Ziebart has launched the Gold Shield Protection Program, a nationwide in-house vehicle protection program that allows car dealerships to apply select Ziebart services on-site using trained staff, with the initiative debuting at the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas.
Ziebart has launched the Gold Shield Protection Program, a nationwide in-house vehicle protection program that allows car dealerships to apply select Ziebart services on-site using trained staff, with the initiative debuting at the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas.
TROY, Mich. (January 27, 2026) – Ziebart, the global leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, is kicking off 2026 with the launch of its new Gold Shield Protection Program, a nationwide initiative designed to help car dealerships offer Ziebart’s trusted protection products directly to customers.
What Is the Gold Shield Protection Program?
The Gold Shield Protection Program enables car dealerships to offer vehicle protection services using Ziebart products directly within their own facilities after receiving training from Ziebart. Certain services, including window tint and rust protection, remain exclusive to Ziebart locations.
Services Available Through the Program:
Fabric protection
Leather conditioning
Paint protection
“This program represents a natural evolution of how Ziebart has worked with dealerships for decades,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. “As we look ahead in 2026, new developments and strategic partnerships are a major focus for the brand. The Gold Shield Protection Program allows us to meet dealers where they are by offering flexibility, trusted products, and a new way to deliver long-term value to both the dealerships and vehicle owners.”
Ziebart Is Expanding Dealer Partnerships in 2026
The Gold Shield Protection Program enhances Ziebart’s dealer-focused model that has been successfully operating within select franchise locations for years, including Indianapolis and Dayton. Now, Ziebart is making the program available to its entire franchise system and opening the door for dealerships across the country to integrate Ziebart-backed protection services directly into their operations.
Historically, many car dealers have partnered with nearby Ziebart locations by sending vehicles offsite for protection services before delivery, with ongoing maintenance routed back through Ziebart retail stores. The new program expands that relationship by allowing dealerships to apply select Ziebart protection services in-house, supported by Ziebart’s products, training, and systems.
“This isn’t new to Ziebart, it’s new to the industry at scale,” said Jason Theisen, Vice President of U.S. Franchise Operations at Ziebart. “Franchisees in markets like Indianapolis and Dayton have been successfully running in-house dealer programs for years. What we’re doing now is taking a proven, franchisee-led model and making it available nationwide, giving dealers a smarter, more flexible way to offer protection products.”
Ziebart at the 2026 NADA Show 
Ziebart will present the Gold Shield Protection Program at the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, held February 3–6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The brand team will be onsite to meet with dealership owners, operators, and finance leaders to discuss how the program can integrate into dealership operations nationwide.
“Our long-term vision is for this to become a standard option for dealerships everywhere,” added Theisen. “Whether there’s a Ziebart down the street or not, we want dealers to have access to our products, our expertise, and a program that helps them stand out in a competitive market, that’s the goal.”
The Gold Shield Protection Program is part of Ziebart’s broader 2026 strategy on new developments and innovation across the system focused on:
Strengthening dealer relationships
Expanding product accessibility
Supporting franchisee growth
Increasing brand integration within the ecosystem
For more information on Ziebart’s Gold Shield Protection Program, visit https://www.ziebart.com/car-dealer-fleet-programs/car-dealer-programs. For more information on franchise opportunities with Ziebart, please visit www.ziebart.com/franchise-opportunities.
About Ziebart
Founded in 1959, Ziebart International Corporation is the worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services that extend the life of vehicles. All Ziebart products and services are made and sourced in the United States. Ziebart operates over 400 locations, with more than 1,000 car dealer partners, in 37 countries. Ziebart continues to grow and offers domestic and international franchising opportunities, a best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. For more information about Ziebart including franchise opportunities, please visit www.ziebart.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does Ziebart do?
A: Ziebart provides automotive appearance and protection services, including rust protection, paint protection, detailing, and related vehicle longevity solutions.
Q: What is the Ziebart Gold Shield Protection Program?
A: Ziebart Gold Shield Protection Program is a nationwide in-house vehicle protection program that allows car dealerships to apply select Ziebart protection services on-site using trained dealership teams.
Q: How many Ziebart locations are there?
A: Ziebart operates more than 400 locations worldwide, with over 1,000 car dealer partners in 37 countries.
Q: What services can dealerships provide through the program?
A: Fabric protection, leather conditioning, and paint protection are available. Window tint and rust protection remain exclusive to Ziebart retail locations.