Monthly Archives: November 2021

The Microchip Shortage and How It Has Changed the Used Car Industry

Manufacturing

Last year’s pandemic has caused severe and enduring disruptions in the production of microchips. This global shortage of microchips has caused a significant slowdown in the automotive industry, forcing automakers to delay or halt the production of many cars.

Nowadays new cars usually come with digital speedometers and other artificial intelligence-driven tools, like back-up cameras or lane departure warning systems. Adding these innovative features requires automakers to rely heavily on microchips. Without these tiny silicon elements, many car manufacturers are unable to produce new vehicles.

Another factor driving the current microchip crunch is self-preservation. Automakers are currently attempting to acquire more supply than they need so they don’t face these types of shortages again. This desire to stock up is causing additional supply crunch in the auto industry and beyond.

It is estimated that the car microchip shortage will cause global vehicle production volumes to drop by about seven to eight million units, causing billions of dollars in revenue loss.

This Too Shall Pass… But When?

Auto market analysts remain optimistic and predict that the problem will ease in 2022. However, chip makers are hesitant to make such claims and forecast that the shortage could last well into 2023.

Why Did The Chip Shortage Happen?

The first signs of trouble appeared in the early months of 2020. As COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc on the global economy, auto sales in the United States dropped as much as 50%. This caused many factories to close and cancel work orders.

When the corporate world started transitioning to remote work, many employees were forced to purchase essential electronics to work from home. This flooded chip manufacturers with a workload they could barely handle.

As restrictions were lifted and travel resumed, so did the demand for cars. When automakers attempted to order more chips, they discovered that chip factories were already doubling down on efforts to keep up with the skyrocketing demand. Since then, microchip manufacturers have not been able adequately increase production.

How Does This Affect the Car Industry?

As car shortage remains in full swing, dealerships are having an increasingly tough time replenishing their inventory. In July, the inventory of new cars for sale hit the lowest number since tracking auto supply began.

Consumer demand for cars has not decreased. This has resulted in empty car lots and an imbalanced ratio between new and used vehicles for sale.

Consider Selling Your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore to Easterns Automotive Group

Despite their best efforts, chip manufacturers are uncertain as to when microchip production will go back to normal. As some predict, this might take well over two years. This means that the demand and prices for used cars will continue to be on the rise.

Households that can take advantage of remote work may no longer need more than one vehicle. Why pay insurance and maintenance costs on a car you barely drive when you can sell it and make substantial profit?

If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your used vehicle, consider selling it to Easterns Automotive Group. We will gladly take your vehicle as is, so you won’t have to put any extra time or money into washing, vacuuming, etc. We’ll handle all the details and paperwork so you can quickly get your cash and go on with your day.

Get a Fast Cash Offer for Your Vehicle

At Easterns Automotive Group we make it easy to sell your car for a great price. By answering a few simple yet crucial questions about your car, we will be able to send you a firm offer within just a few hours.

You can also call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations to get started.

How a Salesperson Can Change your Perspective on Car Buying

Sales

Shopping for a car can be a dauting experience. Car salespeople have a reputation for being narrowly focused on sales and putting that priority over the car shopper’s best interest.

Many salespeople are paid a commission whenever they manage to get a car off a dealership parking lot. When dollar signs dominate the salesperson’s mind, they might not give you the time and proper guidance you need to make an informed purchase. Working with the wrong salesperson can leave you feeling drained, discouraged and pressured into buying a car you don’t want or need. It can literally be a costly mistake that lands you in the wrong car.

Conversely, the right professional will save you time, money and turn the process into an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Working with the right salesperson will feel like a breath of fresh air. They will be honest, respectful of your time and will tailor vehicle options to meet your preferences.

Here are some more ways to evaluate a car salesperson so that you know you’re getting the experience you deserve.

Signs of a Good Salesperson:

  1. Listens Attentively
  2. Values Your Time
  3. Knowledgeable
  4. Follows up ASAP
  5. Is Honest

Listens Attentively

A true professional will give you ample time to explain your transportation needs. They will ask you questions to learn more about your driving habits and what type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle. They will not interrupt you or try to undermine your opinions. They will keep you the center of attention, instead of taking up too much space with empty words and promises.

Values Your Time

You may want to call the dealership ahead of time and make an appointment. Tell the sales manager which car you want to test drive and ask for the name of the salesperson you’ll be working with. If the salesperson and car are ready for your appointment, it’s a promising sign.

Pro-tip: Usually, a reliable dealership will have a list of new and used cars available for sale with detailed descriptions and an image gallery. You should be able to browse the dealership’s inventory by going to their website.

Knowledgeable

A good salesperson will have a comprehensive knowledge of their product. Doing plenty of research prior to your appointment and asking detailed questions about the car you like are effective ways to test how much the salesperson knows about it. Look for responses that are detailed and straightforward. If they’re being vague or trying to dodge questions, chances are they have little to no knowledge of the car they’re trying to sell you. An honest salesperson will admit that they don’t know the answer but go to great lengths to find it out.

Follows up ASAP

If the right car isn’t available right away or you need to come back later to seal the deal, a good salesperson will commit to calling you back. They will take your contact details and take it upon themselves to follow up with you as soon as that car becomes available.

Is Honest

A good salesperson will be honest from the start. If they can’t sell you what you’re looking for, they won’t try to convince you an imperfect alternative vehicle is the best choice for you.

Signs of a Bad Salesperson:

  1. Doesn’t Respect Your Time
  2. Is All About Pressure
  3. Tries to Rush You
  4. Withholds Information

Doesn’t Respect Your Time

It’s a bad sign if you’ve been on the lot browsing for 20 minutes and no one has acknowledged your presence or offered you help. It’s even worse if you have showed up to your appointment but the salesperson you’re supposed to be working with is nowhere to be found. A good salesperson will give you a moment to browse and follow up with a subtle and pressure-free offer to help.

Is All About Pressure

This is what customers dread most. No one likes to be pressured into buying things, especially big purchases like a car. The salesperson trying to march you into their office before you have even had a chance to test drive a car is a red flag. If the shopping process is making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to walk away and look for a better experience.

Tries to Rush You

Another tactic similar to being pushy is trying to make you think you’re going to lose out on the car because of things like high demand or another buyer’s interest in that same vehicle.  If a salesperson is pressuring you to act fast or you’ll lose the deal of your lifetime, your best option is to just walk out of the dealership and go somewhere else.

Withholds Information

A reputable car dealership has nothing to hide. If the salesperson is unable to provide you with a Carfax report or refuses to let a mechanic you trust look at the car, walk away from the vehicle. The last thing you want to do is buy a lemon.

Visit Easterns Automotive Group for an Easy and Relaxed Car Shopping Experience

At Easterns Automotive, we strive to make your car buying journey informative and fair. Our dedicated team of professionals will help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your family’s needs without making you feel rushed or pressured.

If you’re looking for a quality used car and a stress-free experience, call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

How to Spot if a Used Car Is a Lemon

FAQs

Purchasing a car can be a nerve-racking experience. If your budget is limited, or you want to avoid the rapid depreciation of a new vehicle, you might consider looking into used cars. One of the few potential downsides of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is getting one that turns out to be unreliable and in need of expensive repairs – or a lemon.

Fortunately, there are plenty of signs that can indicate the car you’ve been eyeing is a lemon.

To help you with your vehicle shopping experience, we have complied a list of the most common lemon signs to look out for.

  1. Vaguely Written Ad
  2. Mismatch Paint Work
  3. Misconfigured Body Parts
  4. Mismatched or Worn-Out Tires
  5. Suspicious Interior
  6. Faulty Suspension System
  7. Manipulated Odometer

Vaguely Written Ad

Ads are supposed to paint the most glowing possible image of a product or service to increase the chance someone will buy it. A car ad doesn’t have to be immaculate, but it should sound professional and contain as much information about the car as possible.

The ad should highlight the car’s best features but also disclose any problems that it has, such as damage or if it’s been in an accident. It’s usually a good sign if the seller explains the reason behind selling the car. An ad that is vague or focuses only on the car’s highlights could be a sign the vehicle has some underlying issues, and the offer is not as good as it sounds.

Mismatched Paint Work

If you walk around the vehicle and notice spots that are slightly different in color, appear faded or are freshly painted, this might mean the car was in an accident and the owner tried to cut corners instead of fully fixing it. Any car with hidden accident damage is best avoided. Plus, fixing mismatched paintwork can get expensive so unless you want to incur additional costs, you are better off continuing your search.

Misconfigured Body Parts

When inspecting a used car, be mindful of any misaligned parts, including irregularities in the alignment of body panels, car doors, hood gaps and trunks. While many sellers will try to downplay these issues and pass them off as minor and harmless aesthetic deficiencies, this might be far from true.

Misconfigured body parts are a major red flag and indicate that the car was most likely involved in a major accident.

Mismatched or Worn-Out Tires

Tires are the proverbial windows into a car’s soul. You can gather a lot of information about the condition of a used car just by looking at its tires. The first thing you should check is if the tires are uniform. In other words, if all four tires are the same size and brand. Uniform tires ensure optimum stability and control of the car.

Moreover, worn-out tires could indicate heavy wear on the vehicle and poor maintenance. Also, if you notice cupped tires, this usually means problems with brakes, suspension or steering.

Suspicious Interior

Just like exterior features, the car’s interior can also give you many clues about the condition it is in.

If you spot any discolorations and stains inside the car, it might indicate that it was flooded in the past. Conversely, if you notice an interior that has brand-new upholstery, it can also indicate that the seller is attempting to cover up water damage.

Faulty Suspension System

When you take a used car for a test drive and notice things like difficulty steering, continued bounding after hitting bumps or drifting when turning corners, these may be signs of serious suspension problems.

You can check the car’s suspension by pushing down on the fenders and then letting go quickly. The car should rebound softly once or twice. If it rebounds more than twice, the suspension probably needs some major repairs, which the seller might not be willing to pay for.

Manipulated Odometer

A used car with relatively low mileage can be a great deal. A car that is low in miles means that it hasn’t been driven much and has plenty of life left in it.

Be warry of sellers who purposely tamper with a car’s odometer. Unscrupulous resellers might go to great lengths to manipulate the numbers so that the car shows low mileage.

If the car is older and displays a lot of wear and tear, but the miles don’t match the appearance, save yourself the headache and look for a different seller.

Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Cars in Maryland and Virginia?

Lemon laws vary by state and can be nuanced and convoluted. Even if you believe that the used car you purchased is a lemon, the law might say otherwise. You might have to complete several steps before you can file a formal complaint.

Unfortunately, Lemon Laws in Virginia and Maryland only apply to new vehicles and leased vehicles.

Get a Great Used Vehicle from Easterns Automotive Group

Why put yourself through the stress and hassle of purchasing a used car from a questionable seller? At Eastern Automotive, every vehicle on our lot has passed a rigorous multi-point certification check so you can shop with confidence.

If you’re looking for a quality car and a stress-free experience, call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

How General Motors Is Converting to Electric Vehicles

Automakers

Whether you’re running errands or commuting to work, you have probably noticed the increased presence of electric cars on the road. Despite the recent coronavirus pandemic, electric car sales have been on the rise. Just last year, global sales rose by 43%, which equates to more than three million electric cars sold in 2020.

Even the steep prices of some electric vehicles have not deterred people from giving them a go. The technology behind these vehicles seems to justify and outweigh their higher purchase cost. After all, electric cars are extremely quiet, generate no pollution and have no gas fuel costs. The latter means that buyers save money they would otherwise spend on gas.

As the world continues to move toward a safer and greener future, the goal of the automotive industry is to spearhead this movement by producing millions of electric vehicles, with vehicle options for every type of person and business.

GM Is on Its Way to an All-Electric Future

General Motors, one of the manufacturers trying to lead the charge in electric vehicle technology, is committed to releasing 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025. GM is shaping up to be one of the trailblazers in designing, engineering and producing EVs for every style and customer. The company is building a competitive advantage in batteries, software, vehicle integration, manufacturing and customer experience.

The Detroit automaker has adopted a bold all-or-nothing strategy. GM has set an ambitious target to completely phase out gas and diesel engines for all light-duty vehicles by 2035. Additionally, 2035 will also be the year when GM goes completely carbon neutral at all facilities worldwide.

GM’s Ultium Batteries and Platform

GM’s focus on innovation and efficiency may be what sets them apart from competitors. The manufacturer’s Ultium batteries are big step forward in the EV industry. These large-format, pouch-style batteries can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This can significantly optimize battery energy storage and layout for different vehicles, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.

The battery packs can house six, eight, 10, 12 or up to 24 modules depending on what the vehicle type requires. This grants more freedom in the product design process. With no need to design around gas tanks, engines, radiators or exhaust pipes, the Ultium battery packs can be arranged to optimize the vehicle’s design, comfort, quality of driving and storage.

Moreover, Ultium energy options range from 50 to 200 kWh, which could enable an estimated range of up to 400 miles or more on a full charge and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3 seconds.

As GM further improves their Ultium battery solution, vehicles manufactured with them will be increasingly efficient, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and benefit from prolonged battery life.

GM Fleet

GM’s plans to go all electric include enticing businesses to transition from traditional fleet vehicles to electric vehicles only. No matter their size or segment, GM promises businesses many benefits to investing in their products:

  • Versatile electric vehicles for any business segment
  • Front, rear and all-wheel drive options
  • Low battery costs
  • Outstanding vehicle performance

GM’s multi-faceted strategy emphasizes cost efficiency. As long as electricity continues to be more affordable than fossil fuels, electric fleet vehicles that boast adequate range will become increasingly appealing.

Shop for Used Electric Vehicles at Easterns Automotive Group

Have you considered test driving an EV to see what the hype is all about? Or maybe you’ve already made the decision to transition from a fuel-powered vehicle to an electric-powered car?

Whether you’re just curious or are resolute in your decision, Easterns Automotive offers a diverse array of used electric and hybrid cars for you to explore.

If you’re in Maryland, Virginia or the DMV, call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

Pay It Forward – Blessings Box

Community, Uncategorized,

Residents in a Capitol Heights neighborhood joined together to create what they call the “Blessing Box.” It is a large box in their community full of food for others to take when in need. Maureen Umeh met with two community members to learn more about the different things they do to help each other. One neighbor shared that she has a garden and often gives away fresh vegetables to others in the community.

Inspired by these neighbors coming together to help one another Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group joined with a special surprise, “You guys show that blessings begin with a heart to give! We want to be a blessing to you and your neighbors by giving each household a $100 gift card to help with their Thanksgiving day shopping!” The neighbors lit up with joy and excitement as they heard the good news!

Helping Hands – St. Stephens Baptist Church & Project Bright Future

Community, Uncategorized,

Every Tuesday, St. Stephens Baptist Church in Temple Hills has a massive food distribution for those in need in the community. “We’re excited about serving the community. We’ve got all kinds of food. We’ve got produce. We’ve got chicken. We’ve got pork chops, apples. We’ve got sweet potatoes, and we’re giving it all away until it’s gone. We do it every Tuesday consistently,” said Bishop Lanier Twyman, Sr., Senior Pastor at St. Stephens Baptist Church.

Driven by volunteers, they have about 60 volunteers every week to help distribute food but could use the help of others. Serving the community doesn’t stop with food distribution. About ten years ago, St. Stephens Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland, started a mentor program called “Project Bright Future.” The program mentors young children and prepares them to be a better part of their community and pursue college degrees.

Their great deeds of service got the attention of our 7News Helping Hands campaign.

Joel Bassam joined virtually to share a special message for St. Stephens Baptist Church, “Hi there, I’m Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group. We were blown away by what you guys are trying to do—feeding people and giving people clothes. Helping them in any way they need without anything in return is the best way to give. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000, so you can continue to help those in the community. Thank you,”

Blown away by this donation, St. Stephens Baptist Church cheered in excitement! We are honored to be able to help such a fantastic cause.

Helping Hands: Ellie’s Hats

Community, Uncategorized

Ellie was a kindergartner at Jay Coakley’s school diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the spring of 2013. She had lost most of her hair by the time she was in kindergarten and wore hats every day to school.

Coakley bought her many hats and later set up a non-profit organization called Ellie’s Hats to help other pediatric patients. “What I learned along the way is the hats are great for the kids,” Coakley said. “But there is a financial burden from families due to their child being treated for cancer.”

Ellie’s Hats has evolved beyond hats to support families financially. Through Ellie’s Hats, they created a program that gives $1,000 to 5 families in need a month and has helped 175 families with a monetary donation.

As a part of this 7 News Helping Hands, Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group joined with a special surprise for Jay Coakley and Ellie’s Hats.

“Ellie’s Hats is such an amazing story, started by helping one person and blossoming into a way to help as many people as possible by granting wishes,” Bassam said. “The way you are sticking to your singular goal of brightening a child’s day is incredible. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause to continue to brighten as many kids’ days as possible. Continue doing the amazing work.”

Instead of helping five families next month, this allows them to help seven. They have currently given away $150,000 to families in need, which puts them one step closer to their goal of giving away $200,000!

Helping Hands: Operation Renewed Hope Foundation

Community, Uncategorized,

The Fairfax County non-profit, Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, is on a mission to end veteran homelessness by helping veterans get back on their feet, one home at a time.

Deborah Snyder is a former army helicopter pilot and the President of Operation Renewed Hope Foundation. She says the work to end veteran homelessness never stops, and giving back is in her blood. In this Helping Hands segment, she is renovating a four-bedroom home for a veteran family.

Snyder’s dedication to helping veterans led Easterns Automotive Group to make the non-profit a 7 News Helping Hands recipient. 7 News met with her inside the Alexandria home that she will be giving to the next veteran family on Veteran’s Day.

“What Operation Renewed Hope Foundation is doing, providing quality housing for the nation’s veterans who are experiencing homelessness, is incredible,” Bassam said. “We want to help you continue to break that cycle for those who have selflessly served this nation by donating $2,000 to your cause. Please continue doing the amazing work that you are doing and helping those who are in need.”

“Usually, it’s us giving the surprise to the veterans, but thank you so much to Easterns for the surprise. This is fantastic!” Snyder laughed.
Snyder.

Helping Hands: Aaliyah in Action

Community, Uncategorized,

A former Washington, D.C. teacher who delivered a stillborn baby last year is now on a journey herself to help others. Having lost her own child in December 2020, Elizabeth O’Donnell launched a nonprofit called Aaliyah in Action to assist mothers who have lost a child at birth. O’Donnell explained that she is now a stillbirth advocate full-time.

The organization partners with local hospitals to provide free self-care packages to families grieving. Most of the items in the box are items from local businesses or items created by families who have experienced loss. Supporting small businesses was also very important to O’Donnell as she gathered ideas for what to include in the boxes. Each box has a pair of fuzzy socks, lip balm, a face mask, and lavender shower steamers.

“They are not meant to make anybody feel better because that’s not possible,” O’Donnell said. “But it’s a gentle hug from someone who knows the pain.”

From Easterns Automotive Group, Joel Bassam learned about O’Donnell’s work in the community and decided to make her a 7News Helping Hands recipient.

“When Helping Hands brought us the story of the way you have turned this life experience of a way to help other individuals who are going through something so traumatic, we were blown away. We want to donate $2,000 to Aaliyah in Action to help support those individuals going through this terrible time, help them take the next steps in their lives with the boxes you are giving to them, and the bereavement support as well.”

Elizabeth was blown away and shared that this donation would help her reach more families and hospitals.

Meet the Easterns Team: Michael Johnson

Uncategorized

Meet Sales Manager Michael Johnson! He has been with the Easterns team for seven years and enjoys working at Easterns because of its fun culture and family atmosphere.

Outside of Easterns he loves being a husband and a father to his 18-year-old, 10-year-old, and 6-year-old. They enjoy creating art, going to museums and sporting events, specifically the Washington Football Team because they are big fans.

When helping customers find the perfect car, Micheal explained the goal is always to help them find a vehicle that fits their needs. “We never want our customers to go into debt, so we want to find something that best fits them.”

Thanks for being a part of the Easterns family, Michael! We appreciate all of your hard work at Easterns of Baltimore!