Nationwide Named Preferred Insurer for Sonic Automotive Customers
2 February 2000
Nationwide Named Preferred Insurer for Sonic Automotive CustomersCOLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 1 -- Nationwide Insurance, one of the country's largest auto and homeowner insurers, has been named Sonic Automotive Inc.'s preferred automotive insurance provider. Beginning today this agreement makes all Sonic Automotive dealerships a one-stop location for customers purchasing automobiles and insurance. Sonic Automotive owns and operates 106 dealerships countrywide and is the second-largest automotive retail group in the United States. "This agreement offers more convenience for customers and develops a mutually beneficial relationship between two strong, growth-oriented companies," said William Ramsden, vice president of agency support for Nationwide. "Our commitment to building relationships will help turn one-time customers into lifetime customers for both companies," Ramsden said. Research shows that 65% of people prefer to deal directly with an insurance agent. With that in mind, Nationwide agents will work with Sonic dealerships to provide immediate review of present insurance coverage and provide no-obligation insurance quotes. "This partnership gives our customers a single point of contact and addresses insurance-related questions right away," said B. Scott Smith, Sonic Automotive's president and chief operating officer. "The Nationwide agent will serve as a personal consultant to our staff, which enhances our service to customers," Smith continued. Sonic Automotive, Inc., based in Charlotte, NC, owns and operates 158 franchises and 29 collision centers in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Nationwide, a Fortune 500 company, is based in Columbus, Ohio.