Parkway Family Mazda dealership revolutionized

• James O'Sullivan, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, joined Jean Durdin, left, owner of Parkway Family Mazda, and Granger Durdin-Pugh, executive manager of the Kingwood dealership, to celebrate the re-opening.
• It's official: Parkway Family Mazda has undergone a revolution.
  The Kingwood Mazda dealership held a grand reopening party last week to mark its transition as one of Mazda's retail revolution stores. The program by Mazda North American Operations aims to improve every aspect of the customer's experience, from the test drive to the transaction and the follow-up on servicing.
  There's more technology, connectivity, efficiency and amenities, said Parkway's executive manager, Granger Durdin-Pugh, who said it's all about providing great customer service, enabling them to drive a really nice quality car, and protect their investment with Parkway Mazda's service and maintenance.
  "The quality of the product is so much better," Durdin-Pugh said. "Mazda's really increased the fuel efficiency of its cars and the safety ratings have gotten better. Plus, they've been really innovative the last couple of years in refreshing all their models. We had the SkyActiv engines last year, and they're bringing diesel back to the market" in what she expects will initially be the 2015 CX-5 crossover utility vehicle, then the Mazda6 midsize sedan.
  "SkyActiv technology is not just marketing buzz, it's a manufacturing philosophy within the company where we take a clean sheet of paper and told our engineers 'Let's try to optimize the next generation and all the architecture from the engines, and transmissions to the all-new chassis and suspension systems'," said James O'Sullivan, who, as CEO of Mazda North American Operations, was at the Kingwood dealership's reopening festivities.
  "It's part of our DNA to have cars that look great, have great driving dynamics and really engage the driver but also doesn't compromise on fuel economy or safety."
  Engaging its communities is part of Parkway's DNA. At a gala and silent auction, dozens of enticing prizes ranging from trips to the Northwest wine country, a week in convertibles, tickets to the American Idol's finale, Grand Prix of Houston passes, an off-shore fishing excursion to an autographed poster of J.J. Watt were up for grabs.
  The proceeds were shared with Village Learning Center, a facility dedicated to helping those with developmental and learning disabilities, and Wags to Whiskers of Texas, a nonprofit that saves small animals from through rescue, rehabilitation and adoption.
  
  "Every penny goes to the organizations," said Jean Durdin, owner of the Mazda/Kia store and Parkway Chevrolet. "We have sponsors who donate everything, including the catering. It just works out beautifully."