GM One Ups Ford with Buick Drive For Your Students
Rips off Ford’s idea for charity, so Ford can’t really be mad
GM One Ups Ford with Buick Drive For Your Students ©GM
General Motors today announced a new, totally original program called Buick Drive For Your Students, in which Buick dealerships partner with community high schools to host test drives and raise money for the school. If this sounds all too familiar, that’s because Ford already does this with Drive 4 UR School and Drive 4 UR Community. So yes, Buick took Ford’s idea, but when it’s for charity, a little plagiarism is okay, right?
Especially since Buick is donating two thirds more than Ford usually does during each event—a $10,000 donation compared to $6,000. Buick also offers scholarships to students via the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program.
“This program further demonstrates Buick’s commitment to community and education, as well as the local investment that dealers are making in their home towns,” said Molly Peck, director of Marketing for Buick.
The Buick Drive For Your Students program is pretty simple. Buick is partnering with a total of 100 schools across the country. Those schools and their participating dealerships will organize test drives for community members to take. For each test drive taken, Buick will make a donation toward a total, up to $10,000 per event.
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The process will also give students the chance to gain experience in planning, coordinating, and carrying out charity events.
“Schools are always seeking dynamic opportunities to support their extracurricular activities and elective programs,” said Keller, Texas, Independent School District Director of Athletics, Bob DeJonge. “It provides an opportunity for the students to build their resume with relevant work experience and for the community to demonstrate support for the school.”
Already, Buick piloted the program with six schools back in May. The other 94 schools will host their events before the year is out.
“This program offers the opportunity for Buick and its dealers to build lasting relationships in the community,” commented Nader Ozzie, Freeman Buick GMC in Grapevine, Texas. “It also provides members of the community with an opportunity to experience the new Buick cars and crossovers in a fun, relaxed environment.”
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Source: Photos courtesy of GM
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