CARMEL, Ind., Dec. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE:KAR), a global vehicle remarketing and technology solutions provider, announces its $250,000 commitment to City Life Wheels of Central Indiana – creating the new KAR Auction Services City Life Wheels Training Center. City Life Wheels, an Indianapolis-based non-profit, uses donated vehicles to teach near east-side Indianapolis youth basic auto maintenance and repair skills. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified professionals teach auto repair and serve as adult mentors modeling responsibility, safety and integrity while offering career guidance and coaching.
“As one of the state’s largest employers, KAR Auction Services is committed to supporting our community and the development of Indiana’s workforce,” said Jim Hallett, chairman and CEO of KAR Auction Services, Inc. “The new KAR Auction Services City Life Wheels Training Center helps teens learn technical and personal skills that will help them succeed as adults in the automotive industry and beyond. I look forward to seeing program graduates as potential KAR employees.”
KAR’s initial $225,000 grant helped fund the purchase and renovation of the City Life Wheels facility at 2409 East Washington Street. The facility houses six automotive repair bays and lifts, diagnostic and repair equipment, classroom space, and a kitchen. The facility is also home to additional City Life programs that provide support and assistance to those in the nearby community.
“As a non-profit organization, City Life Wheels depends on the generosity of others – donated cars, equipment and time – to advance our mission,” said Ali King, executive director, Central Indiana Youth for Christ and City Life Wheels. “KAR’s support allowed us to complete this state-of-the-art center and will help us reach and train even more young adults. This partnership will not only improve the lives our graduates, but will positively impact the future of our entire community.”
KAR will provide another $25,000 grant in 2018 to support KAR Auction Services City Life Wheels Training Center. The grant is to be used exclusively for expanding the scope and reach of the City Life Wheels program.
| KAR Contacts | |
| Media Inquiries: | Analyst Inquiries: |
| Gene Rodriguez | Mike Eliason |
| (317) 343-5243 or (317) 224-4184 | (317) 249-4559 |
| gene.rodriguez@karauctionservices.com | mike.eliason@karauctionservices.com |
About KAR Auction Services
KAR Auction Services (NYSE:KAR) provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. KAR’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, salvage, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services, including the sale of more than 5 million units valued at over $40 billion through our auctions. Our integrated physical, online and mobile marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers in 110 countries. Headquartered in Carmel, Ind., KAR has approximately 17,600 employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. www.karauctionservices.com.
About City Life Wheels
City Life Wheels uses donated vehicles to train Marion County teens ages 14 to 19 in basic auto maintenance and repair skills. Taught by an ASE certified mechanic, students learn to understand and diagnose car systems while also developing the life skills needed to find and maintain employment. Adult mentors model Christian values and help students learn core competencies in auto repair while encouraging them to set goals, budget and problem-solve so they can provide for their future families. The curriculum includes the development of positive character traits such as faith, reliability, communication, work ethic and service that will help these young people become future leaders in their community.