Employees of AutoNation celebrated the company’s Drive Pink Across America Day on Thursday with an act of service for those battling cancer.

A team of South Florida AutoNation associates gathered at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens to fill 450 Totes for Hope cancer comfort bags, and delivered them throughout the afternoon to patients undergoing cancer treatments at South Florida hospitals and treatment centers. The destinations included Memorial Regional Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Gilda’s Club South Florida, Salah Children’s Foundation Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Florida.

That was just one of the Drive Pink Across America Day events nationwide, as employees of AutoNation stores throughout the U.S. delivered thousands of bags to local cancer facilities in their communities.

“I am continually impressed and inspired by the individual and collective work of our AutoNation associates to unite in support of DRV PNK, which makes a real difference in the lives of so many who have been touched by this devastating disease,” AutoNation CEO Mike Manley said.

“Despite medical advances, cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in America. At AutoNation, we are united in our pursuit to end cancer by funding critical research and working with our charitable partners to increase awareness, improve outcomes and enhance the lives of individuals and families undergoing treatment.”

AutoNation said the DRV PNK campaign has raised and donated more than $35 million to cancer charities since 2013. Funds are administered to facilities and organizations across the country to support cancer research, treatment and services.

On the national level, AutoNation directs its support to BCRF, the American Cancer Society, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Zero: The End of Prostate Cancer. AutoNation’s stores from coast to coast support Cleveland Clinic Florida and Memorial Regional Hospital in South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, CURE Childhood Cancer in Atlanta, Wipe out Kids Cancer in Dallas, The Phoenix Children’s Hospital and many other local cancer charities.

To help drive awareness, DRV PNK license plate frames are available free of charge at all AutoNation stores.

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria opens renovated facility

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria is ready to unveil its newly renovated showroom, described by the dealership as “state of the art.”

The upgrade includes LED lighting technology, electric vehicle charging stations and a modernized guest lounge.

In a news release, the company said the shift to LED lighting and addition of EV charging ports represents a “significant milestone” in its adoption of sustainable business practices, touting the reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan of LED lighting.

General manager Justin Mauer said the new building “pays homage to its history while embracing the future of automotive,” and will become “a true destination for all their automotive needs.”

“We understand the people who walk through our dealership doors are more than our guests,” he said, “and our goal is to provide our communities with more than products and services. This investment aligns with our long-term vision of creating a more sustainable future while providing our customers with an exceptional experience.”

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria will introduce the new facility with a grand re-opening event on Oct. 16 that will include entertainment, refreshments and exclusive promotions on select EVs and 2023 models.

Pepe Auto Group launches mobile service in Westchester

The Pepe Auto Group, a family-owned group of auto dealerships in Westchester County, N.Y., has begun offering mobile service to all Mercedes-Benz customers in the area.

Pepe’s White Plains and New Rochelle Mercedes-Benz dealerships are the first locations to offer the exclusive service to their customers.

The Express Mobile Service is designed to help alleviate the need to come into the service department. Mobile service technicians can go to the customer’s home or office in their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for express oil changes, tire changes and certain recalls and software updates.

“We are very excited to be the first Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Westchester County to offer this convenient service option for our customers, who have incredibly demanding schedules and don’t always have the time to bring their vehicles to our service departments,” said Joseph Pepe, owner and operator of Pepe Auto Group.

“It is definitely a game-changer for our two dealerships and, of course, for our family of customers.”