Zeigler Automotive Group today announced that ultra-endurance athlete Charles Engle will be Zeigler University Speaker Series' latest celebrity guest. The presentation, which is part of the dealer group's ongoing internal leadership and development program, will take place at Zeigler Honda in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, October 23, 2020.

Kalamazoo, MI (October 15, 2020) -- Today Zeigler Automotive Group announced that ultra-endurance athlete Charles Engle will join its Zeigler University Guest Speaker Series. All Zeigler employees are welcome to attend the presentation, which will take place on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Zeigler Honda's executive meeting room and through telecast at all of its dealerships.

"The Zeigler University Guest Speaker Series is something that is very important to me personally and professionally because it helps our team grow from the inside out. Mike Van Ryn, our director of talent development, and I take the time to handpick these speakers because of the value each and every one of them brings to the table. In Charle Engle's case, I know he'll bring invaluable insight to his session that will inspire our team," said Aaron Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Automotive Group. 

Engle is a global ultra-endurance athlete and the founder of the 5.8 Global Adventure Series, one of the most ambitious expeditions in modern history, trekking from the lowest to the highest points on all seven continents. He's been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic Weekend, Outside, Runner's World, NPR's All Things Considered, Men's Journal, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. 

He is also a subject of the documentary, Running the Sahara, narrated by Matt Damon, which highlights his historic, record-setting journey with his two teammates across the world's largest desert, running more than two marathons a day for 111 consecutive days, for a total of 4,500 miles. After crossing the Sahara and seeing the global water crisis first-hand, Charlie raised more than $6 million for clean water projects in Africa and helped establish an organization called H20Africa, now known as Water.org, one of the largest water nonprofits in the world.

"We are excited to have Charles Engle join us. It is always so rewarding for us to see team members learn from so many different speakers across all walks of life! Each speaker resonates with people in many different ways. With the Zeigler University Guest Speaker Series, we want to give our team members the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. In fact, we have had a pattern over the years of our team bringing in family members, like their children to learn and grow too!  This is what it is all about for us at Team Zeigler!" said Mike Van Ryn, director of talent development.

His motivation to run and tackle extreme adventures stems from his battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Charlie has been in recovery since July 23, 1992, and he credits a large part of his recovery to the purposeful devotion and emotional release he experiences while running. He has said that "Drugs and alcohol were my way out. Running was my way through." 

About Zeigler University

Zeigler University is an internal leadership and development program within the Zeigler Automotive Group organization dedicated to attracting, training, and retaining the best talent in the industry. 

The program includes one-on-one mentoring, strategic recruiting; and programs such as the Zeigler University Speaker Series with past celebrity guest speaker appearances that include Grant Cardone, Bill Rancic, PJ Fleck, and more.

About Zeigler Automotive Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the nation with 75 franchises and 30 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Founded in 1975, the company ranks among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the U.S., and has earned recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Recently, Zeigler Automotive Group was named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in Illinois and Michigan.

Zeigler Ford of Plainwell has been selected by Ford Motor Company as one of the top Ford dealers in the nation, earning its third President's Award from the manufacturer. The distinction, which is only presented to the top 10% of Ford dealerships in the US, was announced earlier this year via press release. 

Plainwell, Michigan (June 27, 2020) The Ford Motor Company has chosen Zeigler Ford of Plainwell as an honoree for its coveted 2019 President's Award. The award program, which was started in 1985 by Ford, is currently the highest form of recognition Ford dealerships can receive, with only 10% of all US dealers earning the distinction. This is the third President's Award for the Zeigler Automotive Group store, previously winning in 1997 and 2003. 

"We feel deeply honored to be receiving the 2019 President's Award from Ford. As part of the Zeigler Auto Group family, our core values have always been, and will always be, to take care of our customers and our employees first. It's what has made us the success we are today and has helped us withstand the test of time," said Brent Warner, general sales manager of Zeigler Ford of Plainwell. 

The President's Award is open to all Ford dealerships throughout the country; and is judged against benchmarks set by the manufacturer in three key areas with winning dealers expected to exceed sales objectives and have exceptionally high customer satisfaction index (CSI) scores for sales and service.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the President's Award was mailed out this year. Traditionally, Ford presents the award in person at each dealer, hosting a small luncheon with manufacturer executives present. 

Zeigler Automotive Group will be celebrating Zeigler Ford of Plainwell's milestone privately with its own company outing and special ceremony, set to take place at a later date.

About Zeigler Automotive Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately owned dealer groups in the nation with 77 franchises and 30 locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include the majority of domestic and imported manufacturers.

Founded in 1975, the company ranks among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the U.S., and has earned recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Recently, Zeigler Automotive Group has earned its second title on the coveted 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation list, as well multiple accolades by the same name in Illinois, Chicago and Michigan.

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Press Contact: Francis Mariela Communications | letswork@francismariela.com | 407.278.0621

Zeigler Automotive Group has chosen Alex Gramza of Zeigler Ford of Lowell to take home its inaugural Rising Tech Award -- part of an initiative established in 2019 to recognize rising service talent within the dealership group.

Kalamazoo, Mich. (September 4, 2020) As part of its newest initiative, Zeigler has named its first Rising Tech Award winner. The award program, which was established in 2019, recognizes rising service talent within the entire dealer group. 

"Zeigler is a great place to work. People are nice and helpful. They really help you get stuff done and you really do learn a lot," said Alex Gramza, Zeigler’s first ever winner.

In order to qualify for the Zeigler Rising Tech Award, service technicians must be nominated by their managers and be new to the industry with at least nine months, but no more than two years of non-lube, technical experience reported. Nominations are based on average hours turned monthly, making the total number of hours worked in the previous year its most important criteria. Attitude, work ethic and other intangibles are also considered when selecting the winner. 

Gramza received his nomination from service manager Kevin Mangus after averaging 2,401 hours in 2019, putting him at 200 hours per month. He was recognized for his accomplishment at an intimate ceremony at Zeigler CDJR of Grandville back in June. 

However, this was not the first time Gramza has stood out for his work ethic and dedication. After starting at Zeigler Ford of Lowell in 2018, Gramza quickly established himself as one of Zeigler’s most hardworking and talented service techs, earning a spot in the 2019 Top 15 - Domestic Techs list for the entire dealer group. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Zeigler will be unable to host its annual Presidents Club celebration for its service and sales team.

Aside from winning Zeigler’s first-ever Rising Tech Award, and earning a spot in the 2019 Presidents Club for Service, Gramza was also awarded $9,500 in funds through the Zeigler Service Sponsorship Program while at UTI. During his time there, Gramza led his class as a top performing student while completing fifteen weeks of FORD FACT (Ford Accelerated Credential Training).

Gramza credits the time spent with his father on projects for his passion in the field. "I loved spending that time with him and I always had a natural knack for working on anything with a motor in it." 

About Zeigler Automotive Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the nation with 75 franchises and 30 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Founded in 1975, the company ranks among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the U.S., and has earned recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Recently, Zeigler Automotive Group has earned its second title on the coveted 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation list, as well multiple accolades by the same name in Illinois, Chicago and Michigan.

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Press Contact: Francis Mariela Communications | letswork@francismariela.com | 407.278.0621

Today Zeigler Automotive Group announced that it will be purchasing three new luxury dealerships in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates: Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates at 1000 W. Golf Road, Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg at 920 W. Golf Road, and INFINITI of Hoffman Estates at 1075 W. Golf Road. This marks the group’s largest acquisition in history with the addition of 5,000 new units per year projected at $350 million in yearly sales -- bringing the group's total to $1.7 billion per year on 40,000 units. Zeigler will take over operations on Monday, January 20, 2020.

CHICAGO  (JANUARY 13, 2020) -- Zeigler Automotive Group today announced that it will be acquiring Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg, and INFINITI of Hoffman Estates from Motor Werks Auto Group owners Mick Austin and Paul Tamraz. The transaction, set to finalize on Monday, Jan. 20, will be Zeigler's largest purchase to date, and will add four new highline brands to its portfolio: Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, Jaguar and Land Rover; plus, a second INFINITI dealer. Motor Werks Auto Group will be retaining its Barrington region stores.

"We are excited to be adding these new dealers to our lineup," said Aaron Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Automotive Group. "These are high performing stores that will undoubtedly expand our luxury reach in the market and give our customers more options with the same exceptional service they've come to expect from Zeigler."

The Kalamazoo-based dealership group also announced that it will not be rebranding the luxury stores under Zeigler, and that it will be keeping the same Motor Werks staff onboard with the exception of two notable Zeigler leaders.

Bill O'Hara will be tasked with overseeing the new dealers in the region as VP of Zeigler Automotive Group. "I am looking forward to expanding Zeigler’s presence in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, Land Rover, Jaguar and INFINITI are all exciting brands. Our culture at Zeigler will bring a Great Experience to all of future customers," said O'Hara.

Mike Connolly of Zeigler Nissan Orland Park will now be general manager of Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. "I am looking forward to building the Mercedes-Benz brand in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates -- Chicago’s premier retail market. I know our new customers will experience the difference in service that only Zeigler can provide," said Connolly. "I would also like to take a moment to welcome all of our new team members and promise them a world-class culture that will have them excited to come to work every day to serve our customers."

Zeigler’s new dealerships are collectively projected to sell 5,000 new units per year, adding an additional $350 million in sales per year to the dealership group's sales, now totaling $1.7 billion per year on over 40,000 units. The dealership group is set to take over operations of its new stores located on W. Golf Road on the scheduled transaction date, with plans to host official grand opening events sometime in the near future.

About Zeigler Automotive Group
Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the nation with 75 franchises and 30 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Founded in 1975, the company ranks among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the U.S., and has earned recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Recently, Zeigler Automotive Group was named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in Illinois and Michigan.

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Media Contact:

Francis Mariela, Francis Mariela Communications

407.203.7353 x. 1001 | letswork@francismariela.com 

Flagstaff Nissan Subaru continues its annual tradition of hosting Trunk-Or-Treat inside its Nissan showroom at 4960 E. Marketplace Drive, and its Subaru showroom at 4910 E. Marketplace. The free event, which will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will feature individually decorated car trunks filled with candy, treats, giveaways, and fun for the whole family.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2019  — Flagstaff Nissan Subaru today announced that its third annual Trunk-Or-Treat event will be held at both of its dealership locations: Flagstaff Nissan at 4960 E. Marketplace Drive and Flagstaff Subaru at 4910 E. Marketplace. The festivities, which are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will take place inside the showrooms in order to provide a dry, well-lit area for trick-or-treaters, pet companions, and parents alike.

“We look forward to this event all year,” said Trent Olson, owner of Flagstaff Nissan Subaru. “It’s a fun and safe way to trick-or-treat and it gets the whole community involved,” he continued.

Sponsors will be decorating showroom vehicles in various spooky themes with trunks filled with treats and candy as well as giveaways for the whole family.

This year’s sponsors include: the Arizona Laboratory for Applied Transportation Research (AZ Trans) from Northern Arizona University, Around the Mountain Pediatric Dentist, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, Coconino Humane Society, Exp Realty, Flagstaff Figure Skating Club, Friends of Camp Colton, Kaibab Veternary Clinic, Starbucks, Tynkertopia, and Wagstaff. The dealership will also sponsor its own decorated trunk this year.

About Flagstaff Nissan Subaru

Driven by seven core promises, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru is committed to providing exceptional service to customers at its two showroom locations in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Flagstaff Nissan and Flagstaff Subaru, both offer an extensive selection of new, certified pre-owned, and quality pre-owned vehicles with financing options available for every budget.

The two retail locations also sell car parts, service contracts; and offer maintenance and repair services.

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Media Contact: Francis Mariela, Francis Mariela Communications letswork@francismariela.com

Tresa Labunetz, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru |928–856–2464

Lupient Automotive Group today announced plans to hold an official groundbreaking ceremony for INFINITI Milwaukee's new showroom. The Lupient INFINITI dealer currently located at 2228 East Moreland Boulevard in Waukesha is scheduled to move to its new 31,700 square-foot home in West Allis at the end of the year. The ground breaking ceremony, hosted by the dealer and premier general contractors Kraus-Anderson Construction Co, is set for Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at noon at the new 2.9-acres site located at 10595 W. Arthur Ave in West Allis.

Milwaukee, WI (April 23, 2019) INFINITI Milwaukee will host an official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at noon at its future 2.9-acre location at 10595 W. Arthur Avenue in West Allis, Wisconsin.

The new, two-story, 31,726-square-foot luxury INFINITI dealership, designed by Wisconsin-based Gries Architectural Group, will feature an 8,400-square-foot service area with 13 service bays, a dual-lane serve reception, and an attached car wash facility. It will also include a 4,000-square-foot luxury showroom, 9,300 square-feet of office space, and 253 parking spaces.

"As a family-owned business, we strongly believe that our commitment to customers should be represented through exceptional customer service, selection, prices, and luxury amenities," said Blain Boudreau, general manager of INFINITI Milwaukee.

"That's why it's so important for us to be able to build this dealership from the ground up to satisfy our discerning INFINITI customers in Wisconsin, who have fully embraced us with an open heart and open arms," he continued.

The new INFINITI dealer complex will be built by the Madison office of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, one of the top premier commercial general contracting and construction management companies in the nation.

ABOUT LUPIENT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

For more than 50 years, the family-owned company has been committed to delivering exceptional customer service from the showroom to the service bay.  Customers can also expect honest, upfront pricing in a warm, pressure-free environment and, an extensive selection of vehicles at all of its retail locations.

The company’s famous slogans, Minnesota Driven and Wisconsin Driven, are the basis for all customer service, branding, promotions, and other key operations at its 12 locations depending on state.  These include a bargain lot, three collision centers, and 10 franchised dealerships – representing INFINITI, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Kia and Nissan.

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Media Contact:

Francis Mariela | letswork@francismariela.com | 239.273.6976

Francis Mariela Communications | Caldwell & Kerr Advertising

Subaru of Midland Odessa is proud to announce its official sponsorship of the 65th Annual 'Fill The Boot' campaign, organized by the Midland Fire Department and the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Midland Local 4405, in benefit of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The dealer has pledged a $50 donation for every car sold in May. The official kick off event for the campaign is scheduled for Monday, April 22 at 10a.m. at Subaru of Midland Odessa at 3917 W Wall St in Midland, Texas.

MIDLAND, Texas - April 16, 2019 - Subaru of Midland Odessa announces official sponsorship of the Fill the Boot campaign, spearheaded by the Midland Fire Department and the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Midland Local 4405, in benefit of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The campaign's goal is to raise funds for kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other related muscle-debilitating diseases. The dealer, along with the partnering organizations, will hold this year's campaign kick off event on Monday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at Subaru of Midland Odessa's showroom located at 3917 West Wall Street in Midland.

"At Subaru of Midland Odessa our goal is to always make sure we are giving back more than we're taking from our community. That's why we feel very honored to partner with these great organizations for such a noble cause," said Paul Hatcher, managing partner and executive manager of Subaru of Midland Odessa.

The dealer has pledged a $50 donation for every car sold during the month of May and is encouraging the local community to stop by for special offers on its new Subaru models.

"We know that all the money raised is going to help so many children and adults which makes us very proud," he continued.

Aside from Hatcher, other speakers for the event include IAFF president Harold A. Schaitberger, Midland Local 440 'Fill the Boot' coordinator Greg Wells, MDA executive director Byron Kelso, MDA ambassador Shylah Cutbirth, as well as City Council Members J. Ross Lacy and Michael Trost.

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Media Contact

Francis Mariela | 239.273.6976
Caldwell & Kerr Advertising
Francis Mariela Communications
letswork@francismariela.com

Subaru of Midland Odessa today announced its new partnership with MASA (Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables), a local nonprofit animal rescue group. Aside from its pledged support throughout the year, the dealership will also be presenting the organization with a $500 check and a brand new custom wrapped 2019 Subaru Outback at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at its dealership at 3917 W. Wall Street.

MIDLAND, Texas - Feb. 28, 2019  -- Subaru of Midland Odessa will be presenting MASA (the Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables), a local non-profit organization, with a new 2019 Subaru Outback and a $500 check on Saturday, March 2. The presentation will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the dealer's showroom at 3917 W. Wall Street in Midland, Texas.

"We are very proud to be lending our voice to the voiceless. MASA does amazing work with abandoned animals who just hope for one thing, a loving home. That's why we felt very strongly that MASA needed a brand new 2019 Subaru Outback. It's an SUV that's spacious and capable, so it will definitely help transport the animals, and humans, comfortably," said managing partner and executive manager Paul Hatcher.

The brand new 2019 Subaru Outback will be custom wrapped with the message "Subaru to the Rescue". It will also include the MASA and the Subaru of Midland Odessa logos.

"It also goes without saying that we are fully committed to MASA's mission, it's organizations like this one that truly embody the Subaru Love Promise," said Hatcher.

MASA is a 501c3 nonprofit rescue group dedicated to the welfare of abandoned animals in the Midland area. Through its network of dedicated volunteers, the organization finds new homes for at-risk animals in high-kill shelters. Since 2013, MASA has successfully saved over 3,675 animals.

The dealership will also be providing complimentary food and drinks, as well as special offers and promotions on new Subarus in stock. Aside from that, the dealership continues to offer a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, batteries for life and tires for life on all vehicles sold.
 

Media Contact
Francis Mariela
Caldwell & Kerr Advertising
Francis Mariela Communications
fmariela@ckadvertising.com

Bob Moore Auto Group today announced the Grand Opening of its 18th dealer, Subaru of Midland Odessa, scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2019. The dealership located at 3917 W. Wall St. Midland, Texas, was formerly known as Basin Subaru before it was acquired by the Oklahoma-based auto group on November 16, 2018.

MIDLAND, Texas - Jan. 15, 2019 -- Subaru of Midland Odessa will host its Grand Opening Event on Saturday, January 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 3917 W. Wall Street in Midland, Texas.  The dealership, which has been under new management since the first week of December, was officially acquired on November 16, 2018.

"Everything we do revolves around delivering a positive customer experience, and we can't wait for the community to experience the difference. We are so honored to be serving the people of Midland and Odessa," said Paul Hatcher, managing partner and executive manager of Subaru of Midland Odessa. "It truly is a dream come true for us to be here managing this store," he added.

Hatcher also added that with the dealership's acquisition, Subaru of Midland Odessa has hired a whole new staff to ensure a new positive attitude and outlook for its customers.  The dealership will also remain privately and locally owned.

During the Grand Opening Event, Subaru of Midland Odessa plans to offer new and current customers special discounts and incentives on every vehicle in stock.  One of the biggest highlight's is Subaru of Midland Odessa's Lifetime Vehicle Protection Plan which includes batteries for life, tires for life, and a lifetime powertrain warranty on all vehicles sold at the dealer -- new and used.

The dealer also plans to be very involved with the community and give back via its Subaru's Share The Love Promise and other events.
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