Newsletter

September 2011

How well do you take care of your vehicle? Check out the Ten Commandments of Car Care by Jason Beaulieu.

Body Shop

York's of Houlton's Body Shop recently converted its paint operation to DuPont Cromax  Pro, an environmentally friendly waterborne basecoat from DuPont.  This is good news for the local community, because waterborne products dramatically reduce the amount of solvent and volatile organic compounds (VOC) that would otherwise evaporate into the air, when compared to traditional solvent borne products.

Tougher environmental regulations in California and Western Europe require collision repair shops to use products like Cromax Pro to reduce air pollution.  York's of Houlton's Body Shop made the switch to Cromax Pro voluntarily and is happy to embrace the "green" technology.

"We made the move because we believe that it's the right thing to do," said Body Shop Manager, Roger Graham.  "Now the people in our community have the option to have their vehicle repaired with a product that is better for the environment."

Waterborne basecoat technology is not new.  It has been used by vehicle manufacturers for almost two decades, and is the paint system of choice for more than half the cars made in the world today.  The DuPont Cromax Pro paint system meets the strict quality standards established by vehicle manufacturers to ensure that the value of your vehicle remains at its highest possible level.

Jordan Ouellette, one of our paint technicians attended a training session for a week recently in preparation of the conversion from solvent base to waterborne.  The new waterborne, low-VOC coatings don't mix, apply or act like solvent based finishes. The training Jordan attended was expressly designed to teach new users of the waterborne paint how to handle, agitate, mix, spray, clear, clean and dispose of all materials. 

In addition to the formal training Jordan received, representatives from Carquest and DuPont were here at the Body Shop the week we converted.  They provided additional training for Jordan as well as Shane Gallop, Body Shop Assistant Manager.  They were critical in making sure that we got up and running smoothly.  Both Jordan and Shane said that with the technicians help, the conversion went quite smoothly.

York's of Houlton Body Shop is proud to "go green" and invites any questions you may have about the process.


Pictured: Shane Gallop and Jordan Ouellette



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In-House News: Personnel Change

If you have been in the Service Department in the last few weeks, you may have noticed someone was missing.  Cristy Maher joined the York's of Houlton team as a Service Advisor but has recently moved to the Business Office.  Although Cristy enjoyed working the front desk in the Service Department, her background is in business and she was thrilled when an opportunity opened up for her to move to a position in the Business Office with Lisa Keyes and Holly Violette. 

Cristy's prior administrative experience as well as her knowledge of computer applications has helped her settle in quickly in the office.  She is able to multitask, is highly organized and willing to take on any new challenges.  She is eager to learn and very often is the first person in the office in the morning ready to tackle the day.  Cristy is happy she made the change from the Service Department to the Business Office, and we are too.


Pictured: Cristy Maher


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Employee of the Month

Every month at York's of Houlton, the Management Team selects an individual for Employee of the Month. The employee is typically selected because they consistently turn in a stellar performance every month and deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Our employees are an important part of our business, for without our people nothing gets done! It is their dedication and diligence to quality and the day-to-day effort to keep everything moving that allows us to enjoy our reputation as a great place to do business.

Congratulations to Shane Gallop, Employee of the Month for July. Shane has been with the company for over 20 years and has always gone the extra distance to ensure customer satisfaction.  In July Shane was scheduled for vacation when the spray paint booth broke down.  While we were waiting for the booth to be repaired, vehicles that needed to be painted started stock piling.  The booth was finally fixed the day before Shane's vacation was to start – so he just didn't go.  Giving up his vacation not only helped get customers back on the road faster, but it took a lot of pressure off the other guys in the shop.  This is only one example of how Shane is always thinking of others before himself; he often will come in at night or on the weekend to finish a job. To say Shane is a dedicated employee really doesn't need to be said.  It shows in his actions every day.  Congratulations, Shane, you truly deserve to be Employee of the Month.

Willis Nason was selected as Employee of the Month for August.  Willis started at York's of Houlton in the Sales Department 2 years ago and quickly became an integral part of the sales team.  Although Willis had not worked in sales before, he was a natural and soon was a favorite with customers and coworkers alike.  Willis is always friendly with everyone and has a very upbeat personality.  As much as he enjoyed working as a salesperson, when our long-time F&I Manager, Vickie Grant, retired this summer, Willis thought he would like to make a move to that department.  The Sales and Finance & Insurance Departments work hand in hand, so he had some idea what to expect when changing jobs.  Willis has done an outstanding job learning the responsibilities of his new position and is always willing to take on new challenges.  We congratulate Willis on being selected Employee of the Month for August, it is well deserved.


Pictured: Shane Gallop (top) and Willis Nason (bottom)


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Product Information: 2011 FJ Cruiser

Sometimes it takes a tremendous challenge to discover how good you can be.  For FJ Cruiser, that challenge came one summer day back in 1951 when the first Toyota Land Cruiser, then called the BJ, started up the side of Mt. Fuji.  Scrambling ultimately to a spot designated checkpoint No. 6, it accomplished a feat no other vehicle in history had managed to achieve.  The triumph not only demonstrated the extraordinary capabilities of Toyota's new SUV, but also marked the birth of a legend.  Today, more than 50 years and four million Land Cruisers later, the FJ Cruiser proudly carries the torch of Toyota's storied off-road legacy.

After five decades of off-road experience, Toyota knows a few things about making vehicles that are capable and durable.  And FJ Cruiser is the latest beneficiary of this proud heritage.  Its V6 engine features dual Independent Variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-I).  Cranking out 260 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, it has the muscle to take on mountains.  Add to that an available 6-speed manual transmission with 2-speed transfer case and an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and FJ Cruiser possesses impressive off-road capability.  Solid body-on-frame construction keeps the FJ Cruiser rigid, which helps the suspension do its work.  The independent front suspension system delivers nearly eight inches of wheel travel, while the 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod offers more than nine inches.  In short: On rocks, it rocks.

Back on pavement, its Vehicle Stability control (VSC) adjusts engine power and braking to help the vehicle maintain the direction in which it has been steered, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps reduce slipping when accelerating.  In the end, while the terrain may be uncertain, you can always count on the quality and reliability of FJ Cruiser.

Out in nature, the ability to adapt is key.  To help you survive the wilderness in maximum comfort, the driver's seat of the FJ Cruiser is adjustable eight ways.  And when it comes to loading or unloading passengers and cargo, the front passenger seat's new design allows it to fold farther forward, while the two full-size passenger doors and two rear access doors offer added flexibility.  Once you get back from the trail, the doors' wide-open functionality also makes removal of dust and debris from the easy-clean interior a breeze.  With so much adaptability, you could say the FJ Cruiser is highly evolved.

The 2011 FJ Cruiser comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System.  This integration of safety features serves the fundamental aim of helping to assist drivers to avoid accidents in the first place.  It includes Vehicle Stability control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Call or visit our showroom today to learn more about the incredible versatile FJ Cruiser.



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Safe Side: Back to School

Back-to-school season means increased child pedestrian activity and traffic congestion in and around neighborhoods and school zones. AAA urges drivers to be especially cautious and alert during the morning and afternoon hours.

Launched in 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities, AAA's "School's Open - Drive Carefully" campaign encourages motorists to stay alert in areas where children are present, particularly during the times right before and right after school, when children are most likely to be nearby. Motorists should be on the lookout for children who may dart into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops and in neighborhoods. School-age children can be especially vulnerable in areas with heavy traffic volume, vehicles parked on the street, higher posted speed limits and few pedestrian-control devices.

The AAA Automobile Club offers the following advice for motorists to keep children safe as they navigate their way through school zones:

- Obey the speed limit. School zone speed limits are purposefully set low. Children are unpredictable and may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car.

- Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.

- Always stop for loading or unloading school buses. It may be tempting to drive around stopped school buses. It's not only dangerous, but against the law.

- Drive distraction-free. AAA research shows that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your chance of crashing. Putting down your phone makes you a safer driver and sets a good example for young passengers and pedestrians.

- Plan ahead. Leave early for your destination and build in extra time for congestion--this will help you avoid the temptation to speed or disobey traffic laws in an attempt to "catch up" after being delayed. Consider modifying your route to avoid school zones and traffic.



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Tech Tips by Jason Beaulieu: Ten Commandments of Car Care

Consistent car care is the health insurance for your car. To help keep your car on the road and running in top condition, review these 10 maintenance tips:

1) Review your owner's manual, which explains how the car works. The manual is the first step to becoming a maintenance savvy car owner.

2) Change the motor oil and filter regularly. Engine oil is the most vital fluid your vehicle needs to operate. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles.

3) Protect the fuel system and be cautious at the pump. Always use the type of gas recommended for your vehicle. If you see a fuel tanker refilling a gas pump, try a different gas station for your fill-up. When the gasoline from the tanker is poured into the in-ground tanks, water and settled debris is stirred up. This debris could enter your vehicle's gas tank and cause problems.

4) Keep the battery running and the case clean. The battery and charging system should be checked at a service facility at least once a year. Clean the battery case by wiping it with moist paper towels and a mild detergent. Dirt and residue on the case can cause a current drain on the battery.

5) Conduct a basic belt inspection once a month to prevent premature engine wear and extend your vehicle's life. Carefully inspect the belts including edges and undersides for any signs of wear.

6) Don't ignore brake noises. Brakes should be inspected every 6,000 miles.

7) Keep a close eye on tire inflation and tread wear. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. Before a long trip, always inspect your tires for signs of wear or road debris that may have penetrated the tire.

8) Change the air filter once a year or after 12,000 miles. Change the filter more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust, dirt or smog.

9) Schedule an appointment at a service facility for a vehicle engine inspection every 30,000 miles. The inspection allows a service technician to check the engine functions.

10) Maintain the cooling system. The coolant level should be within one inch of the top of the radiator filler neck, and the coolant should be free of contaminants. Flush or refill the cooling system at 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

Please call our Service Department at 532-2928 if you every have any questions or concerns about your vehicle.  We are happy to help you.


Pictured: Jason Beaulieu



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A Message from Dick York

Business has been good at York's of Houlton this year.  The fact that our Company has put down fundamental "roots" on all sides over many years helps us to prosper even though our local economy is not booming.  Two years ago we completed a major construction project that doubled our size, adding needed capacity in our cramped service department and office areas.  The addition of several technicians in the new space has given us the opportunity to become a very competitive "Tire and Auto Center".

Eight years ago we formed Fresh Start Finance Co., a division that specializes in helping customers with credit issues to purchase a vehicle.  At first, John Haskell was the only employee in Fresh Start.  Now he manages five other full time people.  Most of the cars we sell through Fresh Start are deals we couldn't have made without their financing. 

Twenty-one years ago we became a Toyota dealer.  A young man who worked for Ford Motor Co. as a traveling sales rep in Maine became good friends with a Ford dealer who helped him get started.  That dealer was Gerard York and the young man, who changed jobs shortly after leaving Maine, eventually became the New England regional manager for Toyota.  When we applied for a Toyota franchise we were truly given a warm welcome by the regional manager.  It's a good thing to be the only Maine Toyota dealer north of Bangor!

Forty-three years ago York Ford Sales, with nine employees, took over the Ford dealership from the Ralph L. Berry Co.  At the time, Jerry and I were studying (and enjoying ourselves) at the University of Maine.  In 1975 we both joined the company fulfilling a dream that I'd had since day one.

Now for the biggest number, 85.  That will be Dad's age next month.  He comes in to "the garage" every day, including Sundays!  He looks forward to conversations with many of us here, especially those who favor the Red Sox.  With Boston now leading their division and bird hunting just around the corner, Dad has a very optimistic outlook.  He is certainly our strongest "root".

Back to the future.  We're planning to add a Business Development Center next January.  It will be in house and employ 5 to 7 people.  Its main functions are to improve communication with the thousands of our current customers.  We'll be talking lots about the BDC this fall, so stay tuned.

With Zach and Rebecca off to college last week, Sue and I became empty nesters.  Not bad so far.


Pictured: Dick York