INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Echo Automotive Inc., a developer of technologies enabling the cost-effective conversion of existing fleet vehicles into fuel-efficient hybrids, has signed an agreement with Meineke Car Care Centers to serve as a national service center and installer for Echo Automotive systems.
 
"We are extremely pleased to have Meineke on board as a strategic partner," said Jason Plotke, Echo Automotive chairman and president. "Our relationship with Meineke greatly assists us in scaling our business through the support of this highly recognized and respected national service provider and is a tangible advantage we are delighted to offer our customers."
 
There are approximately 900 Meineke franchises throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean. Meineke franchisees have serviced more than 50 million vehicles since 1972. The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers recognized Meineke in 2001 as its first automotive industry franchisor to earn the coveted Fair Franchising Seal. Meineke regularly appears in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchise 500 (55th overall and No. 1 in class for 2011), a list of the 500 best franchise opportunities in America.
 
Echo Automotive says it is focused on the importance of having key vendor relationships as part of its business plan. "We view collaboration and strategic partnering as a smarter way to go to market," said Echo CEO Dan Kennedy. "We are an integrator and believe that having dedicated upstream and downstream partners is crucial to providing the very best solutions for our customers."