Dodge Ram expert wins award

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep's Dodge Ram pickup-truck specialist, Karl Ayerle, recently won first place in Chrysler's Regional "Dodge Ram Walkaround" contest, proving that he knows more about Ram trucks than anyone in Nevada.

In the "Walkaround" competition, contestants provide a six-minute demonstration of a Dodge Ram truck.

After winning the local contest, Ayerle entered the statewide competition by submitting a videotaped walkaround. Ayerle's video took first place and he won a $1,000 cash prize. This is the first time Ayerle has competed in the annual competition.

Ayerle has been working in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years. Chapman recruited him from the Integrity Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership when it closed last spring.

Ayerle spends a lot of time studying and learning the features and benefits of Dodge trucks and is the go-to salesman for buyers who are interested in Dodge trucks. He drives a four-wheel-drive 2004 Dodge Ram and believes Dodge Rams are the best trucks on the road.

"I recommend them to everyone looking into buying a truck," Ayerle said. "Among Chevy, Ford and Toyota trucks, Dodge Rams have the most powerful gas engines and their full-boxed frames make them very safe in the case of an accident."

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep General Manager Don Hamrick says Ayerle is one of many employees at his dealership who maintain an in-depth product knowledge of vehicle makes and models in order to help customers make informed decisions. Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep salespeople are required to spend two hours on product knowledge training each month. The dealership's certified sales representatives must fulfill 75 hours of training annually.

"The automotive industry is rapidly changing and, in order to explain products to our customers, we have to stay on top of training," Hamrick said. "Karl is a 20-year veteran of the automotive industry and very knowledgeable about Dodge models, so when Integrity closed its doors last year we were thrilled to extend him the invitation to come to our dealership."

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep sells and services new and used vehicles and is located on 3175 E. Sahara Ave. Chapman Dodge can be reached at 800-New-Dodge and www.LasVegasDodge.com.