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Rick Case Automotive Group Wins Times Dealer Advertising Award Again

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. p-wins-times-dealer-advertising-award-again.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 5:33 GMT by Auto Remarketing
      Locales: Illinois, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

Monday, March 16th, 2026 - The automotive retail landscape continues to evolve, with both innovation in marketing and a growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility taking center stage. This week, two dealership groups - Rick Case Automotive Group and Kunes Auto Group - are making headlines for markedly different, yet equally impactful, achievements.

Rick Case Automotive Group Secures Second #1 Ranking in Times Dealer Advertising Awards

Rick Case Automotive Group has achieved a rare feat, earning the top spot in the prestigious Times Dealer Advertising Awards for the second time. This back-to-back recognition underscores the group's consistently innovative and effective marketing strategies. The awards, considered a benchmark of excellence in automotive advertising, evaluate campaigns based on creativity, impact, and return on investment.

While specific details of the winning campaign haven't been fully released, industry analysts point to Rick Case's consistent use of multi-channel marketing - encompassing television, radio, digital advertising, and social media - as a key driver of their success. Their campaigns are known for being customer-centric, emphasizing value and a positive buying experience. The dealership group also heavily leverages data analytics to refine their targeting and messaging, ensuring that their advertisements reach the most receptive audiences.

"Winning the Times Dealer Advertising Award once is a tremendous accomplishment. To win it twice proves that Rick Case Automotive Group isn't just chasing trends; they are setting them," comments automotive marketing consultant, Amelia Stone. "They've built a brand reputation focused on customer satisfaction and consistently translate that into compelling advertising. It's a winning formula."

Beyond creative execution, Rick Case's success is attributed to a strong internal marketing team constantly adapting to the evolving digital landscape. They've invested heavily in virtual reality showroom experiences and personalized online shopping tools, further solidifying their commitment to meeting customers where they are. The company's focus isn't solely on selling cars, but on building long-term relationships with customers - a strategy clearly resonating with consumers.

Kunes Auto Group Shifts Gears with United Way Transportation Initiative

In a demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Kunes Auto Group has announced a significant partnership with United Way, launching a new transportation assistance program designed to serve families in need. Recognizing that lack of reliable transportation is a major barrier to accessing vital services such as employment, healthcare, and education, Kunes is donating vehicles and providing ongoing maintenance to support the initiative.

The program aims to bridge the transportation gap for individuals and families facing financial hardship. This includes providing rides to job interviews, medical appointments, childcare, and other essential commitments. United Way will manage the logistics of the program, ensuring that those in need receive timely and dependable transportation.

Bob Kunes, CEO of Kunes Auto Group, stated, "We believe that everyone deserves access to opportunities and resources. This partnership with United Way is a tangible way for us to make a difference in the lives of families in our communities."

This isn't Kunes Auto Group's first foray into community involvement, but it represents a significant scaling up of their philanthropic efforts. Other initiatives have included sponsoring local youth sports teams, supporting food banks, and volunteering in community clean-up projects. However, the transportation program stands out for its potential to address a fundamental need and create lasting positive impact.

"Reliable transportation is often the difference between a family thriving and struggling," explains Sarah Miller, Director of Community Impact at United Way. "Kunes Auto Group's generosity will allow us to expand our reach and provide critical support to those who need it most. It's a partnership we're incredibly excited about."

The Broader Trends

These two announcements highlight a dual trend within the automotive industry. On one hand, there's a relentless pursuit of marketing innovation and brand differentiation, as exemplified by Rick Case's advertising success. On the other, a growing recognition of the importance of social responsibility and giving back to the communities dealerships serve, as demonstrated by Kunes Auto Group's partnership with United Way. Both strategies, though distinct, contribute to building a sustainable and positive brand image in an increasingly competitive market. Consumers are increasingly likely to support businesses that align with their values, making both effective marketing and community engagement essential for long-term success in the automotive retail sector.