NORCROSS, Ga., May 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EasyCare has appointed Steve Richards as National Director of the MOTOR TREND Certified program. Richards brings with him a wealth of experience in the automotive retail industry, including extensive knowledge of consumer behavior and the path to the purchase in today's market. With specific expertise rooted in both sales and management, Richards differentiates himself from others in the industry by consistently executing what he teaches on the dealership lot and applying his ongoing learning to enhance his ability to effectively communicate today's buying experience to sales people.
Prior to joining EasyCare, Steve was the Managing Partner at RedZone Sales Strategies, where he led the marketing and sales strategies of automotive consulting and training services around the country.
"While the consumer's purchase process continues to rapidly evolve, most dealership sales strategies are parked in neutral, having changed little in the last forty years. The skills necessary to meet the challenge of today's internet savvy consumer are different than those that traditional sales teams possess," said Richards. "The MOTOR TREND Certified program and EasyCare occupy a unique position in the industry in that we are well positioned to help the dealer modernize the process and provide the sales and service teams the necessary skills to help the customer buy, finance and protect their purchase with the backing and assurance of the iconic MOTOR TREND brand."
Richards will report to Chairman/CEO Larry Dorfman, and work from the EasyCare headquarters location in Norcross, GA.
"Steve brings a history of success with OEMs and individual dealers to the MOTOR TREND Certified program. His vision and insight into today's market is a perfect match for the MOTOR TREND Certified program's objective of creating a better buying and ownership experience for the consumer and a more profitable platform for the select MOTOR TREND Certified Dealerships around the country. We are fortunate to have Steve join us as we continue to grow the program for MOTOR TREND," said Larry Dorfman, CEO of APCO Holdings and EasyCare.
About EasyCare®
EasyCare's mission is to help dealers succeed at every customer touch point by creating passionate employees and customers for your dealership. Whether it's protecting your customers on your behalf or helping deliver the ultimate driving experience, we're fully engaged. Since 1984, the company has provided leading-edge benefits that have helped nationwide dealers deliver an outstanding ownership experience to over 7 million customers. EasyCare provides the only F&I benefits that are deemed a "MOTOR TREND Recommended Best Buy" for franchised dealers, in addition to a full suite of training programs, management development and proprietary software. For more information, please visit easycare.com.
About MOTOR TREND
MOTOR TREND®, a media brand of TEN: The Enthusiast Network, was founded in 1949 and is internationally recognized as a leading brand in the automotive category. The MOTOR TREND brand is comprised of MOTOR TREND Magazine; the award-winning website MOTORTREND.com; Motor Trend Auto Shows; MOTOR TREND en Español; MOTOR TREND India; MOTOR TREND Canada; MOTOR TREND On Demand video network; and the renowned MOTOR TREND Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Best Driver's Car awards programs.
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