Automotive Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Dan Daniel, Carsmetics’ newest franchisee, is opening the first Carsmetics franchise in Virginia.
Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - Carsmetics, a DuPont Quality of Assurance repair facility that specializes in repairing vehicles with “drivable damage,” has a new franchisee. Carsmetics’ corporate headquarters are in Tampa, Florida, but Dan Daniel, Carsmetics’ newest franchisee, is taking Carsmetics to a new market in Richmond, Virginia. “Carsmetics is thrilled to be moving into the Richmond market, and we know Dan is the right person to bring us there. Under Dan’s leadership, this franchise is going to thrive,” said Tony Lockhart, CEO/President of Carsmetics. Right now, Dan is searching the Richmond area for the perfect location; if he finds it soon, he hopes to open his franchise later this year...

A new RNR Custom Wheel and Tire Express corporate location opened in Orlando on May 5th, 2013.
May 22, 2013 // Franchising.com // Orlando, FL - RNR Custom Wheel and Tire Express opened their 10th corporate location on May 5th, 2013. The new store is located at 6000 South Orange Blossom Trail and is their second Orlando location. Their original Orlando location is at 3240 West Colonial Drive.
On Saturday, May 18th, RNR hosted a grand opening event complete with local car clubs and live music provided by Obie Diaz and his crew from Power 95.3. Some of the areas hottest custom vehicles were showcased, and at the end of the day, Team Redline Car Club went home with the trophy for “Best Car Club.” A few lucky RNR patrons also took home tickets to an advanced screening of Fast and Furious 6, courtesy of Power 95...

Nation’s first power washing franchise adds 5 new locations, points to EPA compliant policies as catalyst for growth.
Gilbert, AZ (PRWEB) May 21, 2013 - Peter Tourian, Founder and CEO of Araya Clean, the nation’s first and fastest growing power washing franchise, announced yesterday that the company has experienced 36% growth, expanding from 14 to 19 franchises in the first five months of 2013.
Tourian attributes Araya Clean’s rapid growth to his company’s structured, professional and environmentally sound approach to the fragmented power washing industry historically dominated by one man shows and mom and pops. According to Tourian, prospective franchisees are excited about Araya Clean’s state of the art power washing technology and EPA compliant business model that solves environmental issues that have plagued the power washing industry for decades...

PARK RIDGE, N.J., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) ("Hertz" together with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "we") announced that Carolyn Everson and Debra J. Kelly-Ennis have been elected by the Board of Directors of Hertz and The Hertz Corporation as directors.
Carolyn Everson serves as Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions for Facebook, Inc., where she manages the global marketing solutions team focused on expanding advertising revenue and managing significant, strategic accounts. Before Facebook, Inc. Ms. Everson served as Corporate Vice President of Global Ad Sales and Strategy of Microsoft Corporation from 2010 to 2011. Previous to Microsoft Corporation, Ms. Everson held various advertising management positions at MTV Networks Company from 2004 to 2010, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ad Sales from 2008 to 2010...

Learn how Matco Tools was named among the best franchises for veterans in 2013 – allowing veterans to use their background and training to launch a new career.
Stow, OH (PRWEB) May 15, 2013 - Matco Tools is named one of the best franchises for veteransin America for 2013 by G.I. Jobs. Matco honors military veterans by offering service members a $10,000 incentive toward start up costs, allowing veterans to use their background and training to launch a new civilian career.
“One in four returning service members indicate interest in owning their own business,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs. “Franchises are a perfect fit for service members, who bring unparalleled operational skill sets and work ethic but are often unclear how to start a business...

MINNEAPOLIS - May 14, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - It’s full steam ahead just three days after the largest acquisition in its history, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a leading national vehicle repair company and one of the country’s fastest growing multi-shop repair operators, opened yet another new repair center in Michigan – its second since entering the state just nine months ago.
The latest ABRA repair center is located in the classic American town of Holland, Michigan and is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan at 711 East Lakewood Blvd. It is independently owned and operated by Nate Yonker, previous owner of Chrispell Auto Body Repair.
ABRA’s growth strategy has been in overdrive in recent months and epitomizes why ABRA is quickly becoming a collision repair heavyweight...

An experienced franchise partner with a high-quality vehicle fleet.
A comprehensive mobility offering for business travellers.
Pullach, 03 May 2013 – Sixt enters the Nigerian market in cooperation with a strong partner: Since 1 May 2013 the company has been offering flexible, high-comfort mobility solutions in the West African country. Its fleet includes everything from short- and long-term rentals to its classic chauffeur service. In Nigeria, Sixt also offers a car-plus-driver service, which allows a driver to be hired even for short-term rentals.
Sixt is cooperating with the Coscharis Group franchisees in Nigeria. The company has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and distinguishes itself by ensuring the highest quality standards as well as first-class service...

Glass Doctor franchise awards during first quarter of 2013.
Waco, Texas (PRWEB) May 13, 2013 - Glass Doctor, a leader in the residential, business and glass service industry which celebrated its 50th year of operation last year, awarded three new franchises in the first quarter of 2013.
In 2012, Glass Doctor was recognized by the Franchise times as No. 225 on its Next 300 Franchisee Chains by Worldwide Sales list as well as being promoted on the Worldwide Sales list as No. 16 in the Top Automotive category. Additionally, Glass Doctor received recognition as one of the top home improvement franchises in the nation on Remodeling magazine’s “Remodeling 550” list.
According to Glass Doctor President, Mark Liston, “There is nothing more exciting than welcoming our new Glass Doctor franchisees...

MINNEAPOLIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - In the largest acquisition of its nearly 30 year history, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a leading national vehicle repair company and one of the country’s fastest growing multi-shop repair operators, announced today it acquired 23 Precision Collision Auto Body repair centers in the Seattle metro area and throughout Washington. Today’s deal marks the company’s entry into the northwest region and increases the total number of new ABRA center openings this year to 37.
ABRA is rapidly becoming a collision repair heavyweight and is known throughout the industry as one of the top performing operators in the country. The company has significantly accelerated its growth in recent months and now operates a total of 172 repair centers in 17 states...

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - (Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - Mr. Lube Canada will host "Mr. Lube Ending MS… One Drop at a Time" to increase awareness of multiple sclerosis and help raise funds for those affected by the disease. From May 10 to May 12, a donation will be made for every oil change performed at any Mr. Lube location.
Since 2007, Mr. Lube's annual MS awareness campaign has raised more than $200,000 for Canadians living with MS through over 30,000 oil changes. Funds raised help the MS Society of Canada support MS research and fund valuable programs and services for Canadians touched by MS. This year, more than 120 Mr. Lube locations will participate in the campaign formerly known as Founder's Day, in honour of Mr. Lube pioneer Cliff Giese, whose wife was diagnosed with MS in 1977...

Tint World announces the launch of new Tint World mobile site.
Weston, FL (PRWEB) May 08, 2013 - As part of its continuing efforts to provide a streamlined experience for consumers in need of a range of automotive styling services, Tint World has launched a mobile version of its website that will allow users to more easily access product information and services.
Smartphone users will be automatically directed to the mobile website when they navigate to TintWorld.com. Each page of the mobile website offers a direct link to the company’s full website for users needing additional information.
The mobile site also provides a geo-location based feature supplying store information and product availability for those on the go...

May 3, 2013 - Minneapolis – “Are we there yet?” Four familiar words that will be heard by parents in vehicles traveling on roads this Spring across the country. But are you taking the necessary precautions to make sure that your family is arriving “there” safely?
While cruising the open road is one of spring’s great pleasures, this pleasure can turn tragic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) states that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 4 to 14. So what can you do to keep your children as safe as possible?
Being aware of driving hazards and taking precautions before you leave is the first step to preventing motor vehicle dangers...

May 06, 2013 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis, MN - NOVUS Glass, the inventor of windshield repair, is proud to welcome their newest franchisee, Luis and Coleen Zepeda from Gardnerville Nevada. The Zepedas will be servicing the Carson Valley area of Western Nevada and the South Lake Tahoe area of California. For the last 18 years Luis has been an auto glass installer. Working with vehicles is a passion for Luis, but what he truly enjoys is the relationships he has built with his customers and co-workers.
For as long as Luis could remember his dream was to start a business of his own. He felt there were to many constraints placed on him when he was working for someone else. This limited his ability to provide the highest level of customer service...

PARK RIDGE, N.J. - May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -
Event:
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.'s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Mark Frissora to speak at the 2013 Wells Fargo Securities Industrial & Construction Conference
Time/Date:
10:55 am (ET) on Wednesday May 8, 2013
Internet Access:
Hertz's presentation will be broadcast live through an audio webcast available from the Investor Relations section of Hertz's website, www.hertz.com/investorrelations. Presentation slides will be available for download at the site and the webcast will be available for replay until May 22, 2013.
About Hertz
Hertz (NYSE: HTZ) is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 10,460 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 150 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand...

Tint World continues its growth as the premier source of quality aftermarket accessories through partnership with Putco.
Weston, FL (PRWEB) May 02, 2013 - Putco and Tint World, LLC have officially announced a strategic pairing of two industry leaders dedicated to providing today’s automotive enthusiast with the highest in quality aftermarket automotive accessories.
This partnership is a unique opportunity for both companies to capitalize on their individual strengths and expand their growth in the accessory category together.
Tint World has become a destination for the automotive enthusiast looking for quality products and services that they require. This combined with Putco’s unique line of accessories, featuring 13 major product categories, is sure to meet the needs of today’s informed consumer...

Thriving automotive market provides new opportunities and increased need for Matco Tools Franchises.
STOW, OH (PRWEB) May 02, 2013 - The automotive market has posted the industry’s best April sales since 2007. Although the pace slowed from the first three months of this year, analysts like Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst with Kelley Blue Book, are projecting the industry to sell more than 15 million cars and trucks this year. With the growth in the automotive market, come new opportunities for companies like mobile tool distributors including Matco Tools. Ranked the number one mobile tool franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2012, Matco can help franchisees start their own business to satisfy current auto market needs.
According to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s chief economist, Paul Taylor, the projected number of vehicles purchased or leased will increase by one million from 2012, and the average age for each vehicle on the road has increased from 9...

Record first quarter worldwide revenues of $2,436.5 million, up 24.3% year-over-year ("YOY").
Record first quarter worldwide car rental revenues of $2,084.8 million, on record transaction days; worldwide equipment rental revenues increased 16.2% YOY, with an 18.6% rental revenue increase in North America.
U.S. car rental first quarter total RPD increased 4.8% YOY.
Record first quarter adjusted pre-tax income(1) of $144.5 million, compared with a $29.4 million adjusted pre-tax income in the prior year period. GAAP pre-tax income for the first quarter of $72.2 million, versus a loss of $36.8 million in the first quarter of 2012.
U.S. car rental adjusted pre-tax income for the first quarter up 19.7% YOY, on adjusted pre-tax margin(1) improvement of 160 bps...

New Survey Reveals Emotional and Economic Value of a MAACOVER™
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - A new consumer survey released by MAACO®¹, part of the Driven Brands family of automotive brands, reveals a sentiment contrary to the perception of our throwaway culture: American's don't have to, but want to, keep their cars longer...as long as they can get a little MAACOVER™.
America has always been "car country," and the newest, latest and greatest autos forever seem to generate buzz and move units. But is this perception only skin deep? Digging a bit further, MAACO found that 65 percent of Americans had a favorite car, and while close to 50 percent didn't have it anymore, 75 percent wished they could have it back...

Tint World®’s Franchise Conversion Store Program provides independent automotive businesses an opportunity to convert their existing store into a Tint World® Auto Styling Center.
WESTON, FL - April 22, 2013 - Tint World®, the nation’s leading automotive styling franchise, is offering automotive business owners an opportunity to join the Tint World® Franchise and convert their existing store into a Tint World® Auto Styling Center.
Ideal for current business owners looking for the benefits of a franchise without having to begin from square one, the Tint World® Conversion Program will inevitably expand the current business owner’s target customer base—growing from one or two aftermarket services to at least 12 including window tinting, auto detailing, audio/video, mobile installation, auto reconditioning, and more...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc., today announced that Pitch has been selected to be the company's Advertising Agency of Record.
"We're eager to bring a new approach to brand development that reinvents the car care category and we know that the team at Pitch will deliver innovative and exciting solutions for our consumers and franchisees," remarked Jason Moskal , SVP, Chief Marketing Officer.
Meineke's North American network of 900 franchised car care centers will promote awareness with a $30M campaign focused on print, digital, broadcast, radio, and experiential.
"We're creating robust national and local programs to empower consumers to seek out the skilled automotive maintenance and repairs that can only be done by Meineke," said Rachel Spiegelman , SVP, Marketing at Pitch...