ST. LOUIS — Automotive marketing services provider Maritz has partnered with Northwood University to help develop the next generation of leaders in the automotive industry, the company announced. Maritz will offer internships to Northwood students, appoint team members to serve as guest lecturers, and establish a new scholarship for undergraduates studying automotive marketing and management.

“Maritz is a people company, and we help our automotive clients improve their business results by applying our expertise in behavioral science to drive performance. We do that within a strategic framework that focuses on attracting, engaging and retaining both employees and consumers,” said Terry Erwin, vice president of Maritz Auto. “It just makes sense that we understand how the next generation of automotive professionals are preparing for their careers. It’s important to listen to, talk and work with the students who have decided that the automotive business is where they want to be.”

Elgie Bright, faculty chair for Northwood’s automotive marketing and management degree program, noted that more than 8,400 graduates are currently working in the industry.

“We’re so pleased to add Maritz to our roster of highly regarded partner companies,” Bright said. “Ninety-two percent of our program graduates gain employment in the automotive industry, in large part to the participation of companies like Maritz that help provide a deeper understanding of industry career options.”