Planet Hyundai salesman sells 15 Sonatas to Desert Cab

Planet Hyundai Internet Manager Bob Stewart is probably the best example that automotive sales consultants must pay attention to Internet correspondence with potential clients.

The 54-year-old Stewart corresponded via e-mail with Desert Cab in December before selling the business 15 2011 Hyundai Sonatas that will be used in one of the toughest environments in the country.

Stewart is a former land surveying business owner who has been in the car business for two years. He is ecstatic with the results of the sale and fascinated with the testing that will be done on the Sonatas. Desert Cab purchased 10 GLS models with 2.4 GDI (gas direct injection) and five 2.0 turbos.

"Paying attention to the Internet is vitally important nowadays especially in the car business," said Stewart. "This particular lead worked out very well and we anticipate many more sales in the future primarily because of the fact that Hyundai vehicles are just about bulletproof. Evidence of that is that Hyundai is the only automobile manufacturer to offer a 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty. We honestly feel that you're going to see more Hyundais being utilized by the cab business in the future, too.

"With the fantastic gas mileage and excellent performance of the four-cylinder engines -- combined with the comfort and space of the Sonata -- this is a win-win for everyone involved."

Drivers at Desert Cab will register 80,000-100,000 miles a year on each vehicle during some very challenging traffic conditions in weather elements that include extremes of heat, cold and wind.

Situated at 4675 Wynn Road, Desert Cab has 230 vehicles in its fleet. The vehicles purchased from Planet Hyundai also are scheduled to be used as part of a testing program with an oil company. Testing will measure the durability of the lubricants used in the Sonatas' engines.

"There is no better environment and no better city than right here," said Nick Muscari, a long-time resident of Southern Nevada who is the director of fleet maintenance for Desert Cab. "We will take samples every 5,000 miles and give them the data. Then, once the cabs have hit 100,000 miles, they will tear down the engines checking for wear and tear."

Planet Hyundai co-owner Ron Coury added that yet another key part of the purchase is that many passengers who might be unfamiliar with the Hyundai will now get to experience the vehicle.

"This will be the next best thing to a test drive," said Coury. "The Sonata is fast becoming one of America's most popular vehicles and we're certain the customers of Desert Cab will enjoy their experience. It says a lot about the Hyundai brand when an experienced taxi operator selects it for their fleet. Reliability, durability and fuel efficiency are paramount in selecting the right vehicle for public transportation in this city with our temperature extremes and the wear to be expected in use as a cab."

Further information can be found by visiting the dealership at 7150 W. Sahara Ave., by visiting www.planetlv.com or by calling 938-1400.

For Internet quotes, call Stewart at 938-1400, ext. 117.