A Tennessee dealership made a donation aimed at developing safer drivers.

City Auto Mitsubishi in Murfreeesboro joined with Mitsubishi Motors North America in handing the keys to two new Mitsubishi SUVs — a 2024 Outlander Sport and a 2024 Eclipse Cross — to Rutherford County Schools to be used for the in-school driver-training program.

The program combines classroom and in-car learning to help develop better, safer and more road-aware young drivers, Mitsubishi said in a news release.

“From day one, when we opened the doors to City Auto Mitsubishi, we always said our commitment to our community was the reason we’re in business,” City Auto Mitsubishi general manager Jordan Norton said. “Today’s donation is a gift to the whole community, as these local roads are the ones our team’s families drive daily.

“We are so proud to be able to play a part in helping young drivers start their journey as safely and with as much training as possible with this donation.”

While many U.S. school districts have canceled driver-education programs due to lack of funding, RCS has worked with local companies like City Auto and MMNA, which headquartered in nearby Franklin, Tenn., and other corporate donations to purchase behind-the-wheel simulators.

“Rutherford County Schools prioritizes creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while learning skills that will benefit them for a lifetime,” director of schools Jimmy Sullivan said. “This partnership with City Auto and Mitsubishi Motors is a shining example of how community partners work together to support student learning with real-world application.

“Around the country, driver training programs have fallen by the wayside as a victim of ever-tightening budgets. At RCS, we have worked tirelessly to find a way to keep this critical program alive in our system, and it is through the incredible generosity of City Auto and Mitsubishi Motors’ CUV program, as well as others, that we’ve been able to keep this key aspect of our curriculum.”

The Community Utility Vehicle program is part of MMNA’s larger corporate social responsibility program, “Driving Confidence — Driving Community,” based on the idea that a series of small, localized efforts can add up to a large impact.

CUV donations have also been made to Nashville-area organizations Tucker’s House, Community Resource Center and Charis Health Center. Before relocating to Franklin, the CUV program partnered with the Las Vegas-based Goodie Two Shoes Foundation and Dallas-based Record the Journey.

“Since MMNA moved its national headquarters to Franklin in 2019, we have been committed to supporting our immediate community and the surrounding counties where our employee team lives,” senior vice president and chief legal and administrative officer Katherine Knight said. “When our partners at City Auto mentioned this program to us, we were immediately captured by the ability to make a difference with our Community Utility Vehicle program in Rutherford County Schools. We are excited to see these two Mitsubishi CUVs working hard to do just this.”

Pennsylvania dealership claims Subaru award

W&L Subaru in Northumberland, Pa., has been selected as the 2025 Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year Award by Subaru of America, recognizing the dealership for more than 50 years of continuously supporting its local community.

In a news release, Subaru said the 11-year-old award is presented annually to the Subaru retailer that has made a significant commitment to its customers and its community throughout the year, going above and beyond in exemplifying the Subaru Love Promise.

“We have built a legacy thanks to our team and the strong customer relationships that enables us to impact people’s lives, giving back to the community in ways my dad could have only dreamed of 50-plus years ago,” W&L Subaru owner Andy Long said.

“Being recognized as the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year is an achievement that carries meaning not only for W&L Subaru, but for the organizations and the individuals who inspire us to reach our potential day in and day out.”

The family-owned dealership group was established in 1965 and W&L Subaru opened in 1972 with a focus on taking care of people and meeting challenges with a positive outlook, Subaru said.

W&L previously earned Subaru’s Love Promise and Community Commitment Gold awards, supporting a variety of local charities and community organizations. During the past five years, W&L has donated more than $800,000 to local charities and causes, including the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and the Haven Ministry Center community shelter.

Subaru of America said it created the Love Promise Retailer of the Year Award to “shine a spotlight on exceptional Subaru retailers who contribute to their local communities while taking efforts to turn customer transactions into lifelong owner relationships.”

The Love Promise is a pledge to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru and to make a positive impact in the world.

Houston location rockets to the top of HGreg’s US stores

Houston, we have no problem.

HGreg Houston, launched in December 2023, has already rocketed up the ranks and now stands as one of the Canada-based dealership group’s top performing U.S. locations.

In a news release, HGreg said the dealership has “rapidly gained traction in the competitive Houston automotive market” with a customer-centric approach, competitive pricing and large vehicle selection.

The store features a remodeled 82,500-square-foot showroom on a 7.74-acre site, with an inventory of more than 500 pre-owned vehicles, 400 of which are available for sale on the lot. The dealership has attracted more than 1,000 in-person visits each month since it opened, HGreg said.

“The response from the Houston community has been incredible,” HGreg president and CEO John Hairabedian said. “Our promise of ‘save more, drive happy’ resonates wherever we set down roots. We’re proud to offer value and service that meet the needs of first-time buyers and experienced drivers alike. Seeing this location grow so quickly reaffirms our belief in the strength and opportunity of the Texas market.”

The company said HGreg Houston represents a strategic step in its mission to expand its footprint across the U.S. It currently operates dealerships in Texas, Florida and California.