CERRITOS, Calif. — Two dealer associations and other industry players recently saw the results of their millions of dollars in contributions toward a vast automotive training center.

The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association each gave $500,000 for construction of the Automotive Partners Building, a facility boasting 10,000 square feet at Cerritos College. More than 300 auto industry representatives, community leaders, students, faculty and administrators celebrated the official grand opening.

Beyond the dealer associations, two other notable contributions toward the $5.1 million facility came from Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe and the Conant Auto Retail Group. Each one handed over $100,000 for the project.

Officials highlighted that this new building is the centerpiece of the $15-million auto training hub at Cerritos College.

"Area dealers have long drawn talent from Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Program. Now they join the college in offering management training," declared SMCDA executive director Todd Leutheuser.

"The future of their business starts here, in a deliberate convergence of industry and education," Leutheuser added.

Officials went on to share many of the amenities incorporated into this new training center.

A prominent showroom can exhibit vehicles and features a wall of video screens for training purposes as well as plenty of space for students and managers alike. Traditional classrooms and conference-style board rooms are equipped with video conference capability and wireless capability. A marketing media room can seat up to 24 people and includes video and teleconference capability and several board rooms.

Also housed within the building are offices for Northwood University's West Coast program center. Officials reiterated the university offers a bachelor's degree program in automotive marketing and management.

Furthermore, SMCDA also has relocated its offices inside the building so area dealers can schedule meetings and employee training sessions at the facility.