Used Car

Three Used Car Titans Steer Their Way into Hall of Fame!

Steve, Jeremiah, and Marguerite make history in the Used Car Week Hall of Fame! Discover their contributions and some fun facts about the industry!

The used car industry recently celebrated a momentous occasion as three prominent figures were inducted into the Used Car Week Hall of Fame. This inaugural class featured Steve Kapusta of Ally SmartAuction, Jeremiah Wheeler of DRN | MVTRAC | SCM, and Marguerite Watanabe of Connections Insights. Their contributions to the sector not only paved the way for innovative practices but also set high standards for excellence. The induction ceremony brought together industry leaders and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the significant impact these honorees have made on the used car market.

Steve Kapusta has dedicated years to revolutionizing the auction process through Ally SmartAuction, making it easier for dealers to connect with buyers. His knack for integrating technology with traditional systems has transformed how used cars are traded, aligning stakeholders throughout the process. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Wheeler has made his mark by streamlining operations at DRN/MVTRAC/SCM, focusing on data optimization and analytics to cut costs and improve efficiency. His forward-thinking approach has been vital in establishing reliable vehicle history, thereby enhancing buyer confidence.

Marguerite Watanabe's insights have been invaluable for the industry, as she emphasizes the importance of customer experience. Her work at Connections Insights has helped numerous businesses fine-tune their strategies to meet the evolving demands of car buyers in a digitally driven market. Her pioneering spirit fuels her commitment to elevating the used car experience, ensuring buyers find exactly what they need while dealers thrive.

As the industry evolves, these three leaders represent a beacon of innovation and commitment to excellence. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their hard work and vision, but it also serves as an inspiration for future leaders in the used car space. What’s more, a brisk walk through the halls of history reveals that the used car market has been around since the early 1900s, reminding us that some things, like a trusty used vehicle, are timeless.

In fact, did you know that the first recorded used car sale took place in 1898? It was a deconstructed 1896 Benz Patent Motor Car! Additionally, the used car market in the U.S. has indeed flourished over the past few years, with sales expected to reach new heights—no surprise considering how reliable and budget-friendly they can be. With industry leaders like Kapusta, Wheeler, and Watanabe paving the way, the future of used cars is looking brighter than ever!