By bbr

Cherokee Ford grand opening event in Alpharetta brings Ford Motor Company Vice President’s presence and an opportunity to learn company insights.

15-August-2012 –Who better to comment on the changing landscape of the automotive dealership industry than the Executive Vice President, Ford Motor Company, and President, The Americas, Mark Fields? That’s just the opportunity that Jim Fitzpatrick had recently when Mark visited the grand opening of Cherokee Ford Lincoln in Alpharetta, Georgia, an event planned and coordinated by automotive industry advertising agency, Fitzpatrick Advertising.

What do an automotive company executive and a leading marketer for the industry discuss? The changing landscape of car buying, for starters. Gone are the days when dealerships could simply wait for people to come to the lot and purchase a car. Buyers today want to gather information on their own terms. That means it’s important to have a robust web presence and actively participate in social media as well. It’s a hard shift for many who have grown up selling cars, but it’s one that is vitally important if a dealership plans to compete.

The event, planned by Fitzpatrick Advertising, was a great success. “Everything went without a hitch and those in attendance had a terrific time,” says Jim Fitzpatrick, president of Fitzpatrick Advertising, a marketing company that specializes in providing comprehensive marketing solutions for the automotive industry. “Not only was it a great celebration overall, but having Mark Fields in attendance was quite an honor. It was interesting to be able to talk to him about the company as a whole.” Fitzpatrick Advertising works with over 100 dealer groups, including over 15 Ford dealerships across the country.

Fitzpatrick and Fields also were pleased to have time to discuss the market as a whole as well as the future of marketing for the automotive industry. They spoke about the continuing importance of traditional marketing and advertising methods and the increasing role that digital, internet and mobile channels are having on the industry.

“I’m excited about the direction in which Ford is heading,” says Mark Fields. “It’s an excellent time for the American automotive industry and we’re looking forward to a bright future thanks in part to our network of awesome dealers.” Mark and Jim have crossed paths and discussed the state of the automotive industry a few times over the years, even as far back as 15 years ago when Mark was president of Mazda USA and Jim managed a successful Mazda dealership.

To learn more about Cherokee Ford Lincoln or view their current inventory, visit the dealership at https://cherokeefordlincoln.com.
Fitzpatrick Advertising specializes in building comprehensive marketing solutions for the automotive industry. They provide innovative strategies that encompass traditional, digital and social messaging across all media channels for the widest reach and most powerful effect. The Atlanta-based full service agency skillfully utilizes tactical branding and custom-tailored creative solutions for each client. For more information and to learn how Fitzpatrick can help you enhance your brand and your dealer’s traffic, visit their website at www.fitzadv.com.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news about this growing Automotive Ad Agency, “like” them on the Fitzpatrick Advertising Facebook page and join the conversation on the Fitzpatrick Advertising Twitter page.