Blogging with Lighthouse Automotive

Open House Thank You and pictures!

mikegrimm — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:15:01 +0000

Thanks to all our past, present, and future customers who came and made our annual open house at Lighthouse Automotive a big success. We served over 2300 in the 3 days. We appreciate each one of you!

Customer appreciation Open House!!

mikegrimm — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:46:38 +0000

Hope to see you there!!! Bring a friend or two!

Congressman Aaron Schock visits Lighthouse Automotive

shaninc — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:06:44 +0000

Quality GM AC Delco Oil Filters

mikegrimm — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:44:07 +0000

Below is a letter from GM engineering about how aftermarket oil filters are causing major engine damage on certain vehicles. We at Lighthouse Automotive have actually taken apart a GM filter, and an aftermarket filter, and there is twice as much filtering media in the GM filter. Genuine GM parts are definitely the best parts available for all GM vehicles.

Recently, GM has seen an increase in engines damaged due to competitor’s aftermarket filters failing to meet or exceed GM filter performance specifications. These filter failures have resulted in increased warranty expense and reduced customer satisfaction.

GM Brand Quality Managers have reviewed warranty claims where aftermarket filters have failed on GM customer engines. These failures have been due to:

–Oil filter gasket leaks

–Holes in the filter media

–Media that is not sealing properly

–Anti-drain back valves that fail to seal properly

–Anti-drain back valves that separate from the oil filter and are pumped into the engine

As a result of holes in the filter media or media that fails to seal properly, unfiltered oil is allowed back into the engine which could lead to premature failure of an engine. In the event an anti-drain back valve separates from the oil filter and is pumped into the engine, this could lead to oil flow being blocked from the crankshaft, resulting in an engine failure. These types of engine failures could have been avoided by using ACDelco oil filters which are designed to meet GM specifications for durability, filter capacity, filter efficiency and flow management.

An ACDelco oil filter will efficiently filter particles down below 10 microns, one-third the width of a human hair. ACDelco oil filters meet or exceed the most stringent specifications set by GM Powertrain engineers. In addition to a competitive limited warranty, ACDelco oil filters help protect the engine in many ways, including:

–Tight seals prevent unfiltered oil from entering your engine.

–Consistent, dependable oil filtration throughout oil change interval.

–Anti-drain back valves that retain oil in the filter, help reduce prime-times to quickly lubricate the engine during start-up.

–By-pass valves which help keep the engine from becoming oil-starved.

This article was contributed by:

Brad Brunken

Product Development Manager

Quick Service and Engine Management

GM Customer Care & Aftersales

Michelin Tire Rebate!

mikegrimm — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:29:37 +0000

From July 8-August 9, 2010, get a FREE $70.00 prepaid mastercard when you purchase any 4 new Michelin tires. See our Service or Parts Departments for pricing. We stock hundreds of name brand tires and also offer a free lifetime tire rotation. If you find a price cheaper somewhere else, we will match that price.

See Lighthouse Automotive for all your tire and automotive needs!

Great article on the re-emergence of Buick!

mikegrimm — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:48:58 +0000

Fast Growing Buick plans to add 3 models to lineup!

Scott Burgess / The Detroit News

Warren — Buick will stop using trim-level designations for its 2012 models and plans to introduce a compact car and small crossover in the near future, top Buick executives said Wednesday.

Those measures, as well as expanding marketing efforts, were unveiled at the Buick Immersion Program at the Tech Center, where General Motors Co. mapped out the keys to the brand’s continued success to employees who work with the premium brand.

“We are starting to gain some traction in sales,” said John Schwegman Buick’s U.S. marketing vice president, Buick-GMC, “but we’re not declaring victory yet.”

Sales numbers have been positive. Buick sales were up 36.4 percent in April, compared to the same month last year, and overall sales are up 50 percent for the year, according to Autodata Corp.

The key to that sales boost has been the 2010 LaCrosse and 2010 Enclave.

LaCrosse sales are up 214 percent for the year and the Enclave, ancient in automotive terms at three years, has managed a 30 percent jump in sales this year. Additionally, the new LaCrosse has sold for $8,000 to $9,000 more than the previous LaCrosse.

Craig Bierley, director of Buick GMC advertising and sales promotion, attributes the growing success to the reinvention of the brand.

“In the past, Buick stood for one thing, we stood for quiet,” he said.

But the brand has been repositioned to take on Asian luxury brands such as Lexus, Acura and Infiniti. New Buicks will feature premium luxury features, a sporty ride and remain just as quiet.

Moving into 47% of market

Removing trim-level badging follows the practice of other luxury carmakers, such as BMW and Mercedes, Bierley added.

Additionally, in the coming months, Buick will introduce its all-new midsize Regal and try to continue to build momentum created by its last two new vehicles, the midsize crossover Buick Enclave and large sedan, the Buick LaCrosse.

“(Trim levels) imply there is a hierarchy of the premium vehicle,” he said.

In the future, cars will offer packages of features that may follow traditional trim levels but will not require badging. Many consumers have been confused by the CX, CXL and CXS designations.

Adding new vehicles will also help Buick reach new customers.

Buick currently only competes in two vehicle segments. By adding three new vehicles, including the Regal, it will expand into 47 percent of the market, said Brian Sweeney, U.S. Sales and Service Vice President for Buick GMC.

“Buick is the fastest growing brand in the industry,” Sweeney said. “And we expect to double our sales in the next few years.”

While few details have been released about a compact car and small crossover, Schwegman noted that by 2013, the oldest vehicle in Buick’s lineup will be the Regal, which arrives later this year.

“We’re growing fast, but we don’t want to grow too fast,” he added. “And we still have a lot of work to do.”

Buick’s makeover reaches past its products, Sweeney said, noting its 2,054 Buick dealerships have been asked to overhaul the fronts of their dealerships to staff training.

Bierley said Buick will expand its marketing outreach but have a tighter focus.

“At the time (before filing for bankruptcy), we had most of our budget slashed, so we kept the program that was successful,” Bierley said. “So if you played golf or watched golf, you knew about Buick.”

Now, Buick has “almost entirely dropped out of golf,” he said. Instead, it will focus on more grass-roots campaigns and search for customers who shop at Whole Foods and Ikea and drink coffee at Starbucks. These are consumers who want luxury but don’t always want to pay luxury prices

Lighthouse Open House!

mikegrimm — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Please mark your calendars for August 19, 20,21 2010. These are the dates of our annual open house featuring Happ’y smokin BBQ and all the fixins! We also will have activities for the kids, as well as numerous new vehicle models on display for you to look at. We hope to see you there!

Jeff Grimm and Grandkids

mikegrimm — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:16:27 +0000

Below is our owner, Jeff Grimm, giving a ride to 7 out of his 9 grand kids in a 1974 Buick Lesabre Convertible. Looks like a pretty rowdy bunch!

Maybe GM could use this picture in a future Buick commercial…….

Michelin tire rebate!

mikegrimm — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:37:24 +0000

Michelin is offering a great tire rebate that goes until the end of May.

When you buy any 4 Michelin tires, you will receive a $70.00 prepaid mastercard.

See our service or parts dept for more information. This offer ends May 31st, so hurry in!

Meet Mike Grimm–Service Manager

mikegrimm — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:11:53 +0000

Name, ages of your family members, along with any details about your family you want to share

My wife Amber was raised in Fairbury, IL. We were married in July 2003, reside in Goodfield, IL, and now have 4 wonderful children. Jayden is almost 5 and cannot wait to start kindergarten in the fall. He is a very consciences and detail oriented person that hates to be wrong. Andrew is 3 and is our “wild child”. He is always coming up with some hilarious saying or comment. He also has a tendency to act without thinking of consequences. Because of this, he has made more than a few trips to the hospital/doctor. Our twin girls, Macy and Mariah, are 14 months old. Needless to say they have added so much joy, and so much stress all at the same time. Macy is very dramatic and emotional, and Mariah is calm, cool, and steady. Even though we have our share of stress with a growing family, we try to enjoy every moment.

How many years at Lighthouse Automotive: 12

What do you like most about your job/workplace

The fact that every day brings new challenges and experiences. Needless to say, the car business (especially service) is not boring! Also, being able to work with a fantastic group of people that are team oriented and work extremely hard. I also love the interaction and relationships I have made with our great customers.

Hobbies/things you enjoy during your free time

I don’t have much free time at this stage of life (see first question), but when I do, I love reading, computers, running, and board games. I also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and Church activities.

Favorite food: Pizza by far. I have a top 10 list that changes at times, but the top 3 never do (Tobins #1, Davis Brothers #2, Mickies #3).

Favorite Movie: Gettysburg, Ben Hur, The Great Escape, Cars.

Favorite Book: “The Bible”, “The Killer Angels”, Anything by Clive Cussler or Jeff Shaara

Favorite Quote/piece of advice: I have many, but one that comes to mind is from my uncle Jaye Rinkenberger. “At any point in life, you are never as bad as you think you are, and you are never as good as you think you are“. This quote always reminds me of the Biblical principal that we always have great worth in God’s eyes even if times are bad, but on the other hand, reminds us not to be puffed up with pride when times are good.