Planet Nissan is No. 1 in sales

Planet Nissan rose to yet another level recently when it was announced that the dealership situated in the northwest valley is not only the top Nissan store, but also the top-selling new-car dealership in Nevada.

Opened at 5850 Centennial Center Blvd. in 2003, the dealership has sold more than 2,500 new vehicles year-to-date to gain its latest honor, according to figures based on the Las Vegas Retail Delivery Report. The dealership has been the top Nissan dealership in the Western region for the past 12 months.

Dealership General Manager Sam Amer attributed the latest accomplishment to a team effort. The store had its best August and October.

"We have a combination of a great product, an excellent staff and very loyal customers," said Amer, who has been in the car business since 1998. "There were many reasons for our improvement including better morale, taking care of customers and following through.

"In addition, Nissan came up with some very strong programs helping people who might otherwise not been able to afford a new vehicle. Overall, this was a concerted effort on the part of many people."

Amer added that the Planet Nissan service department complemented the climb with several record-setting months thanks to an excellent staff of employees who take great pride in their work. Amer also thanked the business office, which processed customers in a very timely fashion.

"People want to work for us at Planet Nissan," said Amer. "People here are proud of what they do. There is no shortage of pride here, and everyone is constantly looking for a reason to succeed and not to give up."

The dealership has been the second top-producing Nissan store in the country for the past two months.

In addition, Planet Nissan recorded a 97 percent Customer Service Index in October while staying above the 95 percent every month since August.

Amer recalls very well when the market crashed in the fall of 2008. The dealership of 90 employees joined together to work through the challenge.

"We had to reinvent ourselves or find another career," he said. "Seriously, we all had to get back to the basics of taking care of the customers in every possible department."

Finance Director Lou Cushler said the team effort was key.

"This is just a good mix of people who are always striving to go forward," said Cushler, who has been in the car business for about 30 years. "We take great pride in customer service and above all, strive to serve the automotive needs of the Las Vegas community."

Sales Manager Jason Meixner lauded the dealership.

"Everyone has a sense of pride at this dealership," said Meixner, who has been in the car business for eight years. "Our common goal is to take care of the customer, and sell one car at a time."

Positive customer comments about the dealership are plentiful.

"I rarely write letters," wrote Bob Reale, a service customer and Nissan Maxima owner who is also a retired corporate vice president. "I worked constantly with my staff to develop training programs that emphasized courtesy at all costs. It appears that you are successful in your efforts."

Added the Rev. John Nicholas of Saint Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church and the owner of a 2008 Nissan, "The way you deal with customers is very professional and that what keeps us all coming back to your dealership.

"I would also like to recognize the hard work of the service manager Jeff Rogers."

Senior forensic pathology tech Jim Bichsel echoed the comments when adding that he especially appreciated a sales consultant who sincerely understood the Nissan product line.

"My recommendation is to keep doing what you're doing," said Bichsel, "and your dealership will bring more customers like me who can't stand all the others and their pushy tactics. I have also shared my experience with co-workers and friends."

Contact Planet Nissan at 876-8000 or by visiting www.planet-nissan.com.