Slipstream - December 2012

Cliff’s Ramblings: Visitors from the East
By Cliff Blackshear
From time
to time,
Porsche
sends people from
Germany to tour
around over here
and get a ground
level view of how
things are going
in the workshop environment. The
folks that they send over have no
desire to visit the sales department
or visit with upper managers at
dealer level. They send gear-heads
over here to talk to gear-heads that
work here. It is interesting. Nearly
all I have met over my 40 years of
doing this are engineers. Cool folks.
In almost every case I have been
involved in, most have never traveled
to the US before. And they always
seem to resonate the same expectations
about coming to Texas:
Cowboy hats and big belt buckles.
Ultimately they get here and are
blown away by just how big this state
is. You can put a couple Germanys
into Texas (or more). They love
coming here and seeing our robust
country up-close and personal.
Anyway, this second week of
November, a group of three from
PAG arrived in my workshop.
Their mission was to talk to service
people first, managers second. The
idea being to talk to the folks in the
trenches and get the absolute feel
for our work environment when it
comes to utilizing their information
systems, which we employ
while repairing the cars. How is it
working for us? What information
are we not getting? What ideas
do we have to make repairs go
more efficiently and correctly?
No part of the workshop environment
was left off the table. Special
tools were discussed. Special equipment
for Hybrid technology was
discussed. Charging station equipment
for the 918 was discussed. But
their biggest concern was this: how
is our information system working?
What do we need to do to keep you
current with a car that left production
last week? Give us your input!
The three guys that came over
were so dedicated and just wonderful
to converse with. One was in
charge of Parts (or PET) systems as
well as Tequipment offering. Another
was looking at all things having
to do with Group 1 (engine),
Group 2 (fuel ignition system), and
Group 3 (transmissions and 4wd
systems). The third was intimately
involved with 918 hybrid drive
systems (most interesting guy).
German Engineering With Southern Hospitality
Personal Service.
At Nine-Eleven, we’ve built a reputation for understanding our customers’ needs —
quality service, convenient location, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and personalized service
that is unmatched in the Metroplex. When you trust your car to us, you will have
the peace of mind that it will be serviced correctly the first time. Every time.
Access.
We strongly believe in access to those who will actually work on your car. Our
technicians are available in person, by phone, and even by pager if you have questions
or need timely information about your car.
Facility.
Our clean shop, well-stocked parts department, and comfortable waiting room ensure
that you and your car will get the kind of service you deserve. Maintained tools and
equipment. Clean cars. We are meticulous about details.
Parts.
Our parts department is also second to none. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you
in finding that necessary part or after-market option you require. We are an authorized
dealer for high-performance Recaro seating, Yokohama Tires, Bilstein Shocks, Bosch,
and many others. This ensures that whether you are a casual driver or an enthusiast who
needs race prep assistance, Nine-Eleven has the experience and knowledge to keep your
car running at peak performance.
Newkirk
Crown Rd.
Cindy Lane Lane
IXXI
Royal Royal Lane
Joe Joe Field Rd.
Emerald
I-35
Nine-Eleven Enterprises, Inc.
Service, Accessories & Parts for BMW,
Mercedes & Porsche
2120 Cindy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229
972-241-2002
www.nine-eleven.com
Convenience.
We are conveniently located near the intersection of Stemmons and LBJ Freeways
in Dallas. We offer emergency towing service 24 hours a day and have arranged
for special rental car rates with area rental agencies. Come by for a visit between
7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or call for a service appointment.
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