Positive customer service reviews could earn auto dealerships an award, as DealerRater announces the launch of its 2013 Dealer of the Year Award Program.

This annual program recognizes a select group of dealerships in the U.S. and Canada for outstanding customer satisfaction, as expressed through consumer-posted reviews on DealerRater’s website during the 2012 calendar year.

Dealerships which demonstrate the highest PowerScore in their brand category can earn the awards, which are presented each February. These scores are determined using a Bayesian algorithm that considers each dealership’s average DealerRater rating, the company said, and the total number of reviews written about it during the previous calendar year.

To be eligible for an award, the dealership must also have at least 25 new reviews posted on DealerRater, and an average rating of greater than 4.0, with 5.0 as the highest possible score. 

Dealer of the Year recognition will be awarded to dealerships on a national brand and state brand level. Also, one dealership will be named the overall Dealer of the Year for 2013, for having a PowerScore that outranks all other brand-specific Dealer of the Year winners.

“The Dealer of the Year Award Program has grown increasingly competitive each year as dealerships have accepted the vital role that consumer reviews and online star ratings play in strengthening their brand and driving business growth,” said Chip Grueter, president of DealerRater.

“Now in its third year, the award program promises to be an exciting contest among many stellar dealerships committed to outstanding customer service throughout North America.”

DealerRater said it plans to announce the 2013 Dealer of the Year award winners at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s Convention & Expo, set for Feb. 8-11 in Orlando, Fla.