Business Details
38 Years
experience
Automotive Marketing & Training Experts
The Driving Connection has been a leader in automotive marketing, training, and professional driving events since 1988. Our founder, Ron Nelson, brings hands-on management to activate successful programs for global automotive brands like Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. With decades of experience, we specialize in experiential marketing, including consumer driving events, PR campaigns, and sales training initiatives. Our team of over 100 certified instructors and professional drivers includes former NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One competitors, ensuring unparalleled expertise in vehicle dynamics and event execution. We design and manage large-scale programs, from dealer meetings to international trade shows, with precision in vehicle analysis, course design, and driver staffing.Our services extend to SAG/AFTRA-compliant stunt driving for film and commercial production, serving clients across North America and Japan. We prioritize client success through tailored training programs that educate sales teams and consumers on vehicle features and competitive advantages. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our safety record, industry partnerships, and ability to adapt to evolving automotive marketing trends. Transparency in operations, combined with deep industry knowledge, positions us as trusted experts in automotive brand promotion. We measure success through client satisfaction and measurable outcomes, such as increased brand awareness and consumer engagement.
Services
Automotive Marketing
Sales Training Programs
Stunt Driving Services
Event Management
Vehicle Testing
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in automotive marketing and training.
- Our team includes former NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One drivers.
- We offer SAG/AFTRA-compliant stunt driving services for film and commercials.
- We manage events with up to 3,850 participants daily across 300 vehicles.
- Our training programs ensure sales teams master vehicle features and competition.
Associations and certifications
- SAG-AFTRA
Services
Automotive Marketing
We create immersive automotive marketing campaigns that combine consumer driving experiences with strategic PR events. Our approach targets manufacturers seeking to enhance brand perception through hands-on vehicle testing and competitive analysis. By organizing weekend test-drive programs and weekday sales training sessions, we bridge the gap between automotive brands and potential buyers while maintaining strict adherence to industry safety standards.
Sales Training Programs
Our comprehensive sales training programs prepare dealership staff for new vehicle launches through months of advance planning. We conduct competitive vehicle analysis, develop sales pitches, and deploy professional drivers nationwide to train sales teams. This ensures dealership personnel can effectively communicate vehicle advantages and compete knowledgeably with rival brands when consumers visit showrooms.
Stunt Driving Services
As SAG/AFTRA members, we provide professional stunt drivers for automotive commercials, movies, and industrial videos. Our drivers combine Hollywood stunt expertise with racing experience to execute complex maneuvers safely. Services include vehicle choreography, safety coordination, and driver instruction for film productions requiring precision automotive action sequences.
Event Management
We manage end-to-end execution of automotive events ranging from small dealer meetings to large-scale trade shows. Our services include vehicle logistics, course design, driver staffing, and participant coordination. With capacity to handle up to 3,850 participants daily across 300 vehicles, we ensure seamless execution of press events, consumer programs, and industry showcases.
Vehicle Testing
Our vehicle testing services evaluate automotive performance through comparative drive courses and competitive analysis. We assess new models against current generations and rival brands to identify strengths and improvement areas. This data informs marketing strategies, training materials, and course design for client programs requiring technical vehicle evaluation.
People
Ron Nelson
Founder
Ron Nelson established The Driving Connection in 1988 and oversees hands-on management of automotive marketing programs. With decades of industry experience, he has directed successful campaigns for leading automotive brands while maintaining operational control over event execution and client relations.
Bill Cooper
Lead Instructor
Bill Cooper brings 350+ professional races experience including NASCAR Winston Cup Series and 24 Hours of Daytona. As former lead instructor at Bondurant School, he specializes in safety protocols and vehicle dynamics training for automotive professionals.
Cindi Lux
Product Facilitator
Cindi Lux, Women's Global GT Championship winner, combines racing expertise with automotive sales training. Her technical knowledge and communication skills help sales teams understand complex vehicle systems and effectively convey product advantages to consumers.
Jim Henry
Stunt Driver
Jim Henry has worked 20+ years as Hollywood stunt driver and driving instructor. His expertise in car control dynamics benefits both film productions and consumer training programs, making complex driving techniques accessible to laypersons.
John Jones
Racecar Driver
John Jones, Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours winner, specializes in vehicle dynamics facilitation. His racing achievements and communication skills make him a key trainer for automotive sales teams and consumer event participants.
Questions
What automotive brands has TDC worked with?
TDC has partnered with Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Genesis, Audi, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Ford, Lincoln, Volkswagen, General Motors, Cadillac, Jaguar, Land Rover, Michelin, and BFGoodrich.
Do you offer international automotive marketing services?
Yes, we provide automotive marketing, training, and event management services across North America and Japan.
What types of driver training programs do you offer?
We offer sales training programs for new vehicle launches, consumer driving experiences, and professional stunt driver services for film productions.
How many professional drivers do you employ?
We have over 100 certified instructors and specialists with backgrounds in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One, and major racing schools.
Can you handle large-scale automotive events?
Yes, our team manages events with up to 3,850 participants daily and 300 vehicles, including trade shows, press events, and consumer programs.
