The theme of the biggest American Car Care Centers (ACCC) dealer meeting ever was "Driving us forward."
ACCC's Dave Crawford stressed the importance of building relationships, and gave dealers on the Caribbean cruise a peek at the marketing initiatives that will last throughout the year.
A new update in the company's credit card program with GE Consumer Finance gives consumers "rapid credit." It was initiated in the first quarter.
The first of three stand-alone consumer events will begin in May and tie in with Continental Tire North America Inc. The second will be held in late June and last through July. The third, also held in conjunction with Continental, will run from September through early October; details are still being worked out, said Crawford.
There will be two promotional tie-ins with Michelin North America Inc., one of which will involve $50 rebates on all Michelin passenger and light truck tires.
In the fourth quarter, ACCC will sponsor an event linked to its credit card, "and a charity as well," added Crawford.
ACCC's marketing efforts also include 18 training workshops covering retail selling, business planning and merchandising.
