Planet Nissan technician-training program ensures top-quality service

The service element of a new car dealership has reached all new heights as evidenced by the overall combined years of experience in the Planet Nissan service department.

According to Fixed Operation Director Brian Metzger and Service Manager Jeff Rogers, the dealership, situated at 5850 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwest valley, has 32 technicians representing a total of 429 years experience working on new and used vehicles.

"Once our employees start working for us, we send them to Nissan factory training in Irvine, Calif., where they can take as many as a dozen courses," said Metzger, who has been with the Super Store Auto Group for the past 23 years. "It's just like going to school in that they spend several days learning in the classroom before having to take a test. Some of the classes include a vehicle which has problems, so the technician must find the problem and correct it."

In addition, technicians take ongoing online classes that require post-instruction testing.

"They needed mechanically inclined ability years ago whereas they also need to understand the computer elements of the automobile business," added Metzger, who worked as a technician for nine years before going into management. "Some vehicles today have two or three computers included for engine management, transmission control and body control."

Rogers, who has been in the car business for 30 years, said the majority of the wiring has been eliminated from vehicles so that multiple computers can function off the same wiring harness.

"Twenty years ago, you needed singular wires going to each component like windshield wipers, headlights or turn signals," said Rogers, who is also an ex-technician and ex-service writer and was fifth in the country during Nissan's adviser competitions. "Now, they can perform multiple tasks through one wire harness using the computer language to simplify the wiring."

Both Rogers and Metzger said vehicle owners are better off using a high-quality dealership, such as Planet Nissan, rather than attempting to save money by going to an aftermarket facility that does not use factory parts.

"This is a career for our technicians," said Metzger. "They have been doing this for 20-30 years and they make $20-$30 an hour. They are specialized and our customers don't have to worry about the work performed. Any repairs done at a dealership are warranted for one year or 12,000 miles at any Nissan dealership in the country."

Rogers said independent service businesses won't have the factory support that Planet Nissan will provide.

"And besides, nowadays dealerships are the same or lower-priced than aftermarket competitors," added Rogers.

Planet Nissan is now offering several incentives for customers including three oil changes for $40. The dealership has been the winner of the Owner First Award every year since opening in 2003. The award is based on the Customer Satisfaction Index, otherwise known as CSI.

"The oil change includes a multipoint inspection and a wash included in the transaction at no extra charge," added Rogers.

Jennifer York of Las Vegas has an '03 Nissan Murano.

"I love my Murano," said York, who is now retired and has lived in Las Vegas since 1990. "I have 78,000 miles on it and Planet Nissan takes care of the vehicle for me. My service rep is Amber Thompson.

"I would not dare go anywhere else to have my car worked on. You want someone who you can trust. I have found a dealership that I trust and recommend. If Amber says something has to be fixed, then I get it done."

Alexandria Zalenski has a 2005 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast with 39,500 miles. She came to Planet Nissan for service earlier this year and would not go anywhere else.

"They are very military-friendly," said Zalenski, who is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. "They make you feel like their friend. It's not all about business."

Randy Doring, a technical manager who drives a 2006 Nissan Sentra, has only taken his car to Planet Nissan since purchasing the car from the dealership.

"My car has 101,500 miles on it," said Doring, who has lived in Las Vegas since 1976. "The dealership has service advisers that know the vehicle. In my case, my car was in an accident and the service advisers found damage that was undetected by the insurance company. They fixed it for me and did all the paper work.

"Planet Nissan does not nickel and dime you with all the little things that are associated with car care. I trust the service adviser to act on behalf of my best interest. When I buy another car, I will more than likely buy from Planet Nissan."

Michelle Lisoskie added, "My husband and I have had four Nissans since Planet Nissan opened, and all of them have been purchased and serviced at the dealership.

Amber is also our service adviser, and she is gold."

Scott Kelly owns a 2010 Nissan Maxima, his second Nissan purchased from the dealership. Thompson is also his service adviser.

"Both of my cars have been serviced exclusively by Planet Nissan," said Kelly, an executive in the banking business. "The whole staff is so professional and so consistent. You get your car right from start to finish."

For further information regarding Nissan or any dealership within the Super Store Auto Group, call 839-6161, 876-8000 or visit www.planet-nissan.com.