Tom Cosenzi DFTC Recognized As One Of Jimmy Funds Leading Tournaments in 2017

The Tom Cosenzi Driving For The Cure Charity Golf Tournament was recognized in 2017 as one of Jimmy Fund's leading fundraising tournaments. The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Tournament had a record breaking year, raising over $125,000 in its 9th year for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. They're looking forward to topping their record amount as they prepare to hold their 10th annual tournament on August 20th, 2018 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, MA! 

MSADA Auto Dealer Magazine - Charity Counts October 2017

Carla Cosenzi president of TommyCar Auto Group was featured in MSDA Auto Dealer Magazine's October 2017 Charity Counts issue. The article highlighted both Carla's and TommyCar Auto's charitable contributions over the years. Carla speaks of continuing the legacy of her father and incorporating giving back to their community as part of the everyday culture within each of the dealerships. 

Article Courtesy of MSDA Auto Dealer Magazine: Read the full article here

Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament Raises Record Amount

Pictured: Left to Right: Patrick Wen, MD, Director, Center for Neuro-Oncology Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Tommy Cosenzi and Carla Cosenzi,  Founders of the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament.

HADLEY — The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament set a new fund-raising record by raising $131,300 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his research colleagues in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The tournament was held on Aug. 21 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, followed by a dinner at Twin Hills Country Club attended by more than 300 guests. The dinner featured a performance by Noah Lis from The Voice along with John Dennis, celebrity emcee of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and featured a raffle and live and silent auctions. The event’s platinum sponsor was Edmunds.

The tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of TommyCar Auto Group, to honor the legacy of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma in 2009 and dreamed of a cure for brain cancer. What started as a small, four-team tournament in 2009 has grown to become one of the largest charity tournaments in Western Mass., with more than 52 teams and 300+ participants.

Proceeds from tournament sponsorships help Dana-Farber researchers design novel clinical trials to test and develop targeted therapies that have not previously been studied in brain tumors, initiate several clinical trials in immunotherapy, and conduct groundbreaking basic research to guide new therapeutic approaches. Since its inception in 2009, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has donated $830,712.

“Every year, I think it’s the best one yet,” said Carla Cosenzi. “However, I’m proud to say that our players and sponsors continue to come through, making each year more successful than the last.”

Visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com for information about the 2018 tournament, which will mark the event’s 10th year.

Article Courtesy of Business West

Despite Some Dire Projections, Dealers Having a Solid Year

Carla Cosenzi says TommyCar Auto Group is seeing continued growth across all its lines, despite projections for an industry-wide downturn.

'“We actually expected to start to see a downturn, and internally, we were trending for that,” said Carla Cosenzi, a principal with TommyCar Auto Group, which operates Country Nissan in Hadley, Country Hyundai in Northampton, and Northampton Volkswagen. “That was the rhetoric within the industry, but we’re not seeing that; we’re trending upward at all our locations this year.”'

Read the full article here on Business West

Baystate Children's Hospital 'Hope on Wheels'

In partnership with Balise Hyundai, Country Hyundai and Gary Rome Hyundai, Hyundai Hope on Wheels presented Baystate Children’s Hospital with a $50,000 grant in support of patient care. Hospital leaders gratefully accepted the gift in June, at a special event featuring a signature handpainting ceremony during which our pediatric oncology patients adorned a Hyundai vehicle. To see highlights of the ceremony, please visit the Baystate Health channel on youtube.com and search for “Hyundai Hope on Wheels.”

To view the full annual report, click here.

Auto Dealers Predict Sales Will Continue Rising

Carla Cosenzi says sales have been on the rise for several years at TommyCar Auto Group, and she expects this trend to continue at its dealerships.

"Meanwhile, Carla Cosenzi said last year was a great one for TommyCar Auto Group, which includes Hyundai, Nissan, Buick, GMC, and Volkswagen franchises. Some stores did especially well, including Hyundai, which experienced strong demand for entry-level vehicles.

“Hyundai gives customers a lot of value for their dollar, including technology, safety, and the aggressive pricing people are looking for,” Cosenzi explained, noting that consumers are excited about the fact that new technology is standard in many brands of entry-level models and ranges from adaptive cruise control to lane assist, collision warning, and backup cameras.

TommyCar is expecting another excellent year, and the sales of the new Volkswagen Golf All Trac station wagon, which has all-wheel drive, accelerated right after it was released. In addition, SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular, such as the 2017 seven- passenger Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan.

“People want the space, comfort, and luxury they provide. They are more expensive than compact cars, but with interest rates and gas at all-time lows. they’re affordable,” Cosenzi noted."

Read the full article here on Business West

The Modern Car Dealership Is All About Customer Experience

"Northampton Volkswagen and Country Hyundai, two neighboring stores in TommyCar Auto Group, opened their doors in 2014 with a similar focus on the customer experience. People bringing their cars in for service are met with high-speed doors followed by a porter who shows the way to a waiting room decked out with a TV, wi-fi, business workstations, smartphone jacks, free drinks and snacks, and even complimentary bicycles outside in case customers would rather take to the nearby bike trails instead of waiting indoors.

“We designed everything for the comfort and convenience of the customer,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar. “We’re doing everything with the customer in mind.”"

Read the full article here on: Business West

Operation Kidsafe event set for Saturday in Northampton

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -It's important to be prepared for even the most unthinkable events, and that's why a 'Kidsafe' event is being held this weekend in Northampton.  Carla Cosenzi from Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen joined Western Mass News at 12:30 p.m. to tell us more.

Watch the full interview here on: Western Mass News

Tommy Car Auto Group awards 2 students each with a $1K scholarship

"HADLEY -- Tommy Car Auto Group awarded two students each with a $1,000 scholarship to attend college this fall.

The Scholarship received an overwhelming number of applicants this year, totaling over 100 applications by local students. Jennifer Moss of Hopkins Academy will be attending University of Massachusetts. Olivia Kiritsis of Shepard Hill Regional High School will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Both students demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in the community."

Read the full article here on: Masslive

TommyCar Auto Group donates $3,000 to Springfield Open Pantry

"

HADLEY- During November 23rd-25th, TommyCar Auto Group made a contribution of $3,000 to support the Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon. Country Hyundai, Country Nissan and Northampton Volkswagen matched the first $1,000 that was donated by listeners each day; donating a grand total of $3,000 to the Springfield Open Pantry.

Plus, their service departments offered discounts on vehicle maintenance to anyone willing to donate non-perishable canned goods, according to a news release."

Read the full article here on: Masslive

Tom Cosenzi 7th Annual Golf Tournament Raised $103,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute

"HADLEY- The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament announced today that it has raised $103,000 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his team of researchers in the Neuro-Oncology Department at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  In the last seven years, the tournament has raised more than half a million dollars.

Due to the tremendous support that this years’ tournament brought, the tournament was expanded to Crestview Country Club and Oak Ridge Golf Club. This year the 4-player scramble attracted 220 golfers and 250 banquet guests. It included a full day of golf, dinner and a silent and live-auction in the evening. Autotrader was the event’s Platinum Sponsor."

Read the full press release here on: Tom Cosenzi Driving For the Cure

Auto Dealers Report Record Sales for New Vehicles

Carla Cosenzi says TommyCar Auto Group is planning major promotions to ensure that solid sales continue throughout the fall.

"TommyCar Auto Group is also doing well. “Our sales are up over last year by quite a bit in every store, especially Hyundai,” said President Carla Cosenzi, adding that small crossover vehicles such as the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson have become big sellers, and she expects sales to remain high through the end of the year.

“Although we expected an increase, we kept our projections conservative, but we have definitely outsold what we anticipated, and are looking forward to a really strong end of the month in September, October, and November,” she said. “A lot of people are beginning to think about the weather. As we head toward winter, they want to make sure they are in a safe, reliable car, and we will have great offers that should make a difference in our year-end sales. We have two major promotions that will start in October and run until January. We have revamped our strategy and are excited to roll it out.”"

Read the full article here on Business West

2015 Advocate Best New Car Dealer TommyCar Auto Group

TommyCar Auto Group consisting of Country Nissan, Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen have been awarded 2015 Best New Car Dealer for the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Reader’s Poll. 

For over thirty years, the people of Western Massachusetts have been making their voice heard by voting in the Valley Advocate's Best of the Valley Readers' Poll. From favorite automotive dealership to art museum and pizza place, to hair salon and dentist. Best of voters have been showing their support for those businesses that are an integral part of the fabric of their lives in the Pioneer Valley. 

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized for Best New Car Dealer,” said Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar Auto. “It is such a great feeling to know we have been embraced by this community and we are humbled by this experience.” 

Earning this award reflects the entire TommyCar Auto Group is committed to giving the best customer experience possible. “We want to ensure that our customers are satisfied not only at the time of purchase, but as long as they own their vehicle,” said Cosenzi.

As a team, Carla and her brother Tommy work together through respect and communication to grow their father’s legacy.  She attributes the success of their business to their dedicated employees, who have helped grow the business into the one it is today. 

Gearing Up: Area Auto Dealers Expect Sales to Accelerate in 2015

"Carla Cosenzi doesn’t mince words when she talks about 2015 and her expectation that it will be a great year for auto sales. “The economy continues to gain strength, interest rates remain low, and there are a lot of exciting new models coming out, so the outlook is really positive; the auto industry is predicting a record year,” said the president of TommyCar Auto Group, adding that sales have been on the rise in the past few years and the company was confident enough to build brand-new Hyundai and Volkswagen dealerships in Northampton over the past few years."

Read full article here on: Business West

Country Nissan wins DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award

"HADLEY - Country Nissan has been awarded a 2015 DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award, the said according to a news release. 

Country Nissan has achieved consistently high marks on the DealerRater website, placing it among the top dealerships nationwide. 

"We want to ensure that our customers are satisfied not only at the time of purchase, but as long as they own their vehicle," said Carla Cosenzi, owner of Country Nissan. "The Dealer Rater Consumer Satisfaction Award is reflective of our long-standing commitment to create exceptional customer experiences. Exceeding customer expectations is not an easy task. However, this is exactly what we strive to do every day here at Country Nissan." "

Read the full article here on: Masslive

TommyCar Auto Group Supports Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon

HADLEY — TommyCar Auto Group was a supporter and sponsor of the Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon, with its Service Department offering discounts on vehicle maintenance to anyone willing to donate non-perishable canned goods. In addition to the generous community support, Country Hyundai, Country Nissan, and Northampton Volkswagen matched the first $1,000 that was donated by listeners each day, donating a grand total of $3,000 to Springfield Open Pantry. “It was inspiring to see how many people come out during those three days to donate non-perishable items. We were honored to be part of this amazing cause” said TommyCar co-owner Carla Cosenzi. This year, the annual Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon raised $108,000 for Springfield Open Pantry. Bax & O’Brien broadcasted 52 hours from the Basketball Hall of Fame in downtown Springfield. Their goal was to fill three 48-foot trailers with non-perishable food donations.

Dealer Solutions Magazine

"One way that Carla acts to generate a culture of success for her dealership is through giving. She has branded herself using CarlaCares, a group of nonprofit organizations to which she donates and supports. However, this is not for personal gain, as she describes herself as having a passion for giving back to her community. The bonus is the attitude change for employees that see her level of commitment. Her passion for giving is contagious, as she is also completely committed to being on-site, in her stores, every single day. Such conviction inspires her employees to achieve more than most, all while having more pride in what they do than most."

Read full article here on: Dealer Solutions Magazine

Carla Speaks at 2014 Western Mass. Business Expo

"Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar Auto Group, presents the seminar "How to Delagate and Empower Your Management to Drive Employee Success”" 

See full Article Here on Business West

Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament raises $76,300

"HADLEY — For six years, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $480,000 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his team of researchers in the Neuro-Oncology Department at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

This year, the four-player scramble held at Crestview Country Club on Sept. 15 included 144 golfers and 175 banquet guests raising $76,300, the Tommy Car family of dealerships said in a news release Tuesday"

Read the full article here on: Masslive

Massachusetts Car Owner Awarded Top 10 Businesswomen of the Pioneer Valley

Carla Cosenzi President of TommyCar Auto Group, which consists of Country Nissan in Hadley, MA; Country Hyundai in Northampton, MA; Northampton Volkswagen in Northampton, MA; and Patriot Buick GMC in Charlton, MA, was recently awarded Top 10 Businesswomen of the Pioneer Valley by Women Business Owners Alliance (WBOA).  

This award is given to local business women outside of WBOA who have shown success in their businesses, have contributed to the community in some way, or have shown themselves as successful role models for other women business owners and executives. 

WBOA provides education and inspiration to Western Massachusetts businesswomen in every stage of their business development. Led by a 17-member Board of Directors, WBOA offers a variety of monthly business and professional development opportunities geared towards helping women grow their businesses and reach their goals.

Carla remains on the UMASS Nursing Advisory Board and is actively involved in the community, continuing the Thomas E. Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $400,000 in support of brain-cancer research for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

TommyCar Auto Group re-opened Northampton Volkswagen and Country Hyundai at a new site in 2014. The $13 million state-of-the-art Volkswagen and Hyundai dealerships are located on King Street in Northampton MA. Both dealerships are under 18,000 square feet and consist of modern, spacious, and comfortable showrooms.  With 13 service bays in each facility, the latest in automotive service technology these dealerships will separate from any area facility; providing customers with the best service and shortest wait times.

As a team, Carla and her brother Tommy work together through respect and communication to grow their father’s legacy.  She credits their success to the employees who helped grow the business into the successful one it is today.