OfficeMax Partner AdvantageSM Program Available to IADA Members

NIADA has teamed up with OfficeMax to introduce the OfficeMax Partner AdvantageSM program. As a member of the NIADA, you will enjoy substantial savings from 31% to 88% off more than 12,000 in-stock products and 3,700 environmentally preferable products. Start saving today on office supplies, furniture, technology and printing services. To start saving now contact OfficeMax customer service via email at AdvantagePrograms@officemax.com or to order via phone, call 1-800.248.6343 to speak with an OfficeMax rep.

NIADA Partners with Warrantech to Administer its All-New Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) has selected Warrantech, an AmTrust Financial Services company, to administer its all-new NIADA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program (CPO).  The NIADA CPO Program is the premier certification option for independent automobile dealerships seeking to more effectively compete in the Certified Pre-Owned vehicle market.     

Warrantech, a leading provider of extended service contracts for the automotive industry will administer the plan, handle and address all post-sale customer needs, customize dealer and consumer marketing materials and work closely with NIADA’s state affiliate network to launch the program nationwide in May 2012.  This partnership allows for a perfect mix of NIADA dealers committed to superior quality and service and an industry leading Warranty Company that can give them the products & support their customers are looking for. 

“Our research is telling us that 65% of consumers begin their vehicle search looking for a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and that number is growing,” said NIADA CEO, Mike Linn.  “NIADA is committed to helping our members give customers what they are looking for and offer a top-notch buying experience for car buyers in their communities.  We see the NIADA CPO Vehicle Program as a primary way for NIADA members to further separate themselves from their competitors and give customers a better vehicle with additional peace of mind after the sale.”  

“In re-tooling the NIADA CPO Program, we recognized independent dealer business models vary widely and that we had to offer additional CPO options to specifically meet the operational demands of our dealers,” said Steve Jordan, NIADA Chief Operating Officer.  “Warrantech’s successful track record with independent auto dealers, varying product offerings, world-class claims operation, nationwide sales footprint and long term commitment to support the success of our dealer members made the partnership decision easy to make.” 

“Warrantech is honored to have been selected by the 66 year old NIADA as their CPO Program Administrator.  We applaud the time honored tradition of excellence that NIADA member dealers observe, including their adherence to a strict Code of Ethics,” said Sean Stapleton, CEO of Warrantech.  “We feel this commitment mirrors Warrantech’s dedication to excellence and drive to provide superior products and continued quality customer service.”

Warrantech Senior Vice President, Mike Burgholzer added, “By providing both administration and underwriting, the all-new NIADA CPO Program will help dealers become more profitable and grow their businesses by providing significant incremental revenue through the sale of additional vehicles and extended service contracts.”  Burgholzer continued, “Additionally, this new plan will help dealers continue to build customer loyalty by insuring the ongoing reliability of their purchases.  It’s a win-win for both the dealer and the consumer.”

With three unique plans under the NIADA CPO Program, dealers will be able to select the option that is right for their market and their customer base.  These options include:

• 3 month / 3,000 miles limited warranty          

- Includes 36 months / 36,000 miles engine and AC component coverage

• 6 month / 6,000 miles limited warranty          

- Includes 36 months / 36,000 miles engine and AC component coverage

• 12 month / 12,000 miles limited warranty

These NIADA CPO limited warranty options will include coverage of: engine, air conditioner, turbo or supercharger, automatic and manual transmission, transfer case, drive axle, steering components, select electrical components, and seals and gaskets.

For more consumer choice and confidence, the NIADA CPO limited warranty options above can be supplemented by adding the NIADA Total Care or the NIADA Total Care Plus coverage that includes: front and rear suspension, brakes, fuel system, cooling system, and additional electrical components.

In addition to this important coverage, NIADA and Warrantech will provide dealers with comprehensive sales training on how to utilize the CPO program to sell more vehicles and extended service contracts, as well as marketing support which will include in-store signage and promotional materials.   For additional information regarding the NIADA CPO program please call (877) 310-0288. 

ChoiceHotels Discounts for Members

NIADA members can take advantage of discounts at over 6,000 participating ChoiceHotels properties worldwide by booking online at www.choicehotels.com or dialing 800-258-2847.  Please reference the NIADA Special Rate ID code on reservations booked in advance.   Save even more…sign up for Choice Privileges® rewards program (www.choiceprivileges.com/signup/niada) to earn points towards free nights or flights in addition to your discount!  It's fast and easy to join.  Please reference the NIADA Special Rate ID code along with your CP member # on reservations booked in advance.  Subscribe to the S.O.S. Sentinel, a complimentary e-newsletter, to get the most current news about Choice Hotels!  

NIADA Gets SiriusXM Radio as National Member Benefit

Sirius XM Satellite Radio is America's satellite radio company. SiriusXM broadcasts more than 130 channels, including commercial-free music, premier sports, live news, talk, comedy, entertainment, traffic and weather to more than 21 million subscribers. Only SiriusXM brings you more of what you love, all in one place. Independent Dealerships can now offer a free SiriusXM 3-month trial on all pre-owned vehicles with factory-equipped satellite radio. In addition to selling your customers a quality vehicle, you'll be giving them the opportunity to enjoy satellite radio. And why not, there's no cost to your customer. Visit www.siriusxm.com/niadaprogram to enroll your dealership today!

FTC Takes Action To Stop Deceptive Car Dealership Ads

FTC Alleges Dealers Falsely Promised To Pay Off Trade-ins, No Matter What Consumers Owed. Five car dealers around the country have agreed to Federal Trade Commission settlement orders that require them to stop running ads in which they promise to pay off a consumer's trade-in no matter what the consumer owes on the vehicle.

The FTC charged that the ads, which ran on the dealers' websites and on sites such as YouTube.com, deceived consumers into thinking they would no longer be responsible for paying off the loan balance on their trade-in, even if it exceeded the trade-in's value (i.e., the trade-in had "negative equity"). Instead, the dealers rolled the negative equity into the consumer's new vehicle loan or, in the case of one dealer, required consumers to pay it out of pocket.

Read More

How Cars Became Luxurious in 1940

What’s your favorite car feature? Heated seats? Automatic Windows? Remote locks?

With all the technology today, we’re pretty darn close to having our cars drive themselves…or fly. I’m sure that’s right around the corner.

Apparently 1940 was a pretty ground breaking year for cars. Previously, cars were very convenient, but uncomfortable. Luxury cars were introduced and became an over all representation of your wealth and social status.

Read More Now.

Joe Lescota named NIADA Director of Dealer Development

ARLINGTON, Texas (March 5, 2012) – Former Northwood University Automotive Department Chairman Joe Lescota has been named Director of Dealer Development for the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, NIADA CEO Michael Linn announced.

He will begin his new duties June 1 after Northwood completes its spring semester. 

Lescota, who resigned as chairman of Northwood’s Automotive Marketing Department in February after 15 years at the university, will work closely with NIADA Director of Education Georgia Brown on the association’s dealer education initiatives as well as evaluating analytical data.

Lescota will continue to serve as lead instructor for NIADA’s Certified Master Dealer course, a position he has held since 2003. The CMD program will continue to be presented in conjunction with and accredited by Northwood University, as it has since it was created in 2001.

“I am very excited about my new role as Director of Dealer Development for NIADA,” Lescota said. “I have had the privilege of working with independent dealers for several years as the Certified Master Dealer instructor and at NIADA Conventions.  Now I will be able to expand and help develop a wider range of educational programs offered by NIADA. It's an awesome opportunity for me to work even closer and more frequently with NIADA members.”

Lescota is a former retail automotive executive with more than 25 years of frontline dealership, sales, management and training experience. He has served as a dealer operator and is credited with developing innovative management techniques leading to reduced employee turnover and increased customer retention and satisfaction. He has conducted workshops and seminars to help used car dealers increase their profitability and helped introduce college credit courses in dealerships nationwide via distance learning.

In 2011, Lescota was inducted into NIADA’s Ring of Honor for outstanding performance and leadership that has contributed to the professionalism and growth of the automobile industry, one of only 21 honored in the association’s 66-year history. He was named Man of the Year by the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals in 2006 and is a five-time winner of Northwood’s Faculty Excellence awards.

“I’m looking forward to having Joe as a senior staff member on our educational team at NIADA,” Linn said. “Joe’s industry knowledge and professionalism will be a great addition for us.”

About NIADA

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (niada.com) has represented the used motor vehicle industry since 1946. NIADA assists its members in becoming more successful and is the industry’s legislative representative for protecting dealer and consumer interests. The association consistently generates valuable industry education and information, along with services and benefits designed to prepare members for an ever-changing marketplace. As a consumer-friendly association, automotive consumer information can be found at autoconsumer.tv