In honor of Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize the contributions of women across our organization.

Commercial truck retail offers many incredible career opportunities for women.  Today, we’re excited to highlight two women who are successfully blazing trails at Premier Truck Group:  Ally Rocha and Deanna LaFranca.  Both women were semi-finalists in this year’s NADA Women Driving Auto Retail contest.

Ally Rocha, a Finance Manager in Dallas, has been with Premier Truck Group for 13 years. Her role involves working with customers and lenders to get the best deal on financing, including submitting credit applications and lots of face time with her customers.  “Some advice that I would give to a woman looking for a career path is to not overlook the trucking industry,” said Rocha. “I think any woman would enjoy working in the trucking industry.”

Deanna LaFranca joined the truck industry by chance, when she heard about a position opening through word of mouth. Starting in inventory, she worked her way through the department where she is now a Parts Manager in Midland, Texas. She has been with Premier Truck Group for almost eight years, and she lauds how the retail truck industry offers plenty of opportunities.  LaFranca stated, “the heavy-duty truck retail industry is a great career path for anybody because everything that we own or use is brought in by truck.  It’s not going anywhere. It’s a great opportunity and great field for anyone to get into.”

We appreciate the hard work and dedication that both women have brought to Premier Truck Group, and we celebrate all the women that support our retail commercial truck businesses worldwide.

Click here to learn more about their journeys and the advice they would give to women considering a career in the trucking industry.

As a car owner, you know how important it is to maintain your vehicle to ensure it is always in top condition. However, even with proper maintenance, unexpected issues can occur, such as a flat tire. If you find yourself in this situation, there are steps you should take to ensure your safety and get back on the road as soon as possible.

 

Step 1: Find a Safe Location to Stop

If you notice your tire is flat while driving, the first step is to find a safe location to pull over. If you are on the highway, look for the nearest rest stop or gas station. In a residential area, try to find a safe spot away from traffic.

 

Step 2: Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Once you have pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is not moving. This will make it easier for a tow truck or mechanic to find you if needed.

 

Step 3: Assess the Damage

Look at the tire to determine if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. If the damage is significant or the tire is completely flat, you will need to replace it. However, if the damage is minor, a repair may be possible.

 

Step 4: Call for Assistance

If you do not have a spare tire or are uncomfortable changing it, it is best to call for assistance. Many dealers and insurance companies offer roadside assistance and can send a technician to help you. If you have a membership with a service like AAA, they can also assist.

 

Step 5: Have the Tire Repaired or Replaced

Once you have a technician on the way, you can begin thinking about repairing or replacing the tire. If you have a spare tire, you can use it to get to your dealer or tire shop to have the damaged tire replaced. If not, the technician will bring a new tire with them and replace the damaged one on the spot.

 

Step 6: Prevent Future Flats

Once your tire has been repaired or replaced, it is essential to take steps to prevent your tires from becoming flat in the future. Regular tire maintenance, such as checking the air pressure and rotating your tires, can help extend the life of your tires. Additionally, avoiding debris and rough roads can also help prevent tire damage.

 

(Credit: porschechantilly.com)

This week, we highlight our Penske Automotive Dealerships in the Western region, and their collective support and recognition of the importance of Black History Month.

The Western region includes Penske Automotive dealerships in Phoenix, Texas and Southern California.  This February, they jointly donated $20,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

From left, Tristan Topps; HR Manager, Arizona Management, Dave Wallace; AVP Arizona Management and Elizabeth Keller; Area HR Manager, Arizona Management hold the donation check for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

 

The United Negro College Fund’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that their network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

In addition, several employees contributed to a charitable organization of their choice in honor of Black History Month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we’re featuring our dealerships in the Central region and how they took part in recognizing Black History Month and encouraging others to support local Black-owned businesses and foundations.

Atlanta Management

The Atlanta Management team enjoyed a lunch filled with meatless masterpieces from a local vegan hamburger restaurant chain, based in Atlanta Georgia.

CEO and Founder, Pinky Cole started the business from her apartment in July of 2018. Today, she has 7 locations in 3 states.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlanta Toyota

Atlanta Toyota’s General Manager, Omar Rahman donated $5,000 to the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia.

The Sickle Cell Foundation’s mission is to monitor Sickle Cell occurrences, to advocate and advance knowledge, to support research that improves treatment or seeks a cure, and to improve the quality of life for those battling sickle cell disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMW of Gwinnett Place

BMW of Gwinnett Place had a delicious, hearty lunch, catered by local restaurant, Family’s Food for the Soul.

Family’s Food for the Soul specializes in healthy, homemade, southern meals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honda Mall of Georgia

The team at Honda Mall of Georgia had a special lunch delivery from Creolicious Café.

The Creolicious Café is a local food truck that specializes in healthy, Haitian cuisine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

United BMW

United BMW had a lunch filled with tasty delights from Uptown Food Truck.

The Uptown Food Truck serves the metro Atlanta area, specializing in everything from shrimp and grits to delicious chicken and waffles to gourmet burgers.

Throughout the entire Penske Automotive Group network, our dealerships are recognizing Black History Month.  This week, we’re highlighting several stores in the East region that created thoughtful celebrations to promote an understanding of the importance this historic month, as well as foster inclusivity within their local communities by featuring local area Black-owned businesses.

BMW of Bloomfield Hills

BMW of Bloomfield Hills enjoyed a team lunch catered by a local, Black-owned and operated Chick-fil-A and some delicious desserts from Good Cakes and Bakes bakery.

Good Cakes and Bakes is a southeast Michigan bakery with a mission to provide quality baked goods that are wholesome and organic in nature, and to provide baked goods in an environment that is positive, creative, educational, and friendly to their employees and communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audi Chantilly, Audi Tysons Corner, JLR Annapolis, Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly, Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, Porsche Tysons Corner and Porsche Chantilly

The DC-area stores enjoyed a java break while showing support for local area coffee truck, Jaliyaa Coffee.

Jaliyaa Coffee is an ethically sourced African coffee brand creating meaningful connections between Africa and the dispora through storytelling, 5% of their profits go towards the fight against food securities within various African communities.

 

 

 

 

 

BMW Tenafly, Hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Hudson Nissan, Hudson Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover Englewood, and Jaguar Land Rover Paramus

The North New Jersey stores hosted a book club featuring ‘In My Mother’s Voice’ by African American author and speaker G. Jaaz Jones.

G. Jaaz Jones is also a transformation specialist and energy empowerment coach. She is dedicated to helping mothers, daughters, women, and teens to connect with their inner self to morph their pains, problems, and fears into a platform of powerful possibilities.

A car tool kit can be very useful for any car owner. We’ve listed 10 of the best items to keep in your tool kit in case of emergencies.

1. Duct Tape

Duct tape is one of the most versatile components in any tool kit. Its strong adhesive and waterproofing make it suitable for a huge variety of uses. You can use the tape to insulate two wires joined together, temporarily reattach a damaged side mirror, or even form a cup to drink out of.

2. Set of Wrenches

Wrenches are available in numerous sizes, and we recommend purchasing a set with a variety of sizes to fit the nuts and bolts in your car. Most car parts are connected by nuts and bolts. A handy wrench can save you time waiting for help. Sometimes you can temporarily fix a problem by simply tightening a bolt.

3. Set of Screwdrivers

Any car parts that aren’t connected by nuts and bolts use screws. Choose a set of screwdrivers that includes flat, Phillips, Torx, and square heads in several different sizes. This will ensure that you have the right screwdriver for any job. If possible, get a set with easy grip handles, as this makes working with a screwdriver very convenient.

4. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are essential for your tool kit as they allow you to get another car battery working again very quickly. Most drivers don’t carry jumper cables, and if you have a set you can quickly get your friend or family member on the road again. We advise choosing the longest cables possible as they allow you options if you can’t park directly facing the other car’s hood.

5. Flashlight

A powerful flashlight can mean the difference between driving away or waiting for a repair or tow. Problems can happen at any time, and it’s extremely difficult to fix even a small problem at night without any light. It’s advisable to keep spare batteries for the flashlight. In addition, a flashlight that is adjustable or has a hanging feature is preferable. This will allow you to use both hands to fix a problem.

6. Water

Although strictly speaking it is not a tool, you should keep water as part of a toolkit. It can, for example, enable you to clean most substances or temporarily refill your cooling system. It’s also good to have water available if you have to wait for assistance to keep yourself hydrated.

7. Gloves and Warm Clothing

Wearing gloves and other warm clothing will make the task of clearing your car easier. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a few hand warmers in your car as well.

8. Blanket

Have an extra blanket around your house? Put one in your car. If you get standard or get in a crash, it will get cold fast, especially if your car won’t turn on.

9. Cell Phone Charger

Try to keep your phone charged before hitting the road, but always keep a cell phone charger in your car as well. You will need your phone to call for assistance if you are stuck or involved in a car crash.

10. Non-Perishable Snacks

If you get stranded, you may have to wait for assistance. Storing snacks in your car will come in handy in these situations. Some non-perishable snacks include granola bars, nuts, jerky and raisins, and remember to store them in a cool, dry location of your car.

 

(Modified article credit: www.porschechantilly.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focused on strengthening its roots in the local community with this summer’s return to the Streets of Detroit, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear proudly unveiled its INDYCAR Art Installation powered by PPG on Monday. The unique community art program showcases the creative talent and vision from Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students, while ensuring the Grand Prix has a colorful and consistent presence in each of the seven districts across the City of Detroit leading into race weekend in the Motor City, June 2-4.

 

In the fall, high school students from nine DPSCD schools – East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney, Osborn High School, Western International Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Cody High School, Renaissance High School, Mumford High School, Cass Tech High School and Henry Ford High School – were provided with a blank canvas – a 1/16th scale model Indy Car mounted on a base, along with paint and art materials supplied by long-time Detroit Grand Prix partners PPG Industries. The Grand Prix and PPG asked the students to design the liveries on their individual Indy Car models – created by the Detroit Prop Art Factory – with an artistic theme representing their school, their neighborhoods, the Grand Prix or the City of Detroit. The nine unique and creative student-designed models were unveiled at Henry Ford High School in Detroit. With the support of Detroit City Council, the Grand Prix will be placing all nine of the car models in select neighborhood locations across each district in the city including local businesses, recreation centers, art galleries and community gathering spots. Detailed information on the concept for each student-designed Indy Car, as well as the specific location of where each model will be displayed in Detroit, is included in the link at the end of this article.

 

Following display in each individual district in Detroit over the next several months, all student-designed car models will be available for bid during a special online auction in May. The proceeds from each auctioned design model will benefit the City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship and their work to support local artists while developing creative programming across the City.

 

“The Grand Prix INDYCAR Art Installation powered by PPG is a great opportunity for our event to connect with our local communities and help build excitement with City of Detroit residents about the Grand Prix’s return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We are proud of how this initiative shines the spotlight on Detroit Public Schools Community District students and their artistic talent as we continue to work with our partners within each district and community in the city. We want to thank PPG for their support of this important community program and we thank all the participating schools and their students, along with Detroit City Council, for their dedication to bringing this to life.”

Click here to read more.

 

(Credit: detroitgp.com)

It’s a nightmare for any driver when you try and start your car and nothing happens. It could be time or damage that can prevent an engine from starting immediately. We have listed a few possible reasons why your car won’t start and what you can do.

 

Dead Battery

Every driver probably experiences a dead battery at least once. A battery has a useful life of three to five years before it wears out. The chemical reactions that allow your battery to store energy will eventually cause it to fail. If you try and start your car and hear a clicking noise, your battery is the most likely culprit.

The battery must have enough charge to power the starter motor, which cranks your car. The clicking sound means the starter motor is trying to crank but isn’t receiving enough power. In this situation, a jump start is the best way to get your car mobile again so your technician can identify the problem. Once your car receives power from a jump start, the alternator will power your car long enough to get you to your service department.

Starter Motor

The battery charges the starter motor. This charge activates the start solenoid. The solenoid powers the starter, which then cranks the engine. If you don’t hear clicking from your car when you try and start it, this is a sign that the starter has failed. Unfortunately, a damaged starter will prevent your car from starting, and can’t be bypassed with a jump start.

Your technician will need to examine the starter motor. A damaged starter can be repaired, depending on the reason for the failure. A worn solenoid, for example, can be quickly replaced to resolve this problem.

Blocked Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter removes dangerous chemicals before they’re expelled from your exhaust. Over time carbon can build up in the converter and block it. A blocked converter forces the exhaust gases back into your engine.

If your engine starts and then dies in a few seconds, a blocked converter is the most likely cause. The flow of exhaust gases back into your engine chokes the engine and prevents the spark plugs from firing. Your technician should be able to easily clear the blockage to fix this problem.

If your car won’t start, the most important thing is to get it examined ASAP.

(Credit: porschewestbroward.com)