Zeigler Auto Group Kicks off its 12th Annual Product Knowledge Competition

Kalamazoo, Michigan (October 3, 2023) - Zeigler Auto Group's 12th Annual Product Knowledge Competition is now underway with sales professionals across the auto group competing in the semi-finals today, tomorrow, and Thursday to determine the top 5 who will face off in front of a panel of celebrity judges next Thursday. 

Sales professionals previously competed against each other at their individual stores to earn the opportunity to compete at this week's semi-finals. The format from the store-level, semi-finals, and finale will remain the same with each contestant doing a 10-min walk around of a vehicle. 

Judges will score walk-arounds based on the professional's tech and product knowledge, and passion and enthusiasm; while being able to highlight the car's appearance/styling, advantages, safety features, performance details, value and utility. Also judged will be customer involvement with the presentation as well as uniqueness in a real-world scenario. New this year is the inclusion of the Z-Guard Promotion with the option to mention interior and exterior advantages of the product.

The top 5 competing will do so at the Tinley Park Convention Center where Zeigler will be live streaming the competition and hold a celebration dinner after the winner is crowned. Last year Zach Cardis took home his second consecutive win, having also earned the title in 2021.

This year's winner will receive a 5-day all-expenses paid trip for two to any Ritz-Carlton in the US.

About Zeigler Auto Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2022.

The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2023, and among Glassdoor's top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.