Karen Merriman

The etShowRoom™ online customer interface is designed to provide potential dealership customers with the ability to search, browse and learn more about vehicles they are interested in through an intuitive, easy-to-use web portal. Guided by an online agent from the dealership, the customer can be given the specific information they require with a minimum of effort. In addition, by providing a local sales professional to guide the customer, real time pricing and vehicle availability are current and accurate.

* Created Porsche Academy by consolidating training for PCNA under one roof. * Developed Sales & AfterSales Skills Initiative task force with Porsche AG & major markets. (U.S., U.K., Germany, Latin America). Plan was funded for €7M with year-one revenue increase of $100M worldwide. * Head pilot & implementation of global learning management system. Roll out to all Porsche markets worldwide over the next 24 months reduced PCNA’s development cost to time invested in the project. This netted a savings of o

Matrix reporting to Executive Vice President, Sales Operations & Director of Organizational Development. Managed Volvo University with budget responsibility over $15M. Worked closely with divergent populations including Volvo Finance, Volvo Retailers, Volvo Car Corporation Sweden, as well as external suppliers. Maintained relationships with Volvo retailers. Staff of 4 managers, 12 technical training instructors with matrix reporting to AfterSales & 12 product specialists with matrix reporting to regions.

Worked closely with members of the sales and marketing leadership team at Volvo Finance and Volvo Cars on an ongoing basis. * Created entire lease and financial services training program based on market and Volvo Finance needs. * Became champion and led retailer training project for the communications/win-back team (members from Land Rover, Jaguar, Primus, Volvo Cars, Lincoln Mercury, Ford Credit and Volvo Finance) as a part of the Premiere Automotive Group - customer value project.

* Managed staff of 36 employees in a call center environment. Implemented use of ADP finance equipment to extend customer contracts and arrange financing for end-of-term agreements. * Oversaw the maturing of 45,000 leases in one year, a record for Volvo Finance. Responsible for working directly with Volvo retailers to encourage customer loyalty. 52% of these customers leased a new Volvo. 19% either re-leased or arranged used financing for their existing Volvo. 8% paid off their vehicles and 21% went to a

* Reported to Zone Manager * Managed territory of eight states and 68 retailers in the Midwest Region. * Average captive lease and finance penetration was at 60% in a non-program environment.

Southern California, Arizona, Southern Nevada territry. Provided leasing and finance products, including training and support, to 168 dealers throughout the region.

Managed business office function in busy Volvo retail facility. Staff of three full time and one part time Finance and Leasing Managers. Store average sales of 100 new and pre-owned units per month. Average finance and lease income $1200 per vehicle sold. Also functioned as relief Sales Manager.

First lease manager at BMW of San Diego. Personally retailed over 120 new and pre-owned BMW automobiles annually. Recognized by BMW of North America for being one of the top 20 Overseas Delivery Salespeople in North America.

Sales of corporate electronic banking services including payroll and accounting products. Managed dealer floorplan lines of credit for 15 San Diego County dealerships. Loan officer -- approved consumer leases and loans for same group of dealers.