News flowed out of Cox Automotive and the companies under its umbrella at the NADA Convention and Expo this past week.

The announcements included a new training program for wholesale vehicle buyers as well as the revealing of this year’s recipient of the Barbara Cox Automotive Woman Of The Year Award, among other news.

The company announced late last week its subsidiary DealShield has launched a vehicle sourcing training program for wholesale vehicle buyers.

Even as supply expands, making landing quality used inventory a big easier, there are still risks associated with each vehicle purchase.

In response to this risk, DealShield launched its Certified Buyer Program. The new program includes a series of five training modules designed to educate and inform buyers of the risks involved in vehicle sourcing and how to avoid pitfalls.  

“By participating in the Certified Buyer Program, buyers should gain better understanding of all the tools available to mitigate risk during purchase at auction,” said Brett Woods, senior director at DealShield. “These tools, including DealShield products, enable dealers to focus their time, money and energy on buying and retailing the best vehicles for their inventory.”

 The modules revolve around the phases of the “Vehicle Sourcing Risk Landscape”, management explained.

The first four training modules focus on the various phases of sourcing, ranging from research to retailing.

The final module provides advanced training on how DealShield products can be used to mitigate sourcing risks. A certificate will be given after the modules are completed.  

The company also explained that buyers who also become DealShield 360º customers will earn Certified Buyer status, which means discounted rates, access to special products and services, a personal DealShield relationship manager and custom marketing materials. 

In an effort to get the word out, DealShield will hold introductory Certified Buyer Program seminars at Manheim auction locations throughout the U.S this year.

The first session is scheduled for Feb. 19, at Manheim Pennsylvania.

 “We’re thrilled to be partnering with DealShield and hosting their first Certified Buyer Program seminar at our location,” said Julie Piccard, vice president and general manager at Manheim Pennsylvania. “The risk mitigation techniques taught through the program are invaluable for wholesale buyers who need to make quick, yet smart, sourcing decisions at auction.”

Cascade Automotive Group Exec Earns Cox Automotive Woman of the Year Award

In other news stemming from Cox Automotive during the convention, the industry giant presented the annual Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year Award to Michelle Primm, managing partner of Cascade Auto Group.

This award is presented to women who “demonstrate business leadership and community advocacy, as well as a commitment to furthering the automotive industry,” and was presented by Cox Automotive President Sandy Schwartz during the Northwood University Dealer Education Awards annual breakfast at the NADA convention.

“Michelle is an exceptional business and community leader, displaying a passion for excellence and exhibiting deep commitment,” Schwartz said. “She has positively influenced our industry and her community while shaping the Cascade Auto Group into one of the most respected dealerships in the country. This award is named after the late Barbara Cox Anthony, one of our owners and mother of our chairman, Jim Kennedy. Michelle and Mrs. Anthony have many things in common, including a skill for getting things done — and done well. I am honored to present this award to Michelle on behalf of Cox Automotive.”

Primm begain her career in the industry in high school washing cars and delivering parts for the auto group in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

After attending college and working as a financial supervisor, Primm returned to Cascade Auto Group to progress in management roles involving title processing, car sales, business management and general management.

Primm is a 30-year veteran of the auto industry and a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Candidate Academy.

She currently represents women dealers on the NADA Board of Directors, is chair of the NADART and serves as vice president for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Licensing Board.

Primm also is a member of the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association and Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association, for which she was a past board member representing Mazda, Subaru, Audi and Porsche. In addition, she was president of the BMW Dealer Licensing Board from 2005 to 2007 and a member from 1994 to 2007, Cox reported.

“Thank you Cox Automotive for recognizing women leaders in the automotive industry, and the importance of having a diversified workforce that reflects our customer base,” said Primm.  “It’s a true honor to be named as this year’s award recipient."