A couple of developments surfaced this week after the National Automobile Dealers Association wrapped up NADA Show 2023.
First, NADA welcomed the reintroduction of the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act (S. 154) by four U.S. Senators.
Then, the association’s workforce initiative received a $30,000 donation from Assurant.
NADA explained the PART Act would assist law enforcement in their efforts to combat rising catalytic converter theft by providing a national framework that would mark catalytic converters with an identifying mark traceable to the VIN, establish federal criminal penalties, and create a more transparent market that deters its theft.
The proposal was introduced this week by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).
Representatives Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Michael Guest (R-Miss.) reintroduced identical legislation (H.R. 621) in the House.
“Consumers across the nation are falling victim to rising catalytic converter theft, leaving them with costly repairs that are often worsened by supply chain woes,” NADA president and CEO Mike Stanton said in a news release. “America’s franchised auto dealers urge Congress to pass this important legislation.”
NADA pointed out catalytic converter thefts continue to rise exponentially year-over-year, largely due to skyrocketing prices of palladium, platinum and rhodium, which are the precious metals housed in catalytic converters. The association said thieves can remove catalytic converters from vehicles in just a few minutes and extract precious metals for resale.
Stolen catalytic converters can be sold on the black market anywhere from $200 to $350, with the replacement cost to vehicle owners averaging over $2,500, according to NADA.
The association also mentioned the lack of traceable identifying marks makes the theft of catalytic converters difficult to curb as they cannot be linked to the vehicles from which they were stolen.
“We have seen a dramatic 1,215% increase in catalytic converter thefts nationwide since the pandemic began. It is an issue that is plaguing the United States, and law enforcement needs additional support to put a stop to it,” said David Glawe, president and chief executive officer of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “There is very little deterrent for thieves who commit these property crimes and, therefore, it is paramount for Congress to take action and make stealing a catalytic converter a felony. Introducing stiffer penalties can deter would-be criminals from committing these acts in the first place.
“Additionally, law enforcement needs the capability to track illegal sales in the secondary market,” Glawe added in the news release from NADA.
NADA mentioned this crime has also been linked to at least two deaths.
The association recapped that in December 2021, a man in Dallas was shot on his third-floor balcony when he confronted thieves in the parking lot below. And in March 2022, an off-duty Houston sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed when he confronted catalytic converter thieves in a grocery store parking lot, according to NADA.
The PART Act requires new vehicles have unique, traceable identifying numbers stamped on catalytic converters at the time of assembly, as well as increases record keeping requirements for purchasers and establishes a federal criminal penalty for the theft, sale, trafficking or known purchase of stolen catalytic converters — up to five years of jail time.
The legislation has also been endorsed by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), American Truck Dealers (ATD), American Trucking Associations (ATA), Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program (NSVRP), and NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry.
For more information related to catalytic converter theft, go to this website.
NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative receives $30,000 contribution
In other developments, Assurant, a global business services company that tries to support, protect and connect major consumer purchases, including automobiles, announced the Assurant Foundation’s donation of $30,000 to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Foundation’s Workforce Initiative, which promotes the value of dealership roles and facilitates access to educational resources.
Assurant Global Automotive supported the Workforce Initiative through an on-site awareness campaign at the NADA 2023 Show, where Assurant donated $100 for every dealer who visited its booth.
Martin Jenns, executive vice president and president of Assurant Global Automotive, presented the contribution to Annette Sykora, chairwoman of the NADA Foundation board of trustees, and Jonathan Collegio, NADA senior vice president on the Live Stage at NADA Show 2023, orchestrated in Dallas last week.
In his remarks, Jenns noted the importance of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the automotive retail and service industry.
“We continue to support the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative because of our shared values and goals in developing and growing a diverse, inclusive and equitable auto retail and service workforce,” Jenns said. “This is a program that advances the entire industry, across brands and regions.”
The NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative was founded in 2019 to address the shortage of service technicians through promotion of the job benefits and improved access to resources about programs, scholarships, and opportunities.
In recent years, the NADA Foundation has broadened the initiative to enhance recruitment of all dealership roles and within all departments. The centralized resources offer a brand-neutral tool for recruiting talent and sparking an interest in dealership careers.
“We are proud of the results we’ve seen from this initiative to date and grateful to our industry partners like Assurant that make it possible,” said Sykora, dealer principal of Smith South Plains Ford, Lincoln in Levelland, Texas. “Our workforce is our most important asset as dealers. The resources from this program help identify, recruit, train, and retain talent throughout the dealership.”
Since 2019, the Assurant Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to the NADA Foundation.
For more details, visit nadafoundation.org.
BacklotCars had one of the most active booths on Saturday during NADA Show 2023 in Dallas.
That company that’s part of KAR Global auctioned off a 100% electric, liquid black LiveWire One motorcycle, raising more than $109,000 for the NADA Foundation’s Frank E. McCarthy Memorial Program that benefits Canine Companions.
Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to the clients.
The organization’s cause was dear to the late Bob Mallon, who founded the NADA Foundation in 1975, and the late Frank McCarthy, who served as NADA’s chief executive from 1968 to 2001.
Additional auction proceeds and donations raised more than $74,000 in one day.
Canine Companions graduate Susan Mahoney (joined by her service dog, Misha) offered remarks at the auction, which took place on Saturday at the BacklotCars booth. Also onsite was Laura Manning, Canine Companions director of philanthropy, along with several clients and their service dogs, and volunteer puppy raisers with their future service dogs.
“Now in our 12th year, we are proud to partner with the NADA Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence to provide people with disabilities the ability to live independent lives,” KAR Global chief executive officer Peter Kelly said in a news release. “Thanks to our generous BacklotCars dealers and partners, we’ve raised more than $905,000 to date — providing veterans and people with disabilities with highly skilled dogs that can offer independence, confidence and companionship.”
The winning bidder was David Taylor of Taylor Chevrolet in Rexburg, Idaho.
Since 2004, NADA Foundation’s Frank E. McCarthy Program has contributed more than $1 million to Canine Companions.
“Dealers are without a doubt committed to serving others, including veterans and active servicemen and women” said Annette Sykora, chairwoman of the NADA Foundation and NADA 2008 chairwoman. “The funds raised through the BacklotCars auction will help NADA and its members serve the veterans who can benefit from a Canine Companions service dog.”
For more information on the NADA Foundation, go to this website. For more information on Canine Companions, go to this website.
This philanthropic activity roundup includes activities involving EchoPark Automotive, a subsidiary of Sonic Automotive, as well as JM Family Enterprises.
EchoPark already collaborated with business mogul, TV personality and motivational speaker Marcus Lemonis to give away one used vehicle in November. This month, the retailer and Lemonis intend to give away three more vehicles.
The used-car gifts are part of Lemonis giving away almost $2 million in gifts with his social posts that include the hashtag #HolidaysWithMarcus. He often gives away unique gifts that include known and big brands to those in need.
“It’s an unbelievably generous and kind act that Marcus conducts every year. We’re honored to be involved and look forward to making each experience at EchoPark Automotive special for the deserving winners,” Sonic Automotive president Jeff Dyke said.
All giveaways will be conducted on Twitter from @marcuslemonis with specific instructions on how to participate.
On Nov. 26, Lemonis announced on Twitter that he would pick one winner who retweets @EchoPark to win an EchoPark vehicle and by Nov. 28, he selected @PatrickTheGiver, an individual deserving of a quality vehicle from EchoPark Automotive.
“Patrick Rhodes is an obvious ‘giver’ to his local community in Tampa,” Lemonis said. “It’s very easy to see the good he is doing in his community by his actions and the social posts from others. His work for others does not go unnoticed. I’m glad we can help and provide him with the car he needs.”
Lemonis said he didn't pick just any automotive retailer. He specifically sought EchoPark Automotive to participate in this year’s giving spree.
“They’re a good brand with good people,” Lemonis said. “I believe in what EchoPark is doing and what they stand for in the community.”
Sonic chairman and chief executive officer David Smith added: , “Our brand promise, Every Car, Happy Owner, is what we strive to deliver to our guests each day.
“We are excited to be a part of this experience with Marcus Lemonis and look forward to making @PatrickTheGiver a happy owner of a high-quality vehicle from EchoPark Automotive,” Smith went on to say.
JM Family Enterprises campaign raises more than $700,000
Continuing with the 37th year of partnership, JM Family Enterprises collaborated with United Way to help bring positive change across local communities where its associates live and work with its yearly companywide United Way fundraising campaign: Together We Can.
The two-and-a-half-week event emphasized camaraderie. This year JM Family celebrated the highest number of associates ever to participate in the campaign at 36%.
Each of JM Family’s businesses joined forces for a bit of friendly competition against one another. Southeast Toyota Finance blew the competition away and won the Business Unit Challenge with a whopping 71% total engagement. All associates who donated to the fundraiser had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including multiple Tango gift cards as well as the grand prize, a travel gift card valued at $750.
Originally anticipated to take place for two weeks, the campaign was extended due to Tropical Storm Nicole’s impact on the Deerfield campus, giving participants extra time to engage with the fundraiser.
JM Family associates surpassed expectations raising a grand total of $732,582.
The campaign benefited:
—United Way of Northeastern South Dakota (Aberdeen)
—United Way of Northeast Georgia (Commerce)
—United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (Coppell)
—United Way of Northeast Florida (Jacksonville)
—Orange County United Way (Irvine)
—United Way of Southwest Alabama (Mobile)
—United Way of Broward County (South Florida)
—United Way of Greater St. Louis (St. Louis)
As the holiday season gets rolling, companies in the auto retail space are giving back to their communities and helping those in need.
Auto Remarketing will keep tabs on these endeavors and share them in coming weeks.
Starting with Step One Automotive Group, the retailer kicks off its 25 Days of Giving program on Thursday, when it will participate in charitable endeavors across the Alabama, Florida and Georgia communities it calls home.
The full list of events, sorted by state, can be found below:
ALABAMA
Cruisin' into Christmas
St. Jude Rocks! Radiothon
Grace Place Christmas Shop, Bessemer Christmas Parade, and Hueytown Christmas Parade
Empowered to Conquer Christmas Party
Andalusia Christmas Parade
Alabama STEM Christmas Spectacular and Cookies with Santa
Giving Hope
Alabama Care Network
FLORIDA
Highway Bikes or Bust
Christmas Car Show and Pet Adoption Day
Cruisin' into Christmas
Eglin Air Force Base Winterfest and St. Jude Rocks! Radiothon
Brentwood Elementary School Angel Tree Donations and Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus
OCSO Angel Tree Donations, Destin Christmas Parade, and Yule of Yesteryear
Maserati Masters
Manna Food Drive with the Krewe of SWAT and Blood Drive
FWB Fire Department's Santa's Firehouse Toy Drive
GEORGIA
Make a Wish and The Dive: Feeding Homeless and Veterans
Riverview Rides of Pride Car Show and Elf on the Shelf Movie Night at Tanger Outlet both in Savannah. Christmas Parade
Stuff-A-Trolley in North and SOAG GA Holiday Brunch
Christmas lights/Downtown squares
Habitat for Humanity
Tourism Leadership Council Awards and Hunter Tree Lighting both
Christmas Parade and Christmas on the River
Christmas on the River
Shelter from the Rain
Keepers of the Flame
Blessing in a Book Bag
Twinkle Bar Stroll, The Dive Christmas for Veterans, Gilliard and Co Jeep Jingle
Treats for Cancer Patients and Staff
Adopt a Family in Brunswick, Savannah, and North Savannah
Elsewhere, DCG Giving — which is the nonprofit arm of the Dave Cantin Group automotive M&A advisory firms — said Tuesday it has launched is Five Weeks of Giving program.
DCG Giving partnered with the Children’s Oncology Group back in August, and will donate to these COG institutions throughout the holiday season:
Dallas Southwestern/Simmons Cancer Center
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Ann and Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital/ Northwestern University
“Making a difference in the lives of others is a keynote mission of DCG, and DCG Giving is focused on our children by providing funding specifically for pediatric cancer research and treatment,” DCG executive chairman and CEO Dave Cantin said in a news release. “With 15,000 cases of child and adolescence cancer diagnosed each year in the US, more funding is critical in order to make the significant impact needed to increase the cure rate.”
This dealership news roundup includes both more M&A activities as well as philanthropic endeavors.
Beginning with the charity work, Larry H. Miller Dealerships announced last week an expansion of its existing holiday coat drive to include all 12 Arizona dealerships across Metro Phoenix and Tucson through a partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
According to a news release, the dealer group was prompted by Annie E. Casey Foundation 2022 KidsCount data that indicated 20% of Arizona’s children live in poverty
During the past two years, Larry H. Miller Dealerships has hosted a winter coat drive at its three Avondale dealerships, collecting more than 840 winter coats for children within the Avondale Elementary School District.
Through Dec. 12, the group has expanded the drive to help even more children through a holiday “Share the Warmth” coat drive campaign, reaching K-6 students in Title 1 schools near the Metro Phoenix and Tucson dealership locations.
This campaign is part of Larry H. Miller Dealerships “Driven for Good” initiative, a giving program aimed at uplifting the communities in which the dealerships do business.
“All children deserve the comfort that comes from a winter coat,” said Robert Smith, customer relations manager at Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria. “While we don’t get snowfall in Phoenix and Tucson, our nights and mornings are quite cold, and nowadays, many families are having to make tough choices between basic needs like paying for groceries over a coat or a utility bill. We hope this month-long campaign serves to warm the hearts of children in our community.”
This holiday season, Larry H. Miller Dealerships is encouraging its employees and the public to help fill a vehicle at each of its 12 dealerships across Metro Phoenix and Tucson with new and gently used (must be clean) winter coats, lightweight jackets, and hoodies for K-6 students across Arizona to stay warm during the winter months.
“We’re honored to partner with Larry H. Miller Dealerships on the ‘Share the Warmth’ coat drive campaign,” said Melissa Boydston, senior vice president of community development and engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way. “Our organization is always looking for solutions to ensure that every child, family and individual in our community is healthy, has a safe place to live and has the opportunity to succeed in school, in work and in life. This partnership and shared mission among multiple organizations provides a real impact for children and their families this winter.”
Valley of the Sun United Way works with a network of 53 school districts across the Valley and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona partners with 10 school districts.
United Way will identify Title 1 schools in each of the cities where the dealerships are located so that the donations are distributed directly to children in need in those communities.
The “Share the Warmth” coat drive campaign will end on Dec. 15, when a caravan of Larry H. Miller Dealerships vehicles filled with winter coats, lightweight jackets and hoodies will deliver the donations to one of the Title 1 school locations in Phoenix and Tucson.
“Our community thrives when we LIVE UNITED. Our ability to impact one in four members in our Tucson community relies on uniting people, ideas, and resources,” said Tony Penn, president and CEO of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. “This collaboration with Larry H. Miller Dealerships and our sister United Way in Phoenix shows the power of working together in service to our community.”
M&A activity involves California store
According to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, dealership M&A continued earlier this month with the sale of Yucca Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in California from Don McCredie to Jason Wilkins.
Performance Brokerage Services highlighted that Wilkins, along with his new partner, are in the beginning stages of building their new Southern California dealer group.
Wilkins acquired Victorville Mitsubishi in 2020, also with the help of Performance Brokerage Services. He will bring on a GM that has worked with his family for many years to run operations for Yucca Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, which will remain at its current location at 57909 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley, Calif.
However, the store has been renamed Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
The Wilkins family formerly owned Victorville Nissan and Victorville Chevrolet Cadillac.
Jason Stopnitzky, the exclusive agent for this transaction and the co-founder of Performance Brokerage Services said, “It was a pleasure assisting the McCredie family during this transaction, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have served in their best interest with the sale of their dealership. Congratulations to Mr. McCredie on his very well-deserved retirement.
“We were able to find a great fit with Jason Wilkins as the buyer. I have known the Wilkins family for 20 years and have had the privilege of helping them with four buy-sell transactions. I look forward to the bright future ahead for Jason Wilkins and his partner and wish them the best of luck on their newest acquisition,” Stopnitzky went on to say.
It’s early November, but a few folks in the used-car business are already in the holiday spirit, launching toy drives and other endeavors to help those in need.
On Wednesday, Larry H. Miller Dealerships announced it will be holding its eighth annual Holiday Toy Drive from Nov. 11 through Dec. 3. The program supports the Denver Santa Claus Shop, which plans to distribute toys to nearly 15,000 children and family in the Denver area.
The dealer group is accepting new and “gently loved” toys at nine of its area stores. There is also a wish list available here; and the Denver Santa Claus Shop is accepting monetary contributions here: denversantaclausshop.org/donate.
“There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when they open a gift from Santa,” said Ray Reilly, area vice president, Larry H. Miller Dealerships, in a news release.
“While it’s our company mission to enrich lives by giving back year-round, giving toys to children who may otherwise go without a gift to open during the holidays is truly special,” Reilly said.
Meanwhile, America’s Car-Mart said Wednesday it has launched its 14th annual Holiday Toy Drive, where it aims to collect 30,000 toys during November.
It plans to donate those toys to 25 children’s hospitals.
Car-Mart will be collecting donated toys at its 154 dealerships throughout 12 states. Last year, it collected 22,200 toys.
“It’s a season of giving, and America’s Car-Mart is working hard to make a difference in our communities,” Car-Mart CEO Jeff Williams said in a news release. “We are proudly continuing our tradition of conducting our holiday toy drive so we can deliver holiday cheer to thousands of children in the hospital during the holiday. At Car-Mart, we believe there’s purpose in what we do, and every day we come to work to do all we can to help our customers and our communities.”
These efforts follow the work of America’s Auto Auction Charleston and its dealer partners, who raised $7,700 for charities during two recent events.
On Sept. 16, the auction held a “Cars, Cash & Caring” event, which along with a sale and cash prizes, raised $2,700 in donations for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
“It was a great day for buying and selling cars, plus we were able to donate $2700 thanks to our generous dealers and hardworking auction team. I want to give a special thanks to all that participated in the 50/50 raffle and all the sellers who donated for every vehicle they sold.” AAA Charleston auction manager Nichole Brannon said in a news release.
On Oct. 14, the auction hosted an “NFL Fanatic Sale,” which in addition to football-related prizes and a sale, helped raise $5,000 for the Dorchester Paws animal shelter in the Charleston, S.C. area.
“It was a special sale and day for auction team members and dealers. The donation was made in memory of Judy Wise, wife of Chris, the auction’s national remarketing manager. Judy had a love for animals and enjoyed volunteering her time at animal shelters. Judy recently passed away after battling cancer,” auction general manager Bill McCready said in the release.
ADESA said Monday it has named new general managers at its Chicago, Salt Lake and Los Angeles vehicle logistics centers.
Appointed to those positions are Ted Coates (ADESA Chicago), Scott Crane (ADESA Salt Lake) and Jesse Estrada (ADESA Los Angeles).
“We’re very pleased to fill these pivotal positions with strong internal candidates who bring deep industry knowledge and connections to their new roles,” ADESA president John Hammer said in a news release.
“Having proven leaders ready to take on new challenges ensures a smooth transition for our valued customers and our hard-working employees,” Hammer said.
Coates had been GM at ADESA Los Angeles since 2018 and has been with ADESA since 2003.
Crane was GM at ADESA Reno for 12 years and has been in the auction business for 15 years, while Estrada had been assistant GM of ADESA Los Angeles since 2017 and joined ADESA in 2000.
“Ted and Scott have each thoroughly demonstrated the skill set and knowledge required to manage successful operations at our VLCs,” said Mike Caggiano, executive vice president of U.S. operations, in the release “I know they will bring energy and enthusiasm, as well as expertise, to their new locations.”
Caggiano added: “I’m excited to promote Jesse to head up our operations at ADESA Los Angeles. He knows the market, he knows the customers, and I’m confident ADESA LA will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Alliance raises $53K for Manda Strong Foundation
Over at Alliance Auto Auctions, the company announced it raised more than $53,000 during the third quarter for the Manda Strong Foundation, which provides support to mothers who are fighting cancer and raising young children.
Tim Adams is the CEO of Alliance, which includes five auctions throughout the Abilene, Austin, Dallas, Longview and Waco markets of Texas.
“We are very excited to continue this campaign for raising money for these very worthy organizations. Each quarter, we set a very aggressive goal of $25,000 to help each charity,” Adams said in a news release.
“We really wanted the funds we raised to stay local. With the help from the staff and our local dealers, we have managed to reach and exceed our goals, particularly in the third quarter!”
For the fourth quarter, Alliance will be supporting House of Hope Foundation in Longview, Texas and has already started raising money.
Chicagoland’s franchised dealers have more in the works for Saturday than just retailing vehicles.
For the ninth year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and its dealer members have partnered with USO Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops grassroots community fundraising events throughout the area on Saturday.
To date, more than 60 dealerships have signed on to support the cause, and are planning to offer everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and — of course — barbecue.
According to a news release, CATA dealers have rallied to raise more than $950,000 during the past nine years to support USO Illinois programs and services with nearly 600 fundraisers taking place.
Officials said these funds enable USO Illinois to lend support to more than 300,000 service members and their families annually.
“This year is an especially exciting year as we are on the precipice of raising $1 million for USO Illinois over our nine-year partnership,” CATA chairman JC Phelan said in the news release.
“We weren’t able to fully execute this event the past two years due to the pandemic, but we are thrilled to bring back this amazing campaign in its full capacity this July to help the USO Illinois at a time when they desperately need funding for local troops and their families,” Phelan continued.
For individuals who can’t visit a dealer USO Barbecue for the Troops event on Saturday, there’s still an opportunity to get into the action via social media.
Through the end of the month, the CATA and USO Illinois are accepting contest entries for the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue, including a new grill and delicious BBQ fare from Mission BBQ.
To enter, complete the online contest entry form or visit DriveChicago.com for more details. The winner will be announced on or around Aug. 15.
“For the ninth year, USO Illinois is proud to partner with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and local new-car dealers for the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative,” USO Illinois executive director Chris Schmidt said.
“The USO Barbecue for the Troops program has raised more than $950,000 to support military service members and their families, right here in Illinois,” Schmidt continued. The support of service members’ hometown communities and local new-car dealerships has allowed USO Illinois to positively impact more than 300,000 service members and their families annually through hundreds of programs and services as well as our 10 USO Centers across Illinois.
“Neighbors helping neighbors through initiatives like Barbecue for the Troops makes communities even stronger and joining your local dealership for their BBQ in July is a great way to get involved! From USO Illinois and all those who serve our nation, we thank you for your generous support,” Schmidt went on to say.
To find the full listing of CATA dealer USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers, visit DriveChicago.com. For more information about USO Illinois, visit Illinois.USO.org.
AutoNation, TrueCar and wear blue: run to remember all collaborated to give a vehicle to a Gold Star Family member through the DrivenToDrive initiative.
TrueCar’s DrivenToDrive initiative was started in 2016, inspired by Army Ranger and DrivenToDrive ambassador, Cory Remsburg, who was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan.
According to a news release, the program is designed to honor the sacrifices made by the members who serve, and their families by supporting their mobility needs. This marks the seventh consecutive vehicle awarded through the DrivenToDrive program.
The vehicle recipient was Elisabeth Nylander, who is the daughter of fallen service member, Air Force Captain Nathan Nylander, who lost his life in battle during the war in Afghanistan.
To honor the sacrifices he made, Nylander was presented with a new Chevrolet Equinox at a wear blue event in Washington, D.C. earlier this month in an effort to support the Nylander family and her continued dedication to serve other Gold Star families as part of her volunteer work.
TrueCar partnered with ACERTUS, an omnichannel automotive logistics platform with the shared commitment of supporting American military veterans, to deliver the vehicle from Washington D.C. to Florida to assist with Nylander’s recent move.
“I am so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to share my father’s legacy and values through this process,” Nylander said in the news release. “I am so thankful for the support that TrueCar has provided me as I begin graduate school and my new life in Washington D.C. I cannot thank TrueCar enough for providing me with a brand-new car.”
Much like her father, the news release highlighted Nylander is a driven and high-achieving individual, graduating high school at the age of 17 and recently graduating college this May. She is committed to her community and supporting military service members through an internship at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) while also actively volunteering with wear blue.
Nylander will begin a master’s program this fall in forensic and legal psychology at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. She plans to focus her studies on investigations to achieve her career goal of working with the federal government to help bring closure to people who have lost loved ones like she has.
“As we’ve gotten to know Elisabeth, it’s clear how passionate she is about giving back and improving the lives of others — values that we also cherish at TrueCar,” said David Green, senior vice president of dealer solutions and military initiatives at TrueCar.
“We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to give back to Elisabeth through the DrivenToDrive initiative, so she can begin the next chapter of her life with renewed independence and a focus on supporting her communities,” Green continued.
Marc Cannon is executive vice president and chief customer experience officer at AutoNation.
“AutoNation is proud to partner with TrueCar once again, to support veterans and their families through the DrivenToDrive initiative, and we are honored to recognize Gold Star Family member, Elisabeth Nylander, in honor of her father’s dedication to our country,” Cannon said. “We hope this new vehicle will support her continued drive and perseverance in memory of her father.”
Lisa Hallett is executive director at wear blue.
“I am in awe of the courage and passion of our surviving families. Elisabeth Nylander is an incredible example of how to live inspired by life, rather than broken by sacrifice,” Hallett said.
“TrueCar has turned the words ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice’ into tangible meaningful action, and I am honored to collaborate this Memorial Day. Together, we will ensure that generations of American heroes are honored and remembered,” she went on to say.
For more information about DrivenToDrive, its mission, past recipients, and ways to get involved, visit https://www.truecar.com/driventodrive/.
As part of celebrating 100 years of serving military families, USAA is working in partnership of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) to give 100 vehicles across the country to military families in need.
According to a news release distributed on Thursday by USAA, recipients have been nominated by nonprofit organizations to receive what’s being call a “Recycled Ride.”
For 100 years, USAA’s mission has been to serve active-duty service members, veterans and their families, while NABC is a non-profit committed to serving their communities and many other segments in the collision repair industry.
The organizations said vehicles are repaired and donated to those identified as in need of reliable transportation.
“USAA is committed to giving back to those who have gone above and beyond by means of service to our country,” said Ramon Lopez, vice president of USAA Property and Casualty Insurance.
“We are honored to provide reliable transportation to 100 families in our 100th year, and beyond, as we continue to transform the lives of those most in need by providing them with dependable vehicles,” Lopez continued in the news release.
USAA awarded the first 10 vehicles Thursday in San Antonio. Additional events will take place in:
— Nashville, Tenn., on June 7
— Seattle on July 21
— Chesapeake, Va., on Aug. 11
— Savannah, Ga., on Aug. 25
— Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 15
— Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sept. 29
— Denver on Sept. 30
— Phoenix on Oct. 6
— Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 3
— San Diego on Nov. 10
