Midas, Inc. (NYSE: MDS), which franchises and operates more than
1,650 Midas automotive service centers in North America, is launching a
comprehensive effort aimed at service customers, dealers and employees
of automotive dealerships that are closing.
The outreach to those affected by auto dealership closings begins with a
full-page advertisement in USA Today on Monday, June 15, using
Midas’ current marketing theme of “We’re on this road together.” The ad
encourages displaced auto dealership customers to consider Midas as a
viable alternative to closing dealerships for vehicle maintenance and
repair and for auto dealers and their employees to consider becoming a
Midas franchisee or service employee.
“Nearly 2,000 Chrysler and General Motors dealerships are scheduled to
close in the next 18 months, creating uncertainty for their owners,
employees and customers,” said Alan D. Feldman, Midas’ chairman and
chief executive officer. “With our expertise and breadth of services,
Midas can provide a reliable option for auto dealer service customers
who are uncertain about where to turn for their ongoing maintenance and
repair needs.”
Feldman said that Midas is developing various consumer programs, such as
direct mail offers to customers of closing dealerships, focusing on
Midas’ more than 50 years’ experience in providing the maintenance and
repair services their vehicles require to continue operating safely and
reliably.
“As the automotive landscape continues to change, we want service
customers of closing auto dealerships to be aware of Midas’ full range
of maintenance and repair services and that, generally, having their
ongoing maintenance needs performed at Midas will keep their new car
warranties intact,” Feldman said. “Midas shops are conveniently located
and provide value-priced services and nationwide guarantees.”
Midas also will run ads in the trade publication Automotive News beginning
Monday, June 22, featuring franchise and employment opportunities for
displaced Chrysler dealers and their employees.
“The network of franchised and company-owned Midas shops in the United
States and Canada can provide a bridge to a more certain and secure
future for auto dealers and their employees whose dealerships are
closing,” Feldman said. “There are great opportunities for auto dealers
or their managers to become Midas franchisees by acquiring an existing
Midas shop or converting service bays in their auto dealerships to
Midas.”
Feldman said that Midas has an objective of transitioning at least 100
franchised and company-owned shops located in all regions of the U.S. to
new owners during 2009. Last year, 80 new owners entered the Midas
system by purchasing existing Midas shops. Qualified auto dealers and
managers could acquire a Midas franchised shop in as little as 90 days.
Additionally, Feldman said there are several hundred job openings at
Midas franchised and company-owned shops throughout the U.S. for
experienced service technicians and service managers. Available
opportunities are listed at www.midas.com
and www.careerbuilder.com
“Midas shops provide a full range of services on domestic and foreign
vehicles, so there are employment opportunities for auto dealership
service staff regardless of their specific vehicle brand or system
repair experience,” Feldman said.
Midas also is sending letters outlining franchise opportunities to
Chrysler dealers facing closure.
Auto dealers, their employees and customers can find additional
information about Midas franchise and employment opportunities and
locations of Midas shops on the special website www.OnThisRoadTogether.com.
Midas is one of the world’s largest providers of automotive service,
offering brake, maintenance, tires, exhaust, steering and suspension
services at more than 2,500 franchised, licensed and company-owned Midas
shops in 16 countries, including more than 1,650 in the United States
and Canada. Midas also owns the SpeeDee Oil Change business, which
franchises 172 auto service centers in the United States and Mexico.
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Midas, Inc.
Bob Troyer (630) 438-3016
