Spring 2007
Local businesses, volunteers stage sit-in for homeless
HONDA VOLUNTEER:
New Car Sales Consultant Melissa Edwards takes time out from selling cars to 'sell' a good cause
Little did Joe Ranieri realize when he sat in a dumpster for 30 days in 1983 that the publicity would trigger such an outpouring of love and money for the homeless in Palm Beach County. With the funds raised, he founded The Lord's Place.
Fast forward 23 years and the cause is stronger than ever. Local businesses, including Ed Morse Honda, and volunteers from attorneys and firefighters to cashiers and technicians donate their resources and time to call attention to the community's homeless. This year's "Dumpster Days" raised more than $50,000.
Surveys show that there are more than 4,000 homeless people living in Palm Beach County. Many are families with small children. More than 44 percent of the county's homeless have jobs, but do not make enough to afford a home.
A Message from Our General Manager
GENERAL MANAGER CARMINE COLELLA:
'Our goal is to be number one'
In 2001, we were trailing the other area Honda dealer in sales by about 25 vehicles a month. Today, we're about one-and-a half vehicles a month behind. So, what has enabled us to close the gap so dramatically in just five years?
We both sell the same products, right? That means it's got to be something bigger than sedans, SUVs and minivans. When you eliminate the product, what's left? Friendly, knowledgeable people, efficient procedures and fair business practices! We train our associates routinely, and we fine-tune the way we conduct our business continuously -- all in an effort to make your visits fast, fun and effective.
We strive to be first in everything -- customer satisfaction, sales, service. Our membership in Honda's Council of Excellence and the fact that we're on track to receive the prestigious President's Award for the fifth consecutive year are clear indicators that we're succeeding.
Our goal for this year is to be the #1 dealer in our area, and with your help, we'll get there. Please continue to send your friends and family to us. Then hopefully, at year's end, we can celebrate this terrific achievement together.
2007 Accord -- Luxury Above and Beyond
SECRET TO SUCCESS: High value factor, strong fun-to-drive quotient, reliability and ergonomics are the essence of Honda Accord's winning formula
The Honda Accord has been named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for the 21st time in the last 25 years. The Accord has won this prestigious award more than any other vehicle in the award's history.
What's the secret? All-around excellence. According to the experts at Car and Driver the Accord is the family-sedan equivalent of a utility infielder who makes the all-star squad. It is always at the top of the charts in fit and finish, ergonomics, road manners, reliability and resale value. And no other manufacturer achieves such excellence so consistently.
Best Buy
Consumer Guide™ Automotive named the Honda Accord as a "Best Buy" Midsize Car. The annual Best Buy list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 17 categories and includes a total of 81 vehicles. Criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value, are used to assess each vehicle.
And, Consumer Reports says: The Accord features agile handling and a steady, compliant ride. The cabin is roomy, and controls are intuitive. The four-cylinder is smooth, and the V6 is relatively fuel-efficient. Crash-test results are impressive.
The award-winning 2007 Accord delivers high-end luxury with all the accoutrements -- and takes it easy on the environment. Which one* should you get?
*The 2007 Accord Coupe starts at $20,475; the Sedan at $18,625 and the Hybrid Sedan at $31,090.
In the Spotlight: Dave Glover
USED CAR MANAGER DAVE GLOVER:
'Honda's hold their value better than any other brand, which helps make my job easier'
A born salesman, Dave Glover was an insurance agent for two years when he decided to look for a sales position in a different industry. That was in 1986 and he's been selling cars ever since.
"I was working at a Dodge dealership in Minnesota, and my dad, who had already moved to Florida, was always bragging about how beautiful the weather was here," explains Dave. "Whenever he got his car serviced, he'd call and say 'Dave, let me have you talk to the manager, he's looking for salespeople'.
"My family and I finally gave in and moved here in 1997. I managed the Ed Morse Auto Park on Northlake before it was sold. We carried Chrysler, Jeep and Oldsmobile brands. I made the move to the Honda store in 2001.
"My responsibilities include hiring and training the department's salespeople; overseeing the buying, selling and reconditioning of our used cars; and handling the advertising and marketing programs for the department. We carry all makes and models and typically have a pre-owned inventory of 100 vehicles, half of which are Honda certified.
Originally from Binghamton, N. Y., Dave and his family live in Jupiter, Fla. He married his high school sweetheart, Lori, more than 25 years ago, and they have two children -- Emily, 14, and Mikey, 12. In their spare time, the family likes to bowl, vacation in the mountains or at the beach, and fish on Lake Okeechobee.
Honda Classic Kick-off Benefits Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation
Ed Morse Honda, along with other Palm Beach County Honda dealers, served as a Presenting Sponsor for The Honda Classic kick-off party celebrating the return of the Honda Classic to PGA National's renowned Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Honda Classic expects to generate a minimum of $1 million for charity this year. The Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation provides charitable support for activities that enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders. It supports not-for-profit programs and projects aimed at pediatric healthcare and health-related services with the Nicklaus Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center as a major focal point.
Honda Odyssey Still Benchmark by Which All Minivans Are Judged
SEAMLESS OPERATION: 2007 Odyssey delivers a giant return on investment in comfort, versatility and overall driving pleasure
The Honda Odyssey is the defending champion of Motor Trend's minivan all-stars' game. When it went head to head with the top-line Dodge Caravan SXT, the 2007 Nissan Quest and Kia Sedona, it scored another home run.
Advantage Odyssey
• Richest leather, most legible instruments, best ergonomics and highest level of refinement
• Anchor seat for a child carrier or center tray
• Biggest 60/40 split third bench
• 38.4 cubic feet to stash stuff, large rear well to secure cargo and seats
• DVD system with wireless headphones, remote-control and a 9-inch screen
• 36.7-foot turning radius
• Variable Cylinder Management nets two mpg in the city and three mpg on the highway
Edmunds Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007
Year after year the Honda Odyssey comes out on top as the minivan we'd most like to have parked in our driveway.
Since 2000 the Odyssey has earned our top pick every year but one... It's not that other minivans aren't up to the task... but the Honda Odyssey is such a compelling van on the whole, it's almost in a class of its own. Not only does the Odyssey have the expected interior features, it's also fun to drive and has excellent seats, an available 9-inch nav screen and the option of run-flat tires. The V6 engine delivers 255 horsepower and does so in a quiet and refined manner. If you need a minivan but want a sport sedan, the Odyssey is the most reasonable compromise you'll find. Think of it as the BMW of minivans.
Spring Car Care Key To Trouble-free Summer Driving
Time spent preparing your car for a summer road trip may prevent expensive and inconvenient breakdowns.
• Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.
• Check your car's owner's manual to insure you are using the correct type of engine coolant.
• Check motor oil and condition. If driving under extreme conditions -- such as very hot temperatures or towing a heavy trailer -- switching to a motor oil with higher viscosity may be recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts as well as worn, cracked, blistered or soft radiator and heater hoses.
• Examine tires for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure all tires, including the spare, are inflated properly. Having the proper tire pressure maximizes gas mileage and saves wear and tear on your tires!
• If the tires on your vehicle are more than six years old, consider replacing them.
• Replace worn wiper blades.
• Check the air conditioning system for leaks. All vehicles manufactured since 1995 use R134.
• Hot weather can shorten the life of a car's battery, so weak or old batteries should be tested and replaced if necessary.
• Check fluid levels and tire pressure before, during and after a long road trip.
• Keep a logbook of maintenance items and fuel economy. A sudden drop in fuel mileage could indicate mechanical problems.
Or, better yet, bring your vehicle to us before you head out this summer!
Tech Tips
In Case of Accident...
NEW Service & Parts Hours:
Mon, Thurs, Fri 7:30am-6pm; Tue & Wed 7:30am-9pm; Sat 7:30am-5pm
Most drivers make costly decision errors following an accident. Questions race through your head. Who was at fault? Will my car ever be right again? What are my rights and responsibilities? A calm and informed reaction reduces your chances for additional grief and expense.
Move your vehicle to a safe place, then stop and identify yourself to the other driver. (Some state or local statutes may require the vehicle be left as is.) If it can't be moved, turn on the hazard lights. Seek medical help if needed, and notify the police. Tell them who you are, where you are and about any obvious or claimed injuries.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) including driver's license numbers. Get the driver's name, address, telephone numbers and name of insurance company. Also, list any passengers and witnesses.
Get names and badge numbers of any police officers at the scene. If there are injuries or extensive damage, the police should file a report. Ask to get a copy.
Avoid discussions about who is responsible for damage. If the other person admits responsibility, offers a money settlement and you accept, any future claim against the driver may be compromised. You or the other party may later find damage and bodily injury not apparent at first.
Write a complete description of the accident as soon as possible. Include weather conditions, estimated speeds and as much precise information as you can observe. Take photographs if possible.