Independent auto dealers now have a certified preowned program to compete with franchise dealers.
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association launched its Certified 360 program Tuesday. The CPO program is designed to help independent dealerships increase buyer confidence and their profitability.
“The independent world never had a true CPO program. This is a true CPO limited warranty program,” said NIADA Vice President Jeremy Beck. “It allows the independent dealer to be on par with manufacturers and have a leg up on other independent dealers.
“It’s a quality program with quality coverage.”
NIADA developed the program working with the top administrators in the industry AUL, GWC Warranty, ProGuard and Southwest Dealer Services.
“We put together highly respected administrators known for their claims and customer service experience,” Beck said. “They provide a level of confidence for the independent car shopper. These administrators are respected by dealers and known by customers.”
We put together highly respected administrators known for their claims and customer service experience,” Beck said. “They provide a level of confidence for the independent car shopper. These administrators are respected by dealers and known by customers.”
Jeremy Beck, NIADA Vice President
NIADA is also partnering with Carketa to provide a completed digital 200-point inspection to help dealers streamline their inspection process.
“Carketa is proud to be part of the NIADA CPO program. Together, Carketa, NIADA and warranty administrators can help you differentiate your vehicles in the consumer sales process and drive higher profits to your dealership,” said Brady Thurgood, co-founder of Carketa.
“When acquiring a vehicle, every dealership needs to answer the question, ‘What is the current state of my vehicle and what needs to be done?’ Whether you call it a walk-around or an inspection, the objective is the same. Carketa helps dealerships answer this question faster and better with an intuitive and familiar inspection design with added benefits including photo uploading, comments, and urgency flags.”
Beck points out the added benefit for customers with the addition of Carketa to the CPO program.
“The digital inspection allows us to bring transparency to the buying experience,” Beck said.
The program is easy to implement and affordable. The NIADA CPO covers vehicles up to 10 years old with up to 125,000, offering three term and mileage offerings:
• 3 months or 3,000 miles for $199
• 6 months or 6,000 miles for $299
• 12 months or 12,000 miles for $399
“It’s a quality product that increased the customer’s confidence and improves the buying experience, all for under $399,” Beck said. “CPO vehicles, on average, bring an $800 higher price. You are able to make more money and increase your reputation with customers.”
Go to NIADA Certified 360 to learn more and sign up.
