Dealer news: MileOne teams with UTI to give student techs work experience; acquisitions in NH, NY
MileOne Autogroup has joined Universal Technical Institute’s early employment program for automotive technicians at the institute’s Exton, Pa. and Mooresville, N.C. campuses.
Selected UTI-Exton and NASCAR Tech students enrolled in the automotive technology program can work 20-30 paid hours weekly as part of the early employment program. Participants who remain with MileOne after graduation will be eligible for incentives, including up to $350 in monthly tuition reimbursement and a tool incentive program.
Universal Technical Institute is the transportation, skilled trades and energy education division of UTI, Inc.
“We are focused on helping our students begin rewarding careers in in-demand fields,” UTI-Exton campus president Steve McElfresh said in a news release. “This partnership with MileOne helps equip our students with the workplace knowledge needed for today’s evolving workforce.”
NASCAR Tech campus president Robert Kessler said the partnership will “help our students begin their path toward rewarding careers in school and after they graduate.”
MileOne Autogroup, which bills itself as the largest automotive sales and service delivery network in the Mid-Atlantic area, operates 66 dealerships and 48 service centers in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina as part of the Hall, Heritage, Herb Gordon, Annapolis and MotorWorld divisions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 67,700 annual job openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics through 2032.
“We have several MileOne locations near the UTI-Exton and NASCAR Tech campuses,” MileOne director of talent acquisition Courtney Zacharias said. “We look forward to working with the students and helping them gain real-world work experience with the potential to join the MileOne family after graduation.”
Nucar acquires 4th New Hampshire dealership
Nucar added its fourth location in New Hampshire with the acquisition of Lebanon Ford from Saint J Auto, according to Haig Partners, which represented the seller in the transaction.
Delaware-based Nucar now operates 24 dealerships in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. Its newest acquisition has been renamed Nucar Ford of Lebanon.
Haig partners said Saint J Auto retains ownership of a Subaru dealership in Vermont.
“Lebanon Ford has been a family endeavor, managed by my sons, Nathan and Evan, alongside our COO and longtime friend, Ray Gaudette, since its inception,” Saint J Auto president John Loschiavo said in a news release. “We couldn’t be more thankful for the growth and success we have recognized with the help of a supportive community and an exceptional assembly of employees.
“We take immense pride in the legacy and reputation we’ve cultivated at Lebanon Ford, cherishing the relationships we’ve forged along the way.”
New dealership owner acquires N.Y. Dodge store
Young Park has acquired Maple City Dodge in Hornell, N.Y., from Gary Harwood.
Maple City Dodge was established more than 50 years ago and has been at its current location since 1979. The dealership will be renamed Maple City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Performance Brokerage Services, which brokered the sale, said the deal marks Park’s entry into dealership ownership, while Harwood is retiring.
“My journey started 36 years ago, and throughout that journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some great individuals that have made a tremendous impact on my career, paving the way to much success,” Park said, adding that the time has come “to start my new journey in creating my own generational prosperity and legacy.”