan's new product plan involves the launch of 60 all-new models in the next five years and more than 15 new technologies every year from 2009. "Nissan intends to be the breakthrough leader," the company said in a statement.

Ghosn told The New York Times on Tuesday that the company decided to speed up development of battery-powered vehicles because of high gas prices and environmental concerns. "What we are seeing is that the shifts coming from the markets are more powerful than what regulators are doing," he said.What this means to you: Your future Nissan may be one of the first all-electric vehicles to market. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

GEM Cars at Dick Scott

by Tim Joseph

One of the fastest growing segments in the auto industry today is the NEV or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. This term refers to electric vehicles which travel up to 25 mph and have a range of about 30 miles on a single charge. Dick Scott Motormall in Fowlerville, MI is a dealer of one such vehicle called a GEM.

At first glance the GEM may look like a fancy golf cart but once you dig deeper into the world of the GEM car you find that it is much much more. The GEM can be configured many different ways. They seat from 2 to 6 people, can be used for a wide variety of functions and require no gas or oil to opperate. Most people would use their GEM for getting around the neighborhood, maybe to go to the corner store. GEM also gives you an options for a pickup truck style bed, police and security light bars, radios and much much more. Whatever you will need your GEM for, this car has an available option for you.

GEM cars travel up to 25 miles per hour, have a range of up to 40 miles, charge from a standard household plug and cost very little to charge. They are also street legal in nearly all 50 states (including Michigan) on roads with speed limits of 35 mph and under. This makes it the ideal vehicle for driving around town. If you are considering a GEM, please contact the sales department of our Motormall at 800-486-2415 today!

Dick Scott Rewards Program

Here and Dick Scott we place a high value on our loyal customers. One way we reward our loyal customers is with the Dick Scott Rewards Program. When you become a Dick Scott customer you receive a rewards card. There are so many ways to earn and redeem points that we encourage you to give your salesperson or service advisor a call and ask them to explain the program to you. Itching for info right away? Here is a quick rundown!

New Vehicle Purchase - 1,000 points
Used Vehicle Purchase - 1,000 points
Manufacturer Survey Return - 1,000 points
Lease Inspection - 3,000 points
Customer Referral - 2,000 points
Warranty Repair at our Shop - 100 points

$1 spent = 1 point * -
Service Contact Purchase
Rust, Paint, Fabric Protection
TheftGuard Purchase
Service Repair/Parts Purchase**

* upon early cancellation, points will be reversed
** Sublet repairs do not qualify

How do you redeem these points?

500 points
Mopar touch-up paint
Tire Rotation (excludes dual rear wheel vehicles)
Free car wash

1000 points
$20 over the counter parts/accessory gift certificate
Lube Oil & Filter (excludes diesel)

2000 points
$40 over the counter parts/accessory gift certificate
Tire rotation and balance
Front end alignment cars and minivans (parts extra)
Free brake inspection
Free engine detail

3000 points
$50 discount on new or pre-owned vehicle purchase/lease
Cooling system service
4-cylinder tune up (up to $30)
Wheel cover (for applicable SUV's)

There are more ways to earn points and more products and services you can redeem them for. Its just another way we feel Dick Scott is different.

May 2008 Employee Spotlight

Lee Derrick, Service Director at Dick Scott Kia

Lee Derrick has been in the Automotive Industry for 22 years, the past 19 of which have been with Dick Scott. He is currently the Service Director at Dick Scott Kia in Canton. Lee graduated from Livonia Franklin High School and lives in Garden City with his Wife, three wonderful kids and his dog, a Silky Terrier named Beau Henry.
In his spare time, Lee enjoys Baseball and Coaching Soccer. His favorite movies are “The Natural” and “Field of Dreams.” He currently drives a 2006 Kia Optima and a 2005 Chrysler Sebring; his dream vehicle is a 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Triple Black.Lee is our Spotlight Employee for May because of all the hard work and dedication he has shown for the past 19 years at Dick Scott. If you have a question or concern about your vehicle's service, Lee is the one to ask. Thanks Lee for all that you do; you are an important member of the Dick Scott “Best Shot” Team!

Sync for Kia

Kia is a vehicle that keeps impressing me at every turn. Have you heard about the new Sync system? It is a voice activated MP3 system for automobiles. Who is the second automaker to offer this system in the United State? Keep readin, I'm impressed.

From the Associated Press-

(AP) Microsoft Corp. has signed a worldwide deal with automakers Hyundai and Kia to use its in-car software that allows people to use voice commands to control personal music players and telephones.

Microsoft's exclusive, one-year agreement with Ford Motor Co. for offering Microsoft Auto in the U.S. expires in November. Ford's system, called "Sync," connects mobile phones, iPods or MP3 players to the car's audio system.

Fiat sells cars with the software outside the U.S.

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors will be entitled to sell cars equipped with Microsoft Auto around the world starting in November, but the companies are working on new capabilities and probably won't be ready this fall, said Velle Kolde, senior product manager for Microsoft Auto.

Kolde wouldn't say what types of features Hyundai and Kia may add but said the software could include navigation and an emergency call service activated when air bags inflate.

"What specific features you see will be tailored toward the types of vehicles they go into," Kolde said.

The two Asian automakers also will tailor features to geography and needs of each country where their cars are sold, he said.

Microsoft is now free to license the software to other automakers as well.

Nissan Car Show

This past weekend was the annual Dick Scott Nissan car show. I had the opportunity to work at the event the last two years and had a blast both years. This year we had local members of the Z Car Club of America and the newly formed Nissan Infiniti Owners of Detroit club come out. It was a pretty good turn out. One of their members had this to say about us ->

I want to thank all the great people at Dick Scott Nissan for their hospitality on Saturday May 3rd. The Nissan show that they sponsored was great. It is wonderful to see a Nissan dealership that cares for the Z Heritage as well as the wonderful Nissan car family.

Nissan makes exceptional products. What makes a show wonderful is the fine host as well as the personalities of the individual car owners. Seeing older Z's, 80's and 90's Z's, 350 Z's, 240sxs, Maximas, and Titans gives us a well rounded experience of the Nissan family.

I live 500 yards from a Nissan dealership in Grand Rapids, but I would buy a car from Dick Scott Nissan. The staff is interested in Z history. They also are very hospitable and friendly. It is difficult to show my Z's in Michigan. Car shows are starting to have foreign car categories at their show events. It was special to see over 30 cars at your fine dealership. We love to share stories and all the unique features of our cars. That is what makes us "Z" owners special.

NIO-Detroit has a new website. Our club is new and always looking for fresh ideas and new people to join us in future events. The Z Car Club of America is having a couple of wonderful shows this year. The National Z show is in Cleveland the end of September. Check the ZCCA.org site for more info. The Windy City Z car club is sponsoring the Midwest Heritage show the first weekend in Chicago. Should be lots of fun!

Thanks again to the staff and management of Dick Scott Nissan. We all had a fun day! Nissan needs more dealers like you!!!

Steve C. Kentwood, Michigan

1971 Datsun 240Z
1986 Nissan 300Zx 2+2

Check out this video of the event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VS9iFiGPdY

Edmunds.com Top 10 Deals for May 2008

Edmunds.com has just released their Top 10 Deals of the Month for May 2008. Dick Scott is happy to say that we have you covered on 6 out of the 10 deals!

Some of these vehicles offer great deals with regard to leasing. Edmunds analyzes monthly payments, down payments, term, mileage, drive-off fees and their own True Market Value. From this information they singled out vehicles offering lease deals that provide customers with a great value for the money.

Other vehicles bring tremendous financing deals to the table. They looked at APR, term and again, their own True Market Value to identify vehicles with special financing deals that offer a great savings on interest charges when compared to average market rates.

Finally, some of these vehicles offer great cash incentives. They take advantage of customer cash rebates and manufacturer to dealer cash incentives. They were able to give you a list of the vehicles that offered the greatest overall discount to customers who want to pay cash for their purchase.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 Deals of the Month for May 2008

1. Dodge Grand Caravan SE: Finance, cash and lease deals available
2. 2008 Mazda Mazda5 Sport: Finance and lease deals available
3. 2008 Nissan Quest 3.5SE: Finance and cash deals available
4. 2008 Cadillac Escalade: Cash deals available
5. 2008 Chrysler Aspen Limited: Finance, lease and cash deals available
6. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: Finance, cash and lease deals available
7. 2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE: Finance deals available
8. 2008 Nissan Rogue S: Lease deals available
9. 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ST: Finance and cash deals available
10. 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 SL Crew Cab: Finance and cash deals available

Contact us for your personal price quote -
Dick Scott Dodge - (734) 451-2110
Dick Scott Motormall (Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge) - (517) 223-3721
Dick Scott Nissan – (734) 495-1000

Refuel America Program

by Tim Joseph

Chrysler has announced some big news this week. The maker of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles announced Monday an offer that will put a $2.99 per gallon cap on the price of gas for people who buy or lease a new Chrysler vehicle now through June 2, 2008. The actual savings will depend on what happens with gas prices over the course of the three years but prices have been on the rise for a long time now and it doesn’t look like they’re going to be going any lower.

"Today, we are proud to introduce an unprecedented program to help put customers' minds at ease and do something to help working people who are worried about the volatility of fuel prices and vehicle cost of ownership," Jim Press, Chrysler president and vice chairman, said in a statement. The program "puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses."

The average mile per gallon of a Dodge Durango is around 16mpg. At 12,000 miles per year you would be saving about $465 per year if the average price of gas stays at today’s Michigan average of $3.61. This would be a total savings of $1,395 over the course of three years. If prices go up to $4 per gallon as we’ve been told they will then your yearly savings will be $757.50. Not a bad chunk of change if you ask me. There has never been a better time to buy a new Chrysler vehicle.
Contact us for your personal price quote -
Dick Scott Dodge - (734) 451-2110
Dick Scott Motormall (Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge) - (517) 223-3721