Newsletter

February 2011

Tow Truck Service, Vehicle Safety Tips and a highlight on the 2010 Toyota Matrix

New Faces at York's of Houlton

A strong team needs individuals who are dedicated to giving their best at work.  Highly self-motivated, committed, ambitious employees give the most to their company and its customers and we believe we have the best employees around.

Here at York’s of Houlton, we pride ourselves on having a low turnover rate; a significant portion of our employees has been here 10 or more years.  However, the dealership has grown over the years and we are constantly searching for talented and motivated employees.  We are proud to hire the best people and create an employment atmosphere in which they can pursue and achieve their career goals and enjoy a fun and rewarding work environment.  We look for people who can serve our customers well, team with their fellow employees, and strive for excellence.

Over the past month we have created two brand new positions and also added a salesperson to our sales team.  We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our newest employees.

Kevin Bailey has taken a position as our tow truck driver.  Along with this responsibility he will also be helping out around the Service Department.  Kevin is an experienced tow truck driver and has over 25 years experience in the towing business.  Kevin and his wife, Deana, live in Houlton with their children, Tyler and Morgan.  Kevin is also a skilled mason and spends his free time involved in masonry projects.                        .

David Carter has accepted a position in our Sales Department.  Although David has never worked for a car dealership before, he has several years of sales experience in other fields.  David said one of the reasons he was interested in working at York’s of Houlton was that is a family owned business and he thought it would be a great atmosphere in which to work.  David and his wife, Danielle, live in Littleton with their two children, Elijah and Enoch.  In his spare time David enjoys spending time with his family and is an accomplished artist.

Cristina (Cristy) Maher has joined the Service Department as a Service Advisor.  When you walk in the door to the Service Department, her smiling face will be one of the first you see.  With her enthusiasm and high energy level, Cristy has immediately immersed herself in learning about her new role.  Her background in customer-oriented businesses, we are confident that Cristy will be an excellent representative for York’s of Houlton.

We welcome Kevin, David and Cristina to the family at York’s of Houlton and hope you get a chance to meet them soon.



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In-House News: Tow Truck Service "One Call Does It All"

You’re broke down, you’re stranded, and to say the least you are having a really bad day.  The last thing you need at that point is to have some towing company make it even worse.  Welcome to York’s of Houlton Towing Service, where we offer the best and most professional towing and recovery service in town.  We’ll go anywhere at any time to recover your vehicle at prices that will fit your budget.

At York’s of Houlton it is our mission to provide you with courteous service in your moment of need. 

We are fully insured to tow your vehicle and take pride in doing the job correct and hassle free. We take every precaution to ensure that your vehicle is securely strapped and ready to be transported. 

We are a family owned and operated business and have been in the automotive industry serving Houlton and the surrounding areas since 1968. 

Towing Services:

24 Hour a Day, 7 Days a Week Towing:
•    Local
•    Long Distance - Call us for a free quote on our long distance services.
•    Cars and Light Trucks

24 Hour a Day, 7 Days a Week Roadside Service:
•    Jump Starts
•    Lockouts
•    Flat Tires

Call York’s of Houlton at 694-0462 for reliable 24-hour towing services.




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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.

The Employee of the Month for January was Robbin Brewer.  Robbin has worked in Fresh Start Finance Company for several years as a salesperson.  In the next few months she will be transitioning from that position to take on more administrative duties.  Robbin is a hard worker and has already taken on more administrative duties while still selling vehicles.  Robbin lives in Monticello with her husband, Patrick and their 4 children.


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Product Information: 2010 Toyota Matrix

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a car design that spits fire, yet speaks volumes about quality and dependability.  It’s a driving experience that stimulates conversations, yet in the same breath, leaves the driver speechless.  The 2010 Matrix gives you style and performance, technology and comfort, but most importantly, Matrix gives you confidence.  Its potent yet fuel-efficient VVT-I engine delivers an EPA-estimated 29 highway mpg rating - saving gas has never looked so good.

Slip behind the wheel of the 2010 Matrix, and the cockpit’s controls and gauges embrace you.  Nine speakers soak you in powerful sound from an available JBL audio system that includes XM Satellite Radio capability with Bluetooth wireless technology, for more convenient, hands-free phone calls.  Or plug into your own music with the auxiliary audio jack.  Matrix’s available DVD navigation system with available XM NavTraffic can help you zero in on your destination with ease.

Comfort, style, and room to move: Matrix has it all. The Toyota designers gave Matrix a spacious, 5-passenger interior filled with intelligent features and crafted from sporty materials that complement the aggressive attitude of Matrix.  Settle into the stylishly contoured surroundings and feel yourself unwind as you sense the quiet, comfort and quality that’s been engineered into Matrix.

Every now and then you’ve got stuff you need to pick up and carry. Which is why the Matrix was designed with 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space.  It’s a roomy compartment, easily accessible through a rear hatch, one that opens the door to all kinds of possibilities.  And convenient anti-slip rubber strips in the cargo floor help keep what you pack right where you put it in the first place.

The 2010 Matrix has you in mind when it comes to advanced safety engineering.  Matrix has the protection of 3-point seatbelts at every seating position.  Matrix comes standard with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that consists of six airbags.  The SRS includes driver and front passenger advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.  Another advanced safety feature that’s standard on Matrix: active front headrests. In the event of certain rear-end collisions, sensors in the lumbar region of the front seats trigger the movement of the headrests up and forward to help position the headrests to the back of the occupants’ heads.

Matrix drivers also benefit from advanced technology designed to help when cornering.  Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) automatically regulates engine output and brake-force distribution to the wheels and provides Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist torque to help the driver steer in the direction that provides greatest control.

The 2010 Matrix has all this and much more to offer. Stop by York’s of Houlton and test drive a Matrix today!




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Safe Side: Vehicle Safety Tips

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, operating that vehicle safely is your most important consideration. Allowing dangerous distractions or faulty equipment to go unchecked is a recipe for disaster. It is important for all drivers to recognize these dangers and take steps to mitigate them.

Check Your Headlights Before it Gets Dark

If you have a problem with your headlights, it may not become apparent until it is too late. The time to check out your headlights is before it gets dark. Keep in mind that headlights can dim over time, so even if your headlights are working they may not be providing the amount of light you need to drive safely after dark. If your lights seem dim or you are having trouble driving at night, it is a good idea to replace your headlights. When replacing worn out headlights, be sure to ask your mechanic to aim them properly. Improperly aligned headlights can be dangerous to you and to other drivers as well.

Keep the Inside of Your Windshield Clean

Haze on the interior of your windshield can make the glare of oncoming headlights blinding, and this temporary blindness could very well cause an accident. Cleaning the interior of your website can be a challenge, but you can make it easier by using a cleaning brush that is contoured to the window. A contoured brush with a microfiber head makes a good choice. After the windshield has been cleaned inside and out, it is important to park the car facing the sun so you can detect and remove any removing haze, dirt or debris.

Avoid Distractions

There are three main types of distraction:

•    Visual - taking your eyes off the road
•    Manual - taking your hands off the wheel
•    Cognitive - taking your mind off what you’re doing

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.
While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

Other distracting activities include:

•    Using a cell phone
•    Eating and drinking
•    Talking to passengers
•    Grooming
•    Reading, including maps
•    Using a PDA or navigation system
•    Watching a video
•    Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player.



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Tech Tips by Jordan Ouellette: Body Shop Tips

At York’s of Houlton Body Shop, it is our goal to help restore our customers’ cars to their original beauty following an accident, collision, or other minor damage. In addition, we also want our customers to be able to keep their cars looking new for years to come. Therefore, we have provided the following general car care tips to help keep your car, truck, van, or SUV’s original paint in the best condition.

Repair Chips and Scratches

Small chips and scratches can occur as a result of every day driving due to rocks and debris on the road. It is important to repair small chips or scratches as immediately as possible in order to prevent rust and corrosion from forming on your car’s metal body. Minor scratch repairs can be done at home using a polishing compound. In addition, you can order matching paint from the dealer and apply it with a toothpick to repair larger chips in your cars paint. If you are uncomfortable making these minor scratch and chip repairs yourself, contact Bodyshop@yorksofhoulton. and learn how we can help.

New Paint Care Tips

There are several important things that you should know about caring for new paint surfaces following any auto body repair that requires repainting. Since new paint is not initially as durable as your car’s original paint, the following are some important care tips that you should follow after your vehicle has undergone auto body repairs requiring partial or complete body repainting.

•    Wait 60 days for the paint to cure before waxing new paint. After the first 60 days, wax new paint every 2-6 months.
•    Use a high quality carnauba wax on new paint surfaces for the best protection. This wax has a natural base and rock hard finish to protect your paint.
•    Avoid extreme heat or cold temperatures when your car has new paint.
•    Avoid driving on gravel roads with new paint, as the paint is easier to chip in the first 60 days.
•    Do not park under trees that drop sap, as this can spot a new finish.
•    Be mindful to avoid bird dropping especially during the first 60 days with new paint as bird droppings are highly acidic and can ruin new paint.
•    Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on your car’s new finish. If you do, rinse immediately with water.
•    Do not scrape ice or snow from freshly painted car surfaces.

 



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A Message from Dick York

The National Automobile Dealers Association held their annual convention in San Francisco last week.  My brother, Jerry and his wife, Jane attended.  The news Jerry brought home was quite cheerful.  First, the industry buzz is all about car sales improving throughout this year.  There will admittedly be shortages of inventory on dealer’s lots because the manufacturers have leaned down their production facilities during the last two years of tough business.  The supply chain to an auto assembly plant includes dozens of smaller suppliers so major production increases must be planned for months.  Those plans are in place and production increases have been announced.

The second bit of news Jerry brought came directly from a “Ford dealers only” meeting at the NADA convention site in San Francisco.  Mr. Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and CEO also attended that meeting.  Since GM and Chrysler downsized their dealer count, we’ve been concerned about Ford company plans regard its small town dealers.  At the Ford dealer meeting, it was announced the company has decided to provide future support to help strengthen its smaller dealers.  The decision was made based on Ford’s belief they will out compete Chevy in rural areas that have no local Chevrolet dealership.  Houlton may be a perfect example!

Jerry and Jane also had the pleasure of visiting with their daughter, Ellen, who lives in San Francisco.

Last week some more surprisingly good news came via international media.  According to several sources, the U.S. Government (NHTSA) with the help of NASA, has finally determined there were no electronic failures in any of the highly publicized Toyota unintended acceleration cases.  I’m happy to hear this report for several reasons, including the fact that some Toyota owners who have been fearful of mysterious forces taking control of their car can now be relieved.  It’s also good to know there is now no real reason to suspect a Toyota “cover up” of damaging secrets.

Not much to report on the family front.  Jessica and her two boys are spending the winter here.  She is managing her horse farm while the restaurant in Alaska is closed for the season.  Meg is working long hours selling all of the crops we produce on Nature’s Circle Farm, as well as caring for her three children.  Rebecca, my stepdaughter, is doing well in her freshman year at UMO and her brother Zach is really enjoying his senior year at Houlton High.  Jamie, who is doing an excellent job as sales manager here at York’s, has the extra burden of working next to me all day.