GMC Named Best Mass Market Brand For Dealership Satisfaction

In the just-released 2013 Customer Survey Index (CSI) released by J.D. Power and Associates, GMC was the top ranked automaker among mass market brands.


The study, which ranks overall customer satisfaction with service at a dealership, found that overall customer satisfaction had increased to 797 on a 1000-point scale, up from 787 in 2012. GMC lead the way for mass market brands with a score of 819. The American automaker performed particularly well in the categories of service initiation, service advisor, service facility and service quality.

Other mass market automakers in the top five include MINI (810), Buick (809), Chevrolet (806), and Volkswagen (804).

According to J.D. Power and Associates, five of the 19 mass market brands improved their index score by at least 20 points compared to last year, with Scion seeing the biggest leap improving by 24 points.

Taking the top spot overall was Lexus, with a score of 862.

“Manufacturers have made large investments in their retail programs, and dealers have made significant investments in key customer touch-points–people, improved processes and customer waiting areas–which are having a profoundly positive impact on their customers,” said Chris Sutton, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates. “Dealerships are placing more emphasis on the service advisor’s role, which is essential to effectively handling service customers. Having a skilled, trained advisor is vital for a positive customer experience.”

*Courtesy of autoguide.com

Two Great Reviews on DealerRater!

"The salesperson was friendly and efficient. He made the process so easy that I drove the new car home and left my old car at their parking lot. Financing process was also straight forward with no issues." - DealerRater User

" I would highly recommend Gulf Coast Toyota to my family and friends, and look forward to doing more business with Blaine Williams and Gulf Coast Toyota." - EG

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Two Great Reviews on DealerRater!

"I really appreciate the approach that John has with his customers, he will ask the right question to try and find the perfect fit for you and your pocket book. And all while being very curtious and respectful of myself and my family." -DealerRateUser

"The salesman was very professional giving me all kind of explanations about the cars I was looking at" -Alfredo L.

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5-Star Reviews on DealerRater and Google+ Local

"Great friendly service. Was let to test drive the car. Was treated with respect." -Glenda

"Very happy with my experience with the dealership, Paulette did everything possible to get me into a car." -DealerRater User

"Roger Batson went above and beyond what one thinks a car salesman should be. He was personable, forthright, and accomodating." -DealerRater User

"I must say they all were a pleasure to get and the PRICING and SERVICE was great.
I would again buy from the DEALERSHIP as well as BLAINE!" -DealerRater User

"Roger and Mickey Batson are tops! They both welcomed my wife and me to the dealership when we sought to consider purchasing a toyota." -Clois S.

"Run, not walk, to buy your Toyota at Gulf Coast Toyota." -DealerRater User

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"It was well worth the drive down from Katy to purchase a vehicle from Gulf Coast Ford." -Matt J.

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Drivers Announced For ‘Revved Up to Race’ 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

 The red carpet and race cars are ready as Toyota announced today the participants from film, television, music, sports and the military who will compete for checkered flag glory in the 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.  The 37^th annual charity race will take placeApril 20 on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 39^th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The field of racers will navigate the new 210-horsepower Scion FR-S race vehicles through high speed turns to benefit “Racing for Kids,” a national fundraising program supporting children’shospitals throughout the United States.  This year’s field of popular celebrity racers includes: 

• Cristian Castro (@CristianCastro):Grammy Award-nominated and best-selling Mexican pop singer. Famous from a young age, one of his best known albums is “Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor,” with four singles in the top ten of Billboard's Hot Latin tracks. In April, he will release a new album “Primera Fila,” celebrating 20 years as a singer.
• Kate del Castillo (@katedelcastillo):Mexico’s most acclaimed actress, best known for her starring role in long-running mini-series “La Reina del Sur.” Other credits include “Under the Same Moon,” “Trade” and a guest appearance on the Showtime series “Weeds.”
• Brett Davern(@BDavv): Actor who stars as Jake Rosati in MTV's hit series “Awkward.” Other credits include the film, “Beautiful Ohio” and appearances in “Cold Case,” “CSI: Miami,” “In Plain Sight,” and “Medium.”
• Jenna Elfman(@JennaElfman): Actress known for her quirky role on the TV series “Dharma & Greg,” which earned her a Golden Globe Award.  She now stars as the first lady in the family comedy “1600 Penn.”  Film credits include “Friends with Benefits” and “Keeping the Faith.”
• Jessica Hardy(@swimhardy): A multiple world record-holder in swimming and a 2012 Olympic medalist. A Long Beach, Calif. native, she also does motivational speaking and served as an ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee Team For Tomorrow.
• Jesse Metcalfe(@JesseMetcalfe):Actor best known for his role as a teen gardener on “Desperate Housewives” and who currently stars in the TNT continuation of “Dallas,” based on the 1978 series of the same name. Film credits include “John Tucker Must Die” and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.”
• Dakota Meyer (@Dakota_Meyer): Former U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his 2009 actions in Afghanistan. He wrote, Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War, fundraises with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the Hiring Our Heroes program.
• Jackson Rathbone (@JacksonRathbone): Actor best known for playing Jasper Hale in the hit “Twilight” movie series. Other film credits include “The Last Airbender.”
• Michelle Rodriguez (@MRodOfficial): Film actress best known for her tough girl physical roles, including starring in the record-breaking sci-fi film “Avatar,” the successful “Fast & Furious” franchise,  the 2012 hit “Resident Evil: Retribution” and as a tough LAPD cop in TV’s “Lost.”
• Jeremy Sisto (@JeremySisto):Actor best known for playing Billy Chenowith on the series “Six Feet Under.” He also played Detective Cyrus Lupo on “Law & Order” and currently stars in the series “Suburgatory.”
• Mark Steines(@MarkSteines):Emmy award-winning journalist and host of the Hallmark Channel’s new how-to show, “Home & Family.” He spent more than 17 years on “Entertainment Tonight,” establishing himself as a trusted and charismatic figure in entertainment news. 
• Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes): Emmy award-winning comedian, writer and actress who ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. She has hosted her own late night talk show, “The Wanda Sykes Show” and has appeared on TV shows including, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and films such as “Evan Almighty.”
• Michael Trucco(@MichaelTrucco): Actor best known for playing Samuel Anders on SyFy's acclaimed series "Battlestar Galactica" and Justin Patrick on the USA Network series “Fairly Legal.”  Other credits include appearances on “Revenge,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “One Tree Hill.”
• Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood): Auto racing analyst on Fox Sports/SPEED and co-host of “Top Gear USA.”

Pro drivers competing against the stars for the title include motocross champion and MTV’s “Nitro Circus” star (@AndyBell), 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla (@AdamCarolla), Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary (@TylerClary)and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver Melanie Troxel (@MelanieTroxel).

“This talented and inspiring celebrity group will not only help Toyota share the story of this long-running charity event, but they also will feel the rush behind the wheel on the famous Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach track,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race thrills both the participants and the crowds while giving back to kids in our communities through donations to Children's Hospital of Orange County and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.”

 *Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Excellent Review on Google+ Local!

"Best place to have your vehicle serviced, friendly, fast, knowledgeable and reasonably priced" -Jeramy S.

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Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S [UPDATE]

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.

Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).

As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota. Consider our hopes in check but our fingers crossed.

*Courtesy of Autoblog

5-Star Review on DealerRater!

"Had a phenominal experience at this dealership. Paulette Kovarnik was very warm and welcoming." -Lex V.

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Spring Maintenance Tip

Check your brakes:
Brakes are one of the most used (and often abused) components. A thin layer of the brake pad disintegrates every time the brakes are applied. It’s vital to replace pads or shoes before drums or rotors become damaged. Check pads, shoes, drums, rotors, calipers, fittings, brake hardware and parking brake to prevent problems.

*Courtesy of CBS

Great Review on DealerRater!

It was a great experience buying my new car. Paulette was very helpful in her handling of myself as a new customer.- Debra M.

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