- The LaFontaine Automotive Group maintains a robust
sustainability program at all its locations to protect the
environment.
- Four LaFontaine dealerships are LEED-certified, featuring
sustainable building systems plus geothermal power and solar panels
to provide heat and cooling.
- To promote sales and ownership of electric and hybrid vehicles,
the dealer group makes the EV ownership experience special.
ATLANTA, March 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive
presented its annual Leader in Sustainability Award to LaFontaine
Automotive Group, a Michigan-based
dealership group with 51 retail franchises, eight collision
centers and 29 retail locations.
Cox Automotive presented its annual Leader
in Sustainability Award to Michigan-based LaFontaine Automotive
Group.
The Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award recognizes a
dealership for outstanding in-dealership sustainability programs
related to waste reduction, energy or water conservation and
focused on innovation, creativity, and engagement with its
employees and the community. Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley presented the award during NADA
Show 2022 in Las Vegas.
"I am pleased to present the Cox Automotive Leader in
Sustainability Award to LaFontaine Automotive Group for its
extraordinary commitment to the environment and doing business the
right way," said Rowley. "The Cox commitment to building a better
future for the next generation is fundamentally tied to protecting
the planet through sustainability. LaFontaine Automotive Group is
truly raising the bar on environmental sustainability standards by
implementing green business practices and educating other
organizations on innovative environmental practices that are making
a measurable difference."
The LaFontaine Automotive Group is dedicated to protecting the
environment and promoting the green movement. The organization has
developed four LEED-certified dealerships throughout the metro
Detroit area. The LEED (leadership
in energy and environmental design) certification, awarded by the
U.S. Green Building Council, means the dealership buildings were
constructed using the most environmentally friendly materials and
engineering designs. In addition to other energy-efficient systems,
the LaFontaine buildings use a geothermal system to provide heat
and cooling. Also, LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram installed the
largest solar panel array in the Midwest, which reduces its
electricity requirements by about 60% per year.
Other green initiatives include using environmentally friendly
supplies such as composite materials from 3M Co. for wheel balancing, Envirobase High
Performance paint from PPG Industries for repairs and vegetable oil
lubricant for hydraulic lifts.
Additionally, the group actively promotes and sells electric and
hybrid vehicles. From EV charging stations for customers to
preferred parking for EVs, LaFontaine Automotive Group is working
to make the EV ownership experience special. The Group is investing
in the electrified future, both in infrastructure, training and
knowledge. It has invested in state-of-the-art equipment, both in
service lanes and on the sales floor. A focus on training is also
imperative so guests can be educated, both when purchasing and
servicing their electric vehicles.
"What a true honor to be recognized by Cox Automotive for our
ongoing commitment to be better stewards of the environment and our
local communities," said Ryan
LaFontaine, CEO, LaFontaine Automotive Group. "My mom,
Maureen LaFontaine, was a true
pioneer in terms of our dealerships focusing on green initiatives
and that commitment has translated to a positive impact on our
bottom line, our workplace culture, our customers and our
partners."
For leadership in promoting green business practices and making
a difference through community service, LaFontaine Automotive Group
will receive $10,000 to fund a
sustainability project, as well as receive an energy audit from the
Cox Conserves team.
"Hands-on, active community involvement has been a cornerstone
of our Group and we are actively reviewing numerous sustainable
projects that will better our community and the residents that live
within them," said Kelley
LaFontaine, vice president, LaFontaine Automotive Group.
"This recognition and sustainability fund from Cox Automotive will
help us further our mission and we sincerely thank them."
As a part of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive is committed to
doing business the right way, not just the easy way. That means
continuously working to reduce the company's environmental impact
through the national sustainability program, Cox Conserves. Cox
Automotive is also investing heavily in new technologies and
services to become the world's best electric-vehicle battery health
innovator and end-to-end solutions provider. At NADA, Cox
Automotive Mobility will be showcasing new battery health
diagnostic tools and grading systems that can greatly benefit the
vehicle market by providing an independent, third-party standard
for EV battery health.
For more information on the Cox Automotive Leader in
Sustainability Award, visit:
https://www.coxautoinc.com/about-us/community/leader-sustainability-award/
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying,
selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global
company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands,
including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®,
Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue
Book®, Manheim®, NextGear
Capital®, VinSolutions®,
vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate
about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients
across five continents and many others throughout the automotive
industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a
subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned,
Atlanta-based company with annual
revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com
About Cox Conserves
For well over a decade, our
national sustainability program Cox Conserves has been instrumental
in driving meaningful progress toward environmental change — inside
our company and within the communities we serve. With nearly
$140 million invested in more than
400 projects, we're on track to meet our aggressive Cox Conserves
goals: zero waste to landfill by 2024 and becoming carbon and water
neutral by 2034. To learn more about Cox Conserves, visit:
www.coxenterprises.com/cox-conserves
About LaFontaine Automotive Group
Founded in 1980 by
Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine,
the award-winning and nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive
Group includes 51 retail franchises, 8 collision centers and 29
Michigan retail locations. The group employs nearly 2,100
individuals. It's the mission of the LaFontaine Family to
personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong
relationships that connect families and strengthen communities. The
LaFontaine commitment to customers, staff, and local communities is
demonstrated by active participation and contributions to numerous
non-profit organizations, educational institutions and charities
throughout southeast Michigan. The
combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic
foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are
members of our family. From sales, to service to parts, LaFontaine
Automotive Group is able to meet any customer's specific needs.
LaFontaine represents the following brands: Buick, Cadillac,
Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai,
Jeep, KIA, Mazda, RAM, Polestar, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo and
Volkswagen. The LaFontaine Family Deal; it's not just what you get,
it's how you feel. Visit www.familydeal.com for additional
details.
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SOURCE Cox Automotive