Valencia Auto Center Press and Media

Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association
News & Press

VW returns to the SCV

After two-year hiatus, Volkswagen returns to Valencia

By Melissa Gasca
Signal Staff Writer

Posted: May 5, 2009 9:32 p.m

Volkswagen is roaring back into town and the new dealership’s sales manager said he already feels welcome.

“It’s a shame Volkswagen disappeared for a while but we’re back and ready to go,” said Gary DeHart, sales manager of Parkway Volkswagen. After more than seven years of operation, Valencia Volkswagen shut its doors in 2007. It was replaced by a showroom expansion for nearby Valencia Nissan.

At the time, Nissan’s sales were on the rise, while Volkswagen’s were sagging — eight of the brand’s dealerships closed in California in 2006.

DeHart was general sales manager at the old Valencia Volkswagen from 1999 to 2003. The new Parkway Volkswagen will be part of the Parkway Supercenter family of car dealerships. Parkway Volkswagen, located on Magic Mountain Parkway, had its soft opening a few weeks ago and DeHart said in the last week, they’ve sold eight to nine new cars. A date for a grand opening has not been set, DeHart said.

“That’s really good, especially in light of the fact we haven’t done any significant advertising,” DeHart said.

But community members seem to be especially excited about the return of a local Volkswagen service center, DeHart said.

“People were travelling to Van Nuys or the (Antelope Valley),” he said. “It provides relief for people who were driving 30 to 40 miles just to have their vehicle serviced. The opportunity for them to come five minutes from where they live is welcomed.”

The dealership has also earned the support of local Volkswagen Beetle clubs.

“They come here, get together and go on long drives,” DeHart said.

DeHart doesn’t deny that economic times are tough on all auto dealers, but he credited the owner of Parkway for upholding successful businesses and also said Volkswagen is holding its own.

“Everybody’s affected — there’s no doubt about that. But the (companies) out there that have always done things right, are doing well and are profitable,” he said. “At a time when everyone’s handing their keys back to the factory or shutting down — here we are expanding (with Parkway).”

Don Fleming, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association and co-owner of Valencia Acura, also welcomes Volkswagen.
“We’re excited about it,” he said. “The more dealerships we have ... the more cross-shopping people can do.”

Test drive fundraiser for schools ends this week -
School with highest point total earns $1,000

By Tammy Marashlian
Signal Staff Writer

The Be Cool to My School Test-Drive Rally is in its final week, giving local residents a final chance to take part in the fundraiser for local schools. The campaign, sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association, was designed to give elementary, junior high and senior high schools a financial boost from the nonprofit association.

"Any time car dealers can help the schools, we're all for it," said Don Fleming, president of the association and owner of Valencia Acura.The campaign is based on a points system.Each test drive is worth 100 points for the school of the test-driver's choice. Each vehicle sale earns 1,000 points.The elementary, junior high and high school with the highest point total at the end of the month will receive $1,000. In total, $3,000 will be given to local schools. As of Friday, Mitchell Elementary School was in the lead with 2,300 points while Castaic Middle School and Saugus High School led the other categories with 1,300 and 2,000 points, respectively.With June 1, the official end date to the fundraiser, days away, a total of 19 schools are on the board with at least one test-drive.As of Friday, the campaign has had 73 test drives and 13 cars sold.

COMPETITION FOR CASH HEATS UP IN VALENCIA AUTO CENTER'S

"BE COOL TO MY SCHOOL" TEST-DRIVE RALLY

VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA May 20, 2008 Santa Clarita schools are driving their way toward thousands in prize money this month in the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association's "Be Cool to My School" Test-Drive Rally. Throughout the month of May, area schools will rack up points for every test-drive and vehicle purchase made at participating Valencia Auto Center dealers. The elementary, junior high and senior high schools with the most points at the end of the month will each be awarded $1,000.

At the halfway point, Mitchell Community Elementary School has roared into the lead with 2,300 points, Castaic Middle School leads the junior highs with 1,300 points, and Saugus High School heads off the senior pack at 2,000 points. A total of 19 schools have scored at least one test-drive, with two weeks left to go. Each test-drive is worth 100 points for the school of the test-driver's choice, and each vehicle sale earns 1,000 points. Just one car sale could make the difference for local schools competing to win their share of the $3,000 pot.

In an informal poll, Santa Clarita Valley PTA presidents recently had no trouble imagining how $1,000 could help their schools. Meadows Elementary School is hoping to fund lighting at the rear of the school to protect families returning to their homes and cars after evening events. Pico Canyon Elementary needs to complete its funding of a track, set to begin construction next month. Two nurses cots are needed at Newhall Elementary. Other items on the wish list include emergency supplies, books, projectors, and by far the most in demand: SMART Boards, interactive whiteboards.

For Mitchell Elementary, that cash prize might provide a technology boost. "We definitely could upgrade our computer lab with $1,000," said Sandy Bull, assistant principal. Mitchell Elementary didn't have to wait long to jump into the competition.

The first car sale of the contest went to Galpin Saturn and Mitchell Elementary. After reading about the promotion in the newspaper, Rod and Connie Tripp of Canyon Country test-drove the Saturn VUE and liked the car so much they bought it and credited their points to their granddaughter Monica's school. "Our customers do like to support their local schools and step up at the chance to help," stated Tim Mendenhall, Saturn general sales manager. "This is a win-win for the schools, our community, customers and dealers all working together."

For each automobile sold in Santa Clarita, 1 percent of the taxable sale goes to the City, according to the City's Web site, providing an important source of revenue. Currently 41 percent of the City's general fund comes from sales tax, with new motor vehicle sales accounting for more than $6 million in revenue for the City in 2006, according to City reports.

All test-drivers will receive a one-year subscription to The Signal and $10 toward an area restaurant. One lucky test-driver will win a trip for four to The Sanctuary Resort & Spa in Playa Azul, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The resort offers spa treatments, two restaurants, an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, and a 1.2 mile beach with tide pools. Nearby attractions include volcanoes and rainforests, guided horseback rides into the jungle, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, boating, and shopping. The foursome will stay in a two-bedroom seaside cottage with a private master suite upstairs with its own terrace as well as an outdoor, fully enclosed, private lava rock shower. (Note: Airfare and taxes are not included.) Offer Ends June 1,2008

Fri 9 May 2008

Commentary: Helping the Schools and the Community, Auto Dealers on the right Track

When the Valencia Auto Dealers association put out a press release on Wednesday regarding the "Be Cool to My School" promotion I couldn't help but think why they didn't do this sooner. It's a great way to help our local schools using some healthy competition and it will put more tax dollars into the local community when area residents purchase their new car from a Valencia Auto Dealer.

But more important it helps the entire local economy. During tougher economic times it is especially helpful to think about where we are spending our hard earned dollars. Shopping at local businesses helps to keep our communities vibrate. Of course it has to make sense from a price and service standpoint. The local business owners know this and they are more than willing to compete for your dollars. So ultimately we as consumers will get a great deal when we make a big ticket item purchase locally.

Yes, I know that buying a car at Auto Row means it helps the City of Santa Clarita with much needed revenue, but that is good for the whole Valley. Even if some it is wasted by the simian management at the City. Nevertheless, those funds will be used for much needed street repairs and other infrastructure improvements within the City.

Full disclosure, I actually purchased a car for my daughter at a dealership on Auto row last fall. (But that's just between you and me, don't tell the City!) Although there are many choices out there when it comes to shopping for a car we happened to find an exceptional deal on Auto Row.

Regardless of whether you live in the unincorporated area or in the City, spending locally does help create jobs. Those local jobs help minimize traffic and saves resources in comparison to those that have to commute down into the Los Angeles. When the local businesses do well then they are generous in giving back to the community which in turn increases the quality of life in our community.

Now let's face it, the Communist House Frau and her lap dog JW, the SCV yapper, are going to bemoan the fact that this is a competition because they want everything to be equal. No school should get more than another; it all has to be the same. Bull crap! Healthy competition is good all around as it teaches valuable life lessons about team work, team building and striving to be your best.

My suggestion would be to go down to auto row and test drive some of the new model cars that out for no other reason than to help out your school. The "Be Cool to My School" promotion is a win/win for our schools, our valley community and for the local car dealers; all of whom have been extremely generous over the years to the entire Santa Clarita Valley.

Dave Bossert

Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.

Be Cool to Your School

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17th, 2008

VALENCIA AUTO CENTER REVS UP FOR TEST-DRIVE RALLY

OFFERING LOCAL SCHOOLS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA April 8, 2008?The Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association is offering area residents the chance to help their school win a $1,000 donation as part of the "Be Cool to My School" Test-Drive Rally. Points will be awarded for each person (18 and over) who test-drives or purchases a car at any participating Valencia Auto Center dealership during the month of May. The elementary, junior high, and senior high schools with the most points will each be awarded $1,000, totaling $3,000 in cash prizes.

In conjunction with the City of Santa Clarita's ongoing campaign to encourage residents to "shop local," the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association is offering the "Be Cool to My School" contest as another means of giving back to the community. "We're very proud of the schools in this area," says Don Fleming, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association and owner/general manager of Valencia Acura, "and it is our honor to participate in this way to get some much needed money to them and at the same time make parents aware of the Valencia Auto Center."

For each automobile sold in Santa Clarita, according to the City's Web site, 1 percent of the taxable sale goes to the City, providing an important source of revenue. "By shopping locally, buyers of automobiles help Santa Clarita build new parks, roads, and other amenities in addition to supporting local safety and City services," states Jason Crawford, marketing & economic development manager for the City of Santa Clarita. Currently 41 percent of the City's general fund comes from sales tax, with new motor vehicle sales accounting for more than $6 million in revenue for the City in 2006, according to City reports.

The Valencia Auto Center Test-Drive Rally represents yet another way that Santa Clarita residents can make sure the dollars they spend in Santa Clarita stay in Santa Clarita. "The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to support the ?Be Cool to My School' campaign because we know it benefits the community as a whole," states Crawford.

Each test-drive will earn a designated school 100 points, and each vehicle purchase will be worth 1,000 points. Test-drivers will fill out information cards, available at participating dealerships, to track school points. Prizes will also be awarded to individual students and classes who bring in the most test-drivers.

Santa Clarita auto dealers set new record

Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Pulskamp (center) presents a check to SCV auto dealers to be used in a public-private partnership. (left to right) Gary Pilikiyan, Kevin Malone, Don Fleming, Ken Pulskamp, Bill McClendon, Keith Seals, Lenny Sage, Mac Middleton, and Cheri Fleming

It's been a very good year for local auto dealers, with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion and generating a record $6 million in sales tax revenue for the city of Santa Clarita.

Participating dealers doing business in the Valencia Auto Center belong to the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association, a non-profit organization comprised of 13 dealerships representing 17 franchises.

A hallmark of the association is its collective efforts to benefit the city of Santa Clarita's "shop local" campaign.

According to the city's Web site, sales tax is a primary source of revenue, with 43 percent of the city's general fund coming from sales tax monies. When purchases are made within the city and sales tax is applied, the city receives one percent of the taxable sale.

Stated another way, for every dollar spent on taxable goods, one cent of the sales tax paid is returned to the city of Santa Clarita as revenue.

Earlier this year, the city authorized $60,000 in funding to the auto dealers association toward a public-private partnership. The association's dealers contributed an additional $312,000 toward the campaign effort. Vehicle sales account for a large portion of the city's sales tax revenue.

Several local charities and community-focused efforts also received benefit during 2007 from the association. On behalf of the association, contributions were made to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, American Red Cross, Special Olympics, League of California Cities, Saugus High School, SCV Community Center, open -space initiative and the local chapter of the Jaycees.

The association also provided support and assistance to the College of the Canyons automotive technology program, whose facility is located on the Saugus High School campus. With a nationwide shortage of skilled workers, the college's program provides students with industry specific knowledge and skills that can lead to employment in the Santa Clarita Valley and elsewhere.

Participating dealerships include Valencia Acura, Valencia BMW, Valencia Chevrolet, Valencia Chrysler/Jeep, Valencia Dodge, Valencia Honda, Lexus of Valencia, Power Ford, Valencia Nissan, Galpin Saturn, Frontier Toyota, Galpin Lincoln Mercury, and Mercedes-Benz of Valencia. For more information, go to http://www.shopvalenciaautocenter.com/ or visit any participating dealer.

The Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association is a non-profit organization comprised of 13 dealerships representing 17 franchises. Through the work of the association, they support community improvements and often provide financial contributions to local charities and worthy causes within the community.