Dealer news: Veteran trainer takes on COO role with Team Automotive; Rick Case ranks No. 1 in Honda, VW sales
Team Automotive Group has selected a longtime automotive trainer to lead its operations.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based dealership group, which operates five locations in the Carolinas, has named NCM Associates moderator and consultant Thaddaeus “TJ” Wilson IV its new chief operating officer.
In a news release, the company said Wilson’s 30-plus years of industry experience and “deep industry expertise” will “shape the company’s future, driving continued growth and strengthening its position as a trusted partner for employees, customers and communities alike.”
Team Automotive president and principal dealer Kristin Dillard Sodoma said the addition of Wilson “marks an exciting chapter” for the company.
“His forward-thinking approach and commitment to measurable results align perfectly with our goals,” she said. “I’m confident TJ will be an incredible asset to our organization, helping us continue to grow and deliver outstanding service to our customers.”
In addition to working with dealers with NCM, Wilson developed training programs for OEMs, including Nissan, INFINITI, Kia, Honda, Subaru and Volvo, during his tenure with Ardent Learning, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational success.
Team Automotive said Wilson’s career highlights include leading customer satisfaction initiatives for Ford’s Blue Oval program, Honda’s EXCELL initiative and General Motors’ Standards for Excellence.
“I’m honored to join Team Automotive Group and excited to be part of an organization with such a strong reputation for serving its customers and communities.” Wilson said. “I look forward to working alongside Kristin and the entire Team Automotive family to build on that foundation.”
Team Automotive said Wilson will focus on enhancing its operational efficiency, building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional customer experiences, adding his “hands-on leadership, backed by his comprehensive expertise in sales, profitability, variable operations and parts and service, provides a 360-degree approach to navigating changes in the automotive space” that “will guide Team Automotive Group into its next phase of growth.”
Rick Case stores top nation in Honda, VW sales volume
Rick Case Automotive Group took top sales honors for two brands in 2024.
Rick Case Honda in Davie, Fla., earned honors as the nation’s largest volume Honda dealer with record new-car sales for the year, while Rick Case Volkswagen, also in Davie, was America’s largest volume Volkswagen dealer for the seventh time.
The company said it is the first dealer to ranked No. 1 nationally in new-car sales volume for two major brands in the same year. In addition, Rick Case’s Hyundai, Kia, Maserati and Alfa Romeo dealerships in South Florida all ranked in the top seven nationally.