Huntington Beach Express Service

We know how valuable your time is. That's why we created the Huntington Beach Mazda Express Service. We service ALL makes and models quickly and efficiently so you can get back to doing what you love.

This is a pretty cool benefit for being a member of the OC Auto Team. There are not many dealers that offer service on ALL makes and models. It's just too tough to do. But that's why we like it. Because it's hard and we know it makes us stand out from the competition and will really benefit you.

So do something you don't normally do. Take your non-Mazda to Huntington Beach Mazda and try out or Express Service. We know you'll love it!

Love Lists...they inform, they remind and they allow us to brag. Two of our favorites made MSN's Top 10 list!

Sports Cars: Best Bang for the Buck
Mazda MAZDASPEED3 (First Picture)
Base price: $23,700
We had to throw the quirky MAZDASPEED3 in here simply because, dollar for dollar, it packs a potent punch. Even the standard run-of-the-mill Mazda3 that it's based on has a bigger emphasis on handling and fun than most of its competition. On top of that package, the MAZDASPEED3 adds a turbo and a bunch of go-fast goodies for extra zoom-zoom. While we're not exactly enamored with its odd new face or the feel of its driver's seat, there's no denying it's a ton of bang for the buck.




Sports Cars: Best Bang for the Buck
Mazda MX-5 Miata (Second Picture)
Base price: $23,110
Mazda's Miata has done for roadsters what the Datsun 240Z did for sports cars in the early 1970s: It reinvigorated the entire genre by being a genuinely excellent car, reliable and priced for the masses. Now, more than two decades later, this little guy has done an admirable job of staying true to its roots, despite stricter safety regulations and public demand for amenities. Its no-frills 167-horsepower engine moves the lightweight roadster without trouble, and its near-perfect balance makes for great handling.



Go to www.msn/autos.com for the full article





http://www.ocmazda.com

Never Lose Your Zoom Zoom

Service is a Dream with the OC Auto Team

Is this what you think of when you get your car serviced?

A lot of people consider taking their car into the dealer about as fun as root canal.

Well, we get that. We know you don't want to feel like you got ripped off. That is why, and we're not kidding here, we go out of our way to LISTEN for what you want done and what your budget is.

Did you know that we service all makes and models? Yup. Most dealers don't. Do you know why we do this? Because we KNOW how awesome we are at service. It's what we are all about. We are servant leaders. It's in our DNA.

Now back to you. Do you enjoy surprises? Only the good ones right? Well come and get your car serviced and you will be surprised how easy and different it is from any other place you take your car in Orange County. And that ain't bragging. It's what we strive for.

Let's stick together and help each other succeed in this tough economy. Find us on Facebook here and on Twitter here. We are on your side and want to make your experience as dreamy as it can be!

2011 Mazda3 Named Top Safety Pick

The 2011 Mazda3 was today recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda3 received the organization’s highest possible crash safety rating of “Good” in all four tests conducted.

“Nearly half of all Mazdas sold in the United States are Mazda3s, so we are justifiably proud of the 2011 Mazda3 earning the distinction of the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick,’” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Both the sedan and hatchback models are recognized with this award, examples of Mazda’s dedication not only to producing engaging and fun-to-drive vehicles but those offering the utmost quality and safety.”

Vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute’s evaluations on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test (implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury impact on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time of collision. Only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are eligible for testing.

The 2011 Mazda3 recently was named a “Recommended” vehicle by a leading consumer publication and the sedan model praised as its “Most Fun Small Sedan” and a “Best Vehicle Under $20,000.”

Starting at $15,800, the Mazda3 sedan is equipped with a powerful and fuel efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers 148 horsepower with 135 lb.-ft. of torque and an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway (MT) and 24 city/33 highway (AT). A larger 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine boasting 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque also is available for the Mazda3 sedan but standard on the five-door model. The Mazda3 hatchback starts at $20,045 and is rated with an EPA fuel economy of 20 city/28 highway (MT) and 22 city/29 highway (AT). Topping the line is the MAZDASPEED3, available only as a five-door model and equipped with a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine producing 267-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

All 2011 Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models are equipped with a high level of standard safety features, which include six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the nation’s highways and roads. The Institute, along with affiliate the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), supports highway safety efforts and accident prevention through vehicle crash safety tests as well as consumer education, such as driver behavior and roadway designs. For more information, visit www.iihs.org.

Mazda Most Improved in Customer Service

Automotive Discovery posted a great article on Mazda's customer service.

It states that "J.D. Power and Associate’s 2011 Customer Service Index (CSI) shows Mazda to be among the most improved mass-market automotive brands."

The study "examines satisfaction of vehicle owners visiting service departments for repair or maintenance with five actions being considered to ascertain overall customer satisfaction with dealer service. The following five measures: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up are considered in order of importance."

"The study not only shows that customers can expect they will be more likely to have a favorable experience at a dealership according to Mazda officials, it also means that the company’s continued consistency in maintaining the value of the vehicle will make it worth more at the close of a lease. This means the Mazda is an increasingly smart choice from an ownership and value perspective."

“This performance is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all Mazda dealerships across the U.S., and is an indication that we are on the right path to long-term success with the programs and policies put in place over the last couple of years,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “This business is a marathon not a sprint, and we are building a company and a brand that speaks for quality and customer satisfaction. Our customers are very important to us and they deserve the very best treatment as Mazda owners.”

Visit OCMazda today!

Time To Sell The Cars

We love this radio spot courtesy of sports radio personality Steve Mason.

Grandma Gets a CX-7

We love heartwarmimg and genuine stories like this.

Orange County resident Bill Rams uploaded a video he made that surprised his mother-in-law with a brand new CX-7 he purchased from OC Auto Team member Jeff Lesniak.

To quote from his Facebook page:

"On Saturday we surprised my mother-in-law with a new CX-7. A few years ago she put her career as a golf pro on hold to be the primary caregiver of her father, mother and husband - all of whom passed away between July 2009 and March 15 2010. Today she's still taking care of her family, spending afternoons with our six-month old Charli...Thank you OC Mazda for helping us honor her with a new car. She loves it!"

And thank you Bill for being such a great husband, father, son-in-law and allowing us to be part of such a special day.

John Patterson OC Metro Interview

The following is an excerpt of a blog post from OC Metro magazine. The full post can be found here. Special thanks to Bryan Elliott for the interview.

Meet John Patterson, president of the OC Auto Team. Founded in 2004, Patterson’s OC Auto Team, which includes Huntington Beach Mazda in Huntington Beach, Tustin Hyundai in Tustin, and Tustin Mazda in Tustin, has earned its reputation as an award-winning, customer service focused company. In addition, the OC Auto Team was named as a Top Work Place by the Orange County Register in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

While meeting the customer’s needs remains a top priority, supporting the community goes hand-in-hand with that goal. A charitable donation is made for every car sold at all OC Auto Team locations. To date, over $600,000 has been donated to local schools, churches and charities. Patterson’s long range vision is to have donated $1 million by the time he and his employees celebrate their 10-year anniversary in 2014.

Q. (Bryan) Who’s at the helm?

A. (JP) The “Helm” sounds like someone on high dictating direction. While I am in charge and take responsibility for the problems that occur, I like to think that we are a cooperative organization with several leaders providing strong direction for our team. Each dealership has an excellent leadership team.

Q. (Bryan) Who makes the decisions?

A. (JP) Everyone makes decisions. I lead the big picture decision making process, but each of our managers, as well as all of our team members, have the ability to make decisions that affect the customer experience. Our goal is to make certain the experience at our dealerships is equal to the Ritz Carlton.

Q. (Bryan) Who’s the glue in your company?

A. (JP) The “glue” in our organization is not a “who” but and “it.” We are all brought together by our core philosophy – the Patterson Team Promise: “Engaged Employees, Customer Loyalty, Community Involvement and Long Term Vision.” Everyone in our organization understands that we have a four legged table where each of these principals defines who we are and how we effect our community. By working together, we have achieved tremendous growth and we look forward to continuous growth by serving these philosophies.

Q. (Bryan) Who is your customer?

A. (JP) Our New Car customer is the person that loves to drive a safe and stylish vehicle, but is budget minded – focusing on both fuel economy and an excellent value. Our pre-owned customer is anyone in the Western United states seeking an excellent value on a pre-owned vehicle from $3,000 to $40,000. Whether new or used, however, our customer is someone that values an outstanding experience.

Q. (Bryan) If you could only choose one person–for fun or business–who would you most like to have lunch with?

A. (JP) I would choose my mother. She passed away 3 1/2 years ago and I think of her often. She and my father have been wonderful parents and have shaped me into who I am today. My mother has missed the opening of two of my three dealerships and I would love to have her step foot in my stores one last time.

Q. (Bryan) What’s the secret sauce?

A. (JP) Treat every customer like they are a guest in your
home and make certain your home is a place people want to be.

Q. (Bryan) What mistakes have you made?

A. (JP) Over the past 7 years I have made several mistakes, some big and some small – but each has been a learning experience.

Q. (Bryan) What inspires you?

A. (JP) Seeing success in my organization. Success is an intangible, but you know it when you see it. Whether a sales professional or sales manager having a great sales day, or someone in my service department beaming with pride over a job well done – either way – I love seeing success and sharing it with my team.

Q. (Bryan) What frustrates you?

A. (JP) People working against each other. I liken our business to a big boat and everyone has an oar. Unless we are all rowing in the same direction, the boat will stagnate – and that frustrates me.

Q. (Bryan) If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

A. (JP) I would be a teacher/professor – no doubt about it. In fact, 15 years from now, that might be my 3rd career. When: I opened my first dealership, Tustin Mazda, in the beginning of 2004, over 7 years ago. I worked for corporate Toyota for over 10 years prior to making the transition to becoming an automotive retailer.

Q. (Bryan) Where are your customers?

A. (JP) 80% of the customers we service are in Orange County proper. But the remaining 20% of our customers are from all over California and the Western United States. We have customers regularly fly to John Wayne Airport to take delivery of used cars.

Q. (Bryan) Why do you do what you do?

A. (JP) I am a people person that is good with numbers and in this business, these two attributes are essential. My wife says I can speak to anyone about anything … while she is exaggerating, she is not too far off.

Q. (Bryan) Why are you successful?

A. (JP) To say that I am successful is pre-mature. We have grown a ton over the past 7 years, but we have a long way to go. I think the appropriate word is to say that I am grateful for the opportunity. This is God’s business and I am simply the captain of his ship.

Q. (Bryan) Why should people care about you?

A. (JP) Because we are much more than a car dealer. We are a fun group of people that happen to sell cars. We are
community servants that happen to sell cars. We are your neighbors…and we happen to sell cars. We are focused much more on providing an excellent experience, than just moving cars, and I think this has served us very well.

Q. (Bryan) How do you plan to improve, evolve, survive?

A. (JP) Improvement, evolving and survival all run hand in hand. I was speaking to a good friend of mine
earlier today and I summed it up like this “I continue to have a healthy fear of failure.” I think this gives me an edge to keep progressing and growing … and never remaining complacent.

Q. (Bryan) How are you different from competitors?

A. (JP) One visit to any of our three dealerships will show you the difference – we are not an “old school” cheesy car dealership. We are a fun organization that thrives on making our customers raving fans. We understand that our guests are the reason we are in business and we are grateful to be providing them a helpful service.

Car Buying is a Dream with the OC Auto Team

(this is a guest post from a current OC Mazda customer)

It really is a dream and I should know.

Because I bought a car from OC Mazda.

First things first. I hate buying cars. I think it's because I always felt intimidated by the sales guys.

You know what I mean.

You walk in knowing what you want and what your price is and suddenly you're talking to someone who tells you what THEY think you need and what THEIR price is.

I dreaded walking into any dealership. I just didn't want to talk to any of them. It got to the point where I would send my wife in.

That didn't last too long.

So I created a little dream in my head, a fantasy really.

I dreamed of a place where I was listened to. Where people were nice and not threatening and they actually cared about getting my business and treating me like a person and not a sale.

I searched and searched all over Orange County.

I walked into a lot of dealerships.

And then I met Jim Feinstein. I actually met him online. OK that sounds weird but I was pricing an SUV and he sent me a quote. He and I went back and forth in some emails about a CX-9 for my wife. He listened. He came across as a very nice guy. I thought to myself, ok this is different.

And when it came time for a test drive I got on the lot and a strange thing happened. There was this casual pace in the store. People tried to be helpful. I met owner John Patterson and his Customer Care Queen Lynda Nelson. They went out of their way to listen to my needs and help me buy the exact car that I wanted.

It was very very different from other dealerships and it wasn't until I started writing this post that I realized what it was. The reason why I think OC Mazda and the OC Auto Team is special is because what they do is genuine. It is an outgrowth of who they are as people.

They are just really nice helpful folks who happen to sell cars. It's that simple.

And its that hard to do.

And it makes buying a car from them a dream come true.

You rarely discover the exception to the rule. And when you do you stick close to it. Because it's so hard to find. But when you do, it's a dream come true.

OC Mazda is a 2011 Gold Cup Dealer

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OC Mazda Huntington Beach Mazda 6 Comparison

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John Patterson's OC Mazda CX7 Comparison

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