Enterprise Holdings’ chief executive officer Pam Nicholson, president and chief operating officer Christine Taylor, and Enterprise Holdings Foundation president Carolyn Kindle Betz have something in common. They started out in the company’s management training program.
“We firmly believe in the power of the Enterprise Management Training Program, primarily because we've watched it take some of our greatest leaders from new hire to C-suite executive,” Enterprise Holdings vice president of global talent acquisition Marie Artim said in a news release.
Enterprise Holdings’ May 9 announcement, then, should probably come as no surprise. The company, which operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car brands said in a news release that it plans to hire 8,500 college graduates into the Enterprise Management Training Program and 2,000 interns into the Management Internship Program in 2019.
Because of those efforts, for the 12th time, CollegeGrad.com named Enterprise the No. 1 Entry Level Employer.
Every year, Enterprise’s Management Training and Management Internship programs teach college-educated, career-oriented men and women at its branch offices everything they need to know to run a business, lead teams, and deliver strong face-to-face customer service.
Enterprise says its promote-from-within culture allows management trainees to move up quickly in the company based on their performance and work ethic.
“We firmly believe in the power of the Enterprise Management Training Program, primarily because we’ve watched it take some of our greatest leaders from new hire to C-suite executive,” Enterprise Holdings vice president of global talent acquisition Marie Artim said in a news release.
The company said 17,342 Enterprise, National and Alamo employees were promoted in 2018 or took on new challenges in various positions throughout the world.
“In the most competitive job market we've seen in 20 years, we continue to attract and hire thousands of college graduates into our management training program each year,” Artim said.
Enterprise Holdings launched a new global careers site, careers.enterprise.com, last fall to help streamline the process for candidates applying for these jobs. The company says it took a “data-driven approach” to tailor the website design and functionality. With the new interface, users can view open roles at Enterprise by location. Information about Enterprise's Management Training opportunities is also on the site, and it highlights other opportunities that the global business offers.
Enterprise has continued to receive recognition for its efforts in the employment area. The company for the second year in a row was named a top employer in Potentialpark's 2019 rankings in the Digital Talent Communication, Career Website and Mobile Experience categories.
The company also earned bronze in the Best in Biz Awards 2018 Best Place to Work, Large Company category. Enterprise received that honor in recognition of its launch and adoption of its new employee-facing mobile app.
Enterprise says its use of a high-touch, personalized recruiting strategy to attract top talent continues. The company says its decentralized talent acquisition approach includes more than 200 recruiters who build partnerships across more than 800 college campuses. These recruiters use online tools to personally connect with and respond to each candidate, according to the company.
Those digital efforts earned Enterprise even more recognition. The company ranked third on Indeed's list of Hottest Companies for Job Seekers in 2018. The report highlights Enterprise for its “people-first” approach, mostly for its work in responding to all applicants no matter what their hiring status is. Enterprise was recognized in 2018 by Talent Board for the fifth time, honored for its “elevation and promotion of a positive candidate experience in North America.”
Honda and Lexus won in three categories each as CarGurus named the winners of its third annual Best Used Car Awards. Dodge, Ford, and Jeep won two categories apiece.
CarGurus says its 2019 awards identify the best recent-year used models across 16 body style categories. The awards are based on CarGurus’ analysis of long-term projected value retention, driver satisfaction, expert reviews and model popularity and availability.
CarGurus selected the nominees from late-model cars originally available for sale in the United States. When evaluating nominees, the company considered vehicle generations that include the 2015 model year in their entirety. CarGurus evaluated the nominees on criteria such as CarGurus user reviews, professional test drive reviews, popularity, availability, and CarGurus’ projected 12-year value retention. CarGurus determined the model with the highest overall score to be the winner for each category.
The 2019 Best Used Car Awards recipients and finalists are:
Subcompact Sedan/Hatchback
— 2015-2018 Honda Fit
— 2014-2018 MINI Cooper
— 2008-2018 Ford Fiesta
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
— 2014-2018 Mazda MAZDA3
— 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra
— 2012-2018 Toyota Corolla
Midsize Sedan
— 2013-2017 Honda Accord
— 2013-2018 Ford Fusion
— 2012-2017 Toyota Camry
Full-size Sedan
— 2011-2018 Dodge Charger
— 2011-2018 Chrysler 300
— 2014-2018 Chevrolet Impala
Station Wagon
— 2015-2018 Subaru Outback
— 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
— 2015-2018 MINI Cooper Clubman
Small Crossover/SUV
— 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler
— 2012-2016 Honda CR-V
— 2013-2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Midsize Crossover/SUV
— 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
— 2011-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
— 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Full-size Crossover/SUV
— 2011-2018 Ford Explorer
— 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
— 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse
Minivan
— 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey
— 2011-2018 Toyota Sienna
— 2014-2018 Kia Sedona
Midsize Pickup Truck
— 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma
— 2015-2018 Chevrolet Colorado
— 2015-2018 GMC Canyon
Full-Size Pickup Truck
— 2015-2018 Ford F-150
— 2011-2018 Ram 1500
— 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Luxury Compact Sedan
— 2013-2017 Lexus IS
— 2010-2018 Volvo S60
— 2013-2018 Audi A3
Luxury Midsize Sedan
— 2013-2018 Lexus ES
— 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ
— 2015-2018 Acura TLX
Luxury Small Crossover/SUV
— 2015-2018 Lexus NX
— 2013-2018 Acura RDX
— 2015-2018 BMW X1
Luxury Midsize Crossover/SUV
— 2014-2018 Volvo XC90
— 2015-2018 Lincoln MKC
— 2014-2018 INFINITI QX60
Sports Car
— 2008-2018 Dodge Challenger
— 2014-2018 Chevrolet Corvette
— 2015-2018 Ford Mustang
“CarGurus knows that research is the bedrock of a great car-buying experience and we hope that our third annual Best Used Car Awards help today’s car shoppers in that process,” CarGurus senior editor Matt Smith said in a news release.
“These award-winning vehicles are popular, plentiful, well-reviewed and — based on our projections — should retain their value for years to come," Smith continued. "For people shopping for a great used car, these vehicles are certainly worth considering.”
EY describes its Entrepreneur of the Year award as “the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs.” EY started the award 33 years ago, and says it is now recognized globally. It honors “the most outstanding entrepreneurs who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.”
For 2019, EY announced that CarLotz co-founders Michael Bor, Aaron Montgomery, and Will Boland were finalists for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Mid-Atlantic Award.
The EY program recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of “high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world.”
CarLotz says the 2019 award will be the second time it has been honored as an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Bor said in a news release that serving as a finalist for the award was an honor, but that it “demonstrates that our unique model and our ability to creatively find new end markets to serve is making a difference throughout the industry.”
He said the company has realized over time that its service is valuable to the corporate fleet vehicle remarketing industry, and that sector has since become the fastest-growing aspect of its business.
“CarLotz was founded because we were frustrated with the process of buying and selling a used car,” Bor said. “We knew that we could create a solution, an innovative approach that would make it possible for a seller to get what their car was worth, without the hassle of selling it themselves, and at the same time a way for buyers to pay below traditional dealership prices.”
CarLotz said the team was nominated for driving CarLotz’ growth trajectory and also for “the team’s ability to inspire others with their vision and leadership.”
“Since launching in 2011, Bor, Montgomery, and Boland have led the CarLotz team in the opening of multiple locations throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, and Texas,” CarLotz said in a news release.
The EY program recognizes business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year National competition. EY will announce award winners, including the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner, at the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards event in Palm Springs, Calif. on Nov. 16. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, which EY describes as a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
A decade of recognizing excellence. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Women in Remarketing, a program that has evolved into a celebrated franchise of Auto Remarketing and a key pillar of the National Remarketing Conference.
Year after year, Women in Remarketing simultaneously recognizes excellence among the leaders of the remarketing and used-car business, while also inspiring and fostering future leaders.
And 2019 is no different. Here are this year’s honorees, listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Alisha Buelt, ACERTUS
Devra Callaghan, KAR Auction Services
Cristina Carlini, Ally
Beth Barber Fedorchak, State Line Auto Auction
Lisa Ferrera, Tesla
Lisa Franz, Big Valley Auto Auction
Melanie Glaze, U-Haul
Sheila Hartwell, ACV Auctions
Michelle Hoffman, Copart Auto Auctions
Kathy Hopkins, TradeRev USA
Nikki Liebler, CARS Recon, Inc.
Dana Lowenthal, Manheim Central Florida
Lisa Mackie, NextGear Capital/Cox Automotive
Jackie Malik, Credit Acceptance Corp.
Meggan O'Malley, Insurance Auto Auctions
Georgianne Poteet, Louisiana's First Choice Auto Auction
Vanessa Reo, ADESA
Lois Rossi, Manheim/Cox Automotive
Alison Spangler, Manheim
Mitzi VanVoorhis, McConkey Auction Group
Check out the April 15 edition of Auto Remarketing to learn more about these outstanding industry leaders, and for a special look at the 10th anniversary of Women in Remarketing.
The 2019 Women in Remarketing class will also be honored at Used Car Week, which is scheduled for Nov. 11-15, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.
Industry professionals vote each year on the annual Consignor of the Year award, honoring “individuals who encourage the use of best practices while also embracing and implementing innovation.”
ARI said in a news release that during the Conference of Automotive Remarketing in March in Las Vegas, the company's manager of remarketing operations Chris Clarke was named the 2019 Consignor of the Year.
Clarke has served for 25-plus years in the automotive sector and has worked in just about every area of the remarketing industry, according to ARI. Clarke has worked as a buyer, seller, and consignor of vehicles. He has also partnered with auctions, dealers, and online sellers.
In addition, Clarke currently serves on the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance board of directors.
“I’m extremely honored to receive this award and represent ARI as well as all the extraordinary individuals whose unwavering commitment to service excellence makes our remarketing team among the very best the industry has to offer,” Clarke said in a news release.
“Remarketing from the fleet management perspective is all about leveraging the latest technology to maximize exposure and find the right buyer for each unit. Our strategy helps establish standards, raise transparency, develop training, and drive innovation that continues to shape the remarketing industry,” he said.
Record-high numbers of vehicles are coming off lease in 2019. At the same time, prices and interest rates are edging higher.
With those trends in mind, understanding a vehicle’s retained value is extremely important for a shopper in knowing how much he or she can afford when buying a new vehicle, Edmunds senior consumer advice editor Matt Jones said in a news release.
To help those shoppers, Edmunds announced its 2019 Edmunds Best Retained Value Awards, recognizing the new 2019 vehicles and brands with the highest projected residual values after five years.
Toyota and Lexus won brand-level awards in the standard and luxury categories, respectively. That means they had the highest aggregate retained value scores in their class.
“Savvy shoppers know that vehicles on the Edmunds Best Retained Value list are likely to hold their value down the road, which is key to getting a reasonable lease payment or a good trade-in price,” Jones said.
Edmunds determines the 2019 Edmunds Best Retained Value Awards based on the qualifying new models with the highest projected private-party residual value five years after their launch, expressed as a percentage of their initial True Market Value.
Toyota and Subaru claimed three model-level wins apiece, while Honda won two.
The 2019 Sequoia (large SUV), the 2019 Tundra (large truck) and the 2019 Tacoma (midsize truck) were the winning Toyota vehicles.
The 2019 Impreza (compact car), the 2019 Crosstrek (compact SUV) and the 2019 WRX (sports car) were winners for Subaru. The winning Honda models are the 2019 Accord (midsize car) and 2019 Odyssey (minivan).
Other winners included the 2019 Dodge Charger (large car), the 2019 Jeep Wrangler (midsize SUV), and the 2019 Ford Transit Van (van).
Lexus led the pack among luxury automakers with three model-level awards: the 2019 NX 300 (luxury compact SUV), the 2019 ES 350 (luxury midsize car) and the 2019 GX 460 (luxury midsize SUV).
Additional luxury winners included the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (luxury compact car), the 2019 Audi A7 (luxury large car), the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover (luxury large SUV), and the 2019 Porsche 911 (luxury sports car).
To be considered for a model-level award, a vehicle must be a 2019 model year that launched on or before Dec. 31 with sales in January that are not less than 25 percent of the average aggregate sales in that month for all of the other models in its award segment.
For brand-level award eligibility, an automaker must have eligible vehicles competing in at least four of the 18 award segments.
Each year, Training magazine publishes a Training Top 125 list, assessing companies’ work in areas such as how closely training and development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.
For its 2019 list, the magazine recognized Sonic Automotive, placing it sixth out of 125 organizations. Sonic Automotive has now placed in the awards program’s top 10 for three consecutive years.
In naming Sonic Automotive to this year’s list, the magazine praised Sonic Automotive’s training team for the following academies and programs that the company offers each year to associates: General Manager Leadership Academy, Variable Operations Academy, Fixed Operations Academy, Managers as Trainers, Leadership at Sonic, and Sonic Sales Process Training. The publication also noted Sonic’s achievement in bringing a return on investment from those programs.
In addition to assessing companies on how closely training and development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives, the publication determines its Top 125 ranking by assessing qualitative and quantitative factors such as financial investment in employee training and development, the scope of training programs, and business impact effectiveness.
“We are highly focused on associate growth, and I’m proud to see our training team being recognized again this year,” Sonic Automotive chief executive officer David Smith said in a news release. “This award is a huge testament to their commitment and dedication to developing best-in-class programs for our associates.”
Training magazine is a 55-year old professional development publication for training, human resources, and business management professionals. The magazine recognized Sonic with the award during the Training 2019 Conference & Expo at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. in February.
“The programs and leadership academies developed by our training team are critical to our company’s ability to develop our associates for long-term growth and success,” Sonic Automotive president Jeff Dyke said. “Fostering an environment of continual learning and development helps our associates get the most out of their careers at Sonic and has a huge impact on our ability to create an unmatched experience for our customers.”
Nick Peluso has another wholesale-industry accolade to add to his mantle.
Peluso became the sixth-ever recipient of the Bobit Industry Icon Award in recognition of his bold vision, technological innovation and dynamic leadership. The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) and the International Automotive Remarketers Association (IARA) honored the president of Manheim Digital Marketplace at the 2019 Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR) unfolding this week in Las Vegas.
The organizations jointly created the annual award in 2015 commemorating the late Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Business Media, to be given to members of the automotive community who most exemplify his leadership, dedication, service and devotion to the ideal of excellence.
As Manheim Digital Marketplace's top executive, Peluso leads a team focused on accelerating portfolio management for clients through intelligent remarketing solutions and advanced data analytics. He oversees the digital portfolio of brands that include Manheim.com, Manheim Express, Simulcast, OVE and RMS Automotive’s global business.
“Nick is a mover and shaker who has helped kickstart various businesses within the Cox Automotive family,” NAAA president Chad Bailey said during the presentation ceremony. “He’s the link in the chain that pulls all the parts together by fostering a strong collaborative culture, which he believes is fundamental to continued growth, engagement and expansion.”
Under Peluso’s management, Manheim Marketplace has achieved record growth across its U.S. digital channels, surpassing two million transactions for the first time to become a leader in the market through artificial intelligence, technology, and industry perspectives.
An industry veteran with more than three decades of experience, Peluso spent a dozen years in various senior executive leadership positions with ADT Automotive, including as vice president of sales and marketing, before joining Cox Automotive in 2000. There he soon became senior vice president of customer management for Manheim with responsibility for commercial and dealer sales, marketing, and Manheim consulting prior to being named the president of Cox’s RMS Automotive in 2014.
His professional achievements and contributions to the industry have earned him a reputation as a thought leader who is requested regularly to speak at such key events as the National Remarketing Conference, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, Conference of Automotive Remarketing and National Automobile Dealers Association convention, as well as events hosted by IARA and NAAA.
Peluso resides with his wife, Jessie, in Las Vegas, where he gives back to his community by participating in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA) to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. He also participates in the annual Las Vegas Governor’s Black-Tie Event that raises funds to support various nonprofit organizations aiding children and families in need throughout Las Vegas.
In his free time, Peluso enjoys cycling, a good game of golf and his new role as a grandparent.
As the 2019 Industry Icon recipient, Peluso is only the sixth person to be given the prestigious award. Previous recipients include:
— KAR Auction Services chief executive and chairman of the board Jim Hallett
— Industry mogul Mike Hockett Sr.
— ADESA executive vice president and chief economist Tom Kontos
— Former Manheim chief economist Tom Webb
— Ty Bobit, president and CEO of the media company founded by his father in 1961
David Jodat, a senior master technician at Subaru City of Milwaukee in Wisconsin, has been a technician for more than 18 years. But he offers more than just years of service. According to Subaru of America, he possesses superior technical knowledge and skill.
For Jodat’s efforts, Subaru of America honored him as the winner of its 2019 American National Technician Competition (ANTC).
The biennial event features Subaru technicians from across the country, and the event tests the technicians with written, diagnostic and hands-on challenges.
As a Zone Champion (Minneapolis) and first-place winner, Jodat received $2,000, a crystal trophy and an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to represent the United States in competing in the Subaru World Technical Competition this November.
This year, 14 Zone Champions from across the country participated in the competition at the Subaru National Service Training Center. The center is located at Subaru’s new U.S. headquarters in Camden, N.J.
This year’s ANTC event included four events of one hour each. Participants were scored on accuracy, speed and service quality. The written test involved the use of a service manual to answer questions. On-car drivability diagnostics, on-car body electrical diagnostics and mechanical-precision measurements were the three hands-on events.
From the remaining Zone Champions, Thomas Vigeant of Saint Johnsbury Subaru in Saint Johnsbury, Vt. received a $1,500 total prize as the second-place winner. Placing third was Todd Rodman of Webster Groves Subaru in Webster Groves, Mo., who won a $1,000 total prize. The Zone Champions and runners up, in alphabetical order, are:
— Brian Barnard – Michael Hohl Subaru, Carson City, Nev.
— Pat Bonner – Lancaster County Motors Subaru, Lancaster, Pa.
— Sean Ernest – Annapolis Subaru, Annapolis, Md.
— Leo Gilmore – Ruge’s Subaru, Rhinebeck, N.Y.
— Daryl Henzlik – Subaru Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Calif.
— Brad Julitz – Prestige Subaru, Asheville, N.C.
— Micah McCurdy – Austin Subaru, Austin, Texas
— Kjell McDaniel – McCurley Integrity Subaru, Pasco, Wash.
— Russell Stevens – Dreyer & Reinbold Subaru, Greenwood, Ind.
— Eric Taffs – Placer Subaru, Helena, Mt.
— Tim Whalen – Cannon Subaru, Lakeland, Fla.
“This is the seventh year we’ve brought together the premiere technicians from Subaru retailers across the country to recognize the service excellence that exists in our retailer network,” Thomas Doll, Subaru of America president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “While we are extremely proud of all our participants, we are excited to name David the worthy winner of a very competitive event, and we look forward to having him represent the U.S. at the international final in Japan.”
AutoNation Honda Hollywood has taken many steps to lower its energy costs and reduce its environmental impact in the community. Some of those steps include installing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and state-of-the-art LED lighting in the interior and exterior of the dealership.
Because of actions like that, AutoNation Honda Hollywood has been named a 2018 Energy Efficiency Leader. Dealerships that win the annual recognition have shown “exceptional energy performance” compared to other dealerships in their area, based on their energy use per square foot of building space.
AutoNation Honda Hollywood is one of 33 dealerships nationwide to be recognized as a 2018 Energy Efficiency Leader, a new designation for Honda Green Dealer program participants. Honda introduced the Honda Green Dealer recognition to encourage continuous improvement among its Green Dealers and acknowledge their ongoing efforts to conserve energy. Honda analyzes dealerships' energy performance over a calendar year to determine the Energy Efficiency Leaders.
“We’re proud to be recognized as a 2018 Energy Efficiency Leader and join Honda's global effort to preserve and protect the environment,” AutoNation Honda Hollywood general manager Mike Eagle said in a news release.
For Honda’s Green Dealer program, a third-party evaluator conducts environmental audits of participating dealers and recommends strategies to reduce their energy use. Participating dealers across the company’s automotive, power equipment and powersports lines have so far collectively lowered CO2 emissions by more than 59,000 metric tons and saved almost $12.5 million in energy costs. Honda introduced its voluntary Green Dealer Program to its U.S. dealers in the fall of 2011.
Honda has worked for more than three decades to reduce the environmental impact of its North American products, manufacturing and logistics operations, and facilities. The company's North American Environmental Report reports annually on these initiatives.
Honda says expanding its environmental initiatives to its dealer body is the logical next step in the company's effort to reduce waste, energy use and CO2 emissions across its operations and throughout the lifecycle of Honda products, including at the point of sale.
The 2018 Green Dealers are:
Platinum:
—Bradfon Honda
—Kastner Honda
—Rensselaer Honda
—Rossi Honda
—Roswell Honda
—Smith Honda
—Smithtown Acura
—Tony Honda
Gold:
—Brown Honda
—Cities Edge Motorsports
—Crown Acura
—Don Wessel Honda
—Hardin Honda
—Holmes Honda
—Jim Coleman Honda
—Jody Wilkinson Acura
—Marin Acura
—McKibben Powersport Honda
—Vatland Honda
Silver:
—AutoNation Honda Hollywood
—Chad Little Outdoor Power Equipment
—Diamond Honda
—Frank Leta Honda
—Honda of Santa Fe
—Larry Hopkins Honda
—Lester Raines Honda
—McDaniels Acura
—Monarch Honda
—Piedmont Honda
—Scotsco Inc.
—Scott Honda of West Chester
—Tom-N-Jerry’s Boat Center
—Vandergriff Honda
