Ziebart Introduces Innovative Gold Shield Protection Program for Auto Dealerships Nationwide
In a groundbreaking move for the automotive industry, Ziebart, a leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, has unveiled its Gold Shield Protection Program. This new initiative aims to empower car dealerships across the nation by allowing them to offer specific Ziebart protection services directly to their customers — right from the dealership.
Scheduled to debut at the highly anticipated National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas from February 3-6, 2026, the Gold Shield Protection Program is an essential part of Ziebart's broader strategy for growth and innovation this year. According to Thomas A. Wolfe, Ziebart's President and CEO, this program is a natural progression of the company's long-standing collaboration with dealerships. He emphasizes that the program will add significant value not only to the dealerships but also to vehicle owners by delivering trusted protection services that meet the needs of their customers.
The Gold Shield Protection initiative includes services that dealerships can provide on-site after receiving specialized training from Ziebart. These services feature fabric protection, leather conditioning, and paint protection, leveraging Ziebart’s renowned quality and expertise. However, some services, such as window tinting and rust protection, will remain exclusive to Ziebart's own established locations, thereby maintaining their brand identity and recognition across the industry.
Jason Theisen, the Vice President of U.S. Franchise Operations at Ziebart, elaborates that this program builds upon a successful model already seen at select franchise locations, like those in Indianapolis and Dayton. By formalizing and expanding these in-house programs, Ziebart is making it possible for dealerships to streamline their operations while enhancing customer satisfaction.
For years, many dealerships have relied on local Ziebart centers to perform protective services, often sending customers' vehicles off-site before delivery. The launch of the Gold Shield Protection Program changes that dynamic, enabling dealerships to incorporate Ziebart services right into their workflow, thus providing a seamless experience for customers.
The vision for the Gold Shield Program extends beyond immediate benefits; Ziebart aims to establish this program as a standard offering within dealerships nationwide. Ziebart is keen to ensure that even dealerships without a nearby Ziebart service can access their high-quality products and expertise, creating additional competitive advantages in the crowded automotive market.
As Ziebart gears up for the NADA Show, they invite dealership owners, operators, and industry leaders to learn more about how their new protection program can benefit businesses across the nation. Ziebart’s long-term goal is to expand their reach and ensure that every dealership can easily access innovative vehicle protection options that elevate customer service standards.
Moreover, the Gold Shield Protection Program aligns with Ziebart’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth, as they celebrate their legacy in offering superior automotive services dating back to 1959. With over 400 locations and more than 1,000 dealership partners operating in 37 countries, Ziebart continues to be at the forefront of the automotive industry.
For dealerships interested in implementing Ziebart’s new protection services, further details and information regarding franchise opportunities can be found at Ziebart’s official website. The introduction of the Gold Shield Protection Program marks a significant milestone in creating a more interconnected experience for dealerships and their customers, solidifying Ziebart's position as a trusted partner in the automotive protection sector.