Build your Toyota on Google?

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I'm excited to see clever uses of technology make their way into the automotive world, especially when it's something that can make car shopping easier. At my dealership, we've been equipping salespeople with iPads so that they can spend less time sitting behind a desk with customers, and more time showing them all the features of the car they're interested in. The response has been great- we've been enjoying that extra level of detail we can add, whether it's shooting a personalized video or being able to compare similar vehicles from other manufacturers right on the spot.

At a recent Google conference, Toyota announced a new way of car shopping that I hope we can become a part of- they're calling it "Toyota Collaborator", and it lets you build a car in a way you never would have guessed!

Just about every car company has an option on their website for building your own car, but Toyota wanted to take that to the next level by adding a social element to it. With this new app (developed by Joystick Interactive) car shoppers can get immediate feedback on their potential purchase by inviting family and friends to a Google+ Hangout interactive video chat. You can get up to 5 of your friends to be a part of the design team, offering real time suggestions on color, accessories, and models. Whatever changes your friends make, you all see it happen simultaneously!

When you're done designing your car, you can share it on Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets, and then use Google Maps to take a "virtual test drive" around your neighborhood, or wherever you'd like. Pretty cool!

This all sounds great and a lot of fun, but where do we come into play to lend you a hand? Well, if you have any questions while building your car, you'll be able to click a button and bring a salesperson from a local Toyota dealership into your live hangout. They'll be able to answer questions, find you vehicle specials, even get you information on trading in your old car! Some of our long time Fusz customers may have a salesperson they prefer to work with, and while we don't know if this feature will initially be available to where you can request a specific salesperson (who can video chat), we certainly hope it can be implemented down the road. If you don't have anyone specific to go to, the live assistance is a great opportunity to get to know someone new before you set foot into the dealership.

Would an app like this be useful to you?

The Epilepsy Foundation Car Raffle

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If you follow us on Twitter, you've probably seen your fair share of tweets lately about the Epilepsy Foundation Car Raffle that Lou Fusz is taking part in. I thought I'd take this blog post to explain it a bit more in detail, and why you should get yourself a ticket!

Last year, we partnered up with the Epilepsy Foundation to sponsor their Seize the Day 5K race and raise awareness of epilepsy in children and adults alike. After meeting and hearing stories from several different families (including a very special young boy with epilepsy, Cameron, who quickly became friends with Patrick) the Fusz family was moved and wanted to get involved. We raised money to become an official sponsor of the race, and some of our staff showed their support by running in it. I had never participated in a 5K before, so it was definitely a new experience for me. I can say with confidence that crossing that finish line felt truly invigorating, something I think everyone should get to experience. It was made even better by the fact that volunteers were set up at several points throughout the race, cheering you on and encouraging you to keep running!  

Overall, the 5K was a great event that we were proud to be a part of. We plan on being there again this year, and want to make things even more exciting. That's where the idea of a car raffle came into play.

For $50, you can purchase a ticket and enter to win a brand new Toyota Corolla L, or if you've got your eyes set on a different car, you'll get a $16,000 credit towards any vehicle in the entire Lou Fusz network. Only 650 tickets in total will be sold, meaning that you have a fairly good chance of winning! Plus, the money being raised will go to support the Epilepsy Foundation. It's a win-win situation! The raffle will continue through November, and the winner will be announced at Busch Stadium on the 15th.

Visit http://www.firstgiving.com/efmk/car-raffle to order your ticket online. You'll also be able to get one during the race on June 22nd in Kirkwood park. We hope to see you there!

Why Buy Certified Pre-Owned?

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To the untrained eye, there are only two types of cars when it comes to shopping: new and used. Visit any dealership though, and you're bound to come across some shiny, nice looking cars on the used lot that are adorned with stickers claiming that they are "Certified Pre-Owned". They almost look like they're brand new, so what are they doing on the used lot?

The best way to think of a certified pre owned vehicle is a lightly used car that's been thoroughly inspected, tested, and touched up by the dealer to ensure it's in the best condition possible. They generally come with longer warranty options, less mileage, and better financing rates than a regular used car would, making it a great choice for someone who wants a like-new car without the high price. The idea of certified pre-owned has also been around for some time, dating back a few decades when only a few automakers offered them.

According to Rob Gentile, director of web product management for Consumer Reports: "The average price of a new vehicle today is almost $30,000, but a certified pre-owned car gives you an alternative option to buying a new vehicle — an affordable way to save money by buying a car that's been inspected, repaired and warranted."
While the benefits of certified pre-owned cars vary by dealership, at mine (Lou Fusz Toyota) you can expect a Lifetime PowerTrain Warranty and an "Engines Forever" guarantee.

For more information, check out the video we shot recently of our Pre-Owned Sales Manager Jeff Strum, talking about the benefits of certified pre-owned: