Representing Southern Los Angeles County New Car Dealers Since 1932

News and Press Releases

So Cal Ride and Drive New Car Show

Test Drive Experience Puts Consumers Behind the Wheel

A New Breed of Auto Show Comes to the Long Beach Convention Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Todd Leutheuser 562-467-5252 todd@smcda.org

LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) announced today that it will host a revolutionary auto show experience allowing consumers to test drive a stable of hot, new vehicles—from multiple manufacturers—on the same streets used for the Long Beach Grand Prix. Billed as "The So Cal Ride and Drive New Car Show," the Test Drive Experience is a hands-on, three-day exhibit that will be staged indoors at the Long Beach Convention Center June 15-17, 2012 and will have the look and feel of an auto show. Show attendees who wish to experience cutting-edge motor performance will register at a single location for access to any of the show‘s featured test drive vehicles.

Traditionally, auto show test-drive venues consist of limited space in which only a few manufacturers can feature test drives. Show attendees must register for each test drive separately and in each manufacturer‘s designated area. By contrast, the Test Drive Experience will take place in an open, indoor staging area that allows consumers to easily compare cars from all participating manufacturers with a single, all-inclusive registration.

"It's all about getting people behind the wheel of the car," explains Todd Leutheuser, the show's executive director. "We see this as the next step in the evolution of the traditional auto shows 'ride and drive' exhibits."

The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association is one of 65 metropolitan new car dealers associations in the U.S. and represents the dealers of Southern Los Angeles County. For the past 15 years, the SMCDA has co-owned and represented 1/3 of the dealer support for the Orange County Auto Show located in Anaheim, Calif.

To get a PDF copy of a news release, click on a link below:

SMCDA to Manage Northwood University's West Coast Campus at Cerritos College

Program to get a boost from SMCDA staff

November, 2008 Cerritos - After being launched in California two years ago, the Northwood University west coast program at Cerritos College has grown to the level where more staff is needed to manage the program.

"Javier Garza has done a great job getting the program off the ground and establishing it as one of the only four-year universities operating wholly on a community college campus," said Todd Leutheuser, who will oversee the program while still managing the SMCDA.

SMCDA will be able to man the phones full time from the SMCDA offices while holding afternoon office hours on campus for the program's students. This is perfect fit since the SMCDA is so involved with education at Cerritos College.

The Northwood program is gaining steady popularity among students for its "3-plus-1" structure: The first three years of the four-year degree offered by Northwood University costs students only $20 per unit, since the program consists of transferable classes at Cerritos College. The final year of the degree is offered at Northwood's tuition rate but still takes place at Cerritos College's campus.

The first Northwood University class at Cerritos College graduated in June, and close to 50 students are currently enrolled. The first group of students taking automotive courses for their bachelor's degree in automotive marketing and management are now starting their fourth year of study and hope to complete their degree by the time the Automotive Training Center is completed.

Cerritos College and Northwood Scholarship Programs Receive Funds

July 23, 2008 Cerritos - Steve Richardson and members of the Cerritos College Foundation won the SMCDASteve Richardson Winning Foursome Scholarship Golf Tournament on Monday by shooting a 9 under 63. The foursome weren't the only winners from the college, though. The Cerritos College Foundation also received a $7,500 check from the scholarship golf tournament. Northwood University students will be pleased as they too were presented a $7,500 check.

32 High School Grads Receive Tool Scholarships

June 13, 2008 Cerritos - 32 Graduating High School Students from the South East Regional Occupational Program (SEROP) received $250 tool scholarships from the SMCDA. The students can trade their scholarships for up to $500 in MATCO tools through MATCO's student discount program.

There is a catch, the students need to be enrolled in one of the four automotive tech programs held at Cerritos College. "We already have commitments from a dozen students who want to pursue a career in our industry", said SMCDA Executive Director, Todd Leutheuser, "Thanks to all of our dealers and affiliate members, students dreams are becoming a reality."

The high school ROP program is taught to high school juniors and seniors on the Cerritos College campus. Scholarship recipients are a dedicated group as most have completed up to four semesters of automotive education by attending school 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Southland Motor Car Dealers Association
contributes $100,000
to Cerritos College


Terry Schaier	Bob Arthur	Steve Richardson	Randy Peebles

SMCDA President, Terry Schaier of Schaier's Nissan stands next to a very happy Cerritos College Board of Trustee President Bob Arthur. College Foundation Director Steve Richardson and Technology Division Dean Randy Peebles graciously accept the $100,000 check earmarked to build the Southland Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies. The check is the fourth installment of a $500,000 commitment the Southland Dealers made to the college. The SCCTT will be a $15 million state of the art training center which will advance the education levels of dealership employees and future technicians across the Southern California region.

Cerritos College Foundation Awards Spring Auto Scholarships

Jeannie M.T. Yang, SMCDA Northwood 3^rd Year and SMCDA Automotive Technology Scholarships Honor Promising Students

NORWALK, Calif. – March 26, 2008 – The Cerritos College Foundation awarded three automotive scholarships to eight outstanding students at its board meeting Thursday, March 13.

Photo of Todd Leutheuser, Rivera's fatuer, Rivera and his mother from left to right Todd Leutheuser, executive director of the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA), presented the Jeannie M.T. Yang Scholarship, SMCDA Northwood 3^rd Year Scholarship and SMCDA Automotive Technology Scholarship.

The Jeannie M.T. Yang Scholarship, a $500 award was presented to Gabriel Cisneros of Whittier and Juan Morales, of Santa Fe Springs. The Jeannie M. T. Yang Automotive Scholarship awards a total of $2,000 each year to four promising students in the automotive department at Cerritos College. Dr. Jeannie M.T. Yang was a community college professor originally from mainland China who had a great passion for education.

The SMCDA Northwood 3rd Year Scholarship, a $1000 award, was awarded to Obdulio Rivera, of Los Angeles. This award assists Cerritos College students who have completed their first two years in automotive technology training and are pursuing their bachelor's degree through Northwood University's program offered at the Cerritos College campus.

The SMCDA Automotive Technology Scholarship, a $600 tool voucher toward the purchase of MATCO tools was received by Sherwin Marino, of Long Beach; Adolfo Flores, of Downey; Hector Medina, of Inglewood and Ricardo Martinez, of Downey. This scholarship was designed to assist the college's automotive apprentice program students in purchasing tools to use in their classes. The tool voucher, combined with the 50% tool discount program which MATCO also provides for Cerritos College automotive students, is actually worth $1,200.

"There is no doubt that these outstanding students will become great assets to the automotive industry,'' says Leutheuser. "It is exciting and truly inspiring to see these dedicated students work hard towards their career goals.”

The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association represents franchised new car dealers throughout Southern Los Angeles County.

Cerritos College has offered automotive training technology since the college began in 1955. The offerings consist of certificates degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technology, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and EV hybrid vehicles, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the U.S. Students can also earn a bachelor's degree in automotive management at Cerritos College through an agreement the college has with Northwood University.

Cerritos College's Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and import vehicles. The College also hosts an Advanced Transportation Technology Center, one of nine Centers in the state of California, to encourage use and development of clean, renewable energies, and alternative fuel sources.

The Cerritos College Foundation, a non-profit organization, serves as a charitable vehicle for the community, individuals and alumni, to assist with financial support of Cerritos College. Visit the Foundation online at www.cerritos.edu/ccf.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college's district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 200 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently nears 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

Original News Release: http://cms.cerritos.edu/releases-2008/03/auto-scholarships

SMCDA Dealers Visit State Capitol

SMCDA dealers visit the State Capitol to discuss issues with our elected officials.
(L to R) Greg Timmons, Ron Charron, and Terry Schaier

High School ROP Students at Cerritos College Receive Scholarships from Dealers Association

Southland Motor Car Dealers Association Provides Funds for Students' Tools

Cerritos, Calif. Thursday, June 7, 2007 - Eighteen high school students taking classes in Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Program through the Southeast Regional Occupational Program's (SEROP) Auto Careers Institute (ACI) received $250 scholarships toward the purchase of MATCO tools from the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA).

Students receiving the awards were: Elizabeth Arias, Lizette Arias, John Barrows, Ben Beivides, Jose Cuenca, Guillermo Diaz, Nate Haugh, Jared Hindman, Alex Lopez, Alex Macias, Desiree Martinez, Eighteen high school students taking classes in Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Program through the Southeast Regional Occupational Program (SEROP) received $250 scholarships toward the purchase of MATCO tools from the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) on Thursday, June 7.Andrew Rhee, Danny Rojas, Ashley Royster, Bryan Ruiz, Heather Shaprio, Johnny Santiago, and Armando Solis.

"We encourage these students to pursue a future at Cerritos College," said Todd Leutheuser, executive director at SMCDA. "Dealers in our association are always eager to hire Cerritos College Auto Technology students through work-study programs, and program graduates are highly sought as full-time employees. The students in this program receive excellent training. When they finish the program, they are by far more prepared and ready for the challenge of working at a dealership."

The student awards are actually worth $500 because MATCO provides Cerritos College students--who purchase tools to use in their classes--with a 50 percent discount on purchases.

The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association represents franchised new car dealers throughout Southern Los Angeles County.

The program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, Chrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center partially subsidized by the state to encourage development of alternative fuel sources. Funding through the California Community College's Economic and Workforce Development program and the state's AB 70 "Quick Start" Grants have assisted greatly in the continued expansion of program offerings at Cerritos College including opportunities for high school students to receive such training in their junior and senior years. SB 70 funding for career training was approved by the state legislature and supported by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Campus Connection Online, June 11, 2007

Cerritos College Receives $500K Pledge from Local Auto Dealers

Donation Supports Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies

January 22, 2007

Media Contact: Kristen Habbestad, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext. 2287

SMCDA Media Contact: Todd Leutheuser, Executive Director, Southland Motor Car Dealers Association; (562) 595-4326

NORWALK, Calif. - January 22, 2007 - Cerritos College announced today that it has received a $500,000 pledge from the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) toward the college's launch of the Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (SCCTT). SMCDA President John Dinsmore of Penske Toyota presented Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Vela with a check on Thursday, January 18 during SMCDA's annual dinner, held at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. The $500,000 pledge includes two past donations of $100,000 in 2005 and in 2006; a donation of $100,000 for 2007; and a promise of two $100,000 donations in 2008 and 2009, combining for a total participation on the part of SMCDA of a half million dollars.

"Southland dealers and our employees have benefited for years from Cerritos College's training programs,” said Dinsmore.

"Cerritos College is the finest and most comprehensive automotive technology program in the state, and we want to support the growth of the SCCTT. This new, advanced facility will add even further value to the industry, which is looking for trained technicians to hire into high-growth, high-wage positions.”

The college and SCCTT affiliates, with support of the Cerritos College Foundation, are entering into a $4.8 million capital campaign for private support to help augment local bond funds provided for the $15 million expansion of the center. The proposed SCCTT will include a $9 million renovation of the existing three-acre auto complex and a new $6 million automotive partners building that will focus on management education for the auto industry. When completed in 2009, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.

Key features of the SCCTT will include a state-of-the-art Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Training Center, three manufacturer-sponsored technician apprentice programs, and Northwood University's west coast program center that offers a bachelor's degree in automotive management for full-time students and working adults.

"We truly value the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association's commitment, confidence and support of our expanding programs,” said Cerritos College's President Vela.

"This financial assistance from our corporate partners will allow Cerritos College to develop and provide the necessary training for a career ladder of opportunities for individuals and will provide a solution to an ever-growing industry need for employees. We're excited about the future we're building for employees and employers alike.”

Since 1932, the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) has represented the new franchised automotive dealers in the southern Los Angeles County. SMCDA's focus is education, political representation, and promotion of the automotive retail industry to the public. The goals of the SMCDA are to provide services and to address and be responsive to the needs of its members. SMCDA seeks to speak and act on behalf of those members in communication with organizations and individuals who share its interest.

Cerritos College has offered automotive technology training since the college began in 1955. Nearly 1,000 students annually seek certificate degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technologies, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and hybrids, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the United States. As one of ten state Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative Centers, the Cerritos College Automotive Technology Program continues to be recognized as regional and state leaders by being awarded $1.2 million in program grants this year to support and expand technician education and training.

Cerritos College's Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center partially subsidized by the state to encourage development of alternative fuel sources. Funding through the California Community College's Economic & Workforce Development program and the state's AB 70 "Quick Start” Grants have assisted greatly in the continued expansion of program offerings at Cerritos College including opportunities for high school students to receive such training in their junior and senior years. SB 70 funding for career training was approved by the state legislature and supported by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Perhaps most impressively, Cerritos College is physically located just blocks from the world's largest auto mall where it partners with dealers to train and employ technicians and dealer managers. The greater Los Angeles area is home to more than 17 corporate support centers for the robust Southern California auto industry. It is also home to a number of design centers producing vehicle prototypes for future sales. Automotive-industry management opportunities routinely require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, which can now be pursued through Northwood University at Cerritos College.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college's district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

Join Bob Newhart, The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association
&
The Cerritos College Foundation
in celebrating the
75th SMCDA Annual Dinner
at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, January 18, 2007

Don't miss this exciting event introducing the Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies!

We invite you to be part of a ground-breaking endeavor to build one of the most comprehensive and unique training centers of its kind for any industry.

Join us Thursday, January 18, 2007 for a gala event that will include a Cocktail Reception starting at 5:30 pm following with a delectable dinner at 6:30 pm that will introduce the program, and capping the evening will be a special performance by Bob Newhart.

We will share our vision of what the future holds for education in the auto industry and invite you to be part of this exciting new partnership.

To register for this important event please call us at (562) 595-4326.

AUTO DEALERS JOIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO CREATE ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING CENTERS IN THE COUNTRY

SMCDA to host kickoff event for new $15 million automotive training center

Cerritos, Calif., Monday, January 8, 2007 – A unique partnership between the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association, three automotive manufacturers (Ford, Daimler- Chrysler and General Motors), Cerritos College, Michigan-based Northwood University, and Los Angeles-area high schools will be highlighted during a dinner on Thursday, January 18 at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The evening event will launch the Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (SCCTT), a newly created public/private educational center on the Cerritos College campus that connects education and industry to help address the employment needs of Southern California auto dealers. Featured speakers will include Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Vela and Northwood University President Keith A. Pretty.

The SCCTT and subsequent $4.8 million capital campaign will include a $9 million renovation of the existing three-acre auto complex and a new $6 million automotive partners building that will focus on management education for the auto industry. When completed in 2009, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.

"New car dealers from across Southern California have been using Cerritos College for their training needs for well over 30 years,” said Todd Leutheuser, SMCDA executive director. "We are proud to partner with an innovative college that is willing to address the advanced technology training needed to work on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.”

Highlights of the SCCTT include:

A state-of-the-art Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Training Center
Three manufacturer-sponsored technician apprentice programs
Bachelor's degrees in automotive management for full-time students and working adults through Northwood University's West Coast Program Center

SCCTT affiliates must continue to raise $4.8 million from private funds to help fund the $15 million expansion of the center in a unique public/private partnership.

About Cerritos College
A community college in Norwalk, Calif., Cerritos College's mission is to serve the community by building futures through learning.

About Northwood University
Northwood University, a traditional four-year private institution based in Michigan is recognized by the automotive industry for its outstanding educational programs.

About Southland Motor Car Dealers Association
SMCDA was established in 1932 and represents the majority of new car and truck dealerships in Southern Los Angeles County.

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