STRONGSVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jun 10, 2002--MOTOR TREND(R) Magazine, a PRIMEDIA publication, and the CertifiedFirst(TM) Network, a North American group of auto body repair centers, announced today that the CertifiedFirst Network is the inaugural recipient of the ''MOTOR TREND Preferred'' designation from MOTOR TREND.
''The concept of `MOTOR TREND Preferred` grew out of our commitment to be a comprehensive, one-stop source of automotive information, particularly about top-of-the-line products and services,'' said Lou Mohn, President, Motor Trend.
''Our review of the CertifiedFirst Network assured us that the commitment of its participating shops to high standards of workmanship and customer satisfaction, and the warranties offered, make Network shops preferred places to have a car repaired,'' Mohn said. ''The review extended over more than a year, and we are confident that the CertifiedFirst Network is a source of quality auto body repairs.''
''Recognition by one of the world`s leading automotive information organizations is a tremendous milestone for the Network,'' said Mary Kimbro, director, the CertifiedFirst Network. ''It`s a testament to the strengths of the Network and reaffirms the value and credibility of the Network as a means for participating shops to sustain industry-leading levels of customer service.''
''Shops can proudly tell their customers that the CertifiedFirst Network, of which they are a part, is now MOTOR TREND Preferred,'' Kimbro said.
Auto body repair centers in the United States and Canada that are participating in the CertifiedFirst Network will display a ''CertifiedFirst Network MOTOR TREND Preferred'' logo to identify the designation. The logo will also appear in Network advertising. Coverage of the Network`s ''Preferred'' recognition will appear in MOTOR TREND and the MOTOR TREND Web site will have a link to www.certifiedfirst.com.
Since its inception in late 2000, the Network has grown to more than 900 participating shops in 44 of the United States and five Canadian provinces.
About MOTOR TREND
Motor Trend Magazine, a Primedia publication, was founded in 1949, has a circulation of 1.27 million with a readership of 7.5 million and is internationally recognized as the world`s #1 automotive authority. In addition to the magazine, the Motor Trend brand includes Truck Trend Magazine, Motor Trend Television (a monthly nationwide program on the Speed Channel), Motor Trend Radio, Motor Trend Online, Motor Trend en Espanol magazine, Motor Trend International Auto Shows and the highly coveted Motor Trend Of the Year Awards program.
For more information, visit www.motortrend.com.
About the CertifiedFirst Network
The CertifiedFirst Network is a North American group of dealership and independently owned auto body repair centers. One of the most important aspects of the CertifiedFirst Network is that the standards required to be met by participating auto body repair shops are verified by independent third parties. The standards, consistent across the CertifiedFirst Network, are divided into two major categories -- an evaluation of the repair center itself, on aspects ranging from its facilities to employee training, and measurement of the satisfaction level of the repair center`s customers.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) conducts the facility verification review and Customer Research, Inc., (CRI) verifies customer satisfaction. The UL name is a familiar and trusted one, providing credibility to the Network. CRI also has a strong track record, having specialized in customer satisfaction and marketing research for the automotive industry since 1967.
For more information on the CertifiedFirst Network, visit www.certifiedfirst.com.
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