ATLANTA and NORCROSS, Ga. — Two additional stores have earned designation as Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealerships, according to EasyCare. 

Selected for the program — which Motor Trend created and EasyCare powers — was Sam Linder Cadillac Honda in Salinas, Calif. and Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury in Napa Valley, Calif.

Both stores are among the first 100 to receive this special classification.

"Sam Linder Cadillac Honda was selected as a Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealership because of its superior record of customer service and satisfaction. Now, new and pre-owned vehicle buyers in Salinas, Calif., can have an exceptional buying experience matched by a superior ownership experience, supported by the Motor Trend Certified Advantage/EasyCare brands in partnership with Sam Linder Auto Group," said Larry Dorfman, chairman and chief executive officer of EasyCare, echoing the same sentiment about Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury.

Only dealerships hand-picked by Motor Trend and EasyCare based on "dedication to customer service and vehicle excellence" can participate in the program.

After they are picked to join the Certified Advantage program, officials explained that these stores are "thoroughly trained" based on the program's guidelines. Receiving such training allows them to provide "noticeably better Motor Trend Certified Advantage buying and ownership experience" to customers, officials noted.

The experiences of their respective customers are continually monitored, and dealer training is continuous, as well.

"We're thrilled to add Napa Ford Lincoln Mercury to the family of Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealers," stated Ira Gabriel, publisher of Motor Trend Magazine, saying the same of Sam Linder Cadillac Honda. "They are clearly dedicated to providing the kind of customer-focused experience that brings the pleasure back to buying and owning a vehicle."

Sam Linder is slated to roll out the program officially on Thursday, while Napa's launch was scheduled for today.

APCO/Easy Care Takes Home Awards

In other news, APCO/Easy Care was recognized by the Better Business Bureau with two first-place honors in the BBB Torch Awards for Community Service and Customer Service.

APCO and EasyCare are now deemed a "company of excellence" per the awards.

"BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by creating a community of trustworthy businesses," stated Fred Elsberry, president chief executive officer of BBB serving Metro Atlanta, Athens, Ga., and northeast Georgia.

"Our Torch Award winners are examples of ‘companies of excellence' who adhere to BBB's standards of trust and who make customer service, community service and marketplace ethics a top priority for their customers, community and employees," he added. "Our Torch Award winners are companies who take BBB's motto of 'Start with Trust' literally and strive to do their best and be an example of what an outstanding, ethical company should be."

Offering his comments, Dorfman noted: "We are honored to receive this recognition for our commitment to the customer experience and for our involvement in the community.

"Every team member is committed to extraordinary service, and we continually strive to give every customer the fair, friendly, fast and fun 'EasyCare Experience' he or she deserves," he continued. "These awards are the direct result of every APCO employee's individual commitment to service and excellence."