After its debut in late 2010, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine quickly made inroads with the truck-buying public, proving that power and efficiency can come in one technologically advanced package. Ford recently revealed that V6 sales made up 55 percent of 2011 Ford F-150 sales in May, with 41 percent of new F-150 customers choosing the V6 EcoBoost power plant and 14 percent going with the 3.7-liter V6.

“Massachusetts truck buyers are a hard group to please when it comes to engines,” said Michael Quirk, general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealership Quirk Ford. “Big V8 engines have had the run of things for a long time, so the V6 models have had to win consumers over by proving they could do the same work while getting better fuel mileage.”

Producing 365 horsepower and twisting out 420 pound-feet of torque at just 2,500 rpm, the V6 EcoBoost-equipped 2011 Ford F-150 has the same towing capacity as an F-150 with a 6.2-liter V8, the biggest engine found under the hood of Ford’s light-duty trucks. The V8 returns 18 mpg on the highway in 4×2 operation, while the EcoBoost will go 22 miles per gallon under the same conditions. With gas prices more than one dollar higher than they were a year ago according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the EcoBoost’s improved fuel economy is proving a powerful draw for new truck buyers.

While the V6 EcoBoost grabs more headlines, the naturally aspirated V6 available in the F-150 is no slouch. The 3.7-liter engine produces 302 horsepower, a number that would have made V8 owners happy just a few years ago. Though it’s the least powerful engine in the F-150 lineup, the 3.7-liter V6 is still capable of towing 6,100 pounds when properly equipped, enough capacity for a small camper or boat. The naturally aspirated V6′s edge is its 23 mpg on the highway, a truly impressive figure for a full-size truck.

“Ford is providing exactly what truck owners need: more power and better fuel efficiency,” Quirk said. “Laughing at the guy with a V6 pickup truck is a thing of the past; today’s six-cylinder engines can leave some recent V8s in the dust.”

Ford’s F-Series trucks continue to be the best-selling vehicles in the United States, with May sales of 42,399 units and year-to-date sales of 214,461, an increase of 11 percent compared with the same period in 2010.

About Quirk Ford:
Quirk Ford, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is the largest Ford dealer by sales volume in New England and a winner of The President’s Award for customer satisfaction six years in a row. Quirk offers a full line of new Ford vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and Escape Hybrid models, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids. For more information, call 877-236-7314, visit them online at www.quirkford.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkFord or stop by their dealership at 540 Southern Artery, Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-8400

Ford is offering support for two audiences with the research and technology going into new SYNC services: diabetics, who number nearly 19 million people in the United States according to the American Diabetes Association, and those with asthma or severe allergies. Leveraging the Bluetooth connectivity and cloud-based computing used to provide entertainment and navigation, Ford SYNC could soon monitor glucose levels and display location-based air-quality reports. SYNC is available in 13 different Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, ranging from the 2012 Ford Focus to Ford Super Duty trucks.

“With the amount of time we spend in cars, it makes sense to incorporate some health monitoring into the technology we already use,” said Michael Quirk, general manager of Quirk Ford. “Ford is working with industry innovators to bring these technologies to market as quickly as possible. Some of the applications, like glucose monitoring, will take time to perfect, but other features like pollen and air-quality readings could be implemented very soon.”

Allergy Alert could be one of the first applications added to the SYNC lineup, which is welcome news to Massachusetts Ford drivers dealing with allergies this spring. Ford is currently working with Pollen.com and SDI Health to SYNC-enable its Allergy Alert smartphone application through AppLink, Ford software that allows users to control smartphones with voice commands. Allergy Alert features that Ford drivers can look forward to include real-time index levels for pollen, other allergens and UV rays based on GPS-targeted locations. The applications also furnish four-day weather forecasts to help drivers plan ahead.

Medtronic is another healthcare company working with Ford to develop in-car health monitoring. A leading manufacturer of glucose-monitoring hardware, Medtronic is developing a system that will use Bluetooth connectivity to allow Ford SYNC to display and track trends directly from a Medtronic glucose-monitoring device. The system will even be able to alert the driver if glucose levels drop to a point that makes it dangerous to be behind the wheel.

The entire suite of SYNC healthcare services will be integrated with WellDoc’s cloud-based mHealth services. Ford SYNC users will be able to access their personalized WellDoc accounts and use voice commands to update their profiles and receive instant patient coaching, medication reminders and behavioral advice based on their past and current medical histories.

“Connectivity is the name of the game now, from computers to phones and now to cars,” Quirk said. “Ford’s SYNC was a leap forward in the evolution of in-car control systems, and now Ford is taking another big step by integrating healthcare services into cars. It’s not a replacement for a real doctor, but it is a step toward a healthier driving public.”

Ford is exploring other wellness technologies that will help reduce stress behind the wheel. The automaker paired with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a nine-month study that explored the connection between stress and driving performance. The study found that technology which improves driver confidence, like Ford’s active park assist and cross-traffic alert, helps to reduce stress on the road.

About Quirk Ford:
Quirk Ford is the largest Ford dealer by sales volume in New England and a winner of The President’s Award for customer satisfaction six years in a row. Quirk offers a full line of new Ford vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and Escape Hybrid models, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids. For more information, call 877-236-7314, visit them online at www.quirkford.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkFord or stop by their dealership at 540 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

Many of Nissan’s employees got a close-up view of the tornado devastation and related flooding in late April. Nissan America’s headquarters and two of its factories are based in Tennessee, with another residing in Canton, Mississippi. In a show of support for its communities, Nissan is offering anyone who had a vehicle destroyed or damaged its $1,500 employee discount off dealer invoice pricing, as well as the ability to delay up to three vehicle payments in accordance with Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.’s Payment Delay Plan. The offers will be available to residents of storm-hit counties listed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky.

Nissan also offered direct aid to the affected communities, donating $115,000 to the American Red Cross to help provide food, clothing and shelter to people displaced by the storms.

“Nissan has a close connection with the ravaged communities in the South and has seen the devastation and the challenges people will face as they try to rebuild,” said Paul Butts, general manager of Quirk Nissan. “In this time of need, Nissan is working to help affected families get back on their feet and recover from these disasters. Many of them lost their vehicles due to damage or flooding, so getting them mobile again is the first step toward normal life.”

In Japan, all Nissan factories have returned to full operation and production is increasing. The automaker expects that any delays in the near future will be related to the availability of parts from its suppliers, not the capability of its factories. Production output for Nissan fell 52.4 percent in March due to the earthquake, which was less than Toyota and Honda, whose output fell about 62 percent.

The ramped-up activity by Nissan in Japan will mean improved production of the all-electric Nissan LEAF at the automaker’s Oppama plant. With many deliveries on hold due to the earthquake, Nissan is working to catch up on its backlog of pre-orders. Even with these delays, Nissan sold 1,044 LEAF electric cars in the U.S. through April. The automaker expects that number to swell past 10,000 units in the United States before year’s end.

“The LEAF is a great engineering success story for Nissan, and it won’t be long before the vehicle becomes a regular sight on the road,” Butts added. “Nissan is doing everything they can to get the LEAF in the hands of everyone who wants one. Once they’ve caught up with demand, we’ll have the LEAF in our showroom, and that’s an exciting prospect for fuel economy-minded Massachusetts Nissan customers.”

Launched last December, the Nissan LEAF uses an 80 kW AC synchronous motor coupled with a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery to offer a top speed of 90 mph and a range of nearly 100 miles, all while producing zero emissions. The new vehicle contributed to an overall U.S. year-over-year sales increase of 12.2 percent for Nissan. The Nissan Rogue SUV saw a record April, with U.S. sales up 28.1 percent.

About Quirk Nissan:
Quirk Nissan, the premier Greater Boston Nissan dealer, is focused on providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Quirk Nissan offers a full line of new Nissan vehicles, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs and trucks, and is known for the honesty and integrity of its sales, service and parts staff. For more information, call 877-647-7861, visit their website at www.quirknissan.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkNissan or stop by their dealership at 600 Southern Artery, Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

In the first-ever TV commercial shot on the Yungas Road, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport are seen winding along the incredibly steep and extremely narrow passage that rises and falls by more than 11,000 feet. Viewers can watch the vehicles navigate the road, which was built by Paraguayan prisoners in the 1930s, and experience the “World’s Most Dangerous Test Drive” with adjustable 360- degree views of the gutsy travel through a collection of videos at http://www.mitsubishicars.com/dangerousroad/ .

“Most drivers will never find themselves on extreme terrain like the Yungas Road, but we all experience driving conditions that get our hearts pumping, and the Outlander family’s All-Wheel Control system delivers the same dependable performance regardless of road or hemisphere,” said Phil Ternullo, general manager at Quirk Mitsubishi. “I’m sure there were many times this past winter when Route 93 or Route 128 were called “roads of death,” and the Outlander got our customers through them.”

The Mitsubishi Outlander family’s latest achievement in Bolivia was a follow-up to the five new Guinness World Records earned earlier this year within a 24-hour period on a frozen Canadian lake. The records included “Greatest distance driven in reverse on snow in 30 seconds,” “Shortest braking distance by a vehicle on ice,” “Most vehicle figure eights on ice in two minutes,” “Fastest vehicle slalom relay on ice” and “Fastest driven square lap.”

Both the Outlander midsize SUV and the Outlander Sport crossover are available with Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, which makes driving more stable and safe by measuring factors like throttle input, speed and surface slickness to better manage variable conditions. Adding to the vehicles’ traction and safety, Active Stability Control (ASC) is standard on both vehicles; this system uses a set of sensors that monitor grip on the road and activates the anti-lock brakes to enhance traction when needed.

With word spreading about the vehicles’ capabilities in extreme conditions, the Outlander and Outlander Sport have combined for a 98 percent increase in sales year-to-date. April sales were up more than 110 percent compared with the same month last year. The Outlander Sport has now seen seven consecutive months of sales growth since it arrived at Mitsubishi dealers last October.

“The Outlander and Outlander Sport appeal to buyers because they are capable of breaking records when it comes to traction, but still come packed with useful interior features like a hands-free communications system and a 40-gigabyte touchscreen entertainment center,” added Ternullo. “Car buyers are realizing that they can get a lot more vehicle for a lot less money with the Outlander family.”

About Quirk Mitsubishi:
Quirk Mitsubishi, located minutes from downtown Boston on the McGrath Highway in Quincy, has been serving Massachusetts Mitsubishi owners in the region for more than 30 years. With dedicated, knowledgeable sales and service professionals, Quirk works to build lifelong relationships with its customers and save them money on their Mitsubishi purchases. To discover everything that Quirk Mitsubishi has to offer, visit them online at www.quirkmitsubishi.net, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkMitsubishi , call 617-249-5847, or stop by their showroom at 99 McGrath Highway, Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

Nissan first became an ENERGY STAR partner in 2006 and has since put considerable time and effort into reducing its energy use. In the past five years, Nissan has improved energy efficiency in three of its U.S. plants by more than 30 percent, saving the company more than $11.5 million per year in energy costs. Nissan has also made strides in improving the fuel efficiency of its vehicles.

“Nissan is right on the leading edge of energy-efficient technology,” said Paul Butts, general manager at Quirk Nissan. “It’s a trend that starts in the factories and continues in the cars we sell, like the super affordable Versa, innovative Altima Hybrid and the ground-breaking all-electric LEAF.”

The 2011 Nissan Versa combines class-leading interior volume with frugality at the gas pump, returning city mileage of 26 mpg and highway mileage of 34 mpg in the base model. There are two engine choices, a 122-horsepower 1.8 liter and a 107-horsepower 1.6 liter, and three available transmissions, including a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual for those who want extra responsiveness and control.

The feather in Nissan’s green hat is the all-electric LEAF, a car that uses no fossil fuels and generates no emissions. The LEAF’s power system, which produces 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, was the only electric powertrain chosen by WardsAuto.com as one of its 10 Best Engines for 2011. Ward’s editors praised the LEAF’s driving characteristics, which they found comparable to any subcompact car. The LEAF, which has a range of up to 100 miles, is currently available in six states and more than 20,000 have been ordered, which has encouraged Nissan to dedicate more resources to LEAF production.

Crash ratings show that the LEAF is just as safe as it is frugal. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently published the results of its first-ever round of electric-vehicle crash tests and found that the LEAF was “Good” in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection. Those top marks and standard electronic stability control helped the LEAF earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

“The LEAF is an exciting new vehicle that will change the way Massachusetts Nissan drivers think about electric cars,” Butts said. “With rising fuel prices, car buyers are taking a long, hard look at what they drive. Whether it’s a fuel-efficient Versa or an electric vehicle like the LEAF, Nissan has the answer.”

About Quirk Nissan:
Quirk Nissan, the premier Greater Boston Nissan dealer, is focused on providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Quirk Nissan offers a full line of new Nissan vehicles, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs and trucks, and is known for the honesty and integrity of its sales, service and parts staff. For more information, call 877-647-7861, visit their website at www.quirknissan.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkNissan or stop by their dealership at 600 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

“The Focus Electric will be right at home in Boston when it debuts in 2012,” said Michael Quirk, general manager of Quirk Ford. “That doesn’t mean that Massachusetts Ford drivers have to wait to lower their fuel costs. The 2011 Focus is already a money saver and a perfect companion on Boston’s streets.”

The 2012 Ford Focus is a true fuel miser, returning 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway in the base model. Those numbers earned the Focus a spot on the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) list of Top 10 Green Cars of 2011. KBB.com editors praised the 2012 Focus for its sporty handling, expressive styling and available SYNC entertainment and communications technology.

Those looking for even greater savings at the pump can choose the 2012 Focus’s Super Fuel Efficiency (SFE) package, which nets 28 mpg in urban driving and boosts highway fuel economy to 40 mpg. With a 12.4-gallon fuel tank, the SFE model can go nearly 500 miles between stops at the gas station. The 2012 Ford Focus is powered by a direct-injection 2-liter engine producing 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

Good fuel mileage doesn’t come at the expense of comfort; the Focus can be a purchased with a bevy of options that defy its price tag. WardsAuto.com took note of the car’s interior, recently adding the 2012 Ford Focus Titanium to its 10 Best Interiors list. Editors at WardsAuto.com liked the two-tone leather seats, navigation system and the moon roof that come with the Titanium package. They also enjoyed the Parking Technology Package that includes a rear-view camera, and ultrasonic sensors that allow the car to parallel park itself nearly three times faster than its competitors.

“The 2012 Focus is an impressive combination of fun, features and economy,” Quirk said. “With fuel prices on the rise, car buyers are paying more attention to mileage than ever before. Ford designed the 2012 Focus not only to park itself, but to steer its owners away from the gas station.”

About Quirk Ford:
Quirk Ford, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is the largest Ford dealer by sales volume in New England and a winner of The President’s Award for customer satisfaction six years in a row. Quirk offers a full line of new Ford vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and Escape Hybrid models, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids. For more information, call 877-236-7314, visit them online at www.quirkford.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkFord or stop by their dealership at 540 Southern Artery in Quincy.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

To enter the contest, Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents over the age of 18 simply need to “like” the Quirk Cars Facebook page, complete an entry form and submit a short video, a photo or text explaining why they need a new car or why they like the Quirk dealerships. Full contest rules and entry details can be found at http://quirkworksforme.com/ .

“We want to let everyone who’s thinking of entering to know that time is running out,” said Dan Quirk, owner of the Quirk Automotive Group. “We’ve had a fantastic response to the contest so far, with more than 1,500 new Facebook fans and more than 500 entries, but we’d love to see more.”

The entries will be judged by an independent panel from Quincy College, and 10 finalists will be invited to attend a giveaway event at the Quirk Nissan dealership in Quincy on May 10. At the event, a random drawing will decide the winner.

At stake is a new, silver Nissan Altima 2.5 S with a 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine that earns 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. This fuel-efficient four-door sedan is the perfect everyday car for families, commuters and students, offering electronic traction control and passenger-sensing front airbags for safety, as well as 175 horsepower for spirited driving performance.

The giveaway coincides with the launch of new websites for all of the Quirk Automotive Group’s dealerships. Based on extensive research and knowledge of online behavior patterns, these new sites make it simple for customers to find the information that is most relevant to them when they buy a car, whether they shop for options, safety features, performance or interior and exterior style.

“Our new site designs and this contest were created to showcase how our Massachusetts and New Hampshire auto dealers work hard to help our customers,” Quirk said. “I’ve been amazed at the creativity people have shown so far in this contest, and I’m looking forward to announcing the finalists and the winner.”

About Quirk Automotive Group:
With dealerships in Braintree and Quincy, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, the Quirk Automotive Group delivers one of Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire’s largest selections of vehicles, including Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen models, backed by a friendly and professional sales team that works to get its customers great deals on new and used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Find the complete listing of Quirk dealerships, get their latest specials and browse their extensive inventory online at www.quirkcars.com . Customers can also call the Quirk Automotive Group at 781-843-4800 to schedule a test drive.

The contest is open to Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents who are 18 years of age or older. To enter, customers need to “like” the Quirk Cars Facebook page, fill in the entry form and explain how the new Altima would improve their lives. Essays, photographs and videos under 60 seconds in length will all be accepted.

A group of independent judges will select 10 finalists from among the videos, photos and posts submitted. The finalists will be invited to a prize ceremony at Quirk’s Quincy, Massachusetts Nissan dealership in early May, where a random drawing will decide who wins the car. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

“We’re thrilled to give Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents the chance to own a new Nissan Altima,” said Dan Quirk, owner of the Quirk Automotive Group. “This is a great car that makes getting around in New England more fun, whether you’re going to work, hanging out with friends or taking the family to the beach. We’re looking forward to seeing the creative entries people submit, and finding out what the car would mean to them.”

Contest entries should describe how the new Altima would benefit the winner, by making a commute easier or by replacing a current car that has outlived its usefulness. Entries can be as simple as a poem, a picture of a high-mileage odometer, or a quick video tour of the rust holes in an aging clunker.

With a model like the Altima, it’s easy to see how much the driver’s life could be improved. The 2.5 S trim’s 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine pumps out 175 horsepower and gets 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, numbers that are appealing in a time when gas prices continue to climb. Plus, the Altima’s sport-tuned suspension and electronic stability control means the owner will always feel in control, no matter what the road conditions are.

All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2011, to be considered. Complete contest rules and details can be found at www.quirkworksforme.com. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries received.

“It’s not every day that you get a chance to win a car like the Altima,” Quirk continued. “We hope that everyone in the region will take part in this contest and take a moment to learn about all the ways that Quirk works to help its customers, from our great selection of new and used vehicles to our service centers with factory-trained specialists.”

The contest arrives as Quirk Automotive Group rolls out newly redesigned websites for all of its dealerships. The new sites are designed to make finding the right vehicle easier, allowing customers to locate a specific model or to locate cars based on features that matter to them, such as engine type, transmission and fuel economy. Upgraded websites for Quirk’s New Hampshire dealerships have already been published, and the sites for the Massachusetts dealerships will be launched in early April.

About Quirk Automotive Group
With dealerships in Braintree and Quincy, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, the Quirk Automotive Group delivers one of Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire’s largest selections of vehicles, including Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen models, backed by a friendly and professional sales team that works to get its customers great deals on new and used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Find the complete listing of Quirk dealerships, get their latest specials and browse their extensive inventory online at www.quirkcars.com. Customers can also call the Quirk Automotive Group at 781-843-4800 to schedule a test drive.

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Drive One 4 UR School has been a wild success since its inception in 2007, with over $5 million raised as a result of more than 275,000 test-drives taking place at more than 1,500 events nationwide. This is Quirk Ford’s first time participating in the program, and the innovative 2011 models at their Ford dealership waiting to be test-driven have their staff expecting a big turnout.

“We’re eagerly looking forward to raising as much money as we can for Senior Night Out and helping these Quincy High students have a memorable night,” said General Manager Michael Quirk. “With all the cuts in public funding for education in these tough economic times, it’s up to local businesses like ours to pick up the slack and provide a fun night for these students.”

From 9 AM to 5 PM, the sales staff at Quirk Ford will be introducing parents and kids alike to the 2011 lineup that has been winning over drivers in Massachusetts and across the country. The biggest thing on mom and dad’s minds is safety, and Ford’s ground-breaking safety technologies will ease their minds when their kids get behind the wheel for the first time.

These safety features include MyKey™, which can limit the vehicle’s top speed and muffles audio volume unless seat belts are buckled, and the SYNC® in-car connectivity system, which only requires simple voice commands to make phone calls, control the music or get directions. SYNC® helps reduce some of the many distractions inexperienced young drivers face when the first get their license and hit the open road.

A model that features SYNC® and which has been in high demand for young drivers since its introduction last summer is the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta, with its 40 mpg/highway, doesn’t cost a lot at the pump, but its PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with Electric Power Assist Steering and responsive engine make it a blast to drive. Plus, its eye-catching European styling hides a surprisingly sturdy frame that made it the only minicar to receive a 2011 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

“Models like the 2011 Fiesta and the redesigned 2011 Explorer, with their new cutting-edge designs and technology, are just two of the highlights of the 2011 lineup,” said Quirk. “We’re excited to showcase our wide variety of sedans, hybrids, crossovers and trucks and help support Quincy High in the process. It’s one thing to read about the new technology Ford has incorporated into its new models; it’s something else to drive around in one of our new Fords and see in person how well Ford is looking out for its drivers.”

Quirk Ford is located at 540 Southern Artery in Quincy, MA. Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. There is a limit of one test-drive per household.

About Quirk Ford:
Quirk Ford, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is the largest Ford dealer by sales volume in New England and a winner of The President’s Award for customer satisfaction six years in a row. Quirk offers a full line of new Ford vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus and Escape Hybrid models, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids. For more information, call 877-236-7314, visit them online at www.quirkford.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkFord or stop by their dealership at 540 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA.

The J.D. Power and Associates CSI measures five indicators of vehicle owners’ satisfaction with dealer service departments, including service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. Mazda dealers improved their proficiency in every category in the past year, resulting in a 33-point increase and an overall score of 750 out of 1,000. By comparison, MINI, which had the top score among non-luxury brands, had a score of 805.

“The relationship with a dealership should not end when a car is sold, but all too often it does,” said Phil Ternullo, general manager at Quirk Mazda. “When it comes to auto repairs and service, no one is better qualified than a factory-trained mechanic, but a lot of customers assume that going to the dealership means paying more for service or being pressured into having unnecessary work done. Mazda has heard the customer concerns, and is working very actively with its dealerships to make sure that customers have a comfortable, first-class service experience.”

Through their consistent improvements in customer service, Mazda dealers boosted the Mazda brand up 10 spots from the previous year in the overall mass market rankings. The second most-improved brand, Suzuki, rose only two spots in the 2011 CSI, which covers dealer performance during the first three years of ownership.

Mazda’s recent efforts to improve quality of service are part of a broader initiative to increase its vehicles’ residual value, the worth of a vehicle at the end of its lease, by ensuring regular and proper maintenance. Quirk Mazda takes an active role in this by holding regular New Owners Clinics that allow customers to meet with technicians and have their questions about maintenance answered by the experts. The next New Owners Clinic is scheduled for April 7.

With an expanding customer base, particularly within the rapidly growing crossover market, Mazda wants to make sure that its vehicles retain their value, a responsibility the automaker believes is shared by owners and dealers. Mazda’s crossover sales continue to be strong; the Mazda CX-9 recorded its best February ever last month, with sales up 42.8%, while the CX-7 crossover was close behind with a 31.2% increase.

“One important takeaway from the J.D. Power and Associates study is that consumer attitudes toward dealerships are changing,” Ternullo added. “Customers now recognize the value of regular auto service and maintenance, and they want dealerships that will work with them to protect their investment in a vehicle. We take a lot of pride in helping our service customers get the most from their Mazdas, and we’re constantly looking to improve the quality of our service.”

About Quirk Mazda:
Quirk Mazda offers the largest selection of Mazdas on the South Shore, and is known throughout Greater Boston for its knowledgeable and friendly sales and service staff. Quirk Mazda has an extensive inventory of new and used Mazda models, ranging from the Mazda CX-9 to the MAZDA3. For more information, you can visit them online at www.quirkmazda.com, reach them by phone at (617) 249-5805, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/QuirkMazda, or stop by their showroom at 111 Mayor Thomas J McGrath Highway in Quincy, Massachusetts.