What Exactly is Certified Pre - Owned?

The term "Certified" Pre-Owned (CPO) has been used heavily in the auto industry since the 1980's when luxury manufacturers such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz were looking to find a way to resell leased or trade backs to consumers that couldn't afford a new model. The main benefit of the Certified programs offered by manufacturers is that most include a manufacturers warranty, and go through a comprehensive inspection and reconditioning process. These are the highlight of most manufactures CPO programs.

Let's take a look at what Infiniti offers in their CPO program.

Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
The Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is crafted to offer you the full Infiniti experience at a pre-owned value. The joy of driving an Infiniti energized by design. The confidence of knowing it’s backed by warranty coverage. And the satisfaction of enjoying the same individualized service and programs that define The Total Ownership Experience® for owners of new Infiniti vehicles.

Only Infiniti models less than four years old and with under 60,000 miles qualify for the program, and then they must pass a rigorous inspection. So when you take delivery, your Certified Pre-Owned Infiniti includes a 72-month/100,000 total-vehicle-mile warranty, roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits and towing assistance.

And every Certified Pre-Owned buyer is invited to return to an Infiniti Retailer for service with a complimentary oil filter change[*], valid anytime within the first year of ownership.

Every Certified Pre-Owned Infiniti must be in prime condition and pass a 145-point analysis. Every significant component of the vehicle is scrutinized, including:

• Vehicle title records
• Major and minor powertrain components
• Chassis, suspension and steering
• Interior condition and feature functions
• Exterior panel and paint condition
• Complete road test

Upon successful completion, the vehicle receives a Certificate of Inspection authenticating its qualification. Only then can it be admitted into the Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned program.

For a comprehensive rundown of components covered in the inspection, see your Infiniti Retailer or download a CPO brochure.

Contact your Retailer

Download a CPO brochure
Cars.com Guide To Purchasing a Pre-Owned Vehicle

The Facts About Certified Pre-Owned Cars

• Is a certified pre-owned vehicle right for you?
• What are the pros and cons of CPO cars?
• How much more do certified-used cars cost?
• Should you get a luxury or economy CPO car?
• Ten tips for buying a certified-used car
• How do certified pre-owned warranties differ?
• Compare manufacturer inspection checklists.

Snowball Fight at Grubbs Infiniti

It’s not all work and no play at Grubbs Infiniti. During the big snowfall of 2010 on February 11th we had a little fun in the snow! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Video

Reviews of the Infiniti EX

Infiniti EX35

Anyone that has ever done research while buying or selling a new or pre owned auto knows that there are dozens of review sites out there.  Some do a great job with ratings, photos and analysis while others fall short.

A few of the items that I hear consumers wanting are:
- comparisons between models within a companies line (comparing FX to EX etc)
- comparisons between models between companies (comparing BMW to Infiniti offerings)
- Price, Price, Price
- Photos and videos are becoming the norm and most reviews include them now
- links to other reviews

I wanted to put together a few reviews of the 2oo9 / 2010 Infiniti EX so you can learn more about this great vehicle but can also see how different the reviews can be in format and content.

Review of the 2009 / 2010 Infiniti EX

U.S. News & World Report #2 in Luxury Compact SUVs

Fox News (this is a 2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD but nice review)

Edmunds

The Car Connection

Expo TV (Paint that “heals itself”)

Reviews of the 2010 Infiniti FX

Anyone that has ever done research while buying or selling a new or pre owned auto knows that there are dozens of review sites out there.  Some do a great job with ratings, photos and analysis while others fall short.

A few of the items that I hear consumers wanting are:
- comparisons between models within a companies line (comparing FX to EX etc)
- comparisons between models between companies (comparing BMW to Infiniti offerings)
- Price, Price, Price
- Photos and videos are becoming the norm and most reviews include them now
- links to other reviews

I wanted to put together a few reviews of the 2oo9 / 2010 Infiniti FX so you can learn more about this great vehicle but can also see how different the reviews can be in format and content.

Review of the 2009 / 2010 Infiniti FX

U.S. News & World Report
New Car Test Drive

The New York Times
MSN Auto

Hidden Dangers of Snow

Damage from Snow Storm

The forecast for tomorrow is for another 2 – 4 inches of snow in the DFW Metroplex and the news media is starting their wave of “Safe Driving Tip” announcements and warnings.

Every time there is a threat of snow or icy conditions in the DFW Metroplex you start to see news stories about “How to Drive in Snowy Conditions” or “5 Tips for Driving in Bad Conditions”.

However, what is sometimes not mentioned is that the effects of a heavy snow or ice can be more than just driving related.  One of these effects can be caused by something as simple as where you park your car during a snow storm.  Falling tree branches, downed power lines and sliding cars can cause more damage to your car while it’s parked than driving in these hazardous conditions.  However, it’s the accidents while driving that garner most of the media’s attention.

Be Careful Where You Park
I recently experienced damage to my car (2007 Jeep Commander) from parking under a tree in the last snow storm when a large branch broke and a splinter from the branch lodged itself in between my hood and my windshield wipers.  Wow.. what a weird accident. I thought that my car would be safe if I was inside my house next to the fire. I guess I was wrong.

Later that same day I witnessed a Ford Trail Blazer slide into the back of my neighbors car right in front of my house.  The Trail Blazer was fine but my neighbors little Saab got the worst of it and lost it’s rear bumper, tail lights and has a crumpled trunk.

Before something like this happens to your vehicle please take a quick look at these tips for making sure your vehicle is safe even when you are not driving.

Non Driving Tips to Keep Your Car Safe During Snow / Icy Weather: 
1) Park your car in a garage
If you do this you can probably ignore all of the other tips. However, not everyone has a garage and even some of us with 2 car garages can’t get both cars into the garage so one stays out unprotected.

2) Don’t leave your car in a public parking lot – especially in a large parking lot 
The worst place you can leave your car during a snow storm has to be the Mall parking lot.  Besides the fact that there is a high volume of cars, large parking lots are magnets for those that want to do doughnuts or cause mischief.

3) Never park on a public street or the side of the highway 
During icy / snowy road conditions it’s a fact that it’s hard to bring a sliding car under control.  Even if you follow all of the “Safe Driving Tip” articles it’s still hard to bring a sliding car to a stop once it starts.  So the best bet for where to park your car during a snow storm is in your driveway or garage and not on the street.

4) Don’t park under trees or objects that may collapse
One of the biggest causes of damage to cars during snowstorms is roof collapses.  The mostly happens at apartment complexes where the roof covering is a thin metal roof and not capable of handling excessive snow accumulation. These metal roofs can’t withstand the amount of weight that a heavy snow or ice storm can  bring and sometimes collapse.

Your best during heavy snow or ice is to not park under these structures but in an area without a covering. However, this might put your car at risk in an open parking lot but at least you won’t risk the roof collapsing on your car.  Yes, your car will be covered with snow from not being under any protection but that’s better than having the roof fall on top of your car.

If you do #1 you won’t have any problems but not everyone has a garage to keep their car in during snow / icy conditions.

Related Articles:

CarTalk.com
Winter Driving Tips
AAA Exchange
Winter Driving Tips

Road and Travel Magazine 
Winter Driving Tips

ABC News 
Snow Plow Rams Car

Social Media? What's That?

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube etc

Marketing, Public Relations or Customer Service?
The debate on which box (Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, Customer Service or something else) to put Social Media into has been going on as long as Social Media has been around.  It has aspects of each of the disciplines mentioned above but cuts horizontally across each of these respective areas.

Here are a few examples:

Customer Service:  you log onto your Twitter account in the morning and see if there are any Tweets about your company and find that a customer who came in for anoil change has been waiting for 3 hours and is getting impatient.  They are telling their "online" friends about their experience via Twitter and Facebook.  You don't have to know anything about social media to know that's a bad thing!

Knowing that this is happening in "real time" provides an opportunity to do something about the situation and make sure that the customer is satisfied and taken care of before they leave the dealership.  This is a great opportunity to save a customer relationship versus losing a customer for life.  Let's face it.... 10 years ago people who were dissatisfied with your brand were saying bad things about your products and company and unless they wrote you a letter (or email) you didn't know about it.  Love it or hate it,  (I hope you love it) now your brand can engage with the consumer in real time and come up with a solution as opposed to never hearing your customers concerns.

Marketing: Since so much time and effort is placed on developing quality TV, newspaper or magazine ads it makes sense to extend the reach and impact of these ads by distributing them through your Social Media channels such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.  Each of these social media networks are great places to show your followers or fans what you have been doing in terms of marketing and providing additional product information.

The one caveat with using ads in your social media mix is that you don't want to be putting ads in front of your social media followers all of the time.  Social Media is one place that consumers don't want to be explicitly sold to or pitched.  They are engaging with the brands (such as Infiniti) on these social networks because they want to get more information about the products, be entertained or have other non purchase interests.

ROSM (Return on Social Media)
I have been asked dozens of times how companies can justify spending money on social media activities such as blogging, establishing a presence on Facebook / Twitter when measuring the return is so difficult?   Especially if the basic tenant of social media is that it's not explicitly for selling product.

At the end of the day the social media platform's (their use of blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) are the companies funnel with a companies website and CRM being where everything flows.  This generates additional web traffic, leads and in the long run leads to an increase in sales.

I will be blogging more on this topic and how Social Media is crucial to the automotive industry over the next few months.  There are some great resources listed below for those looking for additional information.

Great Social Media Articles
GOSO - A web and social media suite for auto dealers
www.goso.com 

February 2010 - The Social Influence of the Auto Industry


Dell Rides Twitter to $6.5 Million in Sales


Mashable - the authority on Social Media 

Coverage of Infiniti at the Canadian International AutoShow Canadian International Auto Show

Now, more than at any other moment in human history, change defines the times in which we live. Yet unlike previous moments of social upheaval, change in 2010 is defined by something different – optimism.

Positive change surrounds us. In the way our elected officials act, the way companies conduct business, the way we select the products we buy. And yes, the way we choose to move.

2010 will mark the most fascinating decade in automotive history. Re-structured and re-tooled, manufacturers have plans not just to survive, but flourish. AutoShow 2010 is an integral part of those plans. Here, new content and new features will give you a chance to see, to share, to experience first-hand something you’ve never had the chance to experience before.

Not simply the best of what is. The best of what’s to come. AutoShow 2010. The Vision.

Grubbs Infiniti
At Grubbs Infiniti we pride ourselves on staying on top of the latest developments at Infiniti and want to make sure that we are sharing that information with our current customers and those looking for additional information.

With the Canadian International AutoShow taking place February 12 - 21, 2010 we are going to be continually updating our blog to keep you up to date with the latest Infiniti news.  Check back here for the latest.

Infiniti captures Essence of the future of style

Infiniti Essence concept

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle
What a better way to celebrate your birthday than with an Infinti? The automaker marked two decades in business in Canada last year by commissioning this completely hand painted, one-off G37 Coupe. The Anniversary Art Project Vehicle was inspired by Cirque du Soleil and designed by Montreal-based artist Heidi Taillefer. Alongside the celebratory G37, Infiniti also showed its revised new G lineup, with a host of enhancements like revised exterior styling for the sedan, restyled interiors and upgraded technology. More...

Contact:
Web: 
http://www.autoshow.ca/


Twitter: 
@autoshowcanada

Infiniti Announces Official EPA Mileage Estimates for All-New 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 Performance Luxury

More Efficient and More Horsepower in 2011

The EPA mileage estimates have just been released for the All - New 2011 Infiniti M37 (pictured) and Infiniti M56.  Both models are scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning March 18, 2011.


Technological Advances
Multiple advanced technologies allow the new Infiniti M to provide these increases in power and torque while also improving fuel efficiency across all model offerings. The 3.7-liter V6 and all-new 5.6-liter V8 engine both utilize Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to optimize both intake and exhaust valve timing. Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology is also applied to the intake valves on both the V6 and V8 engines to improve performance, emissions and fuel efficiency.   

In addition, Direct Injection Gasoline™ technology is applied to the all-new 5.6-liter V8, providing more precise combustion control to optimize emissions, fuel economy and torque. An electronically controlled 7-speed automatic is applied as the standard transmission on all 2011 M models. As a result of the improved fuel economy figures, the gas guzzler tax previously accessed on the 2010 M45x does not apply to the 2011 M56x.

"The all-new 2011 Infiniti M's powertrains offer both increased power and efficiency," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "Our V6 power is up 9% to 330 horsepower, while V8 power is up almost 30% to 420 horsepower and torque is increased 24% to 417 lb-ft – while amazingly adding 4 mpg Highway for the M56 and 3 mpg Highway for the all-wheel drive M56x."

Fuel Efficiency
While on the topic of fuel efficiency and gas saving we at Grubbs Infiniti have developed a handy “gas saving tips” page on our website that provides some well known and some not so known tips on how to make sure your car performs as efficiently as possible.

One of the gas saving tips that many car owners are unaware of is that replacing a clogged air filter can improve a vehicle's gas mileage by up to 10%. Another gas saving tip is to make sure that you don’t ignore any “check engine” lights as that may negatively impact fuel efficiency by up to 40%.

Check back for more coverage of the New 2011 M37 and M56 as additional information becomes available.


Associated Articles:
Infiniti Announces Official EPA Mileage Estimates for All-New 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 Performance Luxury... -- FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ --


Grubbs Infiniti Gas Saving Tips

Coverage of Infiniti at Chicago Auto Show

The big Chicago Auto Show is happening this week and there are a lot of great Infiniti news stories coming out of it.  I wanted to make sure that we captured some of them for the Grubbs Infiniti Blog.

 

AutoGuide.com
Chicago 2010: 2011 Infiniti M56 Makes Public Debut at Chicago Auto Show







Auto Evolution.com
Nissan and Infiniti Prepare for the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

Chicago Auto Show
2011 INFINITI M: Appearing at the 2010 Chicago Auto

AutoSpies.com
2010 Chicago Auto Show: EXCLUSIVE - First Real-Life Shots Of The 2011 Infiniti M Nav Screens

Chicago - Sun Times
Swivel action: Infiniti continues to create cars that turn heads

"Infiniti has one of the strongest product lines in the industry – either domestic or import."

About The Show

2010 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW FAST FACTS
Location - McCormick Place, 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616
Dates

Day	Date	Time
First Look for Charity	Thursday, Feb. 11	6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Public Show	Friday, Feb. 12 - Saturday, Feb. 20	10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Public Show	Sunday, Feb. 21	10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Ticket Type	Price
Adults	$11
Seniors (62 and older)	$7
Children (age 7-12)	$7
Children (age 0-6)	Free

Advance ticket purchase will be available through www.DriveChicago.com starting in November 2009.
School & Group Discounts - School and group discount tickets will again be available. For more information visit School & Group Ticket Sales

Chatting Away at the Dealerships

Instant messaging or "chatting" used to be reserved for those of us that are in front of a computer all day and didn't want to use the phone to catch up with their spouse or friend.  "Chat" or "instant messaging" has been rising in popularity and adoption over the past few years and now businesses are utilizing this technology to service their customers better and to provide more timely turn around in the sales process. 

Chat and instant messaging has become more mainstream and it's estimated that Social Networking website, Facebook, has 1 billion instant messages sent per day on their network.

Automotive dealers have been hearing from their customers that "chat" technology is something that they desire and many auto dealers, including Grubbs Infiniti, are adding "chat" to their websites. The new Grubbs Infiniti website (www.grubbsinfiniti.com) incorporates "chat" technology and allows customers or prospective customers to ask questions about new/pre owned inventory, pricing, parts availability or service questions. 

How Does It Work?
After the website visitor clicks on the "Chat Now" button, as shown above,  they are asked to enter their name and check either "Pre Owned", "New Inventory", "Parts" or "Service". 

After the box is checked the "chat" session begins and web visitors can get answers to their questions in real time.


“Real-time ‘Chat" is a particular feature that we are excited about. The ability to answer customer questions and concerns in real time will prove itself priceless,” says George Grubbs III.



Of course the personal touch is still part of the experience that you receive at Grubbs Infiniti. However, if it's a quick question or something that you want answered via chat it's really easy to use.


If you are still uncomfortable about this new "chat" feature and want to speak with someone in person we encourage you to pick up the phone or come down and see us.  Face to face communication is still our favorite and we hope to see you in person soon. 
Associated Article

Facebook Chat Comes to AOL's AIM Instant Message System

2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible Pricing

Infiniti is pleased to announce pricing for the 2010 Infiniti G Convertible.

G37 Convertible Models
the 2010 G Convertible will continue to be available in two models: G37 Convertible and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the Infiniti G Convertible models for 2010 are as follows:

G37 Convertible $44,350
G37 Convertible Sport 6MT $44,950

Changes for 2010
The G Convertible is refreshed inside for 2010. Enhancements for 2010 include a new, predominantly white color scheme of gauges and LCD instrument display, improving both legibility and cohesiveness of design. There is also a new center console design for 7AT models and he new high gloss Maple accents interior trim available on G Sedan & G Coupe is now available on Convertible as well. Graphite Shadow is added as a new exterior color for 2010.

On G37 Convertible Sport 6MT, contents of the Premium Package are now standard, and power -folding side-view mirrors are now standard on both models. New to the Premium Package for 2010 is a Rear Sonar System. Enhancements to the Navigation Package include enhanced graphics, XM NavWeather with Real-Time weather and 3-day forecast information (in addition to XM NavTraffic). Zagat Survey restaurant reviews, streaming audio via Bluetooth and digital video playback from USB Flash Drive. The Technology Package adds rain-sensing flat blade front wipers and Advanced Climate Control System.

Pete Hankins Joins the Management Team at Grubbs Infiniti

Grubbs Infiniti is excited to announce the newest member of our management team, Pete Hankins. Pete is not new to Grubbs, as he started as a salesperson in 2000. Pete also has many years in the automobile business, holding many sales-related jobs as well as managing some “Buy Here Pay Here” lots.

Pete has proven himself many times during his tenure at Grubbs Infiniti. Pete has been the Salesperson of the Year the last four consecutive years and won Salesperson of the Month many times since he began with Grubbs.

Pete has a dedicated work ethic and a passion for the car business. His excitement is often transferred to those around him, making him a natural motivator. His customers never have a problem remembering him, either! Pete does a great job contacting customers on birthdays and anniversaries. Plus, he always sends a thank you card around the holidays.

The Grubbs family looks forward to many more years working with Pete.

The All-New Grubbs Infiniti Website

Grubbs Infiniti is pleased to introduce an all-new website, integrating the newest technologies to give our customers the best possible online experience. This new, more interactive website was designed to enrich the car buying and ownership experience.

“We wanted a way to stand out and provide nothing less than a First Class experience for anyone visiting our website, just like the same experience they get at the dealership,” says George Grubbs III.

The new website integrates virtual inventory for all of our new and pre-owned vehicles to deliver quick-loading, visually appealing information that will help customers make better purchasing decisions. Customers can take advantage of cutting-edge capabilities to quickly and intuitively submit leads and search inventory by body style, make, model, color, year, MPG, and desired price range.

This virtual showroom delivers a wide range of multimedia that includes, among other items, video displays for used inventory and 360 degree interior and exterior views for new inventory.

“Real-time ‘Chat’” is a particular feature that we are excited about. The ability to answer customer questions and concerns in real time will prove itself priceless,” says George Grubbs III.

The new website still allows customer to submit online credit applications and the ability to set up service appointments as well as details about store locations and contact phone numbers.

The Grubbs Family has been in the automobile business since 1948 when Hubert Grubbs sold used automobiles in front of his grocery store in Dallas. Hubert later opened a used car lot and then a Dodge dealership in Dallas in the early 1950s. The Grubbs Family has sold many different brands of automobiles over the years and is one of the original Infiniti dealers.

Grubbs Infiniti’s mission is to serve our customers beyond expectations at purchase and throughout ownership. We ensure our customers experience the Grubbs difference in service, products, and processes. We achieve this through professionalism, integrity, and commitment.