Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

All those politicians in D.C. would have been working night and day if they thought they might actually go over a physical cliff.

driver, I don't know what we would do around here without you to entertain us.

Here is my complete post:
I know, we are trying to do our bit to keep the economy rolling, even in spite of many of the politicians. If every one bought 2 new cars a year like you do (geez, I bought 3 in a year) think how much better the economy would be.

There probably wouldn't be a physical cliff at all

Not sure why you would want to twist that "fun" comment around and make a comment that sounds like I don't know what I am talking about.

My guess is some resentment about commenting on your political news. You may be surprised that I have very good and civil conversations with my American neighbors and tennis players when I am here. That's what makes the world go around...people talking and learning from other people.

I try to avoid any real political comments here these days because it upsets some people. My comment was not political....no one could have taken what I said seriously.....well, with one exception.

I own a home here, which is more than many Americans have, I pay local taxes, I buy a heck of a lot of stuff here including a new car and just ordered a new dishwasher, I own a fair amount of U.S stocks in my portfolio, I buy $10s of thousand of dollars worth of books from American suppliers for our business, the economies of our two countries are linked - if you have a recession we will too.

I could have let that one go by and not commented, and, I will continue to avoid making any direct comments about US politics, but, I think that normal mature people are open to sharing ideas - even if you disagree.

Sorry Kirstie....but, I'll let the chips fall where they may.

P.S. One more thought. I may disagree with someone, but, I don't put them down. All ideas and comments can be of value, and everyone should be treated with respect.

driver100

I'm sorry but texting while driving should be a FELONY!

I would be OK with that, and I agree that bluetooth is as much a distraction as talking on a cell phone - in fact, tests have proven that is true.

I think a felony charge for texting and high fines for talking on a cell phone would be a good start. Then see what happens with bluetooth, because I find it isn't too much of a distraction if used wisely - it is just that I guess there are lots of people who don't use it wisely.

driver100

Because people want to listen to Christmas music for a few weeks. If it didn't make financial sense for them to do it, they wouldn't have.
Besides it was only for a few weeks - it's back now.

I know, and that is their call. They only have so many stations so they have to knock the one I listen to off the air to play Christmas songs. There are FM radio stations that do the same at this time of the year.

Not to be a grinch, but the main reason I paid for Sirius was because of Channel 17, so it will be my decision to not renew next year based on that. I don't know if they think about that.

The stores start playing Christmas music in late October now......man, I like some Christmas music quite a bit, like that Paul McCartney song, but, 24 hours a day for over 2 months! Can't those people get some itunes or load up a Flash Drive with songs for the season?

driver100

driver, just admit it! You are a BAH HUMBUG kind of guy!

Exactly!

Enough is enough. One local station back home plays about 5 regular songs and then a Christmas song. I kind of like that, and it makes sense to me.

Nobody can be merry for 2 and a half months, 24 hours a day can they?

Don't other thoughts come into their mind...what will the weather be like tomorrow, wasn't that a terrible snow storm they had in the midwest, will we survive the fiscal cliff? Nope, just merry music 24/7! :sick:

driver100

It does stink that they would take something away you like. We have a local station piped in throughout the office.

We have a few stations that play Christmas music 24/7 beginning in November too. Like I say, one song in 5 is enough I think....gives you the idea without it being overbearing....I could handle that.

I think your office staff would be ok with that and a telephone on hold would work if that was the case. I mean, it's enough to put you in the mood, but, you also have the music you really want.

Sirius doesn't tell you this is going to happen when you sign up....it would have been better if they warn you. I should get a rebate of 2 months for having my favorite channel taken away.

imidazol97

Stores here went from Halloween stuff to Christmas in their seasonal departments this year. Appalling.

What is channel 17 on XM/Sirius?

imidazol97

I spent some time walking the lot at the local car dealer. I had been inside to the parts department for a minor part for my son's Cobalt.

Amazed that since I had been in the showroom to sit in a Cruze and then walked out to the car display lot, not a single salesperson bothered me. Thirty-two degrees. I walked past 3 near the door who said nothing to me; guess I looked like a nonstarter.

I'm interested in replacing our oldest car, but don't know which dependable vehicle I want. So I'm pricing and comparing options and equipment on the stickers.

I was amused while butt-checking the Cruze to listen to the saleman working with an older couple at a nearby table who apparently didn't think he was offering enough on their trade-in. He said that the dealer didn't know how long it would sit on their lot and they were taking a big risk. They just couldn't offer more. I suspect the car was the Lucerne parked next to me in the sales parking. It won't be on their lot 5 days and I suspect they'll auction it instead for quick money. I'll check the dealer lot in a couple of days for the Lucerne. The customer signed while I was sitting there. I suspect he was retired GM and buying on the fixed-pricing plan they benefit from?

houdini1

Lighten up driver, I was not trying to twist anything or make fun of you, and I apologize if you took it that way.

The whole point of my post was to comment on your "unique" spelling and word usage ability, as we have done here often. There is no "physical cliff ". It is the "fiscal cliff ", as in having to do with financials.

I meant it in the best way when I said that you were very entertaining...and I do enjoy your contributions. Yes, we have some disagreements on politics, but that is no big deal to me, because I can tell you are a great guy.

bwia

Is the End of the German Beer Industry Near?

Since we talk a lot about German cars in this forum I wanted to share this Wharton Business School story about the German beer industry.

"Germany's beer industry is shrinking -- for a multitude of reasons. The country is undergoing significant demographic changes characterized by a rapidly aging population and low fertility rate. Moreover, the frequency of beer consumption is falling even as beer is viewed by some consumers as a low-end and high-calorie drink. Indeed, many Germans these days prefer wine to beer. But the German beer industry is not disappearing, and some experts suggest a number of steps that can be taken to shore it up."

Read more at: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=3159

driver100

es, we have some disagreements on politics, but that is no big deal to me.

Great! I am glad you took the time to clarify....and I have to say I have been a little bit sensitive to critisizm (that doesn't look right) these days.

I have my neighbor back home who cut down about 6 30 foot trees to build his pool.....and now I just don't want to talk to him any more. He was at a Christmas party on the block and we avoided him and his wife - there is nothing I could really say to him).

Major business issues where I am dealing with some people I don't know how trustworthy they are.

A legal issue pertaining to the business.

That business about a certain country that we won't mention any more

Other than that, life is good.

Every time I go to write fiscal the first thing I think of is physical.....and when it is getting late, I guess I fail ed to correct it....I must have used the word about 6 times this week, and got 1 wrong.

I thank you kind sir for straightening that out, and sorry to take your comments out of context....let's just get on with the fun....

driver100

Since we talk a lot about German cars in this forum

Since when did we talk about cars on this forum?

The beer industry has to come up with a no calorie beer. I was just a little overweight, but I have lost 8 pounds in 2 months. That isn't easy, my goal is 10 pounds but the last 2 are the hardest. One thing that had to go was beer, not that I drink a lot of it, but it had to go.

I will say, losing 8 pounds feels great, all activities from playing tennis to carrying in the groceries is easier. It is like taking an 8 pound weight off your stomach. I miss bread and potatoes etc., but, this is really worth it!

driver100

I remember the relief every May when students went home

That's a real dilemna. I grew up in a university town and the students did bring a lot of money into town and brought life to the place - sometimes in a bad way.

It was nice and quiet when they left, but, then it started up again when they came back.

Snowbirds are the same.....guess it is a necessary evil if you want your community to thrive.

sterlingdog

I was going to make the same comment that you did, but I read on down the line first. It pays to do that at times. Based on Mr. Grumpy's response, I'm glad that I didn't respond. If I've told him once, I've told him a million times to read over his posts before posting. He's one of my problem students. You took it well and wrote a really nice response....typical of the gentleman that you are.

Richard

sterlingdog

This is your chief advisor calling. You are to return to your "nice mode" immediately. You have veered off the flight path and are heaidng for a storm. Sunny weather suits you better.

Richard

driver100

This is your chief advisor calling. You are to return to your "nice mode" immediately.

Yeh, Ok, I'll go back to being my old loveable self again....if you insist! :P

isellhondas

Don't be so sure about the saleability of that Lucerne.

They aren't all that popular and bring "back of book" numbers at auction.

abacomike

This is your chief advisor calling. You are to return to your "nice mode" immediately. You have veered off the flight path and are heaidng for a storm. Sunny weather suits you better

Hmmm! I have noticed in the past several weeks since *driver got to Florida that he is posting more and more. Additionally, he is espousing his personal beliefs more frequently. The posts seem to be more "emotional" or "affective" (as we educators would say to coin a neutral, non-accusatory word).

I wonder if *driver is really on vacation here in the Sunshine State or is he just bored from the serenity and more reserved hospices of the West Coast of Florida.

In other words, if we really didn't like *driver, we wouldn't bother taking the time to post our "take it down a notch" postings now, would we?

We love you, *driver, and we love to hear your opinions on everything - but I believe Richard and I are merely attempting to bring something you may not be aware of to your attention - take it down a notch or two.

That said, I may need a "physical" to be able to determine how this "fiscal" cliff affected my digeston!

jipster

Oh what a great day to be a Cardinal fan! :shades:

Despite being a huge underdog, the U of L Cards soundly defeated the mighty Florida Gators from the almighty conference of "The S.E.C" in yesterday's Sugar Bowl (insert sarcasm on that last part).

I thought U of L played a great game, and had vastly improved as a team since their last game 4 weeks ago. The better team won.

abacomike

Don't be so sure about the saleability of that Lucerne

I agree, isell, as I usually deducted about $1000 or so from my appraisals of Lucernes unless it was in "showroom" condition, and then I would rate it as an average. The auctions have proved this to be the case - Lacrosses actually bring in more at the auction than most Lucernes, depending upon condition. Car for car, in the same condition, Lacrosses are usually valued higher.

Sales of Lucernes are way down - but imidazol should know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Lucerne with the exception of its size - a bit larger than the average mid-size car. Buick just has not given the Lucerne the attention it deservces - and my guess is that the Lucerne will be discontinued, if not already in the works.

Nice riding car - a little smoother and softer than the Lacross.

driver100

bring something you may not be aware of to your attention - take it down a notch or two.

I am definitely on vacation and I am loving it being here. It is about 30F today back home, here it is a cool 72F, and the pool will be 86F when I go for my swim. I play tennis here in gorgeous weather, back home I have to play in a heated bubble during the winter. Like I say to the people back home, I could go for a swim back home and I could play tennis back home, but I won't be doing it outdoors.

I have been on the computer quite a bit because of some business stuff going on back home that I am not too happy about. While I am waiting for replies I check Edmunds. I did reply to Houdini without reading his post carefully enough, and I misinterpreted what he was saying. I really feel bad about that one.

Besides all those other factors Richard hasn't been around enough to constrain me when needed....it's partially his fault (just joking).

I will tone it down and try not to post as often. Just trying to help out around here, and hopefully add something to the conversation.

driver100

my guess is that the Lucerne will be discontinued,

Lucerne numbers have been dropping like going over a physical cliff:
2007 82,923
2008[] 54,930
2009[] 31,292
2010[] 26,459
2011[] 20,358

I read a review of the Verano and it said they don't know why anyone would buy a LaCrosse when the Verano offers about the same features, for a lot less money.

Mr. Grumpy is now going for a swim.............

houdini1

Now you're talking. I hope you business deal works out OK.

robr2

I read a review of the Verano and it said they don't know why anyone would buy a LaCrosse when the Verano offers about the same features, for a lot less money.

I would presume space. The Verano is a compact and the LaCrosse is a mid-size.

driver100

Now you're talking. I hope you business deal works out OK.

Thank you very much. This involves a lawyer too. Every time I have to deal with a lawyer I say this will be the last time I ever will get involved with a lawyer. But, it never works that way.

If I ask a question or get advice I get these 3 page answers that will be billed at $600 an hour. I need the answers or I don't know how to respond. When the lawyer replies he always says, "If that isn't clear I can explain in more detail or we can talk on the phone".

I need less detail, just a straight to the point answer that might cost $50.

Thanks for writing back...I am truly sorry. Sometimes these are good things to learn from and to move forward.

driver100

I would presume space. The Verano is a compact and the LaCrosse is a mid-size.

Right, but i think, if I remember correctly, he said if the Verano had a V6 you wouldn't need a LaCrosse. And, I believe he said, the Verano was actually more comfortable than a LaCrosse. But, I am just going by memory, which isn't the best any more.

houdini1

Glad I saved you from a tongue lashing.

I am in sort of a wool gathering mood today. It is one of those landmark birthdays for me, number 70 ! When you reach this age you start thinking back over your life, and thinking of what could have been, both good and bad.

I would have to say that overall, I have been one of the luckiest men alive. Whoever said that behind every successful man, stands a good woman, really knew what they were talking about !

bwia

my guess is that the Lucerne will be discontinued,

Sadly the Lucerne was discontinued in 2011. Very nice car but the interior was too staid. Besides, the price premium over the new LaCrosse could not be justified.

tjc78

read a review of the Verano and it said they don't know why anyone would buy a LaCrosse when the Verano offers about the same features, for a lot less money

My brother just got a Verano and believe me there is a difference between it and the LaCrosse. Powertrain, room, materials, etc. There is something there for the extra 10K a LaCrosse costs.

I love how a reviewer can paint a broad stroke like that. I'm sure that 95% of the same equipment is available on a 3 series compared to a 5 series. So what's the point, right? :sick:

tjc78

Very nice car but the interior was too staid

IMHO it wasn't only the interior, it was the ancient pushrod engine and 4spd auto. A very durable combination but outclassed in terms of refinement and power compared to the competition. Heck, even GM's own 3.6/6spd combo was much better.

In the early years of the Lucerne you could get the Northstar V8. I drove one before I got my 06 Avalon and the V6 in the Avalon was quicker and got better FE.

robr2

Right, but i think, if I remember correctly, he said if the Verano had a V6 you wouldn't need a LaCrosse.

Still doesn't solve the space issue.

The overlap is with the LaCrosse and Regal. The Regal makes no sense when compared to the LaCrosse.

houdini1

The written word doesn't always come across the way the writer intended. I am glad you replied to my first post, else I would have never known you were mad !

So if someone feels slighted, it is better to stand up like you did and don't just let it pass.

fezo

Hey, folks. Just reporting in to say why I haven't been about much. On Christmas Eve I came down with the flu. Oddly, this was my first year in maybe 15 that I got a flu shot and I don't ever remember getting the flu before.

The doc was treating it as a cold with antibiotics but I'm now on Tamaflu. Would not wish this on anyone and I'm, of course, the last guy who should have this.

verdugo

Hey, Verdugo, I need to wish you a Happy New Year.

I've enjoyed your posts.

Thank you very much. Happy New Year to you too!

Kirstie_H

If this is the big day, a very happy birthday to you! If it's not yet, well... you can save my wishes for the day.

verdugo

Who knows, the new year might start out with a bang about as loud as the noise Mrs. j said the XG350 made when it blew up.

LOL That was too funny.

houdini1

Maybe the hottest of all were the Buick Skylark Gran Sports.

Isell, back around 1984 or so, a friend of mine had a very plain looking Buick Regal called a Gran National. That thing was a flat out race car and the only one I have ever seen. Do you know anything about them?

robr2

Isell, back around 1984 or so, a friend of mine had a very plain looking Buick Regal called a Gran National.

Grand Nationals were performance machines. Edmunds currently has a 1987 in their long term test fleet:

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/1987-buick-regal-grand-national-long- -term-road-test-introduction.html

houdini1

Thanks robr2, nice article. I think he must have had the '86 model. That car was so fast I was afraid every time I rode with him. And yes, it sounded like a hair dryer on steroids.

abacomike

I am in sort of a wool gathering mood today. It is one of those landmark birthdays for me, number 70 ! When you reach this age you start thinking back over your life, and thinking of what could have been, both good and bad

Wool Gathering? Is that when you search the house high and low for pieces of wool yarn to put into a big ball and in about 70 years, you have a ball as big as a house? Or are you planning on taking up knitting in your old age, Houdini?

Whatever you meant by wool gathering, her's a HUGE WISH that your birthdays from now until you reach 100 are better and better every year.

Now how did that go, "...knit one, purl two..." or was it "nit-pick one, buy the wife some 2 strands of pearls..."?

tjc78

a very plain looking Buick Regal called a Gran National.

Grand Nationals are now highly collectible. Their power was unheard of in the mid 80s and they ruled the streets and strip.

Mint 87 GNX models have been known to hit near six figures at the auction!

Here is one

And another!

driver100

It is one of those landmark birthdays for me, number 70 !

Very Best Wishes....that is a milestone.

Life is as good as it gets when you have a good partner.

Best and to many more....

Driver

driver100

I'm sure that 95% of the same equipment is available on a 3 series compared to a 5 series.

lol....excellent comparison.

The reviewer did say that with a 6 cyl engine the Verano could take away sales from the LaCrosse. I guess it is a stretch when there are that many differences, yet, there are some people who would opt for the $10k savings.

driver100

this was my first year in maybe 15 that I got a flu shot and I don't ever remember getting the flu before

Thanks for checking in...always get concerned when we don't hear from you, though we know there is probably a logical reason.

Flu shots don't give you the flu. You got it before or you got a strain not covered. Or, your defenses were already down.

I know you don't need the flu at this time, but, just get through this and come back when you are up to it.

sterlingdog

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know how you feel. We do tend to reflect more as we age. You should have no regrets. I can tell that after knowing you here for several years, you've had a good life. You're well adjusted, even tempered, and have a good sense of humor. That doesn't come from an unhappy person. Like you, I married the right person. After 46 years of marriage, I can't imagine livng with anyone else. Like most couples, we've had our ups and downs, but mostly ups. That's what counts.

Do something nice for yourself today. You've earned it.

Richard

driver100

So if someone feels slighted, it is better to stand up like you did and don't just let it pass.

You are right, it is better to get the problem out in the open, at least there is a chance you will get it resolved.

It's like getting a bad meal at a restaurant.....sometimes I don't have the time or energy to complain, but I think it is better if I do. At least the restaurant owner can make changes and it may help him. I feel better because I told him what I thought.

I think my big mistake was getting carried away and getting upset before letting you reply. That I will definitely learn from. I should present my viewpoint, and let you respond, to find out what you really meant.

Nothing is wasted if we learn from it. I sure did!

houdini1

Thanks Kirstie, Mike, and driver. Yes, Kirstie, today is the day !

Mike, I can't believe you have never heard of woolgathering. It is sort of like daydreaming...but I still might take up knitting someday.

One of our biggest tourist attractions here is Kansas (if you have ever driven across Kansas, you know we don't have many) is a big ball of twine that some farmer collected and put together over the years and decades. I think it is currently in second place behind "Big Brutus", a big earth moving machine.

houdini1

Thanks Richard. We have our 46th anniversary coming up later this year. The coincidences just keep coming !

We are having a small get together tonight where everyone can poke fun at me, etc. Not my idea, of course, but it should be fun.

Kirstie_H

Personally, I prefer A Wine Flights Bar on 151st, but if you'd rather stare at a wad of string, be my guest - you've earned it.

mako1a

Happy 70th, Houdini1. This is also my wife's 62nd Birthday (don't remind her).

I'm cooking dinner tonight (we can't go out together until my 85 year old mother gets past her recent mini stroke). I'll be going to Ruby Tuesdays and get a little help putting it together, but I'm bringing it home!

nyccarguy

Congratulations & happy birthday my friend!