Saturday, September 15, 2012

Top 10 Volvo Innovations

Today, I want to step away from the Internet world and make a list of the Top 10 Volvo Innovations. People often forget what has become a daily part of their life.  The safety features in your car that you might take for granted was innovating at one point in life.  When I did my research to find out the most innovating things Volvo has done, I was in awe.  I went around the dealership asking my fellow workers which one is the most important.  Without further ado, The Top 10 Volvo Innovations:

10. Integrated 2-Stage Booster Seats, 2007
As simple as it may seem, it helps!  All the mothers around the world wished they had this in their car.  People spend a good amount of money on booster seats, and are a hassle to remove or change.  All you have to do is pull on a lever and up goes the booster seat.

9. Door Mounted Inflation Curtain, 2005
Convertibles are awesome, but also the most dangerous body style for any make or model.  You are exposed entirely if you flip over, or are involved in a tragic accident.  The original inflatable curtain was designed to come from the top of a sedan or SUV.  This innovation increased the safety on convertibles which leads me to:

8. Full Length Inflatable Curtain, 1998

There used to be no protection from the side windows.  If there was an accident, then your head would smash into the side windows almost every time.  It would cause serious injuries or sometimes death.  The Full Length Inflatable Curtain (IC) protected you from that and so much more.

7. Whiplash Protection System, 1998

6. Side Impact Airbags, 1994

5. Side Impact Protection System, 1991

4. Blind Spot Information System, 2004
Have you ever been in an accident because a car was on your blind side? Have you ever caught yourself swerving to avoid a collision because you couldn't see the car beside you?  On our number 4 spot, we have the BLIS System.  A small, but noticeable light will light up whenever there is a car on your blind side.  Don't you wish you had one?

3. Pedestrian Detection, 2010
We are in the future!  Never have we thought cars can be this smart and the Pedestrian Detection has to be one of the most exciting innovations in recent years.  not only does the Volvo detect a pedestrian, but it will apply the brakes before you do.

2.City Safety System, 2009
I know I said the Pedestrian Detection was one of the most exciting innovations in recent years, but the City Safety tops it.  For those who do not know what City Safety is than be prepared to be in awe.  It is a system to avoid low speed collisions by a laser mounted on the top windshield and applies the brakes if a crash is imminent.

1. 3 Point Front Lap/Shoulder Seat belt, 1959
The seat belt you use today was invented by Volvo in 1959!  We chose this as number one for various and obvious reasons.  It has saved countless lives and will continue to do so.  Before this, there was only a lap belt that didn't really do much in the name of safety.

Well, there you have it.  The Top 10 Volvo Innovations that we feel should be mentioned.  Were you surprised when you read this list?  Do you agree or disagree?  Share your opinions and stay safe. 

References:
http://www.volvocars.us
http://www.dyervolvo.com

Friday, September 14, 2012

Negotiating is a thing of the Past

We all remember how a car sales man may have a trick up his sleeve. We always have to be cautious because they may be selling us a a bad car or it's over priced.  As car buyers, we see them as sneaky crooks and they are just trying to get the most money out of our pockets and then we'll never hear from them again.

That, my friend, is a thing of the past.  The Internet has changed the way your "traditional" car dealers function.  Now, I do work for Dyer & Dyer Volvo and by no means my blogs are to bash on competition.  I'm here to educate the public because where are at a place right now where car dealerships have evolved from "must sell" to "exceed customer experience."

I will use Dyer and Dyer as an example.  Dyer & Dyer Volvo of Atlanta is a Sonic Automotive Premier Dealership which is a Fortune's 500 company.  They currently have one thing in their minds: "Simple & Straightforward." They want to make a your dealership experience to be simple and straightforward by giving the customer (you) control.  There's no hassle and you choose what to do next.  If you want to appraise your car, see interest rates, view the inventory, or just compare brands.

There is a team constantly working in making sure you get the best deal from the get-go.  They research similar cars (miles, history, year, model, trim package, etc.) and price them according to the market.  You'll be sure you will not be spending more in any other dealership.  How is this possible?

The Internet has revolutionized the world.  How you connect, research, go to school, and now how to shop for cars.  Negotiating is a thing of the past because weather you want to admit it or not, every car dealership will be like buying milk at a store.  Don't believe me? Look at CarMax, Cars.com, and other automobile giants.

Do you think this is a good direction for the automobile industry?  Write your opinions below!