The Waldron Way’ nets customers CARS bonus

Jim Waldron in Davison has sent money back to customers from the the Cash for Clunkers program. DAVISON — Cash for Clunkers deals are done and drivers taking advantage of the U.S. government’s recent effort to rev-up auto sales and rid roads of gas guzzlers are enjoying their latest rides. A fortunate few General Motors vehicle owners opting to swap old vehicles for new at Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC are also savoring some extra dollars in their wallets.

The dealership participated in the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), a month-long incentive program ending in late August this past summer. Better known as Cash for Clunkers, the federal program gave buyers up to $4,500 towards a new, more environmentally friendly vehicle. In turn, owners were required to trade in their less fuel-efficient automobile.

Dealerships across the U.S. accepted those trades, and then sold the old vehicles to salvage yards or auction houses for a modest profit. Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC management opted for a different approach. Why not share that revenue with customers?

“Following federal CARS program guidelines, dealerships were by no means obligated to give customers any money back for tradeins,” said Jim Waldron, Jr., dealership manager. “Our employees shopped around with those trade-in vehicles, looking for the best possible deal. Then, we shared that money with our customers, because it was really their car to begin with.”

An estimated 80 customers participating in the Cash for Clunkers program received checks from the dealership in September. Sales team members called their customers to notify them of the incoming checks, and were thanked in more than one case by tears of gratitude. Some checks totaled $500, inspiring a handful of customers to write “thank you” letters to the dealership.

“This is the way we do business,” Waldron, Jr. added. “We’ve been open since 1986, and we’ve always placed an emphasis on treating our customers like valued guests. Business has been evolving and we’ll be losing Pontiac (production ended June 1), but we’re very excited about the new Buick and GMC products. We’ll continue delivering the high level of service our customers deserve.”

Employing more than 100 team members, the dealership at 1146 S. State St. has earned high rankings in both sales and service for more than a decade. Continuing the mission to satisfy customers, Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC recently launched a new sales promotion active through early November. Customers trading in a vehicle throughout that time will receive a portion of the profits when their vehicle is later sold by the dealership.

Giving back to the community is also crucial to success, according to Waldron, Jr. The dealership hosted Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander in promotional events over the past year at the dealership. Each guest appearance attracted more than 1,000 visitors, and Verlander will again be active at dealership events in 2010. (Chelios is no longer on the Red Wings roster; he’s a member of the Chicago Wolves, in the American Hockey League.)

The Davison Index

Waldron gives schools chance to earn $50,000 during 2010

Jim Waldron, owner of Jim Waldron Pontiac Buick GMC, stands by Davison Community Schools Superintendent Clay Perkins and son Jim Waldron Jr. as he announces the $50,000 School Challenge that will take place during 2010. Photo by Sarah Fish

DAVISON TWP. — Schools across the county and surrounding area will have a chance to earn $50,000 from Jim Waldron Pontiac Buick GMC. Jim Waldron, owner of the dealership located at M-15 and I-69 in Davison Township, announced the $50,000 School Challenge. It’s a program that allows customers to earn points, and subsequently dedicate those points to the school district of their choice. The points will help the districts work toward their objectives — set by the dealership based on business from each specific area — and can earn up to $50,000. “There will be benefits for every school to a certain level,” Waldron said. “It will be basically based on business they generated with us. “It’s our goal to pay every single school system.” Customers can earn points toward the district of their choice when they use any service at the dealership — from an oil change to any repair. Different services are worth different amounts of points. Davison Community Schools Superintendent Clay Perkins said the dealership has a history of helping the schools — particularly Davison schools — and was appreciative of the potential to earn extra money during such a difficult time. “Certainly we are facing very difficult times,” said Perkins. “As everyone knows, every dollar that goes into a school system helps prevent some kind of a cut that we have to make.” Perkins said that as the money is paid out to the district, administration will likely earmark it to go toward a spec ific project. That way, Davison Community Schools can say that the $50,000 School Challenge helped fund that specific program, Perkins said. However, he said he did not have any idea which projects or programs would benefit at this time. “We don’t really have anything identified because I’m not sure exactly how much money could be generated on what timeline,” said Perkins. Waldron said about a dozen districts have expressed interest in the program already — from the Davison Community Schools to the Grand Blanc Community School District, as well as school districts in Burton. The program will last for the entirety of 2010, and payouts are expected to be made in December of this year. “It’s a giveback program, you do business with us, we give back and this is a great way to do it,” said Waldron. “We’re excited. We think it will raise money for a lot of school systems.”