05/09/08

 
News and Industry Updates
Northwood University Receives Major Contribution
Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep and The Huvaere Family recently made a major contribution to Northwood University to assist with the renovation of the National Auto Dealers Association facility on the Midland, Michigan Campus.  The NADA Center was built over 30 years ago as a classroom, meeting and lodging facility.  Today it serves not only the Automotive Marketing Program but also the Food and Hospitality Program and Event and Sports Management Program. Dick Huvaere is a graduate of the University. In addition, two of his sons and several staff associates are also alumni.
Chrysler LLC Delivers Economic Stimulus; Protects Consumers from Rising Gas Prices for Three Years
In response to direct customer feedback citing the prospect of rising gas prices as a top concern, Chrysler LLC today announces its own economic stimulus package: an exclusive gas price protection policy that eliminates the risk of further spikes in fuel prices. With the U.S. purchase of eligible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, customers can enroll in the "Let's Refuel America" program and receive a gas card that immediately lowers their gas price to $2.99 a gallon, and keeps it there for three years. The offer is available at 3,511 U.S. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008, and is available on vehicles ranging from popular new compacts, crossovers and minivans to full-size diesel-powered pickup trucks.
"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," said Jim Press, Vice-Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. "The Let's Refuel America Price Guarantee puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses. And you can't get it anywhere else besides a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership."
The Let's Refuel America program offers consumers a combination of the fuel price protection program and additional bonus cash up to $3,000 on available vehicles, including Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram.
Chrysler LLC Reports April 2008 Sales; Fuel-Efficient Compact Vehicle Sales Set New April Record
 The fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep(R) Compass and Jeep Patriot set new compact vehicle April sales record -Chrysler LLC today reported total April 2008 sales of 147,751 units, which is 23 percent below the same period last year. Overall sales were most affected by slowing truck and SUV demand and a dramatic cut in daily rental-fleet sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.
"The overall decrease in April sales, particularly of pickup trucks, demonstrates that the auto industry continues to be under pressure from the national economy," Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. "Despite the economic challenges, and concern about rising fuel prices, we continue to hear from consumers that there is growing interest in vehicles that meet specific needs, such as the Dodge Journey seven-passenger crossover for
families and the Dodge and Jeep fuel-efficient compact vehicles for young professionals. Our plan is to continue to focus on meeting customers' needs, and managing our overall inventory to best weather this slowdown."
Chrysler's lineup of compact vehicles continued to connect well with consumers this month. Total compact vehicle sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, which each achieve 28 miles
per gallon or better in highway driving, reached an April record 17,977 units last month, up 16 percent from April 2007.
As the spring "top-down" driving season begins, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible finished the month with 2,827 units compared with April 2007 sales of 1,447 units, a 95 percent sales increase. Also enjoying a positive month was the Dodge Charger with sales of 13,021 units in April, a 29 percent increase over 2007 April sales.
In April, the company launched its largest digital-advertising campaign in Chrysler history for the all-new Dodge Journey, 'If you can dream it, do it.' The Journey, with best-in-class fuel economy (25-mpg hwy, 4-cylinder), delivers a unique combination of versatility and flexibility at less than $20,000. The Journey increased sales to 6,667 units in only its third month on the market.
As a result of the success of its "New Day" packages, Chrysler will continue to offer the popular packages in May. The packages have struck a chord with buyers by combining the company's most sought-after features on
a wide range of vehicles at reduced prices.
The Company finished the month with 422,353 units of inventory, or a 74-day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing and capacity, inventory is down 13 percent compared with April 2007 when it totaled 482,786 units.
Chrysler LLC Salutes RCDJ and Nearly 200 other Dealers That Sold at Least 1,000 Units in 2007
Best-of-the-Best are Chrysler-Jeep Pacesetters and Dodge Charger Club Members

Chrysler LLC awarded Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep and nearly 200 other dealerships across the nation with the 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Pacesetters Award and the 2007 Dodge Charger Club Award. The Pacesetter winners are Chrysler-Jeep and the Charger winners all are Dodge-brand dealerships. The dealers each were selected for selling a minimum of 1,000 retail units or more during the 2007 calendar year.
This year's award ceremony was held in Naples, Fla., from April 20 - 23 and hosted by Bob Nardelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler LLC; Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC; and Steven
Landry, Executive Vice President North American Sales.
"For our Dealers, becoming a Pacesetter or Charger Club member says that you have 'made it' and are now recognized as one of the best in the country," said Landry. "These elite memberships prove that you can sell a lot of vehicles, have satisfied customers, and be profitable. The real winners are our customers because in every market we have dealers that exemplify outstanding sales leadership and customer satisfaction."
Both Clubs have been in existence more than 40 years. The winners were awarded a crystal trophy and also receive recognition in the Company's internal Dealer News publication.
Three Chrysler LLC Plants Make a Donation to Improve Local Community
The Jefferson North Assembly Plant (Detroit) and Mack Avenue Engine Plants I and II (Detroit) today announced a $32,500 donation on behalf of The Chrysler Foundation to the Conner Avenue Coalition to Upgrade our Streets (CACTUS), an initiative of the Warren/Conner Development Coalition.
These funds will help enable CACTUS in its work to organize businesses and institutions along Conner Avenue from the Detroit River to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport (Detroit City Airport). This division aims to reduce crime and blight; and to redesign, revitalize and market the Conner Corridor in an effort to upgrade and beautify streets of the local community.
"Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Mack Avenue Engine Complex and The Chrysler Foundation are pleased to assist CACTUS in its mission to help to keep the streets of our community viable," Frank Fountain, President - The Chrysler Foundation, said, "This expanded partnership with the CACTUS division of Warren/Conner Development Coalition allows us to stay true to Chrysler's commitment of supporting the community where we live and work."
The Warren/Conner Development Coalition's efforts, especially those of the CACTUS initiative, are primarily targeted on the east side of Detroit. The organization is community-directed and provides a voice for area residents and businesses. "There is an incredible array of businesses, government services and institutions that make Conner Avenue their home; and these three plants, Jefferson North Assembly Plant and Mack Avenue Engine Complex, are considered among our neighbors and friends," Maggie Desantis, President - Warren/Conner Development Coalition and CACTUS member, said, "Along with improvements made in recent years, Chrysler's donation will help Conner Avenue to remain an aesthetically pleasing corridor and viable location for doing business."
These three Chrysler LLC manufacturing facilities combined their charitable efforts to provide financial support to an organization with an emphasis on the community surrounding the area where the plants operate.
 

 
Richmond Charity Classic Car Show & Swap Meet May 18, 2008
 Spectators Free!
Click here for photos from last years show
Sunday May 18, 2008
Registration 8 to 10am
Cost: $10.00 in advance, $15 day of show
Where: Richmond Auto Body, 66629 Gratiot Ave., Richmond, MI
 Show hours 10am to 3pm
Profits donated to Richmond Optimist's Club!
75 Awards 
Dash Plaques
Goodie Bags to the first 50 entrants
50/50 Raffle
 For more info contact:
classiccarshowmi@yahoo.com
 

 
Movement08 Memorial Day Weekend May 24-26, 2008
MOVEMENT 08 - DETROIT'S ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL HAS MORE THAN TRIPLED TICKET SALES AND DOUBLED VOLUNTEER STAFF FROM 2007
Paxahau, producers of Movement 08 Detroit's Electronic Music Festival, announced today that ticket sales have tripled and volunteer interest and staff has more than doubled compared to 2007. To date, Paxahau has 235 volunteers to work this year's festival, which is up from last year's 115. More than 40 of the volunteers are from out of state, and Paxahau expects to max out volunteers at 250 shortly, and will then rollover volunteers beyond 250 to staff the 2009 festival. Additionally, festival ticket sales are triple of what they were at this time last year.
"We truly believe that this year's increased interest, on all levels, is a direct result of our work to continually upgrade the festival experience, from the artist line-up to the drastically enhanced sound systems as well as weatherproofed staging," stated Jason Huvaere, festival director.
Last year, volunteers surveyed more than 700 festival attendees gathering information including: age, male/female, zip code, general mood, and reaction to artist line-up. Results of last year's survey have impacted Movement 08's artist line-up. The survey provided feedback that attendees wanted to see more commercially recognized artists. As a result, this year's festival includes successful electronic artists including: Moby,
Dubfire, and Benny Benassi. The survey also revealed many of those surveyed did not even know what artists were scheduled to perform the day they were surveyed. Huvaere added, "It shows fans are here for the experience that only the festival can provide".
Festival volunteers will work at recycle tents, survey the crowd, pass out event flyers, help to pick up artists at the airport, staff the VIP area, install and maintain event banners, and more. Two volunteers are also present at all times on each stage to assist stage managers, etc. The DEMF will also be served by six intern students from Northwood University.
Since 1998 Paxahau has promoted electronic music and has grown to include a web archive, booking agency, record label and an event production company which produces an average of 12 events a year. With a network of alliances and resources that span the globe, Paxahau has emerged as a premier promotions group within the electronic music industry. Paxahau is committed to further establishing the Detroit Electronic Music Festival as North America's most prominent electronic music venue, which will continue to be a foundation for the creative renaissance being led by electronic music artists everywhere. Please visit http://www.myspace.com/detroitmusicfest to find the latest news as it develops.

 

Website Design by MIS
Employee Profile:
Wayne Glasser
Reconditioning Manager

Wayne's family:
Wayne is married to wife Suzanne, and has one daughter Ashlin, 4.

If he wasn't at work, Wayne would be:
On the beach

Wayne's hometown:
Sterling Heights, MI.

Wayne's favorite place to travel:
Florida

Wayne's first job:
Detailer, Pennington Collision

Wayne's favorite television show is:
Pinks

Wayne's favorite place to dine is:
BBQ at home.

Wayne's favorite vehicle is:
69 Chevelle in Marina Blue

Something you may not already know about Wayne:
Wayne says he's a real motorhead.

Thanks Wayne for being such an asset to The Huvaere Group.

 

Today's Motivational Quote
"A duty dodged is like a debt unpaid; it is only deferred, and we must come back and settle the account at last."
Joseph F. Newton
 

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