Buick Test Drive Program Set to Benefit Schools

A new Buick test drive program will team dealerships with students in 100 communities to raise funds for local high schools, General Motors has announced.

The initiative is designed to help offset the rising costs of after-school programs and reduce local operating deficits in school districts.

“This program further demonstrates Buick’s commitment to community and education, as well as the local investment that dealers are making in their home towns,” said Marketing for Buick Director Molly Peck.

Through the “Drive For Your Students” program, dealers and high schools will join together to host test drive events. Buick will donate $10 for every test drive taken at the event. If the event exceeds 100 test drives, Buick will double their donation to $20 per test drive. Participating schools have the opportunity to raise $10,000 per event.

Not only will students obtain funds for elective programs at their schools, those students who help organize the test drive events will “gain valuable real-world experience in helping dealers plan, coordinate and execute events,” according to a statement issued by GM.

Buick tested the program in six communities in May, and will introduce it in 94 more areas nationwide by the end of the year.

“Schools are always seeking dynamic opportunities to support their extracurricular activities and elective programs,” said Bob DeJonge, District School Director of Keller (Texas) Independent School, which participated in the pilot initiative. “It provides an opportunity for the students to build their resume with relevant work experience and for the community to demonstrate support for the school.”

Buick’s “Drive For Your Students” program is similar to Ford’s “Drive 4 UR School and Drive 4 UR Community” campaign, but General Motors is offering schools the opportunity to raise $4,000 more per test drive event than its rival automaker.

“This program offers the opportunity for Buick and its dealers to build lasting relationships in the community,” said Nader Ozzie, who works at Freeman Buick GMC in Grapevine, Texas. “It also provides members of the community with an opportunity to experience the new Buick cars and crossovers in a fun, relaxed environment.”

Buick has a strong history of promoting academics and achievement. In addition to “Drive For Your Students,” the Detroit-based automaker also offers the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, which has donated nearly $28 million in scholarships to students across the United States. Buick also partners with the NCAA to support achievement in college sports.