Manifest destiny
If you were born in October, you’re probably a terrible driver.
So says a study performed by InsuranceHotline.com, which compared drivers’ records with their astrological signs to conclude definitively just who causes all the accidents.
The best drivers proved to be Leos, who are known for their generosity and egotism, which translates behind the wheel to sharing the road and striving to be the best drivers.
Unfortunately, Libras’ need for balance prevents them from being able to make quick decisions on the road and contributes to a high rate of accidents.
Survey says...
While the month you were born in may predict how good a driver you are, the year you were born may predict what kind of car you drive.
A recent poll by the Associated Press and AOL shows that while older drivers have remained loyal to Detroit’s Big Three—General Motors, Ford and Chrysler—younger drivers may actually have a bias against American-made cars.
Of the 1,004 drivers questioned in the survey, 44% said Japan makes the best cars, while only 29% said the U.S. does. And when questioned about manufacturers, General Motors came in second behind Toyota and just ahead of Honda.
The belief is that older Americans have remained loyal to the U.S. manufacturers they grew up with, but that generation is now exiting the buying market. Younger adults have the perception that cars made overseas are built better, even though the peformance and safety of American cars are now very close to those made in Japan.
Down the hatch
Honda dealers know exactly what it takes to get these influential younger drivers into their showrooms, none more than Dan Meyer.
Meyer is a salesman at Honda of Decatur in Alabama. When told by his manager to make each buying experience one that the customer wouldn’t forget, Meyer decided to bring his sideshow to work.
Today, whenever someone finalizes a sale with Meyer, he retrieves one of his six 24-in. swords and swallows it for the customer.
If you’re an extra good customer, Meyer will even let you pull the sword back out of his throat. Now that’s purchase incentive.
And Ford wonders why it can’t sell any Freestars.
Holding on for dear life
Not to be outdone by some Alabama car salesman, Darrin Malsack is putting together a strong case for himself to win the 2007 Employee of the Year award at the West Allis, Wis., Checker Auto Parts store.
Back in January, Malsack realized that two men were trying to steal a portable DVD system from his store. He chased them out to the parking lot and tried to jot down the license plate number of the getaway station wagon. But when he realized the vehicle was backing up toward him, he had no choice but to jump on the roof.
Before he knew it, the station wagon was pulling out of the parking lot and Malsack was forced to cling to the vehicle’s luggage rack with one hand and dial 9-1-1 on his cell phone with the other.
The thieves tried to shake Malsack off the roof by swerving from side to side at speeds of up to 50 mph. But after about seven blocks, they were forced to stop at an intersection and Malsack was able to safely jump off.
Unfortunately, Malsack’s bravery did little good. The license plate number he gave to police didn’t match the car, and so far no one has been taken into custody. He’ll also have to wait another 10 months to receive the Bob Evans gift certificates that come with his Employee of the Year award.
