Dean Evans and Terry Laughridge

Thursday, May 26
11:00 AM

Industry Insights: A conversation about everything from smart marketing and vehicle acquisition strategies to the future of automotive retail

Dean and Terry will cover the major trends dominating the industry today while also sharing smart strategies on how dealers can maximize the opportunities that come with each of those trends.

About Dean

Dean Evans has served as Executive Vice President for CARS Inc. since October 2019. In this position, he is helping develop cutting edge marketing solutions for dealers and automakers to increase sales through integrated and innovative strategies. Dean is a renowned automotive industry leader, with more than 20 years of experience driving success at major automotive brands with a focus on sales through next-generation marketing and technology solutions.

Before joining CARS, Dean enjoyed four successful years as CMO of Hyundai Motor America, where he led all marketing activities for the carmaker in the US. During his tenure, he expanded the company’s digital marketing efforts and launched industry-first programs such as Prime Now, Drive Now with leading brand Amazon, branded content pieces with partners like Buzzfeed, and innovative retail experiences like Shopper Assurance, transforming the way customers shop for and buy a new car. Prior to joining Hyundai, Dean was the CMO of Subaru of America from 2011-2014. He has also been an entrepreneur-executive in several successful automotive digital marketing start-ups, including serving as CEO of LotLinx Inc., CMO of Dealer.com, and VP of Marketing for Dealix.com. 

Dean began his career as a Pontiac Sales Consultant in Boulder, and spent time as a General Manager at a metro Chrysler dealership, as well as at Land Rover. Forbes has ranked Dean a top 20 World's Most Influential Chief Marketing Officer in 2017-2019 top 50 rankings, and he was named to the Automotive News All-Stars list in 2018 and 2013.  

About Terry

Terry Laughridge has served as the COO for Fuel, a CARS Inc. company,  since late 2019. In this position, he is helping fellow dealers innovate their marketing strategies to increase sales and profitability. Terry’s position in today’s advertising and marketing environment is straight forward; investing in your market to drive traffic should be a priority exercise without one dollar being wasted. Every dollar spent should be on an audience in your back yard or your competitors that said yesterday I want or need a vehicle before one dime is spent anywhere else with sight sound and motion. 

Terry is a global leader in the industry with more than 40 years of experience in all areas of automotive retail. From 1991-1999,  Terry served as a partner at Zimmerman Advertising, a full-service advertising agency specializing in retail brands. In 2001 Terry served as the director of tier two advertising at TBWA Worldwide, in Tokyo, Japan,  an international advertising agency that creates disruptive ideas for brands.