Reedman Toll

Local Reputation

Reedman Toll has a two-part Unique Value Proposition.  The first element is “local reputation.”

This, upon reading the information, seems more than justified.  But as to the website itself, the web master could do a bit better organizing job.  When you click on the link to “customer reviews” you don’t get any. You get the dealership’s own analysis and evaluation.

Yet, those reviews ARE available, under a different tab on the website. 

If you go under “About Us” and Under “Testimonials” and-or under “A Woman’s View” you will get customer reviews and testimonials.

Yet, it is a drawback that you cannot get to these by clicking on “Read Customer Reviews” from the home page.

Part of the local reputation is that Reedman Toll involves itself in community [and wider] issues; and posts informative articles on those matters on its site.  For example, one dealing with pregnant women and seat belts.  It was excellent; and even to me [who am not pregnant] very revealing as to how seat belts ought to be positioned for maximum safety and so on. 

Superb article, and this kind of thing is just the ticket that makes for a company’s local positive reputation.

Inventory

The second part of Reedman Toll’s Unique Value Proposition is inventory, which their Internet sales manager refers to as “second to none.”

This is a good thing for consumers:  economy of scale.   On an economy of scale, such a dealership can offer you a much reduced price over other dealerships with a lesser inventory.  Their inventory presumably changes daily, if not even minute-to-minute; but is impressive overall.

Of particular note:  those looking for used cars, the website for Reedman Toll has a special category for “under $10,000” cars, starting at about $3,800 [today, December 6, 2012]  Presumably, the lowest prices will change as inventory is sold.

Definitely a go-to dealership.

“A Woman’s View”

It’s reverse sexist, I know, but I really liked the fact that Reedman Toll has a section on their website called “A Woman’s View.”  Certainly, there are practical things, like pregnant women and seat belts, that apply.  Yet, there are also women who are on two opposite sides of the car-related scale:  those who know nothing at all and rely on such posts, and those who know enough to be female mechanics but are not respected.  [And a few in between, who know some basics but not enough to be mechanics.] 

[Blog author smiles and waves:  that last is me.  Learned what I needed to when I needed to.  Not really technically competent.  But I have left mechanics open-mouthed at times at my instinctive “this is what is wrong, isn’t it?” response.]

That is a great “pull” for potential customers.  Reedman Toll Caters to this kind of consumer, but makes it look like they aren’t “babying.”  Good P.R. all around.

If you’d like to take advantage of some of Reedman Toll’s public information articles, please visit their newsletter page at:  http://m5.tm00.com/tmsubscribe.net/current.aspx?n=20&pid=%20&pgid=926&m=

To prove out the first element of the unique value proposition, start by visiting the website at
http://www.reedmantollmazda.com .  See our inventory at Reedman Toll Mazda.

2013 Fiat Panda 4x4

2013 Fiat Panda 4x4

 Driving devotees in the United States, particularly those who follow developments in the category of four wheel drive, off-road capable vehicles are avidly interested in a 2013 European car model unlikely to become available in the United States.  And they take such notice with good reason.

Enthusiasts find much to recommend the 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4.  They take stock in observing the developments in this particular vehicle in hopes that a manufacturer – most likely the Jeep line – will introduce a similar model vehicle into the United States market in the upcoming years.  This particular vehicle model combines a variety of design elements that provide a wide range of attractions for those who find it preferable to use a four-wheel drive vehicle.  The appealing elements of this vehicle involve both elements of the style or appearance of and of functionality.  Style elements include improvements on exterior presentation and interior features of the 2013 model year in comparison with the prior model year.

The Fiat company introduced the 2013 Panda 4x4 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.  The 2013 model incorporates several improvements over the design of the prior model year of this vehicle.

Most of the design improvements address functionality elements, but the manufacturer also introduced two new colors into the available color choices for the body of the vehicle and some interior changes.

The Fiat Panda 4x4, categorized as a mini-SUV, has a look that combines a sense of sportiness with a sense of elegance.   As a mini-SUV, it is a relatively affordable vehicle for the SUV class.  This sizing also adds better fuel economy than typical for the SUV category of vehicles as another advantage.

The Panda is a 5-door vehicle, about the size as a standard compact car.  The vehicle incorporates a permanent 4-wheel drive. 

One substantial improvement involves a lighter rear-wheel base suspension which provides for a more comfortable ride, and also reduces road noise.

Other improvements in the design of 2013 design aspects of the Fiat Panda 4x4 afford more efficiency in the model’s ability to handle off-road or slippery condition driving situations, providing for greater traction that compares well with larger 4x4 SUV vehicles.  Improved tailpipe placement also gives this vehicle model more structural integrity than the previous model year of the Panda 4x4.

The 2013 Panda has a six-speed transmission.  Fiat also offers a choice with the 4x4 model of two engine types:  a Twin-Air turbo and a diesel engine model.

With so much going for the 2013 Panda Fiat, available only on the European market, many 4x4 devotees and professional car reviewers are watching the roll-out of this mini-SUV model carefully in hopes that a manufacturer such as Jeep will come up with a similar model mini-SUV for release into the United States market as promptly as practicable.

You’ll likely see more write-ups on this solely European market vehicle model in the near future. For more information you can read it at FIAT of Hurst, your Texas car dealer.

References:

2013 Fiat Panda 4xf is ‘go anywhere’ in a small package, Jeffrey N. Ross, http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/2013-fiat-panda-4x4-paris-2012/

Fiat Panda 4x4 (2013), http://www.netcarsho.com/fiat/2013-panda_4x4/

Huge Gallery of Fiata’s New 2014 4x4 and Panda Trekking, http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/huge-galler-of-fiat-new-2013-panda-4x4.html

Five Ways to Beat Writer's Block

Here are five tips to curtail writer's block:


1.   Write about the pen or pencil you are holding.  This works
especially well if you get a souvenir pen from a tourist area with
peices that slide around inside.  Now you have both the slider and the
tourist location to write about!


2.    Use a Scripture study guidebook to give you a writing prompt, and
write your response to it.


3.    Write a little about the last book you read:  a book review or a
contemplation.


4.    Write an unsent letter to a friend.  Even better, write an unsent
letter to an enemy [real or imagined.]

5.    Write a letter to a (real or imagined) confessor:  write about
what has gone wrong in your life.





Hopefully, I can do more of these types entries in the days coming up,
also.

American Icons – Jeep® Vehicles

Jeep® producers have a unique and distinct history in the American automobile production industry.

Starting at the very outset, the engineering of the Jeep® models came about based upon meeting or exceeding specific United States Army requirements.  The Jeep® line has gone through a diverse range of players and owners starting out from its very beginning, when the first Army-approved model had some input from at least three different automobile producer companies.

With the U. S. Army requiring a production of a sufficient number of vehicles of the selected model out of three prototypes in a relatively short time, necessity dictated cooperation between two manufacturers using the same design.  Yet a third company, the American Bantam company, had actually produced an original design.  However, when the U. S. Army became concerned about the already bankrupt American Bantam company’s inadequate size in terms of meeting the contract, the Army arranged for transfer of the original design to two other manufacturers with the directive to make their own design changes. 

At this point, the Willys Overland and Ford companies became involved, each producing prototypes.   The Army chose the Jeep® Willys Quad as the successful prototype, and this became the first Jeep® vehicle to actually go on the market:  marketed exclusively to the Army, starting in 1941.  Apart from the now popular four-wheel drive, the original Jeep® prototype incorporated an even more powerful engine than that which the Army had specified.

While one does get a certain sense of that nostalgic feel of looking over a classic or antique car from certain of the Willys Quad’s lines in photographs, in other ways the look of certain contemporary Jeep® models, such as the Jeep® Wrangler, remains remarkably similar to this earliest full-production model.

The manufacturers supplied the Army with two full-production models based on the original Willys Quad prototype:  The Willys MA and the Willys MB.

It took little time, partially influenced by the perceptions of servicemen who used the Jeep®s during the war, for the general population to realize the need for broadening the Jeep® market into the general population.  With additional post-war modifications to adapt for uses like agricultural applications, this led to the next generation of Jeep® vehicles, the CJ – or Civilian Jeep® – line by 1945.

The CJ line, as used in civilian applications, contributed significantly to the post-World War II restoration of prosperity in the United States.

Additionally, between the two, the original Jeep® Willys and the Jeep® CJ 2A models became the basis for a variety of other, later developed, four-wheel drive vehicles and the entire Sport Utility category of vehicles. 

Later Jeep® models would continue to innovate in various ways, maintaining the heritage of solid design and adapting the line so as to supply models suited to a variety of specific uses.

The heritage of the Jeep® line, therefore, offers valuable lessons both on the design innovation and the marketing adaptability categories of automotive production that other industry players could do well to learn from.

For those readers interested in more contemporary Jeep® models, you can find reviews on many models at the Dewey Dodge dealer of Des Moines website at
 www.deweydodgejeep.com.

References:

Jeep Heritage:  Multiple Blogs:    http://blog.jeep.com/category/heritage/page/3/

Jeep.   Wikopedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep

2013 BMW 1-series review

Since that’s what I know, I’m going to consider the BMW-1 series of cars from the perspective of a potential purchaser.

According to at least one automotive reviewer who generally rates this series of cars highly, the BMW-1 series does have the drawback of being somewhat cramped in terms of space.  This issue applies particularly to the rear seats of the vehicle.

An advantage to this series of vehicles, however, is that the model line incorporates the ability to upgrade features after initial purchase.

As with many European cars, the consumer also has the assurance by reputation of a general standard of reliability of the vehicle.

The 2013 BMW-1 series of cars has a design geared specifically to people who enjoy driving for its own sake.  People who look for high-power, high-performance cars when purchasing a vehicle.  Yet, at the same time, people who look for a car that comes closer to a luxury type vehicle sort of driving experience [and riding experience] than a devoted driver interested in the more rough-and-ready type of ride of something like an SUV or ATV.

Clearly, also, being a BMW, this model series is designed for buyers for whom the price point of the vehicles poses no object.

So, what is the profile of consumers for whom this is likely not the car to consider?

Firstly, since all models incorporate a six-speed, manual transmission, this model series is not the right car choice for anyone who either does not know how to drive a manual shift vehicle or does know how but has physical restraints that make clutch operation difficult or impossible.  Even some manual shift proficient drivers who have only driven a three or perhaps four-speed shift may hesitate about choosing this model.

As a car that provides a driving experience somewhat similar to a luxury car but also somewhat similar to a sports car, people who have experienced difficulties with driving a car with the kind of “feel” of a sports car may also prefer to shun this model.  Some medical conditions such as inner ear issues can cause dizziness and perception problems in the sufferer when operating a car with the driving “feel” of a sports car.

People who prefer, or need, a more practical vehicle such as a mini-van, SUV, or even a traditional sedan or station wagon also may prefer another vehicle choice.

Finally, those whose car buying budget forbids consideration of the price points of this series will not make viable consumer candidates for a model in this series. 

But, in a way, even the categories of potential buyers excluded offers a pro on this type of vehicle series:  it reflects a closely targeted market that contributes to the cachet that owners of these vehicles covet.

Coupe models available in three “package” options:  premium, cold-weather and technology packages.  Convertible models available in two package types:  cold-weather and technology – with “cold weather” package seeming an odd option for a convertible model automobile.

For those of you who are ready to pursuit that dream of owning a BMW 1 Series you can visit Baltimore's BMW store - BMW of Towson.

Reference:

2013 BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible Announced, http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691753

What has this to do with Writings?

I'm preparing to start a new series of posts on the blog sometime soon.

I wanted to  introduce that series, as I did with the one adult learner language learning issues.

In this case, I also want to make brief commentary on the relationship between the topic -- vehicular articles -- and Writing(s).

In my mind, there are relationships in a few different ways.

To start out, certain well-known authors -- notably Julia Cameron but she's not alone in this -- have observed that during drive time is a productive creative "think time" for many of us.

Secondly, as I have commented in earlier entries, there is the nostalgia factor of classic and antique cars which can also foster our creative and writerly minds.

Writing product descriptions or product reviews is also a viable freelancing option for some writers.

There are also the consumer aspects which are involved in purchasing a vehicle;  probably the most significant purchase decision after a home that most people make.

And, finally, good writers always benefit from stretching their skills and experimenting with writing on new and unfamiliar topics.

So, I will soon be putting some blog posts on the site dealing with different topics related, in one form or another, to vehicles.

Oops!

Deleted inadvertent, semi-duplicate post.


www.kristawriter.com