Drive Smart Poised to Give Auto Care Industry a Much-Needed Tuneup

Real estate development company introduces community-oriented conceptual auto care centers that enable independent operators to own their own facilities

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Aug. 8 -- Since 1996, U.S. motor vehicle registrations of light vehicles have increased by about 41 million and the number of licensed drivers has risen by about 22 million. However, there has been no increase in general auto repair garages since 2001.

These statistics alone appear to indicate a solid business ownership opportunity for local auto repair and service providers, which constitute more than 80 percent of the automobile aftermarket. Yet 60 percent to 70 percent of independent operators lease their facilities, and building a new stand-alone service facility is cost-prohibitive for most.

That's where Drive Smart LLC comes in. Drive Smart is a real estate development company proposing to specialize in auto care centers for independent operators. Its innovative condominium/garage concept consolidates traditional repair service businesses in one central location, enabling independent operators to own their facilities.

Drive Smart focuses on the consumer as well, with the goal of creating a comfortable environment for those waiting to have their cars serviced. In addition to garage/office areas, each complex will include a condominium called The Driver's Seat - a spacious wireless cafe with laptop stations, meeting areas and healthy food services.

Each four-acre, 10-unit "green building" complex also takes environmental issues into account. Drive Smart intends to secure the respected LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building certification to include solar and biomass energy resources, recyclable products, and water and energy efficiency design elements.

"Our goal is to establish the auto care center as part of the urban landscape in emerging growth areas," said Drive Smart President Kevin McCann.

Thirty-five-year industry veteran Hari Dhaliwal, owner of Drive Rite Automotive Services in Windsor, CA, and partner in Drive Smart, added, "We want to change the public perception of the 'grease pit' business image into an attractive, convenient, community-oriented environment while helping to make the American dream a reality for independent operators across the country. I am proud to be part of this dynamic change."

Drive Smart's first project is anticipated to be located in northern California. Interested accredited investors should contact the president. More information, including a 3D animation of a conceptual auto care center, is available online at http://www.drivesmartllc.com/.

About Drive Smart LLC

Drive Smart LLC is a real estate development company created in October 2004 specifically to develop auto care centers for independent operators serving the $267 billion automotive aftermarket services industry and its customers. Drive Smart's founders, Kevin J. McCann and Hari S. Dhaliwal, have over thirty years experience in light commercial construction management and administration, development, marketing and the auto repair services industry.