Penske Automotive Group

Last week, Penske Automotive Group celebrated their second annual Women’s Wellness Week at their headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

This year’s theme, “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” aimed to uplift the women in the office and encourage them on their individual journeys. Participants attended a series of activities and workshops focused on health, nutrition, fitness, as well as personal and professional growth.

Below are highlights from some of the featured activities and workshops.

The week began with an Auto Maintenance Workshop, presented by BMW of Bloomfield Hills.  The team learned about the importance of basic vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, and how to check tire pressure and fluids, and how to use jumper cables.

 

A Charcuterie Board Demonstration was presented by a local specialty market, Plum Market. The attendees enjoyed an interactive demonstration, including how to properly plate and arrange their very own charcuterie boards.

 

Creativity flowed with a mini vision board activity, where attendees assembled vision boards to keep at their desk or take home for inspiration.

 

The week wrapped with a team walk through Johnson’s Nature Center, a local nature preserve.

 

During the closing events, Tracy Cassady, EVP of Marketing, was the keynote speaker for the Leadership Discussion. Tracy discussed her career journey with PAG, shared details from her mini vision board and took questions from the audience.

 

Attendees enjoyed strolling desserts, a charcuterie table, and a gift basket drawing.

 

Women’s Wellness Week has also been celebrated in other regions throughout Penske Automotive Group with the purpose to encourage, inspire and collectively bring women together in the office.

We look forward to sharing highlights on the success of these initiatives for years to come.

 

Throughout the next month our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Jenna Thompson!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: JENNA THOMPSON, SERVICE MANAGER FOR PENSKE HONDA

 “LEAD BY EXAMPLE”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

I originally applied for a receptionist position, but on the second interview was offered a spot in the service department.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Quick Service Supervisor.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Being promoted to Service Manager.

What motivates you every morning?

Knowing that I get to manage the best service department in the area, and face new challenges with my awesome team.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

By working hard and putting in extra time to make sure everything gets done.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

I may be the exception, but I have always worked with other females throughout the dealership. I am very proud of all the women working in a predominantly male industry.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Be open to it, there are truly endless opportunities.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Spending time with family and friends, home improvement projects, and traveling to new places.

 

It’s a fact that if you take your vehicle in for regular car maintenance, it can help you prevent expensive repairs and maintain a reliable vehicle.

Below are 5 car maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle in excellent running condition this fall.

1. Stick to the Oil Change Intervals

A regular oil change at the factory-recommended intervals is the best maintenance task you can do for your vehicle. The oil keeps your car’s engine well lubricated, reduces friction, and keeps your engine clean and protected. Changing the oil regularly also prolongs the life of your engine. Check your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals for your specific make and model or ask your authorized service technician for assistance.

2. Check the Fluids Regularly

Check the fluids in your vehicle at least once a month and top them off to the correct levels if necessary. When you check the fluids, also check the color and consistency. If you notice that the oil has lost its amber color and looks brownish or black, it might need replacing.

3. Inspect the Battery

A good quality battery lasts between three and six years, depending on temperature, driving habits, and battery maintenance. Consider having your battery inspected when you have your fluids checked to avoid any possible issues with your battery later on down the road.

4. Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Proper PSI

Walk around your car and inspect each tire for damage such as bulges and cracks that could cause flat tires and blowouts. Check the pressure levels with a tire pressure gauge and make sure the tires are not over or underinflated, which will cause damage. You will find the tire pressure levels inside your driver’s side door and in your owner’s manual.

5. Routinely Rotate the Tires

A tire rotation involves swapping the tires to different positions to promote even wear, making them last longer and saving you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations will also improve handling, especially when cornering and braking.

Be sure to consult with your dealerships service department before starting any maintenance work in case of warranty, buying proper parts, etc.  

 

(Modified article credit: porschechantilly.com)

Throughout the next few months our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Rebecca Ravida!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: REBECCA RAVIDA, FINANCE MANAGER AT AUDI BEDFORD.

“Actions speak louder than words”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

It was uncharted territory for me. I had little knowledge of the auto industry and was looking for something to challenge myself. I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Sales Consultant/ Audi Brand specialist

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My transition from Sales to Finance. Within my first year of being on the sales floor I knew that the Finance Department was the next step for me. After training, I was able to excel in the position and become a top performer in our market.

What motivates you every morning?

My daughter is my motivation. My husband Anthony and I think it is very important that she has an example of a strong female leader in her life. Growing up, I watched my mom and dad work very hard every day to support our family. They instilled a strong work ethic in me. Anthony and I want to do the same for our daughter.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

I take each challenge day by day. With the amazing team here at Audi Bedford there is no challenge we can’t overcome.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

Over the last seven years I have seen a changing of the guard, so to speak. A lot of people have retired, and the industry has ushered in a new era of professionals. With the auto industry becoming more digitized and the e-commerce era really starting to take off, there is a massive opportunity for women who are savvy with technology and attention to detail/personal touch to thrive as leaders. It can be intimidating to be the only female on a team, but it is also empowering. Embrace it. Know that you can be very successful if you are willing to work hard.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

You should go for it! There are a lot of great opportunities here for women to thrive under the Penske umbrella. I am grateful that I now work for a company that provides an environment that women can thrive in. Penske Automotive is very encouraging of women leaders and is taking action to transform the automotive industry to be more diverse.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my family. We like to go on walks and take our daughter to the park in our spare time. I also enjoy trying new restaurants with my husband and friends.

Penske Elite Technician finalists from the US and UK Elite Technician Winners gathered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to celebrate Elite Technician Weekend on August 12-13, 2023.  The UK winners were announced previous to the celebration in the US. 

The Elite Technician Program honors the contributions of our most accomplished technicians, recognizing and rewarding their outstanding credentials, skills, and achievements. Identification as an Elite Technician carries high honor and respect throughout the Penske organization.

The US and UK Elite Technicians were nominated from within each of their locations, and competed in several online tests that cover theory and process for maintaining, repairing, and diagnosing sophisticated vehicles. The nominees were rewarded with a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where they took part in Team Penske activities and watched the Gallagher Grand Prix on Saturday and Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on Sunday.

UK Elite Technicians with ‘The Captain,’ Roger Penske.

 

US Elite Technicians with Penske Corp. President, Bud Denker.

 

US Elite Technicians with PAG’s Fixed Operations Directors.

 

Congratulations to this year’s Elite Technician winners, Adam Kuchik from Mercedes-Benz of Bedford (US), and Luke Welling from Jaguar Land Rover Bristol (UK).

Thank you to all the nominees who participated in the 2023 program!

Click here to learn more about the Penske Elite Technician Program.

 

 

 

 

 

When you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to pay for it. You have two options: paying for the vehicle upfront or financing it over time. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of financing versus paying cash. Our goal? Helping you decide which is right for you.

Financing

Financing a vehicle means that you will pay over time, somewhere between 24-72 months. This approach spreads the cost over multiple years, and in most cases, doesn’t require a large sum of money down. Financing makes purchasing a vehicle much more manageable for many buyers.

This option allows you to keep your savings around for other essential expenses as you pay off the vehicle. Another benefit to financing is helping build up your credit score, as you routinely and reliably make your payments month after month.

When it comes to financing, there are three significant factors to consider:

• The loan amount (the total amount you’re borrowing to get the vehicle).
• The annual percentage rate (also known as the APR, which is the interest rate you’ll pay on your loan).
• The loan term (the amount of time you’re taking to pay back the loan amount).

Consider this, compared to paying cash for your vehicle, financing can allow more flexibility.  How? Well, it comes down to interest rates and opportunity costs. When you pay cash, you’re giving up the opportunity to invest that money elsewhere, but when you finance your vehicle, you keep the bulk of your cash available for other investments.  But, even if you have the cash to pay in full, it can still be beneficial for you to finance your vehicle.  It can help build your credit score, and with a favorable investment elsewhere, possibly your bank account, too.

Choosing What’s Best for You

Ultimately, the decision between paying cash and financing your next vehicle depends on your individual circumstances. If you have sufficient savings and prefer not to take on debt, paying cash may be the right choice.

However, if you’d rather keep your cash for other purposes and have a steady income to cover monthly payments, financing may be a better option.

Ultimately, the key to making your decision is to carefully assess your own financial situation, understand the terms of any financing contract you may agree to, and budget to make sure that regardless of how you pay for your vehicle, you’ll be in a safe place financially after your purchase.

This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice.

To learn more about vehicle financing, please contact your dealership for current terms and conditions.

(Modified article credit: Carshop.com)

 

 

Throughout the next few months our Women in the Driver’s Seat series will feature a new female team member from within our global organization, highlighting their professional achievements, how they have overcome challenges in their careers and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the automotive industry.

This week we are pleased to introduce Giovanna Marago!

MEET THIS WEEK’S TEAM MEMBER: GIOVANNA MARAGO, BMW BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGER /  COMPLIANCE OFFICER. 

“Don’t worry about failing. Be worried if you don’t try it.”

What attracted you to the automotive industry?

First, I have always been strongly attracted by environments that are predominantly male and in Italy, the automotive industry was, and still is, one of those industries. It’s always been challenging and very stimulating for me to step into an organization where often females are not as present. Besides, I always have had a soft spot for luxury cars, especially for the BMW brand and at the end of my studies in Milan I had the opportunity to get connected with BMW Italy. It has been a dream come true.

What was your first job in the automotive industry?

Back-office dealer training at BMW Italy.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

To be successful in gaining, in a short time, the trust and respect of my colleagues wherever I have worked.

What motivates you every morning?

The possibility to improve my know-how and to always learn something new as well as the possibility to be helpful for many of my colleagues in managing their daily business.

How have you overcome challenges in your career?

By focusing on teamwork, not comparing myself with my colleagues, and trying to always keep a positive environment. Besides when you face a professional challenge it’s important to see the challenge as an opportunity and not as an obstacle. That’s what I have always done.

Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women?

In recent years, women have increased their presence in the automotive industry and it’s clear that they positively contribute to changing an industry where the gender gap is still wide, especially in management roles, and an industry that is still typically managed with a male perspective. Diversity is a precious resource within a company and female enhancement contributes to the competitiveness and success of the organization; female knowledge, creativeness and soft skills can really add value within every working group.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the auto industry?

Don’t be afraid to choose challenging routes that are almost always considered exclusive for men. All you need is a healthy dose of humbleness followed by courage and stubbornness.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I really like traveling everywhere, sea destinations are my favorite. I also love to relax by taking a walk through the hills with my partner. Last but not the least reading and playing sports make me feel really good.

We are excited to announce 44 Penske Automotive Group dealerships have been recognized by Automotive News as the Best Dealerships to Work For 2023. Each year, only the top 100 dealerships in the entire country are named on the list.

For the 12^th time, Automotive News has identified dealerships that exceeded the competition in creating supportive, high-quality environments for team members. To be considered for the list, dealerships go through an extensive nomination process. Each winner is selected based on employee survey responses, community involvement and conscious efforts to communicate appreciation and recognition within the workplace.

The 44 Award-Winning Dealerships are (in alphabetical order):

• Acura North Scottsdale acuranorthscottsdale.com
• Acura Turnersville turnersvilleacura.com
• Audi Bedford audibedford.com
• Audi Chantilly audichantilly.com
• Audi Fairfield audifairfield.com
• Audi North Scottsdale audinorthscottsdale.com
• Audi Turnersville auditurnersville.com
• Audi Tysons Corner auditysonscorner.com
• Audi Warwick audiwarwick.com
• BMW North Scottsdale bmwnorthscottsdale.com
• BMW of Greenwich bmwofgreenwich.com
• BMW of Mamaroneck bmwofmamaroneck.com
• Chevrolet of Fayetteville chevroletoffayetteville.com
• Chevrolet of Turnersville chevroletofturnersville.com
• East Madison Toyota eastmadisontoyota.com
• Gateway Toyota gatewaytoyota.com
• Honda of Danbury hondaofdanbury.com
• Honda of Fayetteville hondaoffayetteville.com
• Honda of Mentor hondaofmentor.com
• Hudson Nissan hudsonnissan.com
• Hudson Toyota hudsontoyota.com
• Hyundai of Turnersville hyundaiofturnersville.com
• Infiniti of Warwick infinitiofwarwick.com
• Jaguar-Land Rover Darien landroverdarien.com
• Jaguar-Land Rover Englewood landroverenglewood.com
• Jaguar-Land Rover Monmouth landrovermonmouth.com
• Jaguar-Land Rover North Scottsdale landrovernorthscottsdale.com
• Kearny Mesa Toyota kearnymesatoyota.com
• Land Rover Paramus landroverparamus.com
• Lexus of Madison lexusofmadison.com
• Lexus of Warwick lexusofwarwick.com
• Los Gatos Acura losgatosacura.com
• Mercedes-Benz of Bedford mercedesbedford.com
• Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield mercedesbenzoffairfield.com
• Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner mercedesbenzoftysonscorner.com
• Mini North Scottsdale mininorthscottsdale.com
• Mini of Warwick miniofwarwick.com
• Motorwerks Mini motorwerksmini.com
• Porsche North Scottsdale porschenorthscottsdale.com
• Porsche Stevens Creek porschestevenscreek.com
• Scottsdale Ferrari-Maserati ferraridealers.com
• Toyota of Bedford toyotaofbedford.com
• Volkswagen North Scottsdale vwnorthscottsdale.com
• Wolfchase Toyota wolfchasetoyota.com

Stay tuned, the rankings will be released in Automotive News this October.

Congratulations to our dealerships and team members for this magnificent achievement!