Hoffman Auto Group Names New Director of Marketing and Communications

Company strengthens creative, with eye to the future


EAST HARTFORD, CT (March 16, 2011) – Hoffman Auto Group is pleased to announce that Al Simon has been named the Director of Marketing and Communications for the company.  He will now oversee the public relations and marketing departments, as well as the business development center and receptionists.  
            Hoffman has seen tremendous growth over the past year, and Simon has played a large role in Hoffman’s success – the BDC accounted for 25% of sales across the company in 2010, up five percent from 2009.  Thanks to Simon’s direction, the Hoffman websites see an average of 23,000 of visitors, an increase of 21% in 2010 over 2009.
            “This position is really in response to the growth of the company,” said Simon.  “The Hoffman’s have put a great deal of emphasis on reinvesting in the company. Those reinvestments are more than remodeling buildings; the re-branding and this reorganization are examples of that.”
             The company currently has a marketing, public relations and Internet business development center.  Simon will oversee all three departments, effectively integrating the company’s internal and external communications efforts.  By restructuring marketing messages and utilizing all modern channels of communication, Simon expects to grow the business by streamlining their marketing processes.  Prior to this reorganization, Simon managed 20% of the company’s advertising budget.  He will now manage 100% of the budget.
            “We are excited and know Al will take our business to the next level,” said I. Bradley Hoffman, co-chairman of Hoffman Auto Group.  “By uniting our marketing and Internet departments, we will be able to present a unified message to our consumer.”
            “After almost 100 years in the Connecticut automotive industry, it became apparent that we needed to make this move to ensure our longevity,” said Jeffrey Hoffman, co-chairman.  “Al possesses the foresight – and drive – to help guarantee the future of our business.”
             Simon began his career as a Customer Relation’s Specialist with American Honda Motor Company.  He started at Hoffman in 2000 as the Customer Service Manager.  He soon was promoted to the position of Internet Sales and Business Development Manager, and totally recreated the online sales process of the motor group.  He is directly responsible for guiding the transformation of Hoffman’s online presence.

About Hoffman Auto Group
In 1921, Hoffman Auto Group was founded by Israel Hoffman with the acquisition of a Ford franchise in New Hartford, CT.  After almost 100 years, Hoffman Auto Group is regarded as one of the most successful family owned businesses in the state.  With locations in three Connecticut towns – New London, West Simsbury and East Hartford – the company is comprised of ten brands: Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Saab, smart, Toyota, Scion, Honda, Nissan and Ford. In addition to its sales, service, parts and body-shop departments, the company also consists of an Information Technology department; a Customer Loyalty Center; a Business Development Center, containing an internet sales and social media department; and an in-house advertising and public relations department. For more information, visit www.hoffmanauto.com.  Hoffman Auto Group – Driven By Trust.