Auto Dealers Join Educational Institutions to Create One of the Most Comprehensive Training Centers in the Country

SMCDA to host kickoff event for new $15 million automotive training center

CERRITOS, Calif., Jan. 9 -- A unique partnership between the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association, three automotive manufacturers (Ford, Daimler-Chrysler and General Motors), Cerritos College, Michigan-based Northwood University, and Los Angeles-area high schools will be highlighted during a dinner on Thursday, January 18 at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The evening event will launch the Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (SCCTT), a newly created public/private educational center on the Cerritos College campus that connects education and industry to help address the employment needs of Southern California auto dealers. Featured speakers will include Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Vela and Northwood University President Keith A. Pretty.

The SCCTT and subsequent $4.8 million capital campaign will include a $9 million renovation of the existing three-acre auto complex and a new $6 million automotive partners building that will focus on management education for the auto industry. When completed in 2009, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.

"New car dealers from across Southern California have been using Cerritos College for their training needs for well over 30 years," said Todd Leutheuser, SMCDA executive director. "We are proud to partner with an innovative college that is willing to address the advanced technology training needed to work on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles."

  Highlights of the SCCTT include:

   --   A state-of-the-art Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Training Center
   --   Three manufacturer-sponsored technician apprentice programs
   --   Bachelor's degrees in automotive management for full-time students
        and working adults through Northwood University's West Coast Program
        Center

SCCTT affiliates must continue to raise $4.8 million from private funds to help fund the $15 million expansion of the center in a unique public/private partnership.

About Cerritos College

A community college in Norwalk, Calif., Cerritos College's mission is to serve the community by building futures through learning.

About Northwood University

Northwood University, a traditional four-year private institution based in Michigan is recognized by the automotive industry for its outstanding educational programs.

About Southland Motor Car Dealers Association

SMCDA was established in 1932 and represents the majority of new car and truck dealerships in Southern Los Angeles County.