Automotive Career Week October 24th-30th!

According to the 2003 report, The Contribution of the Automotive Industry to the U.S. Economy, prepared by the University of Michigan and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), new vehicle production, sales and other jobs related to the use of autos are responsible for 1 out of every 10 jobs in the U.S.

That's a lot of jobs. Think about it. It's easy for me, since I work in a dealership, to name a dozen or so people whose livelihood is tied to "new vehicle production, sales, [or] other jobs," but if the number is 1 in 10, that means that even if you don't work for a dealership, manufacturer, supplier, or affiliate yourself, the chances are good that you know someone who does. As Charles Wilson (U.S. Secretary of Defense)said in 1953, "What is good for GM is good for America."

Accordingly, several governors have declared next week, October 24th through the 30th, "Automotive Career Week."

Braeger has always been involved in making careers in the automotive industry well known and available. Since we employee approximately 250 people in the Milwaukee area, in positions ranging from Automotive Technician, to Warranty Administrator, to Office Manager, to Data Processor, to Salesperson, to Sales Manager, it just makes sense. Braeger has also been very involved with Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship Program, even to the point of being recognized by Governor Doyle last year for our contributions to the program.

Here are some more exciting facts about the automotive industry and its role as "the engine that drives the economy" from this site:

• Employment: America's automobile industry is one of the largest industries in the country. When jobs dependent on the industry are included, the auto industry is responsible for 13.3 million jobs nationwide.


• Compensation: The contribution of automotive manufacturing to compensation in the private sector is estimated at $335 billion, or over 6% of U.S. private sector compensation.


• Job Creation: For every worker directly employed by an automaker, over 10 spin-off jobs are created. America's automakers are among the largest purchasers of aluminum, copper, iron, lead, plastics, rubber, textiles, vinyl, steel and computer chips.


• GDP: Almost 4% of America's total gross domestic product is generated by the sale and production of new light vehicles.


• Output: The U.S. automotive industry produces a higher level of output than any other single industry. When measured in constant 2000 dollars, automotive economic output increased by 73% during 1990-2003.


• R&D: The auto industry invested $15.2 billion in research and development in 2002, higher than any other manufacturing industry.


• Exports: Automotive exports rose from $33.4 billion in 1988 to almost $81 billion in 2003, an increase of 143%.

After all was said and done, I think Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm said it best in her proclamation here:

Whereas, Through this national initiative and many partnerships with manufacturers and educational professionals, dealers are leading the way in providing young people with well-paying and rewarding career opportunities; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 24, 2005, as Automotive Career Week in Michigan.

What can Braeger offer your company?

R. W. Baird, a worldwide leading investment company, recently hosted a "benefits" fair in their Milwaukee office. Local businesses and companies which offer special discounts and promotions for Baird employees were all invited to spend the morning and afternoon letting the employees of Baird know what those promotions and discounts actually were. Needless to say, Braeger attended. This was a great opportunity for us to promote our ground-breaking Braeger Purchase Program.

For those of you who aren't familiar with it, or know it better as the "dollar-dollar-dollar" program, the Braeger Purchase Program is the best deal in the car business. Seriously. It was originally designed with Braeger Employees, their families, and their friends in mind, but gradually expanded to be a service Braeger offered to businesses in the area in order to develop strong corporate and customer relationships.

So, what's the big deal, you ask? In a nutshell, nearly every aspect of your vehicle's purchase and ownership experience saw huge savings. When you bought a car using the Braeger Purchase Program, you started by paying $100 below factory invoice. In and of itself, this is a darn good deal! But it just gets better.

Once you own the car, a member of the Braeger Purchase Program is entitled to lifetime $1 (yes, one dollar) oil changes, car washes, rental cars, replacement wiper blades, paintless dent repair, windshield chip repair, and replacement tires.

Many local businesses and organizations participate in the Braeger Purchase Program. Large companies like Briggs and Stratton, and Baird participate, as well as several smaller, local businesses.

If you think your company, or organization would be interested in participating, please feel free to contact us. We'd be more than happy to help enroll you!

It's Official!

Well, it's official! The Chrysler 300 is now officially the most award-winning car in history*!

Out of the 122 (!!) awards Daimler Chrysler vehicles won in 2005, the Chrysler 300 accounted for 42 all on its own! Awards range from the well-known and prestigious "Motor Trend Car of the Year" to the less well known (but equally prestigious) International Carwash Association's recently announced "Most Washable Car of 2005."

(“It’s one thing to perform well in enthusiast magazine and newspaper tests against new vehicles from our competitors, but it’s quite another to lead the pack under the hot water jets, soapy suds and gale-force winds of car wash blowers,” said Jason Vines, Vice President-Chrysler Group Communications.)

Here's just a quick list of a few of the more famous awards the Chrysler 300 has taken home this last year:

• 2005 North American Car of the Year


• 2005 AUTOMOBILE Magazine Automobile of the Year


• Editors' Most Wanted Vehicle for 2005: Chrysler 300


• Edmunds.com's Top 10 Hippest


• Five-Star Frontal Crash Test


• 2005 Car and Driver 10Best "Full-Size Sedan."


• SmartMoney Awarded June 2004, "Best Full Size Sedan."


• Money Magazine Car of the Year.


• Life Magazine "The Sexiest Cars of 2005"


• Maxim Magazine Car of the Year


• African Americans On Wheels/Urban Wheel Awards Car of the Year


• Executive Life Top 10 Cars for CEOs


• Automotive Rhythms Urban Elite Car of the Year


• Automotive Fleet - Fleet Car of the Year


• ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine "2005 International Car of the Year"


• Advertising Age 10 Hottest Cars


• Detroit Free Press Car of the Year


• Detroit News Car of the Year


• Kiplinger's Personal Finance, December 2004 "Best New Car"


• eCity of Style "Fifth Annual Auto Style Award"

It's safe to say we're all rather impressed by the Chrysler 300 and it's amazing start. If it can win 42 awards in its first year alone, just imagine what the future has to hold!

*Based on automotive awards won within the introductory model year (2005).

Brutal Truth Motors: Free Free Free Free Free!

Brutal Truth Motors

“And now for something completely different.”

Welcome back to Brutal Truth Motors. If you haven’t been here before, it can be a fun time, just don’t expect me to sugar coat anything. I’ve had a lot of fun sharing the truth behind the myth that your bank can/will get you a better interest rate than we can, and the truth about employee pricing.

Once again though, as always, I’m mad about something. Go figure. I just got out of an advertising meeting where I learned that apparently, we can’t use the word “free” in our advertising.

“Complimentary?” Nope. “Chargeless?” “No charge?” “Costless?” “Cuffo?” “For nothing?” “Freebie?” “Gratis?” No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Who’s ever even heard anyone use the word “cuffo?” But Thesaurus.com says it’s a synonym for “free,” so it’s outta there!

Obviously I’m not a lawyer. Heck, I don’t even play one on TV, but something just seems wrong here. We deal in cars. They are expensive. Sometimes we have to offer some extra things so people feel a little more comfortable making a purchase. For example, we might offer a free vacation to Las Vegas with the purchase of a new or used automobile. Or, we might say: “Free scheduled maintenance for 24 months with the purchase of a used vehicle.”

Those don’t sound outrageous, unreasonable, or deceptive, do they? Yet, those are both completely 100% banned! The powers-that-be that regulate advertising claim that since you have to purchase a car to get the vacation or the free maintenance plan, it’s not actually free. Come on. If, one day, you pay an amount and get just a car, and then pay the same amount the next day and get the car and the trip to Las Vegas, what would you call the vacation? I would call it free!

Is the crappy toaster no longer a free gift when you open a checking account? Is the secret-decoder ring at the bottom of my box of Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs not a free prize anymore?

I guess not. And that’s just too bad.

Braeger leads the way!

You might remember that recently our owner, Todd Reardon had sent a memo to all Braeger employees announcing the efforts by NADA (the National Automobile Dealers Association) to collect money to help automobile dealership employees and their families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

After everything was said and done, Braeger collected almost seven thousand dollars! According to our sources in NADA, that's right at the top level of dealership contributions. In fact, again, according to our sources with NADA, the median contribution for a dealership ranged between $500 and $1,000. With thousands of car dealerships across the country participating though, that still totals up to a significant amount! Pledges so far have totaled $2.5 Million, with NADA contributing $1 Million on its own. NADA is very proud to point out that every single penny of the money raised is actually going to the people that need it.

Visit NADA's hurricane relief site for information on donating more or receiveing benefits if you need them.

Since people were only recently allowed to revisit their abandoned homes and workplaces in the Louisiana and Mississippi areas, we're sure the money will be appreciated.

To everyone who contributed, from Braeger and across the country:

Thank you!

Ford Rebates and Incentives for October

And, last, but not least, here are the Ford rebates and incentives for the month of October. Ford tied a lot of its rebates in with its financing, and there are definitely some screaming deals in there too. The up to $5000 in rebates available on 2005 Tauruses, or 2.9% interest for 72 months are an incredible savings.

2006 Models	Rebate	OR	36 Mo. APR	48 Mo. APR	60 Mo. APR	72 Mo. APR
Focus	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Taurus	$500		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ford 500 (Limited)	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Ford 500 (All other models)	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Freestyle	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Mustang	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ford GT	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Crown Victoria	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Freestar	$2000*		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Explorer 4-Door	$2500*		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Escape	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Escape Hybrid	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ranger	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
E-Series (Except RV)	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
E-Series RV	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Expedition	$3500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
F-150 (Excluding Harley Davidson)	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
F1-150 Harley Davidson	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
F-SuperDuty	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
Fusion	$1000*		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2005 Models	Rebate	OR	36 Mo. APR	48 Mo. APR	60 Mo. APR	72 Mo. APR
Focus	$2500*		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Taurus	$5000*		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.9%
Ford 500 Limited	$1500*		0.0%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
Ford 500 (All other models)	$2500*		0.0%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
Freestyle	2500*		0.9%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
Mustang	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ford GT	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Crown Victoria	$4500*		0.0%	0.9%	1.9%	3.9%
Thunderbird	$3000*		0.0%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
Freestar	$6000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.9%
4-Door Explorer	$5000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.9%
Explorer Sport-Trac	$3000*		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Escape	$2500*		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Escape Hybrid	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ranger	$3500*		0.0%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
E-Series (Excluding RV)	$2500		0.0%	0.9%	1.9%	3.9%
E-Series RV	$3000		0.0%	0.9%	1.9%	3.9%
Expedition	$5000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Excursion )Excluding 6.0L Engine)	$4000*		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Excursion 6.0L Engine	$2500*		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	6.9%
F-150	$4000*		0.0%	1.9%	2.9%	4.9%
* Contact us for details

Chrysler Rebates and Incentives!

Chrysler just updated its rebates and incentives for October. These are good through the 31st. It looks like they have some good choices. The combination of 0.0% financing AND a $2000 rebate on Grand Cherokees ($1500 on Liberties) is a great value!

2006 Models	Rebate	OR	36 Mo. APR	48 Mo. APR	60 Mo. APR
Sebring Sedan	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Sebring Convertible	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Chrysler 300	*		N/A	N/A	N/A
PT Cruiser Sedan	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
PT Cruiser COnvertible	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Pacifica	$2000		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%
Grand Cherokee	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Commander	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Liberty (Gas Engine)	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Liberty (Diesel)	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Wrangler	$1000		N/A	N/A	N/A
Town and Country	$2000		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%
2005 Models	Rebate	OR	36 Mo. APR	48 Mo. APR	60 Mo. APR
Sebring Sedan	$3000*		0.0%	2.9%	3.9%
Sebring Convertible	$3000		0.0%	2.9%	3.9%
Sebring Coupe	$3500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%
Chrysler 300	*		N/A	N/A	N/A
PT Cruiser Sedan	$1500		0.0%	2.9%	3.9%
PT Cruiser Convertible	$3000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Pacifica	*		N/A	N/A	N/A
Grand Cherokee	$3500*		$2000+0.0%	$2000+0.9%	$2000+2.9%
Liberty (Gas Engine)	$3000		$1500+0.0%	$1500+0.9%	$1500+2.9%
Liberty (Diesel)	$2000		$1500+0.0%	$1500+0.9%	$1500+2.9%
Wrangler Unlimited	$1500		N/A	N/A	N/A
Wrangler (All other models)	$1500		N/A	N/A	N/A
Town and Country	*		N/A	N/A	N/A
Crossfire	$2500		N/A	N/A	N/A
* Contact us for details

Grand Cherokee scoring high!

I just found this article from Car and Driver which compares six different sport utility vehicles on the ultra-demanding Chicken Point Trail in Sedona, Arizona.

Chicken Point

When I saw how thoroughly well the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee did, I knew that I had to post something here. If you skip right to the end of the article you'll see what I mean. Out of nineteen categories rated 1-10, the Grand Cherokee scored a nine or a ten in eleven of them, and an eight, nine, or ten in fifteen of them!

The testers weren't comparing the Jeep to any easy competition either. Car and Driver compared the Jeep Grand Cherokee to such big names as the Volkswagon Toureg, the newly redesigned Nissan Pathfinder, the Toyota 4Runner, and the Mitsubishi Montero. The Jeep left them all, literally and figuratively, in the dust.

Lusty engines are big winners on these pages. The Jeep, propelled vigorously by the largest engine in the group, finished atop the ratings by a clear margin. Zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds puts this 4920-pound SUV at the front of the pack. Nothing else was close.

But the Jeep wasn't just the big winner on the outside. Car and Driver raved about its interior as well:

The Grand Cherokee's front seat and driving position are especially agreeable. You sit more "arms out" than in most trucks, a sharp contrast from the 4Runner and its bus-style angling of the wheel. The dash is also quite high, so your gaze needs to drop only a few degrees as it moves from road ahead to the instruments below. The hood ramps down, opening the view before you. The dash is shrewdly shaped to put the center-mounted radio and HVAC within easy reach. Taken altogether, the Jeep earned top marks for ergonomics.

We might not have a Chicken Point style trail to drive on, but I would still encourage you to stop in and test drive the new Grand Cherokee, take Car and Driver's word for it--you won't be dissappointed.

The big winner!

New rebates and incentives from Chevy

Every month, I'd like to post the rebate and APR incentives the major manufacturers are offering. Since Ford and Chrysler won't announce their new incentive plans until Tuesday (october 4th), all I have at the moment is Chevrolet, but I'll post that right away!

These rebates and incentives start today (Saturday, October 1) and run through the end of the month of October!

2006 Models	Rebate	OR	12-35 Mo. APR	36-47 Mo. APR	48-59 Mo. APR	60-71 Mo. APR
Aveo	$500		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Cobalt SS	$0		6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	N/A
Cobalt (All other models)	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Malibu	$1000		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
Impala	$1000		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
HHR	$0		1.9%	2.9%	3.9%	5.9%
SSR	$0		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Colorado	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Silverado 1500	$2500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Silverado 2500/3500 Diesel	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Silverado 2500/3500 (Non-diesel)	$2000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
C4500 Kodiak	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Avalanche	$3000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Equinox	$500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Trailblazer	$2500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Trailblazer EXT	$2500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Tahoe	$3500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	N/A
Suburban	$3500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	N/A
Uplander	$1500		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
Express	$1000		2.9%	3.9%	4.9%	5.9%
2005 Models	Rebate	OR	12-35 Mo. APR	36-47 Mo. APR	48-59 Mo. APR	60-71 Mo. APR
Aveo	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Cobalt SS	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Cobalt (All Other Models)	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Malibu	$3250		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	3.9%
Impala	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Monte Carlo	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
SSR	*		6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	N/A
Corvette	$0		6.75%	6.75%	6.75%	N/A
Colorado	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Silverado 1500	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Silverado 2500/3500 Diesel	*		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Silverado 2500/3500 (Non-diesel)	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
C4500 Kodiak	*		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Avalanche	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Equinox	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Trailblazer	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Trailblazer EXT	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Tahoe	$6000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	3.9%
Suburban	$6000		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	3.9%
Uplander	$3500		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	3.9%
Express	*		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
* Contact us for details

Ahead of the curve, protecting our customers

After reading this article on the Microsoft Network homepage warning people to be wary of buying flood-damaged cars after the hurricanes, I realized just how far ahead of the curve Braeger is when it comes to protecting our customers.

Since 2001, Braeger has printed a CarFax or TitleCheck report on every used vehicle we have owned. If anything shows up on the title that would lead us to believe a customer wouldn't want that car--flood damage, salvage, or the like--we don't even offer it for sale.

So, if you're looking at one of our used cars, feel free to ask the used car manager to see the AutoCheck report on it, and he'll have it. If the car's on our lot for sale, we already know there's nothing to be scared of on the report!