Ricart Automotive Group
4255 S. Hamilton Rd.
Columbus, OH 43125
- Sales: 1-888-225-6783
- Service: 1-888-403-9127
News
Ricart
Automotive Group's automotive expertise is a product of our sustained
interest in industry trends and characteristics. We are privileged to
share the latest news, promotions and events with you and hope the
information will enhance your shopping experience. As you know, there
are many new cars from which to choose, and we believe an informed
customer is the best customer.
Ricart to host Career Night on Friday, Jan. 25
Do you know someone who would like to work at Ricart?
Ricart is hosting a career night at our Ricart Hyundai Kia Mitsubishi Nissan showrooms from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, and we are hiring for sales positions.
Interested applicants should bring a resume and be prepared to fill out a Ricart application. Applicants will likely meet Terry DeRammelaere and Staci Wyss of Ricart's HR department.
Program provides assurances to Used Car Factory buyers
Ricart: An exclusive Motor Trend
Certified Advantage Dealer
Certified Advantage Dealer
COLUMBUS
(Nov. 16, 2010) -- Ricart Automotive Group is giving its used car
customers another reason why they can buy with confidence from The Used
Car Factory at the Ricart Mega Mall.
Today, Ricart became one of the first dealerships nationwide to become an official Motor Trend® Certified Advantage Dealer. CEO Rhett Ricart accepted the designation in ceremonies at The Used Car Factory from Ira Gabriel, publisher of Motor Trend® magazine, and Larry Dorfman, chairman and CEO of EasyCare, a leading provider of automotive service contracts.
Motor Trend magazine, a publication of Source Interlink Media LLC and founded in 1949, is internationally recognized as a leading brand in automotive publishing. Motor Trend has a circulation of 1.1 million and a readership of 7.6 million.
The Motor Trend® Certified Advantage Dealer program is a partnership between Motor Trend® and EasyCare®. The program guarantees that certified pre-owned cars are thoroughly inspected, fully repaired and guaranteed through a service contract for 6 months or 7,500 miles. Motor Trend's repair standards are stringent.
Other elements of the program include
Gabriel, of Motor Trend®, said Ricart was thoroughly vetted before being accepted into the program. Examined were Ricart's customer service index scores, its relationship with manufacturers and its community service. Gabriel said Ricart was the only Ohio dealership so far to become Motor Trend certified. As of mid-November, there were just 40 Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealers nationwide.
"We're thrilled to offer Motor Trend certification," Ricart says. "Our customers get an extra assurance that they'll be as happy six months from now as they are the day they bought their late model car from Ricart Automotive.
"For us at Ricart, we've found another way to make sure we're delivering the very best to our customers."
Today, Ricart became one of the first dealerships nationwide to become an official Motor Trend® Certified Advantage Dealer. CEO Rhett Ricart accepted the designation in ceremonies at The Used Car Factory from Ira Gabriel, publisher of Motor Trend® magazine, and Larry Dorfman, chairman and CEO of EasyCare, a leading provider of automotive service contracts.
Motor Trend magazine, a publication of Source Interlink Media LLC and founded in 1949, is internationally recognized as a leading brand in automotive publishing. Motor Trend has a circulation of 1.1 million and a readership of 7.6 million.
The Motor Trend® Certified Advantage Dealer program is a partnership between Motor Trend® and EasyCare®. The program guarantees that certified pre-owned cars are thoroughly inspected, fully repaired and guaranteed through a service contract for 6 months or 7,500 miles. Motor Trend's repair standards are stringent.
Other elements of the program include
- Paintless dent removal for 12 months
- Free key replacement for 12 months
- A 72-hour (maximum 300-mile) exchange policy
- A $500 additional trade-in guarantee when the vehicle is serviced at Ricart
- One year of EasyCare Personal Assistant, a 24-hour telephone concierge service for anything the customer needs
Gabriel, of Motor Trend®, said Ricart was thoroughly vetted before being accepted into the program. Examined were Ricart's customer service index scores, its relationship with manufacturers and its community service. Gabriel said Ricart was the only Ohio dealership so far to become Motor Trend certified. As of mid-November, there were just 40 Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealers nationwide.
"We're thrilled to offer Motor Trend certification," Ricart says. "Our customers get an extra assurance that they'll be as happy six months from now as they are the day they bought their late model car from Ricart Automotive.
"For us at Ricart, we've found another way to make sure we're delivering the very best to our customers."
State's support strengthens Bloom program
Ohio State Highway Patrol partners
with Bloom Driving School
with Bloom Driving School
The
Ohio State Highway Patrol is now an official partner of the Bloom
School of Driving Dynamix Inc., which offers specialized driving
instruction at the Ricart Test Track.
OSHP became an official partner in October. Other partners are Ricart, AAA and the Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court.
The news means OSHP will routinely staff BSDD's Saturday Car Control Drills Program, which BSDD offers at the Ricart Test Track at the Ricart Mega Mall. The OSHP's interest is in keeping teen drivers safe on the road.
"We're very pleased and proud to be affiliated with such a highly respected organization as the highway patrol," says Mark Bloom, president. "This partnership enhances our relationships with Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court and AAA and it further validates what we offer."
Bloom founded the driving school in 2005 after many years of road racing sports cars and teaching advanced and high performance driver training. That background gives him unusual insight into the physics of driving. For example, he knows what will happen when a driver brakes significantly while making a hard left -- and he knows how speed will change that outcome.
He passes along his knowledge to his BSDD students, many of whom are referred to Bloom?s driving program by Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court. His instruction includes two hours of class time and four hours behind the wheel of their car at the Ricart Test Track.
"Through our drills, we show these young drivers -- in a controlled environment -- how speed affects even the simplest maneuver," Bloom says. "We take away that first 'wide-eyed' moment and then offer feedback and coaching on what happened, why it happened and what to do if it happens again in real-world driving."
While Bloom offers insights into how to control a moving vehicle under adverse circumstances, Ohio State Highway Patrolmen explain the legal ramifications and driving dangers that teen drivers face.
It's important instruction particularly for teen drivers, few of whom have any experience driving in bad weather or in heavy traffic. In 2008, more than 800,000 U.S. teen drivers age 15-18 were involved in police-reported traffic crashes.
Ricart has allowed BSDD to use the Ricart Test Track since 2008, because "it's the right thing to do," says Rhett Ricart, CEO. "We all want our kids to be safe. We're happy to make our test track available to someone like Mark Bloom. His racing background has given him tremendous insight into how to handle a moving vehicle in all kinds of road conditions."
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group today operates the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus. The group includes Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises and The Used Car Factory.
For more information about Bloom School of Driving Dynamix Inc., go to www.bloomdrivingdynamix.com.
OSHP became an official partner in October. Other partners are Ricart, AAA and the Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court.
The news means OSHP will routinely staff BSDD's Saturday Car Control Drills Program, which BSDD offers at the Ricart Test Track at the Ricart Mega Mall. The OSHP's interest is in keeping teen drivers safe on the road.
"We're very pleased and proud to be affiliated with such a highly respected organization as the highway patrol," says Mark Bloom, president. "This partnership enhances our relationships with Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court and AAA and it further validates what we offer."
Bloom founded the driving school in 2005 after many years of road racing sports cars and teaching advanced and high performance driver training. That background gives him unusual insight into the physics of driving. For example, he knows what will happen when a driver brakes significantly while making a hard left -- and he knows how speed will change that outcome.
He passes along his knowledge to his BSDD students, many of whom are referred to Bloom?s driving program by Franklin County Juvenile Traffic Court. His instruction includes two hours of class time and four hours behind the wheel of their car at the Ricart Test Track.
"Through our drills, we show these young drivers -- in a controlled environment -- how speed affects even the simplest maneuver," Bloom says. "We take away that first 'wide-eyed' moment and then offer feedback and coaching on what happened, why it happened and what to do if it happens again in real-world driving."
While Bloom offers insights into how to control a moving vehicle under adverse circumstances, Ohio State Highway Patrolmen explain the legal ramifications and driving dangers that teen drivers face.
It's important instruction particularly for teen drivers, few of whom have any experience driving in bad weather or in heavy traffic. In 2008, more than 800,000 U.S. teen drivers age 15-18 were involved in police-reported traffic crashes.
Ricart has allowed BSDD to use the Ricart Test Track since 2008, because "it's the right thing to do," says Rhett Ricart, CEO. "We all want our kids to be safe. We're happy to make our test track available to someone like Mark Bloom. His racing background has given him tremendous insight into how to handle a moving vehicle in all kinds of road conditions."
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group today operates the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus. The group includes Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises and The Used Car Factory.
For more information about Bloom School of Driving Dynamix Inc., go to www.bloomdrivingdynamix.com.
Ricart updates, expands service and showroom
Ricart enters luxury market with Equus
COLUMBUS (Sept. 10, 2010) - Ricart Automotive will enter the luxury car market this fall when Hyundai Motor America delivers its first Equus to the Mega Mall.
Equus is a full-size premium luxury sedan that Hyundai designed to attract American car buyers who now drive Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS 460 and BMW 740 and 750 model cars.
Though Equus is starting out as new model in the Hyundai line-up, it eventually will be a separate high-end brand much like Lexus is to Toyota and Infiniti is to Nissan, said Rhett Ricart, co-owner and CEO.
"Equus is the Hyundai's flagship in the premium luxury sedan market," Ricart said. "But with prices starting at $55,000, Equus will be available at two-thirds the price of its competition."
Initially, the Equus will come in two styles -- the Equus Signature, starting at $55,000, and the Equus Ultimate, starting at $65,000. Both come with standard 375 HP -V8 engines. The Equus will be available in four different exterior colors and in three interior colors.
But there's more. "This car has more standard features that most of us can only imagine," Ricart said.
Other exclusive features include:
-- Reclining rear seats with a massage system, air conditioning and heat
-- A rear entertainment system
-- A rear console refrigerator
-- A rear seat electronic head restraints
-- A forward view cornering camera
-- Nine air bags for safety
Plus, the owner's manual will be electronic, complimentarily delivered to the Equus new-car customer on an Apple iPad.
Hyundai also plans to court its luxury shoppers with service. Qualifying customers can test-drive the Equus Signature or the Equus Ultimate from their homes, courtesy of a Ricart Hyundai salesman who takes the car to them.
Once they buy, Equus owners can request a Ricart valet to come and pick up their car for service and return it to their home or place of work, at no extra charge.
Ricart's 14 Hyundai salesmen are undergoing 20 hours of training so they can answer new customers' questions and deliver the world-class service that luxury car owners look for. Ricart expects to sell about 75 Equus vehicles a year.
Co-owner Fred Ricart said Equus is perfect for Ricart.
"Hyundai's breaking into the U.S. luxury market with the Equus, and so are we," Fred Ricart said. "Equus is a great fit for us, because our customers will be getting all the perks at a great price. Ricart has always delivered that kind of value."
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group today operates the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus. It now includes Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises and The Used Car Factory.
topCOLUMBUS (Sept. 10, 2010) - Ricart Automotive will enter the luxury car market this fall when Hyundai Motor America delivers its first Equus to the Mega Mall.
Equus is a full-size premium luxury sedan that Hyundai designed to attract American car buyers who now drive Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS 460 and BMW 740 and 750 model cars.
Though Equus is starting out as new model in the Hyundai line-up, it eventually will be a separate high-end brand much like Lexus is to Toyota and Infiniti is to Nissan, said Rhett Ricart, co-owner and CEO.
"Equus is the Hyundai's flagship in the premium luxury sedan market," Ricart said. "But with prices starting at $55,000, Equus will be available at two-thirds the price of its competition."
Initially, the Equus will come in two styles -- the Equus Signature, starting at $55,000, and the Equus Ultimate, starting at $65,000. Both come with standard 375 HP -V8 engines. The Equus will be available in four different exterior colors and in three interior colors.
But there's more. "This car has more standard features that most of us can only imagine," Ricart said.
Other exclusive features include:
-- Reclining rear seats with a massage system, air conditioning and heat
-- A rear entertainment system
-- A rear console refrigerator
-- A rear seat electronic head restraints
-- A forward view cornering camera
-- Nine air bags for safety
Plus, the owner's manual will be electronic, complimentarily delivered to the Equus new-car customer on an Apple iPad.
Hyundai also plans to court its luxury shoppers with service. Qualifying customers can test-drive the Equus Signature or the Equus Ultimate from their homes, courtesy of a Ricart Hyundai salesman who takes the car to them.
Once they buy, Equus owners can request a Ricart valet to come and pick up their car for service and return it to their home or place of work, at no extra charge.
Ricart's 14 Hyundai salesmen are undergoing 20 hours of training so they can answer new customers' questions and deliver the world-class service that luxury car owners look for. Ricart expects to sell about 75 Equus vehicles a year.
Co-owner Fred Ricart said Equus is perfect for Ricart.
"Hyundai's breaking into the U.S. luxury market with the Equus, and so are we," Fred Ricart said. "Equus is a great fit for us, because our customers will be getting all the perks at a great price. Ricart has always delivered that kind of value."
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group today operates the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus. It now includes Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises and The Used Car Factory.
Math teacher wins right to drive 2011 Ford Focus for a year
Ricart honors GMHS teacher
A 10th grade algebra and geometry teacher at Groveport-Madison High School won free use of a 2011 Ford Focus for the next year, courtesy of Ricart Ford.
Diana Bossie, a 9-year teaching veteran at Groveport-Madison High School, discovered that she won when her key opened the driver's side door to the red Focus. Bossie lives in Canal Winchester.
She and about eight other educators, all of whom were named teachers of the month during the 2009-2010 school year, had equal chances to win use of the car. Ricart presented keys to each of the teachers who, in turn, tried to open the locked door.
Ricart has recognized Groveport-Madison's teacher of the year for each of the past five years by presenting them use of a new Ford Focus. Winners are responsible for insurance, licensing and taxes.
Ricart also annually presents a $500 scholarship to a deserving Groveport-Madison High School senior. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Doug Espie, who plans to study music at Capital University. Doug plays the tuba.
Rick Ricart, spokesman for Ricart Automotive, made the presentations for the company during May ceremonies at the high school stadium.
"We at Ricart Automotive believe that education is key to our children's success and the success of Central Ohio as a strong business community," Rick Ricart said. "We are happy to support the work that Groveport-Madison teachers are doing, and we are happy to encourage students like Doug Espie as they continue their education beyond high school."
Ricart Automotive's 60-acre Mega Mall is just 1.25 miles from Groveport-Madison High School.
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group has grown to include Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises. It also operates a large Used Car Factory store.
Ricart has 40 positions it needs to immediately fill
A 10th grade algebra and geometry teacher at Groveport-Madison High School won free use of a 2011 Ford Focus for the next year, courtesy of Ricart Ford.
Diana Bossie, a 9-year teaching veteran at Groveport-Madison High School, discovered that she won when her key opened the driver's side door to the red Focus. Bossie lives in Canal Winchester.
She and about eight other educators, all of whom were named teachers of the month during the 2009-2010 school year, had equal chances to win use of the car. Ricart presented keys to each of the teachers who, in turn, tried to open the locked door.
Ricart has recognized Groveport-Madison's teacher of the year for each of the past five years by presenting them use of a new Ford Focus. Winners are responsible for insurance, licensing and taxes.
Ricart also annually presents a $500 scholarship to a deserving Groveport-Madison High School senior. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Doug Espie, who plans to study music at Capital University. Doug plays the tuba.
Rick Ricart, spokesman for Ricart Automotive, made the presentations for the company during May ceremonies at the high school stadium.
"We at Ricart Automotive believe that education is key to our children's success and the success of Central Ohio as a strong business community," Rick Ricart said. "We are happy to support the work that Groveport-Madison teachers are doing, and we are happy to encourage students like Doug Espie as they continue their education beyond high school."
Ricart Automotive's 60-acre Mega Mall is just 1.25 miles from Groveport-Madison High School.
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group has grown to include Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises. It also operates a large Used Car Factory store.
Ricart has 40 positions it needs to immediately fill
Ford's success fuels Ricart hiring
Columbus (March 31, 2010) - Ricart Automotive is hiring.
The Columbus-based auto dealership has 40 vacancies, ranging from entry-level cashiers, valets and vehicle prep jobs to sales and service technician positions at its Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car dealerships and the Used Car Factory.
Salaries range from $10 an hour to $75,000 annually. Numerous part-time positions are also available.
"Given the current job market, we don't expect these positions to be empty very long," said Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, "but we want to get the word out so everyone can have the same chance."
Success is fueling Ricart's need:
Car owners who are opting to keep their existing cars are also spending more money on service, so Ricart is expanding its service capacity. A $400,000 renovation at Ricart Imports is turning space once occupied by Isuzu's new-car showroom into a new Imports service drive-in. Isuzu pulled out of the American market two years ago.
"Smart car owners know that following their car's maintenance schedule is the best way to guarantee a longer life for any vehicle," Ricart said.
Ricart accepts online applications at Ricart.com. Information about jobs is available by clicking on the "about us" tab on Ricart's Web site.
Applicants can also send resumes to Terry DeRammelaere, director of human resources, at terryd@ricart.com
Or applicants can apply in person at Ricart Automotive, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus.
Ricart is an equal employment opportunity employer.
top
Columbus (March 31, 2010) - Ricart Automotive is hiring.
The Columbus-based auto dealership has 40 vacancies, ranging from entry-level cashiers, valets and vehicle prep jobs to sales and service technician positions at its Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car dealerships and the Used Car Factory.
Salaries range from $10 an hour to $75,000 annually. Numerous part-time positions are also available.
"Given the current job market, we don't expect these positions to be empty very long," said Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, "but we want to get the word out so everyone can have the same chance."
Success is fueling Ricart's need:
- Ford Motor Co. has been increasing its U.S. market share of the new-vehicle sales for more than a year. Earlier this month, Ford Motor Co. announced that sales for every brand and in every product category pushed the company to a 43 percent sales increase in February, over the year before. February sales were 22 percent higher than in January.
- Ford Motor Co., as well as Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Kia, are capitalizing on the challenges that General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota are facing. All are offering well-qualified buyers zero percent financing on many models for terms of 60 or 72 months.
- Almost all are offering cash incentives for Toyota trade-ins.
Car owners who are opting to keep their existing cars are also spending more money on service, so Ricart is expanding its service capacity. A $400,000 renovation at Ricart Imports is turning space once occupied by Isuzu's new-car showroom into a new Imports service drive-in. Isuzu pulled out of the American market two years ago.
"Smart car owners know that following their car's maintenance schedule is the best way to guarantee a longer life for any vehicle," Ricart said.
Ricart accepts online applications at Ricart.com. Information about jobs is available by clicking on the "about us" tab on Ricart's Web site.
Applicants can also send resumes to Terry DeRammelaere, director of human resources, at terryd@ricart.com
Or applicants can apply in person at Ricart Automotive, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus.
Ricart is an equal employment opportunity employer.
2010 Columbus International Auto Show
Auto show premier gala now open to the public
If you want to mingle with some of the best automotive minds in the Columbus market, you now have a great opportunity come Wednesday, March 17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
That's the day that the 2010 Columbus International Auto Show kicks off with its annual "Cars are the Stars" Preview Gala, sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch. Doors open at 7 p.m. The car show opens to the public the following day.
The gala is black-tie optional.
Tickets are $250 apiece for the gala. Tables for 10 run $2,500. A portion of the expense will be tax deductible, because proceeds from the gala will benefit two local nonprofits:
-- The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
-- The Make-A-Wish Foundation's Central Ohio Region, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
"It's a prime opportunity for anyone in the market for a new car," says Rhett Ricart, co-owner of Ricart Automotive, chairman of this year's auto show and president of the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
"These are car people," Ricart said. "Not only will you see the latest, greatest and hottest new cars available today, but you can talk to dealers who have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the auto industry and the industry's latest technological developments."
Entertainment for the evening will be the Hoo Doo Soul Band. The ticket price also includes dinner and drinks.
The preview party has always provided attendees the very first chance to see the season's hottest new cars, which will fill the convention center floor for the 2010 Columbus auto show, March 18-21. But in the past, attendees have primarily been invited guests - those who work in the automotive industry and their vendors.
This is the first time that the preview party has been advertised as open to the public, says Nikki Bragg, auto show manager with the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
Those interested in attending the gala can call Bragg at (614) 799-2232 for ticket information.
The auto show will open to the public at noon on Wednesday, March 18 and run through Sunday, March 21. Tickets to attend the auto show only are $8 apiece. Children 12 and under are admitted free when they are accompanied by an adult.
Details are available regarding the four-day auto show at the auto show's Web site at www.columbusautoshow.com, including a link to purchase tickets online.
top
If you want to mingle with some of the best automotive minds in the Columbus market, you now have a great opportunity come Wednesday, March 17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
That's the day that the 2010 Columbus International Auto Show kicks off with its annual "Cars are the Stars" Preview Gala, sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch. Doors open at 7 p.m. The car show opens to the public the following day.
The gala is black-tie optional.
Tickets are $250 apiece for the gala. Tables for 10 run $2,500. A portion of the expense will be tax deductible, because proceeds from the gala will benefit two local nonprofits:
-- The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
-- The Make-A-Wish Foundation's Central Ohio Region, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
"It's a prime opportunity for anyone in the market for a new car," says Rhett Ricart, co-owner of Ricart Automotive, chairman of this year's auto show and president of the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
"These are car people," Ricart said. "Not only will you see the latest, greatest and hottest new cars available today, but you can talk to dealers who have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the auto industry and the industry's latest technological developments."
Entertainment for the evening will be the Hoo Doo Soul Band. The ticket price also includes dinner and drinks.
The preview party has always provided attendees the very first chance to see the season's hottest new cars, which will fill the convention center floor for the 2010 Columbus auto show, March 18-21. But in the past, attendees have primarily been invited guests - those who work in the automotive industry and their vendors.
This is the first time that the preview party has been advertised as open to the public, says Nikki Bragg, auto show manager with the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
Those interested in attending the gala can call Bragg at (614) 799-2232 for ticket information.
The auto show will open to the public at noon on Wednesday, March 18 and run through Sunday, March 21. Tickets to attend the auto show only are $8 apiece. Children 12 and under are admitted free when they are accompanied by an adult.
Details are available regarding the four-day auto show at the auto show's Web site at www.columbusautoshow.com, including a link to purchase tickets online.
Ricart Ford Wins President's Award
| Publication:The Columbus Dispatch; | Date:May 9, 2009; | Section:Columbus Cars.Com; | Page Number:E1 |
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
RICART WINS COVETED AWARD
Story by the Columbus Cars staff
Champagne corks weren't flying nor bubbly being poured over employees' heads, but there definitely was some celebrating taking place at the Ricart Ford showroom at the Ricart Mega Mall on Thursday.
"It's like winning the NFL Super Bowl trophy for dealerships," Rhett Ricart said just after he and his brother Fred had accepted Ford Motor Co.'s prestigious President's Award.
Making the presentation was Ford Regional Manager Michael O'Brien. The President's Award is only given to the top 1 percent of Ford dealerships for excellence in customer satisfaction in new-car sales and warranty service.
"To be such a high-volume dealership and keep those customers happy is something special," O'Brien told the employees and well wishers gathered.
He also presented the brothers with an award they've won before: the One Hundred Club award, which recognizes top dealerships' sales activity. Ricart Ford ranks No. 44 in new-vehicle sales activity, O'Brien noted, out of some 3,800 Ford dealerships nationally.
O'Brien said the Ricart dealership is enthusiastic, passionate about its products and loyal to the brand. "We're really proud of the job they've done and the representation they provide (Ford)," he said.
"It's a lot easier to sell the cars than to make everyone happy," Fred said following the presentation. Fred also marked the occasion by singing a song while playing his trademark guitar.
Although always ranking high in customer satisfaction, Fred gave credit to the dealership's new user-friendly Internet site and the skills of its service employees for pushing them over the top.
"We've always been chasing the President's Award," said Rhett, who said it was a dream of their father, Paul Ricart Sr., to win this particular award. "He'd be crying," Rhett said of his late father if he were still here.
Ricart Ford has won a lot of awards from Ford during the years, including the Salute to Dealers Award three years ago. The Ford Foundation awards the Salute to Dealers annually to 12 dealers recognizing their community service work.
No doubt one of the reasons why Ricart Ford won that honor was because of something that happened later that day. In front of the student body of Groveport Madison High School, nine teachers were given the chance to win the free use of a new Ford Focus for a year.
During the school year, the student body votes on a teacher of the month, placing the teacher in the running for the Teacher of the Year honors. At a school rally on Thursday, all of the nominated teachers were given gift baskets and drew one of nine random keys - one of which unlocked the door to a new Ricart car.
With the state of the economy, school officials weren't sure if the tradition of the free car for the year would continue. But Fred and Rhett both said they never considered not doing it. After all, it's a five-year tradition, Fred noted, and the students get so excited.
This year, Tim Brown, a physical-education teacher and football coach, drew the lucky key for this year, winning use of the brand-new Ford Focus decked out with Groveport Madison High School and Ricart stickers.
PHOTO BY JOHN KNOUFF Ford Regional Manager Michael O'Brien (left) presents Ricart Automotive Group co-owners Rhett Ricart and Fred Ricart with the dealership's first President's Award as well as an award the dealership has won several times before: the One Hundred Club award.
Ford Motor Credit recognizes Ricart
Ricart lauded as a "top 100" Ford dealerRicart Ford is now recognized as one of Ford Motor Credit Co.'s best customers.
Randy Golliher, Cincinnati Regional Manager for Ford Motor Credit Co., presented Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, and Jim Moshier, general sales manager for Ricart Ford, with a plaque acknowledging Ricart as a "top 100" Ford Credit contract volume dealer. The award was presented Feb. 24 at the Ford dealership.
Ricart Ford is the only Central Ohio dealership to receive that designation. The award recognizes the many Ricart customers who finance new and used cars and trucks through Ford Motor Credit.
Ford Motor Credit Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Co., the only North American automobile manufacturer that did not tap federal subsidies for a financial bailout last year. That and Ricart's designation as a Top 100 Ford Credit dealer means good things for Ricart's customers.
"The environment at Ford Motor Co. is much better than a typical bank - or for other lending institutions, for that matter," Ricart said. "People who tried to finance a vehicle seven months ago might now qualify. That reflects Ford's stability."
The award from Ford Motor Credit Co. is a first. Ford Motor Co. has recognized Ricart as one of its top 100 Ford dealers for many years but there has been no similar recognition at Ford Motor Credit - until now.
"This is a big deal," Golliher said.
Golliher said Ricart is Ford Credit's largest volume dealer within its Cincinnati region, which includes Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and portions of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois.
"By being the biggest dealer in the region, we're also the best dealer in the region," Ricart said.
In addition to selling new Fords, Ricart Automotive Group offers new Hyundais, Kias, Mazdas, Mitsubishis and Nissans, and it has a huge used car business at the Used Car Factory. All are located within the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus.