NORCROSS, Ga. -

It was revealed late last week that Jeff Schmitt Auto Group and its six dealerships in Dayton, Ohio, have been selected as Motor Trend Certified dealerships.

The Motor Trend Certified program — created by Motor Trend magazine and powered by EasyCare — allows franchised dealers to “provide a highly valued certification program for their other make and model pre-owned vehicles,” officials noted.

Basically, the program aims to supplement the factory certified pre-owned sales at dealerships, giving dealers a manner in which to certify models on their lots from other manufacturers.

Jeff Schmitt Auto Group is among the first 100 dealers in the U.S. chosen to participate in the program, which will officially launch at the dealership on Nov. 10.

EasyCare and MotorTrend contend that by operating as Motor Trend Certified dealerships, “Jeff Schmitt Auto Group’s six dealerships will provide consumers with the added assurance that all of their vehicles meet the strict standards of the Motor Trend program, as well as providing other enhanced benefits typically associated only with luxury vehicle purchases.”

Ira Gabriel, vice president and executive director of Motor Trend Certified, also offered his opinion, noting, “Jeff Schmitt Auto Group’s dealerships were selected as Motor Trend Certified dealerships because of their superior record of customer service and satisfaction.

"Now, new and pre-owned vehicle buyers in Dayton, Ohio, can have an exceptional buying experience matched by a superior ownership experience supported by the Motor Trend Certified/EasyCare brands in partnership with Jeff Schmitt Auto Group," Gabriel continued.

Julie Smartz, VP and general manager of brand development of Source Interlink Media, the parent company of Motor Trend, chimed in: “We’re thrilled to add Jeff Schmitt Auto Group to the family of Motor Trend Certified dealers.

“They have always been dedicated to providing the kind of customer-focused experience that brings the pleasure back to buying and owning a vehicle,” she added.

So how does a dealership participate in the Motor Trend Certified program?

Dealers are chosen for the program by Motor Trend and EasyCare for their dedication to customer service and vehicle excellence, officials explained.

Then, these dealers are trained per the program’s national specifications and agree to ongoing training and monitoring of their customers’ experiences.