Maaco Selects Hass MS&L for Communications Services

Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting, the largest production auto painter in North America , has selected Hass MS&L, Michigan’s largest public relations agency and part of the Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) global network, as its automotive specialty public relations partner.

“Maaco is in an evolutionary stage, moving from a simple provider of basic paint services to a broader position of higher-level paint and collision services,” said Anthony A. Martino, CEO. “We chose Hass MS&L because it’s important we have the right communications partner to support us along the way.”

Maaco has consistently ranked as one of the leading companies in its industry category by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500. For nearly 35 years, Maaco has provided affordable paint and body work services to millions of cars, trucks and SUVs.

Hass MS&L and Maaco will work to raise awareness about Maaco’s auto body services through public relations and marketing programs, including the launch of the Maaco Medusa™, a fully-customized 2006 Mustang GT that will help change the way people think about Maaco. The initiatives will focus on generating awareness among consumers, both regionally and nationally, of the superior auto body and paint capabilities at Maaco franchises.

“MS&L is pleased to work with Maaco during such an exciting part of the company’s history,” said Frank Guglielmi, managing director of Hass M&SL in Detroit. “Hass MS&L’s experience in the automotive industry, paired with Maaco’s strong brand recognition, will lead to many great communications opportunities.”

About Maaco Auto Body and Paint

Maaco has been in the business of renewing the appearance of vehicles for nearly 35 years. Each year, approximately 650,000 vehicles are painted among Maaco’s nearly 500 franchised outlets – all told, about 16 million vehicles have been painted since Maaco’s first store opened in Wilmington, Del., in 1972. Maaco has evolved from the position of discount car painting to providing “Cosmollision” services, a broad capability in cosmetic auto body repair for today’s cars.

###