General Motors is planning to host its second non-GM dealer recruiting
event to meet experienced women and minority dealers who are interested
in owning a GM dealership. As the first manufacturer in the
automotive industry to launch a Women's Retail Initiative and a
Minority Dealer Development program, GM continues its commitment to
build a strong diverse dealer network. This December 11 and 12, the Marriott Oak
Brook in Illinois will be the site for the second non-GM dealer
recruiting event to meet experienced women and minority dealers who do
not currently own GM dealerships, but might like to. What better way
to grow its diverse dealer network than to tap into an existing talent
pool in the automotive community?
"These events are open to all non-GM dealers; but we are especially
interested in reaching experienced non-GM female and minority dealers
who are interested in growing their portfolios," said Joyclyn Waters
(right), director of GM's Women's Retail Initiative. This event
highlights GM's exciting new products and services, the dealer network,
and the support systems the company has in place to assist female and
minority dealers--many of which are industry firsts, such as the
Minority Dealer Program General Motors launched in 1972.
In
2001, General Motors launched its Women's Retail Initiative, the first
of its kind in the automotive industry. GM's purpose: to recruit and
train female dealers. The Women's Retail Initiative continues to focus
on building GM's representation of women dealers, as well as sustaining
the women dealers already in place.
General
Motors has 269 GM dealerships owned by women, up from the 190 female
owned dealerships in existence when the retail initiative began. Last
year GM added 17 women-owned dealerships, and another 15 women-owned
dealerships have been added so far this year. Calendar year to date,
GM women dealers represent more than 93,000 new vehicle sales, more
than $5 billion in revenue, employ more than 12,000 employees, and
show profitability near parity levels with the entire GM dealer body.
These statistics, coupled with the buying influence and wealth of women
consumers, drive a business impact that can't be ignored.
"We
have the commitment of top leadership to help us deliver our dealer
diversity goals," said Waters. "That commitment, along with support
efforts in place to drive dealer profitability and retention, are key
for a healthy, diverse dealer network."
The non-GM dealer
recruiting event will take place in Oak Brook, Illinois, on December
11-12th. Interested women and minority dealers who do not currently
own GM dealerships should contact susan.m.turturice@gm.com for more information.
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