Friday, February 26, 2010

Let Bernardi Honda Buy You Lunch

Bernardi Honda is offering customers the ability to purchase their new or certified preowned vehicle and pick it up later the same day. In the past, it was necessary to return the next day to allow adequate time for the vehicle to be prepared for delivery.

To promote this new service, Bernardi Honda is offering customers and each member of their party a free $10 Big Papi's Grill gift card which you can use to grab lunch at Big Papi's Grill while you wait for your car.

To qualify for the Big Papi's Grill gift card program, simply purchase a new or certified preowned vehicle from Bernardi Honda and agree to take delivery of it later that day.

Big Papi’s Grille is an upscale casual restaurant that is located 5 minutes down Route 9 - across from the Framingham Shoppers World mall. Known for its steaks, specialty burgers and salads, many of its lunch items are priced below $10. Big Papi's is co-owned by Dominican-born Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz, better known as Big Papi.

Bernardi Honda is conveniently located at 960 Worcester Road (Route 9 East) in Natick, just east of the Natick Collection and between Speen Street and Route 27. To learn more about Bernardi Honda, please call 508 651-3033.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bernardi Honda Earns Honda’s Top Dealership Award

For More Information
Bernardi Honda
508 651-3033
Joel.Richards@BernardiAutoGroup.com

For Immediate Release

Bernardi Honda Earns Honda’s Top Dealership Award

Natick, MA February 22, 2010 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., has announced Bernardi Honda of Natick as a recipient of its highest dealership honor – the President’s Award for 2009. The award is presented to Honda top-ranking dealerships across the country, based on their achievement of excellence in all areas of operation – customer service and satisfaction, sales, training, and facility operation.

The annual Honda President’s Award program has been in existence since 1995, with more than 1,000 Honda automobile dealerships participating in the President’s Award program during 2009. The program award objectives are established annually to address the changing economic environment and to encourage dealerships to continually strive to achieve even higher levels of customer satisfaction.

“Earning the Honda President’s Award takes a team of dedicated professionals unwavering in their pursuit of excellence and customer care,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda. “This year, 118 Honda dealerships are being recognized for their outstanding achievement. Bernardi Honda was the only dealership to be recognized in Massachusetts. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments, and invite you to experience for yourself the advantage of doing business with an award-winning Honda dealership.”

“I am proud that our teams continually work on improving the quality of services provided to our customers – demonstrating each day that “Bernardi For Now, Bernardi For Life” is more than just a slogan” said Joel Richards, General Manager, Bernardi Honda of Natick, MA.

Bernardi Honda carries the full line of Honda vehicles, including two alternative-fuel vehicles – the Civic Hybrid Sedan and the Insight Hybrid. For more information on these and all of Honda’s award-winning vehicles, visit www.BernardiHonda.com.

###

Friday, February 19, 2010

2011 Honda Odyssey Minivan

Honda introduced a concept version of the 2011 Odyssey minivan at the Chicago Auto Show. Unlike the design of the all new for 2011 Toyota Sienna that Family Car Guide describes as ""steady as she goes"", the design of the fourth generation Odyssey dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling. Its low and wide stance is highlighted by a "lightning-bolt" beltline that distinguishes the vehicle's profile.

Compared to the current Odyssey, the concept version of the 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan
offers a slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch). This results in a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence. This newfound sleekness hints that the next Odyssey will be even more fun-to-drive.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced power train technologies will contribute to a much improved fuel economy for the all new 2011 Honda Odyssey. The 2011 Odyssey minivan is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models compared to the 2010 Honda Odyssey Touring and Honda Odyssey EX minivan that are rated at 17/25 mpg, and the 2010 Honda Odyssey LX minivan at 16/23.

According to Family Car Guide, Honda has dropped plans for a diesel version of the 2011 Odyssey Minivan but still plans to offer a hybrid 2011 Odyssey minivan.

Honda tells us that current Odyssey lovers can rest assured that everything they expect from an Odyssey—from functionality to sophistication to comfort, has been taken to higher levels in the 2011 Odyssey Minivan.

BernardiParts.com will offer a full line of 2011 Honda Odyssey Accessories and 2011 Honda Odyssey Parts for the all new Odyssey that is rumored to be released in the Fall of 2010. With a full line of Genuine 2011 Honda Odyssey Accessories and Genuine 2011 Honda Odyssey Parts that will be offered at guaranteed lowest price on the internet, BernardiParts.com continues to be your one-stop-shop for adding a personalized touch to your Honda car, truck, minivan, and SUV.

Here is the preliminary list of 2011 Odyssey Minivan Accessories.






























2011 Honda Odyssey Electrical Accessories

Engine Block Heater

08T44-SNA-101D

Engine Block Heater Bracket

08T44-TK8-100A

Back Up Sensors

08V67-TK8-XXX

Back Up Sensor Attachment

08V67-TK8-100A

Remote Engine Starter

08E91-E22-101A

Remote Engine Starter Attachment

08E92-TK8-100























































2011 Honda Odyssey Interior Accessories

Ambient Foot Lighting

08E10-TK8-100

All Season Floor Mats

08P13-TK8-110

Ashtray - Cup Holder Style

08U25-SNA-112

Auto Day Night Mirror

08V03-SZA-100A

Auto Day Night Mirror Attachment

08V03-SZA-100

Cargo Managemen System

08L56-TK8-100

Cargo Net

08L96-TK8-100

Cargo Tray

08U45-TK8-100

Cargo Tray - Folding

08U45-TK8-100A

Door Sill Garnish

08F05-TK8-100

Seat Cover - Second Row

08P32-TK8-100

Seat Cover - Third Row

08P32-TK8-100A



























































2011 Honda Odyssey Exterior Accessories

Body Side Moldings

08P05-TK8-XXX

Door Edge Guards

08P20-TK8-XXX

Door Visors

08R04-TK8-100A

Fog Lights

08V31-TK8-100

Hood Air Deflector

08P47-TK8-100

Moon Rood Visor

08R01-TK8-100

Nose Mask - Full

08P35-TK8-100

Roof Rack Cross Bars

08L04-TK8-100

Roof Rack Side Rail

08L02-TK8-100

Splash Guards

08P00-TK8-XXX

Trailer Hitch

08L92-TK8-100

Trailer Hitch Harness

08L91-TK8-100

Wheel Locks

08W42-SHJ-101A

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Honda Owner Workshop - February 9, 2010

Joel Richards welcomed the guests and thanked them all for their recent purchases. He then went on to describe what the Bernardi for now, Bernardi for Life motto means to him and his entire staff.

Service Director, Rick Voss discussed what customer loyalty means to our business. He went on to explain the basics of our service operations and amenities that are available while you service your vehicle with us along with the best maintenance for your new or pre-owned Honda automobile.

Mark Saraceno, Service Manager explained the differences in the coverage of a factory warranty versus a certified vehicle’s warranty coverage and the component most commonly covered.

Shop Foreman Don Keller explained how to get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Included in tonight’s paperwork was a handout that described the different driving conditions and fuel economy results of a driver’s habits good and bad. He also answered questions regarding the passenger side air bag light and what the function of a check engine light can mean. The Hondas are now equipped with a “loose gas cap” light and he instructed our guests what to do in the event this light comes on and how to address it immediately to avoid an issue from occurring.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was also an important topic due to the recent cold snap. Don encouraged anyone in need of setting (or re-setting) their tire pressures to swing by the service drive for a “Bernardi Pit Stop” anytime of the day.

Our newest program the Road test Plus Program will put you with a Shop Foreman in the vehicle to assist if you are having a drivability issue to be diagnosed quickly and determine if an immediate repair would be required.

Finance Director Marlon Pina entertained our guests with his nervous banter due to this being his first public speaking engagement with Finance. He did explain the extra benefits included in the purchase of an extended warranty package that entails trip interruption and roadside assistance which most people are unaware of.

Parts Director Steve Cullinane spoke of the difference of genuine Honda parts and aftermarket parts. The reality is Honda parts fit these vehicles better and you can always get a part sent overnight if a vehicle is down due to a repair. He also mentioned that all local body shops in the area order the parts for your Honda from our dealership that way you know you are getting the best parts even as far as Connecticut.

Erik Richards explained the benefits of purchasing certain items from the website Bernardiparts.com for the “mechanically inclined”. Simple items such as bulbs, and wipers are best to purchase from the dealership due to shipping costs, unless of course they are purchased in bulk.

Bernardi Honda is always fortunate to have American Honda Service & Parts Manager, Dan Enderle as a guest speaker. This not only shows the support the factory lends to the dealers, but Dan is a huge supporter of great customer service and names Bernardi Honda as one of the best teams out there!

We ended the evening with our Customer Relations Manager Kristin Cullinane thanking everyone for their questions and attendance so we all weren’t standing around staring at one another. She explained how other dealers are happy to meet your expectations, whether it’s during a service visit; purchasing a vehicle or just calling in to make an inquiry Bernardi prides itself on exceeding those expectations. The way we continually improve in our business practices is directly from the information gathered in the service and sales experience surveys conducted by American Honda. We have made changes to the coffee that we serve right up to streamlining a purchase process so that time is spent efficiently. We are always open to suggestions of how to better serve the guests in our dealership.

Multiple raffles drawn during the evening and one lucky couple walked away with a fuel gift card for $100.00!

Special thanks to Big Papi’s Grille on Route 9 in Framingham for preparing and serving our meal during this event.

A note of gratitude to the following employees for their hard work this evening:
Service Assistant Jackie Graff, Parts Department Mark Mirski and Kariene Disney, Customer Relations Sallie Longeri and Lauren Willens, Building Maintenance Tom Parks, Guest Transportation Jim Blaney, and Salesman Peter Nannery, Sales Manager Seth Marshall and Bob Cole Pre-Owned Sales Manager for the use of his showroom.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Honda Accord - Named to Car and Driver' 10Best list - 24th Time!

For a record 24th time, the January issue of Car and Driver magazine has named the Honda Accord one of the 10Best Cars. An amazing record but not surprising when you consider the exceptional qualities the Accord has to offer, including an exceptional ride quality.

As Car and Driver puts it, "In '08, the redesigned Accord sedan vaulted into the EPA's large-car domain yet retained the taut, square-jawed underpinnings that make it so gratifyingly competent to drive."[1] And when you throw the sporty Accord Coupe V-6 into the mix, the driving enthusiasts at Car and Driver had even more reasons to celebrate, "Row through the velvety manual six-speed—barking the front tires something fierce as you shift into second—and 60 mph manifests in 5.6 seconds."[1]

Bernardi Honda, located in Natick on Route 9 East between Speen Street and Route 27, has a complete selection of 2010 Honda Accords in practically every color.

Download the article. (You need Adobe® Acrobat® to open this PDF document.)

[1] Car and Driver, January 2010

Bernardi Honda - 2009 Honda President's Award Recipient



On February 3, 2010 American Honda honored Bernardi Honda by designating it as a recipient of the esteemed Honda President's Award for 2009.Bernardi Honda was the only Honda dealership in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to earn this distinction.

The President's Award is the most prestigious and coveted honor that Honda can grant to its dealerships.

To earn the President's Award, every employee on the dealership team must be totally
committed to providing their customers with excellent service. They must also complete rigorous yearly training requirements to remain current on all Honda products and the service thereof.

American Honda qualifies dealerships for the award by regularly interviewing their sales and service customers by telephone and email. Dealerships must receive A+ rankings in the monthly customer surveys to qualify for the President’s Award.

To ensure it continues to meet or exceed customer expectations, Bernardi Honda has a full time customer advocate, Kristin Cullinane. Kristin is responsible for creating and training staff on processes that aid the dealership in meeting its high quality control standards.

Bernardi Honda is part of the Bernardi Auto Group. It is located on Route 9 East in Natick - just east of the Natick Collection.