Local auto dealer assists group helping to bring sports to underprivileged children

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/28/2015 -- Zeigler Auto Group, a leading regional dealer of new and pre-owned vehicles, has pledged its support to Kingdom Sports and their nonprofit arm Kingdom Kids.

Kingdom Kids helps support the recreational opportunities for under privileged kids that want to play soccer, flag football, and baseball within the Kingdom organization. Stephanie Keenan, President of Kingdom Kids says, "Over the years there has been a growing need for scholarships in our Soccer Club, summer camps, indoor classes and leagues and Kingdom Kids has been able to meet the demand with personal donations and grants." We are very grateful to Zeigler Auto Group for their generous donation to help support these programs and their community.

"Zeigler Auto Group is thrilled to be entering into a sponsorship agreement with Kingdom Sports," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "Our company is committed to investing time and money in the Kalamazoo area, and no community has a greater resource than its children and young people. We are very pleased to be able to help local youth discover and develop the skills they need to become better athletes and citizens, and to encourage participation in activities that are both healthy and fun."

About Zeigler Auto Group
Founded in 1975, Zeigler Auto Group serves customers at its 20 locations throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York, offering sales of new and pre-owned vehicles from many of the best-known manufacturers in the industry, including BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Lincoln, Maserati, Mitsubishi, MINI, Nissan, SRT, Ram and Alfa Romeo. The company is committed to providing its customers with strong service and quality products, and has earned recognition as one of Western Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in each of the last eight years.

Community involvement is nothing new for Zeigler Auto Group, as the company has contributed to a number of local causes over the years. Earlier this year, the auto dealer raffled off a brand-new vehicle as part of the 34th annual Drive for Life event, an effort that included Western Michigan head football coach P.J. Fleck. The company also allows local residents to donate their used vehicles to charity in a quick and easy way.

"Being active in the Kalamazoo community and giving back to our customers and their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business," said Zeigler. "We aim to continue and expand these efforts in the months and years to come."

To learn more about Kingdom Sports and the opportunities to participate, visit http://www.kicsports.net

To learn more about Zeigler Auto Group and the wide range of new and pre-owned vehicles it offers customers at all of its locations, visit http://www.zeigler.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Local auto dealer assists group helping to bring sports to underprivileged children

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/11/2015 -- Zeigler Auto Group, a leading regional dealer of new and pre-owned vehicles, has pledged its support to Kingdom Sports, a local organization that helps underprivileged kids get involved in youth sports.

In addition to Kingdom Soccer's U6 and U8 academies, half of the auto dealer's contributions will go toward the Kingdom Sports foundation. These funds will help support a wide range of efforts for the organization, including recreational sports opportunities for kids interested in baseball, football, soccer and more.

"Zeigler Auto Group is thrilled to be entering into a sponsorship agreement with Kingdom Sports," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "Our company is committed to investing time and money in the Kalamazoo area, and no community has a greater resource than its children and young people. We are very pleased to be able to help local youth discover and develop the skills they need to become better athletes and citizens, and to encourage participation in activities that are both healthy and fun."

About Zeigler Auto Group
Founded in 1975, Zeigler Auto Group serves customers at its 20 locations throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York, offering sales of new and pre-owned vehicles from many of the best-known manufacturers in the industry, including BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Lincoln, Maserati, Mitsubishi, MINI, Nissan, SRT, Ram and Alfa Romeo. The company is committed to providing its customers with strong service and quality products, and has earned recognition as one of Western Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in each of the last eight years.

Community involvement is nothing new for Zeigler Auto Group, as the company has contributed to a number of local causes over the years. Earlier this year, the auto dealer raffled off a brand-new vehicle as part of the 34th annual Drive for Life event, an effort that included Western Michigan head football coach P.J. Fleck. The company also allows local residents to donate their used vehicles to charity in a quick and easy way.

"Being active in the Kalamazoo community and giving back to our customers and their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business," said Zeigler. "We aim to continue and expand these efforts in the months and years to come."

To learn more about Zeigler Auto Group and the wide range of new and pre-owned vehicles it offers customers at all of its locations, visit http://www.zeigler.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Respected company continues impressive growth with latest acquisition

Orland Park, IL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/03/2015 -- Zeigler Auto Group, a growing company that operates auto dealers across the country, has officially acquired a MINI Cooper dealership. The MINI of Orland Park franchise joins the BMW of Orland Park dealership located in Cook County, Illinois.

MINI has been offering more thrills than any other vehicle on the road since 1959. With its go-cart like handling, pump-passing fuel efficiency, head-turning design and industry-leading no-cost maintenance program, it puts on a performance every time it hits the road.

"We welcome the mini brand to the Zeigler Auto Group family and look forward to delivering our proven and exceptional sales and service experience to many clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "The mini brand is a natural fit at the Orland Park location, as it will be coupled with its parent brand, BMW. BMW added MINI to its portfolio in 1994 when it purchased the brand from Rover."

"We are very excited to have the mini brand in Orland Park," said Bill O'Hara, general manager. "MINIs are affordable and exude one-of-a-kind fun. We have achieved a 40 percent increase in BMW sales since acquiring the dealership in July 2013, and expect an even greater level of sales success for the MINI brand in the future."

About Zeigler Auto Group
It is the latest acquisition for the Zeigler Auto Group, which operates more than 20 auto dealers throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and New York. Founded in 1975, the company ranks among the top 1 percent of automotive dealers in United States, and has earned recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Recently, the Zeigler Auto Group was named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Illinois and Michigan.

The new location is at 11030 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. To learn more about the broad selection of new and certified pre-owned MINI vehicles available, visit http://www.miniorlandpark.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Program receives national media coverage for elite recruiting, Fleck leads by example in community engagement efforts

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/04/2015 -- In his two seasons as head coach of the Western Michigan University football program, Coach P.J. Fleck has made his mark on both the team and the Kalamazoo community.

On the field, Fleck led the WMU Broncos to an 8-5 record last season after a 1-11 mark in 2013—the biggest turnaround in Mid-American Conference history. He has also received national media coverage, including a February profile in Sports Illustrated, on the energy he is bringing to the program's recruitment efforts. In fact, this year's recruiting class has been widely recognized as the best in the conference.

Fleck has also had a significant impact off the field, contributing to and taking part in numerous causes throughout the Kalamazoo community. One example is the upcoming Drive for Life, an event that looks to raise more than $400,000 for cancer research and survivors throughout southwest Michigan.

"Coach Fleck has proven himself to be a true asset to the city of Kalamazoo in a very short amount of time," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group, one of Drive for Life's organizers. "Not only has he had success on the field for the Broncos, but he has also bought into our community and has contributed in some very meaningful ways. We are thrilled that he will take part in Drive for Life this year and look forward another great season of Western Michigan football."

Fleck's commitment to community service has had an impact on the entire WMU football program. Its "Row Your Boat" initiative involves players and coaches giving out special "oars" to community members, including returning U.S. troops, people fighting breast cancer and children with autism. There's also the program's "Bronco for Life" effort, which provides off-season guidance to players on subjects like financial management, maintaining healthy relationships, professional development, cooking healthy meals and more.

"It gives both myself and all of our players and coaches a great deal of pride to be positive and contributing members of the Kalamazoo community," said Fleck. "We will continue to focus on these types of efforts in the future, bringing a high level of energy and commitment to everything we do."

About The 34th Annual Drive For Life
The 34th annual Drive for Life, which takes place this year April 23, is one of the longest-running charitable efforts in southwest Michigan. In addition to Fleck, the event will feature Jim Craig, goalie of the legendary 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kalamazo-based auto dealer promotes tax incentive as another option when trading in vehicles, allowing customers to receive tax benefits

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/20/2015 -- Zeigler Auto Group, a western Michigan-based company with locations throughout the U.S., is offering its customers the opportunity to donate their vehicles to charity and leverage some beneficial tax incentives.

Federal law allows individuals to deduct from their taxes the full price received for the sale of a pre-owned vehicle. This is an improvement over an older federal policy, which prohibited deductions over a certain amount and made simply trading in a used vehicle a more attractive option to many individuals in the market for a new automobile.

"There are some great tax incentives available for those interested in donating their vehicles to charity, and we can help you do it at any Zeigler Auto Group location," said Aaron Zeigler, the company's president. "Making a charitable contribution out of your pre-owned vehicle is a low-risk way to gain the benefits associated with significant deductions, and it's also a great way to help ensure another individual or family in the local community can benefit from the increased mobility that comes with car ownership."

Under the U.S. tax code, when one donates a used vehicle through an auto dealer, the Internal Revenue Service notifies that person of the amount for which the car sells, which is also the amount the donor will be able to deduct. If no major repairs are necessary, one may deduct the full sales price, and if the vehicle does require repairs, that individual will still be able to claim the full market value of the car.

Customers interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to claim a vehicle donation on next year's taxes should visit any Zeigler Auto Group location and speak with a representative to ask questions and learn more about the process. The company has 20 locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York.

"Zeigler Auto Group is committed to achieving the highest possible level of customer satisfaction at all of our locations," said Zeigler. "By making it easy for our customers to enjoy the tax deductions associated with donating their used vehicles, we give them the opportunity to do some good and reap some well-deserved benefits."

To learn more about Zeigler Auto Group or to find the address of the location nearest you, please visit http://www.zeigler.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kalamazoo-based national company has more than tripled sales in a little over a decade

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/18/2015 -- Zeigler Automotive Group, a western Michigan-based company, has more than tripled its sales and made more than 25 acquisitions over the past decade, growing the organization from a medium-sized family business to a national leader in automotive sales.

This growth has largely been the result of efforts on the part of the company's president, Aaron Zeigler, and CFO Dan Scheid — along with the rest of the Zeigler Auto Group leadership team. In 2003, the company had six locations and about $180 million in sales, but it now has more than 20 stores and exceeded $850 million in sales in 2014. And the company has been able to achieve this growth during several years of challenging economic times and a sometimes-struggling auto industry.

"Although market conditions haven't been perfect, we have been able to press on with a strong growth strategy rooted in the outstanding service we offer to our customers across all of our stores," said Aaron Zeigler. "The recession and the challenges the automotive industry has seen in recent years has changed the game, and we have been fortunate to be able to reach some tremendous milestones as these changes have taken hold."

Currently, Zeigler Auto Group has dealerships in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and New York. These locations all provide new and certified pre-owned vehicles, including brands like Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda, Ram, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Maserati and BMW. The company also operates three finance firms, several insurance agencies, a robust real estate portfolio and a leasing firm.

In recent news, Zeigler Alfa Romeo & Fiat of Grandville, Michigan was part of history when it began offering the Alfa Romeo 4C to customers, the first time the high-end luxury vehicle had been available in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. The arrival of the Alfa Romeo complemented the dealer's recent success with the Fiat Maserati, another widely respected luxury car.

Additionally, Zeigler Auto Group has earned recognition for the way the organization treats its employees, and has been named one of the 101 Best in Brightest Companies in Michigan to work for in each of the last eight years. The company now employs more than 800 professionals.

"At the core of everything we do is our people," said Zeigler. "We take a lot of pride in being a great place to work and do business, and we believe in treating our team members well. This, in turn, leads to better customer service and greater levels of success for our entire company."

For more information on Zeigler Auto Group, visit http://www.zeigler.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nearly 90 percent of current and former employees would recommend auto dealer to a friend, confirming the company and President Aaron Zeigler’s commitment to treating people well

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/17/2015 -- Zeigler Auto Group, a national automotive sales company with more than 20 locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York, has received extremely positive reviews from its employees on Glassdoor.com.

In reviews posted on the popular online forum, which allows current and previous employees to provide comprehensive ratings and feedback on their employers, Zeigler Auto Group holds a rating of 4.1 stars out of five. The highest marks are associated with the company's senior management, company culture and values, compensation and benefits and the potential for career opportunities.

"We have always been proud of our company's culture and remain committed to providing not just a great place to buy a new or pre-owned car, but also a fulfilling and meaningful work environment for our people," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "To know that our employees are generally quite happy with their experience working with us is deeply rewarding, and it is an honor that so many of them have acknowledged their satisfaction on a public forum like Glassdoor."

About Zeigler Auto Group
Founded in 1975, Zeigler Auto Group serves customers at its ever-growing locations, with sales of new and pre-owned Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda, Ram, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Maserati and BMW vehicles setting new sales records on an annual basis. The company ranks among the top 1 percent of dealers in the country and has earned frequent recognition for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction.

Along with eight consecutive years of being named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Michigan, as well as a similar honor in Illinois, the online response from the company's current and former employees confirms its standing as one of the region's foremost employers. About 89 percent of employees on Glassdoor said they would recommend Zeigler Auto Group to a friend who was in search of a job.

"As many of our employees have been quick to point out, Zeigler Auto Group's focus has always been on people first," said Zeigler. "From the personal attention we offer to every customer who comes to look for a new vehicle to our frequent celebrations of employee accomplishments and success, we aim to create and maintain a place where everyone feels understood and well-served. It's wonderful to see this approach is appreciated by so many of the people who serve our company and our customers each and every day."

To learn more about Zeigler Auto Group and the philosophies behind the company's efforts, visit http://www.zeigler.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

President Aaron Zeigler, national automotive company remain dedicated to needs of communities it serves

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/16/2015 -- Zeigler Automotive Group has continued to make charitable contributions to the communities it serves through a variety of events and initiatives.

The company, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, recently donated a converted wheelchair-accessible mini-van to a Grand Valley State University student who suffered an accident while he was still in high school. After seeing the student's story featured on the local news, the company's president, Aaron Zeigler, said he was inspired and thought he could help. The donation replaced the family's previous van, which was unreliable and in poor condition.

"When we are able to find success in business, it's important to remember what got you there and to give back to your community whenever you can," said Zeigler. "Making a difference in people's lives is a major focus for our company and the individuals who work with us. It is a true privilege to take part in these types of initiatives and play an active role in the overall health and wellbeing of our fellow community members."

Zeigler Auto Group has also been an integral part of the annual Drive for Life event in Kalamazoo, in which it raffles off a brand-new vehicle each year to help support the American Cancer Society of Southwest Michigan. The effort, which this year aims to raise more than $400,000 for cancer research and the support of cancer patients across the region, includes high-profile guest speakers and a live auction. This April, hockey legend Jim Craig and Western Michigan University football coach P.J. Fleck will take part.

In addition to these initiatives, Aaron Zeigler and his team make regular contributions to numerous local and regional organizations and causes. The company takes pride in being an active and positive member of its business community and aims to give back in a variety of ways.

About Zeigler Auto Group
Zeigler Auto Group operates more than 20 auto dealers nationwide in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York, along with several insurance agencies, three finance providers, a leasing organization and a comprehensive real estate portfolio. Its dealers offer a broad range of new and certified pre-owned vehicles to customers who have a variety of needs when it comes to their next automotive purchase.

The company has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies in Michigan to work for eight consecutive years, and it employs more than 800 people across its locations. To learn more about Zeigler Auto Group and its efforts, go to http://www.zeigler.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Coach continues efforts to engage with Kalamazoo community, support important causes

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/13/2015 -- Western Michigan University head football coach P.J. Fleck will take part in the upcoming Drive for Life event, which will raise funds for cancer research and survivors throughout the region.

The 34th annual event, which will take place in April in Kalamazoo, will include a raffle and live auction, as well as an appearance from legendary U.S. hockey player Jim Craig. Local companies Zeigler Automotive Group and Greenleaf Trust of Kalamazoo have organized the event, which will feature Fleck as a speaker.

"The Drive for Life event is always an extremely positive and meaningful event for Kalamazoo and the entire southwest region of Michigan, and we are thrilled that Coach P.J. Fleck will take part this year," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "In a very short time, he has had a tremendous impact on our community, both on the field and off. As supporters of Western Michigan athletics, our family is grateful that Coach Fleck is contributing to this very important cause."

Participation with Drive for Life is only one example of the impact Coach Fleck has had since becoming head football coach of Western Michigan in 2013. In his first two seasons, he has led the Broncos to the greatest one-year turnaround in Mid-American Conference history, taking the team from a 1-11 record in 2013 to an 8-5 mark last year.

However, Fleck's impact runs much deeper than football, as the program's Bronco for Life program focuses on all aspects of student-athletes' lives both now and after their playing days are over. In the offseason, Western Michigan coaches teach six different classes that include subjects like cooking healthy meals, building and maintaining positive relationships, professional development, banking and financial management and dinner etiquette. Fleck also invites a representative from the National Football League to speak with players about the challenges of life at the most elite level.

"We try to make sure our student-athletes understand what it means to be a positive member of the community, something that goes far beyond the football field," said Fleck. "Our coaches and players regularly take part in key events and causes in the Kalamazoo area. To that end, I am very proud to team up with Aaron Zeigler and the rest of the organizers of the Drive for Life event."

The 2015 Drive for Life will take place April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. As part of the raffle associated with the event, Zeigler Auto Group plans to give away a new car.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Auto dealer reopens under Zeigler name

Kalamazoo, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/22/2014 -- Zeigler Auto Group, one of the largest auto groups in the nation has officially purchased Rosen Nissan in Gurnee, Illinois.

The auto group now owns and operates 20 auto dealerships and 55 franchises in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and New York, as well as three finance companies, several insurance agencies, a leasing firm and a comprehensive real estate portfolio. Rosen Nissan reopened under Zeigler name on September 16th, and Carlos Uribe will serve as general manager of the store.

"It is a thrill to add yet another exceptional auto dealership to our rapidly growing company," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "This is our first Nissan franchise and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of the Nissan Family. With all of their new products Nissan has had a tremendous amount of growth over the past several years and they have very strong market share in the Chicagoland area.

Zeigler Nissan has moved the franchise into a new facility that is a half mile west of its previous location.to 18550 W. Grand Ave. in Gurnee.

About Zeigler Auto Group
Zeigler Auto Group includes locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and New York. The company and its franchises offer Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda, Ram, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Maserati, Alpha Romeo and BMW vehicles, and it employs more than 800 people with sales exceeding $800 million annually. Zeigler Auto Group also provides Internet-direct pricing, with over 4,000 vehicles available at http://www.zeigler.com

The company has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies in Michigan to work for eight consecutive years, and in 2013 it received the same award in Illinois.

"Our auto dealerships strive to exceed our customers expectations and all have solid reputations with high customer satisfaction scores, something we will deliver at our new location in Gurnee," said Zeigler. "Our ultimate goal is to provide families with the best automotive experience possible, delivered by skilled and experienced sales professionals."

Zeigler Auto Group's new location is at 18850 West Grand Ave. in Lake Villa, IL. To learn more about the company, visit http://www.zeigler.com or http://www.zeiglernissan.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm