Zanchin Automotive Group is honoring a longtime employee with a scholarship in his name to help educate the next generation of automotive professionals.

The Woodbridge, Ontario-based dealership group has established The “Car-Man” Charisma Automotive Award, named for Carmen “Car-Man” Scaglione, who is retiring after almost 40 years with Zanchin Automotive.

The scholarship will be presented annually to two full-time students enrolled in any year of a degree or diploma program at Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada who demonstrate financial need while striving to embody a can-do spirit, a charismatic presence and a commitment to excellence in automotive sales — qualities Zanchin said defined Scaglione’s career.

Zanchin has committed to funding the award for a minimum of five years, representing a significant investment in the future of Canada’s automotive talent.

“For 38 years, Carmen has been an integral part of the Zanchin family,” Zanchin Automotive founder Joe Zanchin said. “In addition to being a top sales performer, he was renowned for his exceptional customer service. His energy, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to both our customers and our community have left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

“This scholarship is our way of ensuring that his legacy inspires the next generation of automotive professionals.”

In a news release, the company said Scaglione spent his career demonstrating that great automotive sales is about more than transactions — it’s about relationships, trust and a genuine passion for helping people. His charismatic approach and can-do attitude have made him a beloved figure among colleagues and customers, so much so that Acura Canada recently announced plans to name a sales achievement award in his honor.

Zanchin Automotive Group said it celebrates his contributions and looks forward to watching his spirit live on through the students who receive this award.

Joe Zanchin founded Zanchin Automotive Group in 1973 with a single dealership, Number 7 Honda in Woodbridge. The company now operates 38 dealerships in Ontario.