LINCOLNSHIRE, IL--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2014) - Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam and star of CNBC's The Profit, has taken Athans Motors, a former Morton Grove, IL luxury pre-owned car dealership, and developed a new business model called AutoMatch USA. The new auto dealership model will specialize in foreign and domestic pre-owned cars of all makes and models; parts, accessories, service and collision. Customers will receive customized Good Sam services such as Extended Service Warranty, Financing, Insurance and Roadside Assistance.
The first episode of the second season of The Profit, which aired Tuesday night at 10pm ET/PT on CNBC, featured Lemonis stepping in to assist the Athans Motors team to turn around their failing business. Former real estate investor and car enthusiast, Pete Athans, sunk his entire life savings into building a high-end pre-owned car dealership, but financing a fantasy dealership left him short on cash and he struggled to fill his lot with cars.
New owner Marcus Lemonis states, "We're open for business and our first objective is to change the way customers shop for quality, pre-owned cars by offering a full service auto buying experience with sales, service and accessories." Lemonis began his career in the automotive industry and eventually became Vice President of several auto dealerships in the Miami area. Over the past 10 years, Lemonis has streamlined the RV industry, buying more than 100 RV companies from "mom and pop" dealerships across the country and turning them into Camping World RV SuperCenters.
At the end of the episode, with a new management team in place, the dealership had converted to the first of many AutoMatch USA locations, specializing in cars for every budget and lifestyle. The SuperCenter offers customers convenient, one-stop shopping with a wide array of vehicles, service bays and a parts and accessories showroom. The service department offers full customization with stereo systems, performance tuning, window tinting, tire and rim installation and more. Future AutoMatch USA locations will assess local market needs and offer used and new autos based on demand.
Key features to the AutoMatch USA business include offering:
- A variety of aftermarket accessories ranging from sound systems to fully custom wheel and tire, and performance packages
- 1-800 Car Cash™ auto buying program offering convenient car selling options for immediate cash
- Hassle-free and seamless customer buying experience matching customers to the perfect vehicle
- Trained dealer representatives allowing customers to buy with confidence
- Upfront pricing, competitive refinancing rates and fair values on trades.
- State of art service and collision center
- Good Sam: Extended Service Warranty, Financing, Insurance and Roadside Assistance
"The surge in new car sales and leases has produced an influx of pre-owned cars in the market, which has subsequently driven prices down," said John Gavin, AutoMatch USA Senior Vice President. "We plan to bring this model to Bakersfield, CA, Valdosta, GA and several markets in Florida including Jacksonville, Orlando and Ocala."
CNBC's The Profit airs Tuesday nights at 10pm ET/PT. The rebroadcast of the Athans Motors episode will air throughout the week. Check local listings for more information.
About AutoMatch USA
AutoMatch USA will change the way people find their next pre-owned car. The company's no hassle Auto-Matching System allows customers to find the perfect car based on their individual needs and preferences. All of the cars at AutoMatch USA are put through a rigorous inspection and are reconditioned to look brand new. Each vehicle is clearly priced with a comprehensive warranty and a money-back guarantee.
Come experience the AutoMatch USA way today and be matched with America's Best Automotive Buying Experience. www.automatchusa.com
About Marcus Lemonis
As the Chairman and CEO of multi-billion dollar outdoor and RV retailer Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, Marcus Lemonis leads close to 6,000 employees in over 100 cities across the US. RV Business Magazine named Lemonis as their 2007 Newsmaker of the Year. The magazine, regarded as the industry leader, recognized him at the age of 34 for having "more impact on the industry than any single individual or company in recent memory as an agent of change and retail consolidation." In addition, Crain's Chicago Business featured him in their 2005 edition of "40 under 40," and in 2008, Ernst & Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year. Lemonis has been recognized for his multiple appearances on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice and an episode of ABC's Secret Millionaire, in which he chose to share his personal wealth with members of one of the most disadvantaged communities in the nation. Lemonis' passion for business has landed him to star in CNBC's primetime reality series, The Profit, where he saves struggling businesses by investing his own money and mentoring business owners.
Season two of The Profit features eight new one hour episodes and premiered Tuesday, February 25th, at 10pm ET/PT. Viewers see his personal mantra ring true, "Business success is about the three Ps: People, Process and Product."
Contact Information:
For media, contact:
Karen L. Porter