Fitzgerald Auto Malls Brings ESOP Town Halls to Employee-Owners, With a Focus on Growing Leaders From Within

County leaders and local business owners gather on Rockville Pike to unveil bus ads celebrating Green Business Certification FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 28, 2026 Media contact: Linda Pineda · 301-881-4000 · PinedaL@FitzMall.com ROCKVILLE, Md. — Bethesda Green and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection today launched an advertising campaign on Montgomery County Ride On buses that recognizes local businesses that have earned Green Business Certification. Fitzgerald Auto Malls, one of 33 businesses and nonprofits certified through the program, hosted the launch at its Rockville Pike dealership. Jennifer Macedonia of the Department of Environmental Protection led the event, which featured County Council President Natali Fani-González, Councilmember Kate Stewart (District 4), Bethesda Green Executive Director Dave Feldman and Fitzgerald Auto Malls President Rob Smith. For one month, signs on Ride On buses will display the logos of recently certified businesses. Each business will also be featured on the back of its own bus, putting certified companies in front of thousands of riders and motorists across the county. “Our certified green businesses are leading by example, showing that environmental stewardship and good business go hand in hand,” said Feldman. “Fitzgerald Auto Malls embodies that commitment, and we’re grateful for their leadership and for hosting today’s celebration. By putting these businesses on Ride On buses, we’re making sustainability visible, recognizing those taking action and inspiring others to follow their lead.” “We’re proud to be part of a community that takes sustainability seriously, and proud to host today’s launch,” said Smith. “Our customers and neighbors care about how businesses operate, and Green Business Certification is a clear way to show that we do too.” About the Green Business Certification Program Montgomery County’s Green Business Certification Program is a voluntary program that recognizes businesses and nonprofits for environmentally responsible practices in seven areas: waste reduction and recycling, environmental purchasing, energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable landscaping and stormwater management, pollution prevention, transportation and travel, and organizational commitment. The program is run by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and administered by Bethesda Green. It launched in December 2009 and was relaunched in 2023–24. Certified businesses are listed in the Green Business Directory at bethesdagreen.org. About Fitzgerald Auto Malls Founded by Jack Fitzgerald in 1966, Fitzgerald Auto Malls is 100% employee-owned. The company pioneered posted-price, no-hassle car buying built on trust and transparency. Today, Fitzgerald Auto Malls sells 24 brands at dealerships in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. About Bethesda Green Bethesda Green is a Montgomery County nonprofit working toward a more sustainable future. It administers the county’s Green Business Certification Program and operates a green business incubator at 4825 Cordell Ave., Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Learn more at bethesdagreen.org, 202-350-0642 or hello@bethesdagreen.org. Join the Network Inspired to get on board? Montgomery County businesses and nonprofits are invited to join the growing network of certified green businesses. Start by completing Bethesda Green’s “Get On the Bus!” preliminary application at bethesdagreen.org.

Being in an accident is scary enough. Getting a collision repair estimate after an accident is overwhelming too, especially if you've never been through the process before. We’ll show you what to expect ahead of time, so in case the unexpected happens, the experience will hopefully be far less stressful so you can make clear-headed decisions about your vehicle. Why a Collision Repair Estimate Matters A collision repair estimate is more than just a price quote—it's a detailed breakdown of what your vehicle needs to get back to pre-accident condition. Understanding this document helps you communicate more effectively with your repair shop and your insurance company. Without an accurate estimate, repairs can be delayed, costs can balloon, and the quality of work may fall short of what you deserve. What Happens During the Estimate Process When you bring your vehicle in for a collision repair estimate, a trained technician will inspect the visible and hidden damage to your car. They'll document everything from dented panels and scratched paint to structural concerns that aren't always obvious at first glance. This initial inspection is one of the most important steps in the auto body repair process because it sets the foundation for every decision that follows. At Fitzgerald Auto Malls, the goal is always transparency. Technicians walk you through what they find and explain why each repair is necessary, so you're never left guessing about what's going into your estimate. Understanding the Breakdown of Costs A thorough collision repair estimate will typically outline labor costs, parts costs, and any materials needed for paint matching or surface preparation. Labor rates can vary depending on the complexity of the damage and the type of vehicle involved. Parts may be OEM (original equipment manufacturer), aftermarket, or reconditioned, and the difference matters for both fit and longevity. The auto body repair process also often involves supplemental estimates—additional charges discovered once a vehicle is disassembled and deeper damage is uncovered. This is normal and expected, so don't be caught off guard if the final cost adjusts slightly from the original quote. Working With Your Insurance Company Most drivers rely on their insurance coverage to help manage collision repair costs. Your insurer may send their own adjuster to review the damage, or they may accept an estimate from a Certified repair facility directly. Either way, your collision repair estimate is the key document that drives the claims process forward. It's important to review your estimate carefully before signing off on any repairs. Ask questions if something is unclear, get a second opinion if anything feels off, and make sure the shop you choose has experience working with your insurance provider. Choosing the Right Repair Shop Not all collision repair shops operate the same way. Certifications, equipment, and experience all play a role in the quality of work you'll receive. Look for a shop that uses proper diagnostic tools, employs Certified technicians, and offers a clear warranty on completed repairs. Shops that are transparent about their auto body repair process from the start are usually the ones that deliver the best results. Visit Fitzgerald Auto Malls for Your Collision Repair Estimate When you need a reliable collision repair estimate, the team at Fitzgerald Auto Malls is ready to help. With a commitment to honest assessments and quality workmanship, Fitzgerald Auto Malls is a trusted resource for drivers looking to get their vehicle back on the road the right way. Reach out today to schedule your estimate and take the first step toward a smooth, stress-free repair experience.

When you're ready to find a new-to-you vehicle, one of the most common questions buyers face is whether car mileage vs. age should be the deciding factor. It's a great question, and the honest answer is that both matter—but in different ways depending on what you're looking for. Understanding how these two factors work together can help you make a smarter, more confident purchase. Whether you're browsing new models or comparing used car mileage on a pre-owned option, knowing what to look for puts you in a better position. Why Mileage Gets So Much Attention When most people think about used car mileage, they focus on the odometer reading as a quick indicator of wear and tear. And there's good reason for that. Higher mileage generally means more stress on the engine, transmission, brakes, and other key components. That said, mileage alone doesn't tell the whole story. A vehicle with 80,000 miles that was driven mostly on the highway and serviced regularly can actually be in better shape than one with 50,000 miles of hard city driving and spotty maintenance. How Age Factors Into the Equation Age plays a different but equally important role in the car mileage vs. age conversation. Older vehicles are subject to time-related wear, regardless of how many miles they've traveled. Rubber seals, belts, hoses, and other components can degrade simply from sitting - or from years of heat, cold, and humidity exposure. A 10-year-old vehicle with only 30,000 miles might sound appealing at first. But those low miles could mean the car sat unused for long stretches, which can actually cause its own set of mechanical issues. Context matters. What Matters Most: Maintenance History Regardless of where a vehicle falls in the car mileage vs. age debate, maintenance history is arguably the most reliable indicator of long-term value. A vehicle that’s been regularly serviced with oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections done on schedule, will typically outlast one that hasn't, no matter the age or mileage. When evaluating any vehicle, ask for service records. If they're not available, that's a red flag worth noting. A well-documented history gives you real insight into how the vehicle was cared for over time. Tips for Evaluating Any Vehicle There are a few practical steps you can take to evaluate a vehicle beyond just the odometer reading and model year. Ask for a Vehicle History Report, which can reveal accident history, ownership changes, and service records. Especially if you’re not super mechanically inclined, having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before you commit is always smart. Pay attention to tire wear, fluid conditions, and any visible rust. These details often reveal more than a number on a dashboard ever could. If you're considering a new vehicle, Hyundai backs its lineup with America's Best Warranty—coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles—giving you long-term peace of mind from day one. New models also come with 5 years of 24/7 roadside assistance with no mileage cap, which is a meaningful benefit for any driver. Knowledge is Power When it comes to car mileage vs age, there's no single right answer—but being informed makes all the difference. Used car mileage and vehicle age are both useful data points, but they work best when evaluated alongside maintenance history, condition, and your own driving needs. Our teams at Fitzgerald Auto Malls are ready to help you weigh all the factors and find a vehicle that fits your life and budget. Visit https://www.fitzmall.com/ to explore new and pre-owned inventory and get started today.