With 2021 in our rearview mirror, it’s always fun to reflect on our company’s journey and the road we’ve traveled during the year. Indeed, it was another pivotal year of working hard to better serve our associates, customers, and communities. A special thanks to our awesome associates for a great 2021!
Here, we highlight some of the remarkable moments and accomplishments that tell the story of America’s Car-Mart in 2021.
January
We started the new year with all-new branding for America’s Car-Mart – a new logo and tagline, “Keeping You on the Road.” Our new tagline is a commitment and a promise we will do whatever it takes to provide customers with excellent service, care and compassion before, during and after the vehicle sale. What a great way to start 2021!
February
We launched our Peace of Mind package that includes a 7-day exchange policy, optional service contracts, optional accident protection plan and several ways to make a payment which allows our customers to buy with added confidence. For the first time, our service contracts provide membership to Good Sam Roadside Assistance and oil changes based on the purchase price of the used vehicle. Another great way to help keep our customers on the road.
March
We issued our first Corporate Responsibility Report, which provides a first formal look at how we embrace the principle of ‘doing the right thing’ throughout our 40-year history.
April
We want to buy your car. We developed a convenient online offer tool (for selling and trading vehicles) so customers can see what their car is worth before heading to a Car-Mart dealership. Our website explains the easy process.
May
Another Car-Mart tradition is to share helpful tips with our customers. So, we compiled a list of four things customers can do to add value to the vehicle and prepare it for sale.
June
June is graduation month, and that means first-time car buyers. So, Mandi Lopez-Brown, General Manager, Rogers North, Ark., provided a list of five things first-time car buyers should know about the car-buying process.
July
Car-Mart was recognized for inclusion on two prestigious automotive lists. We were also named to the 2021 America’s Best Small-Cap Companies in the U.S. by Forbes magazine. It’s always nice to be recognized. We’re excited for our associates who work hard every day to keep our customers on the road. And we’re thrilled for our customers who rely on us for their transportation solutions.
August
We celebrated 40 years in business! In 1981, America’s Car-Mart set out a vision to help credit-challenged customers find a vehicle that makes a difference in their lives. For 40 years, we have provided transportation solutions and legendary service to customers and local communities.
September
We launched our all-new Dream Car commercials. The ad campaign highlights how we help credit-challenged customers find a vehicle that makes a difference in their lives. We want customers to know Car-Mart will help them realize their dream of vehicle ownership
October
We’re growing! We opened our company’s 152nd dealership in El Reno, Okla.! It’s our 29th dealership in Oklahoma, and we couldn’t be prouder to expand in the great state of Oklahoma.
November
In the true spirit of giving, America’s Car-Mart united to make Christmas special for children in the hospital during the holiday season. For the 13th consecutive year, Car-Mart conducted its Holiday Toy Drive and collected a whopping 21,460 toys for delivery to 25 area children’s hospitals and other local organizations.
December
We’re growing and expanding some more! We opened our 153rd dealership in Norman, Okla. And we also announced an agreement to purchase two dealerships in Tennessee – Smart Auto in Johnson City and Bright Motors, Knoxville.
And for a great ending to 2021, America’s Car-Mart was named the 2021 Independent Dealer of the Year. Cherokee Media Group recognized its 2021 Used Car Awards, a program sponsored by KAR Global.
We’re proud to be recognized for this prominent distinction. We’re excited for our associates who work hard every day to keep our customers on the road. And we’re thrilled for our customers who rely on us for their transportation solutions.