COVER STORY
Energy Efficiency Program Spotlight: Allentown Kia brings vehicles to life
In the highly competitive auto industry, it's important to catch a customer's eye right when he or she drives onto the lot. High-quality lighting that showcases vehicles in their most flattering light can be the key to sales success.
Exterior lighting is critical and, if done right, it can reduce energy and lower your business's electric bill.
The team at Allentown Kia knows well the benefits of energy efficiency.
Allentown Kia's management recently worked with a participating contractor of the PPL Business Energy Efficiency Program to retrofit all the dealership's exterior lighting on their 50,000 square-foot lot. In all, they replaced 92 metal halide lights with LED wall packs and pole-mounted luminaires.
Making the switch to LED was the right choice for Allentown Kia. LEDs produce bright light that perfectly highlights the colors and shapes of the vehicles, making them more attractive for potential buyers. A well-lit lot is also safer for the vehicles and customers. Plus, hardy LED lights require less maintenance and relamping costs and can withstand all types of weather.
"The new LED parking lot lights make our cars look great at night and provide a nice presentation for our customers," said Wayne Hileman, managing partner of Allentown Kia. "And the energy savings lowers our operating costs."
The lighting upgrade is estimated to save Allentown Kia more than 200,000 kWh per year. That's equivalent to about $11,000 in annual energy costs. The dealership also received more than $10,000 in rebates from the PPL Business Energy Efficiency Program, offsetting costs even further and reducing project payback time.