Brand Specialists Love Their Subarus

Brand Specialists Love Their Subarus
COLESHILL, United Kingdom –: Being recognised as a Brand Specialist became hugely important for all participants as they battled for the highest honour, a distinction, and a well-deserved boost to their self-confidence.

The inspiration behind the Subaru Brand Specialists programme is to challenge sales people in the Subaru dealer network to deliver a thoroughly comprehensive presentation and demonstration of any vehicle in the Subaru range. The challenge extends beyond the sale, to the delivery and handover of the car to the new owner. Taking delivery of a new or used Subaru, is an important moment in most customers’ lives and Subaru dealers aim to help new owners celebrate the occasion by providing more than just a comprehensive explanation of the features and controls.

Subaru Brand Specialists need to understand what motivates the customer into buying the brand. Some customers are attracted to the brand because of its distinctive technical innovation, whilst others may be attracted to the brand for the rallying heritage. But one thing is for certain, the majority of owners can be described as loving their Subarus.

Excellent product knowledge, in any retail environment, gives the sales person an enormous advantage over the competition and during the first day of the two-day course, participants are encouraged to revise their understanding of the core Subaru technologies of symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engines, in addition to identifying key features across the range of Subaru cars and honing their knowledge of key statistics from fuel consumption and CO2 to turning circles and towing capacity.

On the second day, delegates undertake a thorough examination of their Subaru expertise, by an independent assessor, through a sales presentation, demonstration drive and the handover. They leave the course, to anxiously await notification of the results of their efforts by way of a one to one telephone call from a member of the Subaru training team. A role of honour, posted on the Subaru dealer S drive website, celebrates all success levels from pass, merit to the pinnacle of a distinction.

Piloted in the summer of 2008 and running every six weeks, it continues to inspire participants’ colleagues within their own dealership to take part, a total of 27 delegates have completed the programme to date.

As the programme has developed, participants have gained a true understanding of the huge impact they personally can make on every Subaru sales opportunity.

Rob Butters, of RN Golden, Huddersfield said: “I found the whole programme very challenging and some of the ideas presented helped me fine tune my presentation techniques when dealing with customers.”

Richard Dent, of Dingles in Norwich, said: “There was a lot of pressure but it was positive and gave you the opportunity to step up to the mark. All sales personnel should attend so that we have a stronger understanding of our brand. The programme reminds you of things you should deliver every day when talking to a customer, but don’t always do.”

Sam Burton, Sales Director, Subaru (UK) Ltd, said: “Brand Specialists understand the value of Subaru’s unique and individual nature, and with the latest product developments and information to hand, should be armed with the tools to deliver the very best customer experience.”

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (2/6/2009)


2009 Geneva Motor Show: Kia Motors to Reveal New MPV Concept Car in Geneva
SEOUL - : The star of Kia’s display at the 2009 Salon de l’Automobile in Geneva at the beginning of March will redefine the mini MPV segment bringing style and cool to what is currently a bland segment of the new car market.

Kia will reveal an all-new concept car at the Geneva Show on 3 March. Redefining the MPV genre, Kia will introduce 'a great looking MPV' with a unique glass roof treatment to create a cool and spacious automotive powerhouse.

Kia Motors’ Press Conference and the concept unveiling will commence at 11:45am GMT.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (2/6/2009)


SCCA Solo Fees and Deadlines Adjusted for 2009
TOPEKA, Kan.: The Sports Car Club of America has announced several changes to the fee and deadline structure for the 2009 Tire Rack® SCCA Solo National season.

An Early Registration Fee and Standard Registration Fee have eliminated the need for late fees. The Early Registration Fee in 2009 has been set at $90 for Tire Rack Solo National Tour events and $95 for Tire Rack ProSolo events. The Early Registration Fee is available until 4 p.m. (Central Time) the Friday two weeks prior to the event. The Standard Registration Fee, which goes into effect after 4 p.m. the Friday two weeks prior to an event, will be $130 for Tire Rack Solo National Tour events and $135 for Tire Rack ProSolo events. The Standard Registration Fee is non-refundable. There is $75 fee for any entry that is taken over the phone.

Additionally, the Formula Junior entry fee has been revised to $50.

The revised fee structure has necessitated a change in the cancellation policy as well. All cancellations must now be made in writing (post, fax or email) and received no later than 4 p.m. (Central Time) the Friday one week prior to the event. Refunds will be issued for Early Registration Fees but not for Standard Registration Fees. All cancellations can be directed to Nancy Downing at ndowning@scca.com or faxed to 785-861-1713.

Save for the Washington D.C. ProSolo, all 2009 Solo events are now open for registration at www.scca.com/solo. An announcement will be made when a date has been set for D.C. registration.

Fees for the 2009 Tire Rack ProSolo Finale and Tire Rack Solo National Championships have also been released. A flat entry fee of $140 will be in effect for the ProSolo Finale, while the Solo National Championships have an Early Registration Fee of $135 and a Standard Registration Fee of $270. A $180 Waiver Fee will be charged to any entrant who did not attend a National Tour or Divisional event in 2009. Time frames for the Early and Standard Registration Fees have not been set, but are expected to be confirmed at the upcoming SCCA National Convention.

SCCA will also introduce the Solo License and Rulebook Waiver to replace the Solo Voluntary License in 2009. The price of the new license will remain $20, but instead of being required to purchase a hard copy of the Solo Rulebook as well, the new license will provide the competitor with a free hard card to act as a rulebook waiver. The waiver serves as an acknowledgement that the member has read the 2009 Solo Rulebook and therefore does not need to present one at registration. The Solo License and Rulebook Waiver will be checked along with membership verification at each event.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (2/6/2009)