As we move into the Fall, AutoNation is making great strides in Customer Satisfaction. When auto sales are tough it’s even more important to “take care of the customer.” So let’s keep it up and work even harder to keep the customer satisfied as we set the benchmark of the auto retail industry.
AutoNation advised everyone last week of its support of House Bill- HR 2927, which sets forward more “reasonable” CAFÉ standards than the Senate version passed recently. This Bill keeps trucks and cars in “separate categories” for fuel efficiency.
On Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Mr. Jackson, Chairman and CEO, returned from two days of visits with many congressional leaders in Washington D.C. and here are some highlights of the meetings.
The first meeting was with Congressman Allen Boyd of North Florida, who is very supportive of HR 2927. He also told Mr. Jackson of his recent visit with Scott Struebing of Cook-Whitehead Ford, our dealership in Panama City. Thanks Scott; and keep calling the congressmen, it helps.
Next, Mr. Jackson had a chance to visit with Mario Diaz Balart and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, both of Miami. Both signed on as co-sponsors of HR 2927 and believe the bill will help America in its drive to be less dependent on foreign oil.
The next few meetings included the rest of the South Florida delegation. Congressman Klein, Congressman Mahoney of Palm Beach, who agreeable to AutoNation’s position, and today signed on as co-sponsor, Congressman Ros - Lehtinen, and Congressman Wasseum-Schultz. All went very well. The congressmen, and women, asked the right questions – our legislators are paying close attention to the issues and had read Mr. Jackson’s recent "positions" on Energy Policy..
Next Congressman Alcee Hastings, who thanked the associates at AutoNation for all they have done for the South Florida community. Mr. Hastings positively recognized those efforts. “Thanks to Gale Butler” ---“ keep up the good work”. Alcee Hastings also supports AutoNation’s position, as well as Congresswoman Brown from Jacksonville.
Finally, from Florida, it was Congressman Connie Mack of Ft. Myers and Congressman Feeney of Orlando who both are on board and also AutoNation customers – To all AutoNation associates….”keep up the good work of making customers happy.”
Next it was Texas, and Congressman Joe Barton. Mr. Barton understands the importance of trucks to the American workforce. He recognizes that other CAFÉ measures are too extreme. Mr. Barton has his own bill, which is similar to HR 2927. AutoNation appreciates his support.
Finally, to wrap up the trip, it was a visit with Speaker of the House Pelosi, Sr. Energy staff. Mr. Jackson was the first retailer to visit with the speaker’s staff and for 35 minutes Mr. Jackson and The Speaker of the House’s staff had a great exchange of ideas. There is no question the Speaker’s Energy Staff now understand the importance of CAFÉ to retailers, workers and consumers.
AutoNation believes that it is very important that each of you contact your local congressman or woman on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Leave a message and tell them you want them to support HR 2927 – Hill Terry Bill. Tell them it is important to you and the others in your districts.
More updates to come………….
PLEASE----Don’t forget to call your congressmen and women next week.
