June 2012 by FIADA

SINCE 1940

June 2012

A Publication of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

www.FIADA.com Information and Insight for Florida Used Car Dealers

Join FIADA members in supporting the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. Find out how on page 18. FULTON, MO PERMIT NO. 38

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June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 1

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Dealer Independent

MAILING ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX WEBSITE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 385-2712 (800) 237-0448 (850) 385-3251 www.FIADA.com Brandi Noegel President Christopher Leedom Senior Vice President Jim Kagiliery Chairman of the Board Dino Mercurio Secretary John Cousins Treasurer David Cox, CMD Regional Vice President Frank Fuzy Regional Vice President George Hickey Regional Vice President Steve Marbais, CMD Regional Vice President Paul Matton Regional Vice President

FIADA STAFF

Lisette Mariner Executive Director Terry Myers Educational Instructor Sarah Langley Administrative Director Alex Romans Education Director Leah Nash Membership Coordinator Christy Taylor Editorial/Advertising

POSTMASTER:

Contents June 2012

For members of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

C O L U M N S & F E AT U R E S 4

President’s Message Brandi Noegel

What’s In It For You? Leah Nash

Application for Membership Use this form, or go online to FIADA.com, to become a member.

Member News New, Renewing and Rejoining Members

New ELT Requirement for Finance Companies, Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers The state is moving to a paperless system when it comes to titling vehicles. Are you prepared to comply with the new digital requirements starting January 1?

Cars For Kids! The Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches have been selected as the 2012 community service project. Find out why it is important and how you can help out.

Save the Date: FIADA Board Meeting & Dealer Training Next stop: Orlando. You won’t want to miss it.

FIADA 2012 Annual Convention & Expo Preview! Make your plans to attend the main event, coming in October.

Industry News NIADA Partners with Warrantech to provide dealers an added advantage with the new Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program.

Send address changes to

FIADA • 1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 385-2712 • Toll Free: (800) 237-0448 Fax (850) 385-3251 • www.FIADA.com The Independent Dealer is a publication of: Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, 1840 Fiddler Court, Tallahassee, FL 32308 The magazine is published every month in Tallahassee and distributed to Florida new, used, wholesale and lease/retail car dealers. Advertising rates are available upon request. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Independent Dealer or the Association. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of FIADA, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured.

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UPCOMING EVENTS July 13, 2012 FIADA Town Hall Meeting • 9am - 3pm Manheim Central Florida Auto Auction Orlando, FL

July 14, 2012 FIADA Board Meeting Hilton Bonnet Creek, Orlando, FL June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Convention is Coming! BY BRANDI NOEGEL, FIADA PRESIDENT

f you are a new FIADA member, or not a member yet, you are probably wondering what is the big deal about convention? You may even be tired of hearing us talk about it and promote it. If you have never been, then you might not “get” it, and I promise you if you come you will finally understand. On paper, the Convention looks like a worthwhile event. There are plenty of continuing education sessions, opportunities for professional development, networking time and entertainment, of course. The schedule and promotions have probably been enough to make you stop and look at the page, but maybe not quite enough to get you to go to your computer and register. I’m hoping that I might be able to provide that extra “push” to get you there by sharing my experience. When my husband Larry and I became FIADA members years ago, we were fairly new to the business and very new to the idea of an Association. We were at that stage where we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We joined FIADA because we felt like it was a way to learn about our business and get help when we needed it. We found that to be true, and so much more. We attended our first convention before our daughter Ashley was born (she’s in college now!) Like all new adventures, we were not sure what to expect. I was a little nervous about being the newbie at an event where everyone knew each other, but was happily surprised when we walked in and were immediately treated to Bob Galloway’s standard “I’m Bob Galloway, a used car dealer from Cocoa Beach” greeting. We were impressed by all the friendly faces who wanted to show us the ropes and get us settled in. My fears of fitting in were gone in an instant; we felt completely at home. In fact, Ashley feels like she grew up at the FIADA Conventions, as she attended nearly every year since she was born.

4 — Independent Dealer — June 2012

It is unexpected, how FIADA can bring people together. We are supposed to be competitors, but you forget that when you are at an FIADA event. Whether it is a board meeting, a convention or a town hall, when FIADA dealers get together we share advice, swap stories and help each other find new ways to solve the same old problems. Instead of competing against each other, we become mentors who support each other. It’s a phenomenon you really have to see to believe. So, with that, I urge you to come to the Convention this year and experience it for yourself. I am so excited about this year’s event. For one, we’re traveling to South Florida to the beautiful Boca Resort & Beach Club—not a bad place to spend a weekend. Second, we are planning a Carnival theme, and Friday’s Family Fun Night in the Exhibit Hall is going to welcome everyone with carnival games, entertainment and a silent auction. Our educational line-up is jam-packed with seminars focused around using new technology, keeping up with laws and regulations, financing, F&I and more. We’ve invited notable keynote speakers including Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and industry icon D.J. Harrington, a.k.a. the Car-Diologist. The schedule will end with our Annual Awards Gala Dinner, where we will crown the next Quality Dealer (go online now at www.FIADA.com to nominate yourself or someone else) and then we will be treated to a one-of-a-kind Tribute to Sir Elton John. The convention weekend will close with an informal Beach Day on Sunday morning. Special thanks to Frank and Gina Fuzy of Century Motors for providing a complimentary beach bag with towel and sunscreen for the first 50 people on the beach that day. It’s going to be a blast. I hope we will see you there! Carol (Brandi) Noegel FIADA President www.fiada.com

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ADESA Jacksonville 904-764-1004 Sale day: Thursday

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Stop by an d say Here’s whe hi to Leah! re she’ll be : June 15 an d 22 Ocala ADES A June 25 an d July 2 Manheim T ampa July 11 Central Flo rida Manhe im July 18 and 25 Your Auctio n Tampa B ay

W H AT ’ S I N I T F O R Y O U ?

FIADA is Family BY LEAH NASH, MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

ome of my favorite memories from when I was younger are family reunions. When I was five, my whole family went to SeaWorld. When I was fifteen, we had Thanksgiving in New Jersey. A few years ago, I went to the Philippines and visited with family that I hadn’t seen in years. I even met family that I had never met before… but I still felt connected to them. No matter your age, reunions can be fun. They are filled with laughter and old stories. You remember things that you haven’t thought about in years. You wonder about the future. For the most part, reunions are happy. At the last FIADA Town Hall and Board meetings, I found myself remembering one of my own family reunions. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I was thinking of my family during a work function. But then it hit me. That feeling of familiarity was there. Believe me, business did get done. But there was also a feeling of comfort and knowledge of each other’s pasts and histories. People mentioned names of family members and everyone knew who they were talking about. Members knew about the histories of dealerships. There were stories told that everyone knew. There was laughter and fun. FIADA can be an extension of your own family in so many ways. Many members make lifelong friendships with people who they never would have met before. Their families grow

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up with each other, their kids know each other. They are able to talk about their dealership issues with others who understand. Members also find mentors through FIADA. Again, this may be someone who you may have never met in your regular day-to-day lives. The mentor/ mentee relationship can be extremely fulfilling for both individuals. Mentors can give you different perspective on situations and help you find solutions to problems. When you begin your FIADA journey, you may look at going to meetings and talking to other dealers as networking. But as you continue, I’m willing to bet that you will start looking forward to these meetings because you will not only be seeing your colleagues and friends, but also your family as a result of the strong relationships and friendships you will build with your fellow dealers.

Mark Your Calendars. Whether you are a FIADA member or not, you are welcome to attend the quarterly Town Hall meetings, Board of Directors meetings and Annual Convention. These are excellent opportunities to get to know other FIADA members and connect with them. Be sure to save the dates and plan on attending the following events: • July 13th Town Hall Meeting, Manheim Central Florida Auto Auction • Annual Convention, Oct.11-14, Boca Raton Resort & Club. Please visit fiada.com for more information or to register. Don’t forget, if you register for the Annual Convention before August 31st, you will receive $100 off family and corporate registrations and $50 off dealer express registrations.

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS

New Members

M AY 2 0 1 2

4U-INSURANCE Maitland, FL Tim Davenport Sponsor: FIADA AMC AUTO & EQUIPMENT SALES, INC. Cape Coral, FL Michael Kitsock Sponsor: Terry Myers AUTOMOTIVE PROFIT SOLUTIONS, LLC Plainsboro, NJ Patrick Hunter Sponsor: FIADA C BERMAN ASSOC, INC. Syracuse, NY Gary Anable Sponsor: John Cousins C.A.M. AUTO SALES AND EXPORTS Miami, FL Mark Folz Sponsor: Terry Myers

CLARENCE MAJOR Tallahassee, FL Sponsor: Kevin Scott DEON JOUBERT Boca Raton, FL Sponsor: Terry Myers FINE ART MOTORS, INC. Wesley Chapel, FL Kamal Tejwani Sponsor: Terry Myers FIVE POINTS MOTORS, LLC Pensacola, FL Harrell Downey Sponsor: Kevin Scott FLORIDA CARS USA Miami, FL Vadim German Sponsor: FIADA

ACCELERATED AUTO Plantation, FL Jason Segev

30+ Year Members Central Florida Sales & Leasing 10+ Year Members Auto Select First Auto Sales Florida Auto Exchange Co. Tallahassee Auto Auction Under 10 Year Members Advanced Vehicle Modifications, Inc. Auto Dealers Wholesale Auto Shopper Magazine Auto Superstore of Orlando LLC Autoflex LLC Automax AutoRaptor Buyer’s Zone, Inc. C & D Motors Car Credit Cars.com

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JOSH SILVERMAN St. Petersburg, FL Sponsor: Terry Myers

RIDE GREEN, INC. Fort Myers, FL Chauncey Solinger Sponsor: FIADA

LEE KRAUSS Bushnell, FL Sponsor: Kevin Scott LINDA TOOMBS West Palm Beach, FL Sponsor: Terry Myers LUXURY AUTO MALL Tampa, FL Ron Vasquez Sponsor: Leah Nash

THOMAS DAVIS St. Petersburg, FL Sponsor: FIADA TYLER AUTOMOTIVE Jacksonville, FL Frank Rosenblum Sponsor: Kevin Scott VETS-CARS, LLC/ VETS-SHIELD, INC. East Haddam, CT Christopher Walsh Sponsor: John Cousins

M AY 2 0 1 2

HAIMS MOTORS, INC. Hollywood, FL Oded Haims

Renewing Members

OTW AUTO SALES Orlando, FL Hector Corzo Sponsor: Kevin Scott

OROWALE AUTO Plantation, FL Hezekiah Orowale Sponsor: Terry Myers

GEORGE SADAKA Saint Augustine, FL Sponsor: Kevin Scott

Rejoining Members

INILEX Lithia, FL Kelly Ream Sponsor: John Cousins

ORLANDO MOTORS, INC. Winermere, FL Aaron Hakim

YOUR AUCTION OF TAMPA BAY St. Petersburg, FL Mario Allmond

M AY 2 0 1 2 Orlando, FL St. Augustine, FL Bradenton, FL Dunedin, FL Tallahassee, FL Ocala, FL Tallahassee, FL Lakeland, FL Orlando, FL Gainesville, FL Palm Harbor, FL Providence, RI West Palm Beach, FL McAlpin, FL Tampa, FL Chicago, IL

Cliff Shuler Auctioneers Creel Motors CTC Sales Corp Dealer Funding, LLC Dick Moye Auto Sales, Inc. D’Jesus Auto E.J.’s Auto World Ed Tillman Auto Sales Genuine Motorcars, Inc. Golden Oldies Auto Sales, Inc. Northside Motors, Inc. O’Donnell Automotive Passport Leasing Corp. Ride-Away Handicap Equipment, Inc. South Side Kia Stepanek’s A/S & Serivce, Inc. Sunstate Title Service Trinity Motors Van’s Cars & Trucks Victory Motor Corp. of Panama City VIP Auto Sales

Titusville, FL St. Petersburg, FL Hialeah Gardens, FL Atlanta, GA Pensacola, FL Orlando, FL Panama City, FL Jacksonville, FL St. Petersburg, FL Hudson, FL Lake City, FL Orlando, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Londonderry, NH Jacksonville, FL Vero Beach, FL Monticello, FL Sarasota, FL Brooksville, FL Panama City, FL Jacksonville, FL

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June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 9

New ELT Requirement for Finance Companies, Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers

eginning January 1, 2013, an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) process will become mandatory for Buy-Here, Pay-Here dealers, finance companies, or any entity that finances vehicles, vessels or mobile homes in Florida. Adopted as part of the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle (DHSMV) 2012 legislative package, Florida statutes 319.27 and 328.15 now include the new requirement, which is aimed at reducing title fraud and providing faster notification of lien satisfaction. The Florida ELT system will allow lien holders to reduce the handling, storage and mailing costs associated with paper titles by replacing them with 10 — Independent Dealer — June 2012

electronic titles. The implementation of an ELT system simply means that when a title is ready to be issued, instead of issuing a paper title certificate, an electronic notification will be sent to the lien holder. The title will remain electronic until a request for a paper title is received rather than being printed automatically. For dealers looking for resources to help them comply, several ELT providers are already in place to assist. “As soon as the legislation passed, we began development of our system to provide an easy and affordable process for our customers,” said Jim Taylor, President of Tallahassee-based Auto Data Direct, Inc. “We know dealers

Electronic titles will soon replace paper, and dealers who are not digital need to get ready now. BY BETH WILLIAMS

have a lot of questions and our focus has been on providing answers and effective tools so they are ready for January 1st.” In addition to Auto Data Direct, the DHSMV lists Assurant, Decision Dynamics, FDI, PDP, Title Tech, and VinTek as ELT providers. Once dealers have selected a service provider, they are required to complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DHSMV. The MOU outlines the responsibility of the dealer in participating as an electronic lien holder. FIADA is encouraging dealers to prepare for new requirement completing the signup process early Continued on Page 12. www.fiada.com

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• DMV123 owner and lienholder search in 24 states • Florida Fee Calculator • Repossession letters and registration stops • StiQR lead generation and sales tool www.fiada.com

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NEW ELT REQUIREMENTS continued from Page 10.

so they aren’t caught in the inevitable rush to comply. FIADA’s preferred partner, Auto Data Direct, is offering free activation for dealers who sign up for their ELT services and deposit $50 in a pre-paid account. ADD’s web-based ELT service offers volume discounts, an online lien manifest, email and text notification,

printable confirmations, integrated paper title requests and many additional dealer tools. To take advantage of the free activation offer, visit www. ADD123.com and use the promo code FIADAELT at sign up. Current ADD customers can take advantage of the special offer by entering the FIADAELT promo code under the ELT tab after log-in.

FAQ’s about ELT Q: What is an Electronic Lien Title? A: An Electronic Lien Title is an e-title with an electronic lien recorded. Q: What is an ELT Lienholder? A: An ELT Lienholder is a lienholder who has the titles to their vehicles held electronically by the Department. Q: What is the difference between an e-title and an Electronic Lien Title? A: A title is only an Electronic Lien Title while there is an active electronic lien on an e-title. For either an e-title and Electronic Lien Title, a paper title has NOT been printed. Q: What do I do if there is no lien on a vehicle and the title is an e-title in the customer’s name? How do I add a lien if there is no paper title? A: First, verify that the title status is an e-title. Once you see that the title is an e-title, have your customer sign the HSMV 821339 Notice of Lien. Submit the HSMV 82139, a printout of the title status and appropriate fee to the Tax Collector’s office. The lien will be added and show you as the lien holder. The new title will be held electronically and will be considered an Electronic Lien Title.

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Continued on Page 14. www.fiada.com

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FAQ’S ABOUT ELT continued from Page 12.

Q: As a dealer, if there is an electronic lien on a vehicle title, do I need to wait for a paper title to be printed before ownership can be transferred to a new retail purchaser or to another dealer? A: If the lien is electronic, a paper title will not be printed when the lien is satisfied. Once verification is received that the lien is satisfied, the dealer can transfer ownership to another dealer or retail purchaser. Ownership can be transferred to the dealer by having the customer trading the vehicle complete an HSMV 82994. Reassignments may continue through Florida dealers by using HSMV 82994.

Q: What do I do if there is a lien with another financial institution, the title is paper and I am paying off the lien for my customer? A: First, pay the other financial institution and request the title to be mailed to you. Submit the HSMV 82139, the title and appropriate fee to the Tax Collector’s office. The lien will be added and show you as the lien holder, and the new title will be held electronically. Remember, processes and policies may change before the effective date of January 1, 2013. Check with your service provider and visit www.flhsmv.gov. for updates.

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16 — Independent Dealer — March 2012

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FIADA has adopted the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches as an ongoing community service project. BY CHRIST Y TAYLOR

he kids who live at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches have been down a hard road. Some were mixed-up with the wrong crowd and had done things they shouldn’t have. Others had been abandoned by their families and left to fend for themselves. Yet, even with the hardships, they are still smiling and have found a new joy that seems to outshine the troubles from their past and encourage a new confidence and hope in their future. Since 1957, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches have

been “taking in” youth from around the state who are homeless, neglected or troubled, and giving them not only a place to live, but also a source of guidance, comfort and encouragement. The vision of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to create men and women who are able to face the future with a sense of direction, ability and hope. They do this by providing housing, education and mentorship at group residences like the Boys Ranch in Live Oak, which can accommodate

82 boys between the ages of 8 and 18, the Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor, a facility that allows siblings to stay together, the Youth Ranch in Bradenton/Sarasota with room for 29 boys and the Youth Villa in Bartow set-up to serve 46 girls. There is a common chord uniting all of the residences with the same refrain: work, study, play and pray… growing up the American Way! It is a four-fold philosophy of care that the organization believes are the critical components to raising healthy, productive law-abiding adults. Boys and girls are taught healthy, work-related skills and ethics through chores and responsibilities that are assigned within the daily campus routine. From basic chores around the cottage, to on campus jobs, the kids are being prepared for a productive future. At the same time, much focus is given to academics and education. Many of the children who come to the Ranch are behind in school, and by providing support through on campus Learning Centers and assigned study hall time at home, they are able to not only reach their appropriate grade level, but excel in their studies. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches helps their kids adjust socially by providing opportunities for a wide-range of activities— from art and music to sports and agriculture. The goal is to replace that inevitable “I’m bored” phrase with positive, healthy ways to spend their free time, and develop skills and interests that will not only keep them busy now, but help them throughout their life. Continued on Page 20.

18 — Independent Dealer —June 2012

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CARS FOR KIDS continued from Page 18.

Life on the ranch also means time for spiritual development and character building as they spend time praying, attending chapel and in personal devotions. Each of the Ranch and Villa locations are set-up with cottages that the kids live, work and play in. The cottages are run by “Mom and Pop” who are surrogate parents employed by the organization to manage the household and teach the kids to have respect for each other. The cottage families sit down to dinner together, have fun and support each other through thick and thin. The system works because it is built on trust and respect. The kids are free to leave the program at any time, understanding that they choose to be a part of the family, without feeling forced. With 181 kids currently living in the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches

Maintaining the farm equipment is both a responsibility and an educational opportunity.

program, and thousands more being served through both traditional and mobile summer camps, one can imagine the household expenses add up quickly. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is a not for profit 501(c) (3) organization solely supported by

charitable gifts from generous donors. A nonprofit charitable organization, Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises, was formed in 2005 to run a thrift store program and a used car vehicle lot, both designed to generate financial support, goodwill and community involvement for the boys and girls served by the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Donations of household items, and even well-running vehicles, are sold through the thrift stores and car lot with proceeds going directly to the program. It is a program that works well, raising more than $600,000 last year alone for the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches and directly helping the kids who call it home. Impressed by the integrity of the program, and the life-changing effect it has on at-risk kids, FIADA voted to adopt the Florida Sheriffs Continued on Page 22.

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Continued on Page 20. February 2012 — Independent Dealer — 21 February 2012 — Independent Dealer — 21 www.fiada.com

CARS FOR KIDS continued from Page 20.

Youth Ranches as the Association’s community service project for this year not only helping out hundreds of Florida’s youth, but helping out a fellow Association member as the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches belongs to FIADA through its used car lot in Live Oak. “The partnership made perfect sense,” FIADA Executive Director Lisette Mariner said. “The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches are a firstclass organization that helps a lot of people, and as used car dealers we have an amazing opportunity to help them further their mission.” There are a few ways FIADA members can get involved. The first is by donating working, turn-key vehicles that FSYR can resell on their lot. They do not have the ability to repair or restore vehicles, so only

     

ones that are in working condition, and fit for selling, are accepted. Another way to help is by hosting a “Cars for Kids” event. Dealers can partner with their local sheriff and organize a car-drive, where customers can come to their lot and donate unwanted vehicles in good condition. Donations of clothing, appliances, jewelry, home furnishings and similar items are gladly accepted. These items will be sold in the thrift store. FIADA Executive Committee member John Cousins and coowners of Southeast Car Agency Bob and Tom Cousins, are hosting the first “Cars for Kids” event at their dealership in Gainesville June 21-23. They are excited for a good turnout. “Our family at Southeast Car Agency has seen with our own eyes how Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches

enriches lives of our youth at their facilities around the State of Florida. We are honored to support this outstanding and worthy child care agency,” the Cousins said. Other FIADA Board members are signed up to host a “Cars for Kids” event including FIADA President Brandi Noegel, Senior Vice President Chris Leedom and Past FIADA Presidents Jim Kagiliery and Frank Fuzy. Dealers who would like to host an event can contact the FIADA office at (800) 237-0448. Members can also learn more about the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches by visiting their websites at www.youthranches.org and www.sheriffsranchesenterprises. org. They may also call (800) 7653797 to set-up a tour of one of the five residential Ranches or discover additional ways to volunteer or donate.

Inventory Program Finance Program / BHPH Credit Bureau Access Electronic Forms Printing GAP Coverage Extended Warranty

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June 2012 December 2011 — Independent Dealer — 23

All dealers are invited to attend FIADA Board meetings. Go to www.FIADA.com to see updated schedules and to register. Host Hotel: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Group Rate: $159/night plus tax Call 888.353.2013 and mention FIADA to reserve a room.

As always, FIADA Town Hall Meetings are open to all dealers. Join us in St. Pete for an informative talk about issues and topics relating to used car dealers. Go to www.FIADA.com to RSVP now for this seminar.

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24 — Independent Dealer — June 2012

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Protective provides F&I solutions that simplify the selling process with easy to understand products, advanced training and reliable customer care and claims service. We are committed to your profitability by serving the increasing number of car buyers that are unprotected from the costs of future mechanical expenses.

Like you, we believe in doing the right thing for the customer. Help your customers protect tomorrow and embrace today with F&I solutions from Protective Asset Protection.

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Protect Tomorrow. Embrace Today.™ Vehicle Service Contracts I GAP Coverage I Credit Insurance I Lifetime Engine Warranty Limited Warranty I Dealer Participation Programs I F&I Training I Advanced F&I Technology

Contact Protective’s Florida representative, Chris Behrens at 866 452 7335 A “National Corporate Partner” has met stringent NIADA criteria demonstrating that it can provide valuable products and services to NIADA members. No legal partnership has been created by the granting of this status, but NIADA does receive compensation from Protective. Lifetime Engine Warranty, Limited Warranty, Vehicle Service Contracts (VSCs) and GAP are backed by Lyndon Property Insurance Company in all states except NY. In NY, VSCs are backed by Old Republic Insurance Company. GAP, Lifetime Engine Warranty and Limited Warranty are not available in NY. Credit Insurance is backed by Protective Life Insurance Company in all states except NY, where it is backed by Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

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June April 2012 2012 — — Independent Independent Dealer Dealer — — 25 25

GARAGE LIABILITY & CAR RENTAL SPECIALISTS garage liaBilitY SPeCialiStS FIADA Agent of Record Exclusive Markets Package Policies Competitive Rates Fast, Easy Quotes One Stop Insurance Shop Lease Here / Pay Here Program

Car rental Program SPeCialiStS

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· Training at our facility, or Online Daily Rental · Comprehensive Operations Manual Insurance for your Rental Cars, · Competitive SUV’s, Mini Vans, and Trucks State Compliant · UpRentalto dateAgreements Management · Risk (Every Incident Reviewed) from people who · Support have been in the trenches · Qualified Renters Make Qualified Buyers 26 — Independent Dealer — March 2012

22 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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Stay for an extra day and join us at the beach! Detai

Come one, come all to FIADA’s 2012 Annual Convention & Expo. Go online now to register:

ls about the F IADA Beach Party o n Page 28.

www.FIADA.com H

DEALER EXPRESS REGISTRATION For all seminars and training events. No meals.

$9900

CORPORATE REGISTRATION Add additional employees for $195 each.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: BOCA RESORT & BEACH CLUB

$24900

F A M I L Y REGISTRATION

EARLY-BIRD P R I C I N G

Includes access to meals and events for dealer, spouse and kiddos.

Rates valid through Aug. 31, 2012. Go online and use Promo Codes:

$34900

EARLYBIRDEXPRESS

www.fiada.com

EARLYBIRDFULL

for Family and Corporate Registrations for Dealer Express Registration

ROOM RATE: $169/PER NIGHT RESERVATION LINE: 8 8 8 - 5 5 7 - 6 3 7 5 MENTION FIADA TO RECEIVE GROUP DISCOUNT. June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 27

CONVENTION PREVIEW

s: ONE, tCOME h g i l h g i H Featured COME ALL, The fun never stops at FIADA’s 2012 Annual Convention. Here are some must-see events and activities.

H H H

Friday night is Family Fun Night with special carnival games and circus entertainment.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012

A TRIBUTE TO

SIR ELTON JOHN

H Enjoy dinner, awards

and rock out to H music celebrating H the pop icon.

Español

H Now you have the H option to attend a

seminar en Español! Look for this symbol H on the schedule. H

FIADA 2012

(TENTATIVE SCHEDULE)

9:30am - 10:45am Keynote Address: Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General (invited)

2:30pm - 3:30pm OPTION 1 OPTION 2

11:00am - 12:00pm Education Sessions:

Education Sessions: Leveraging Online Auctions Building Your Business for Free— There’s an App for That

3:45pm - 5:00pm

Education Sessions:

OPTION 2 Improve F&I

OPTION 1

FTC – Advertising

OPTION 3 What Finance Companies are Looking for Español From Independent Dealers

OPTION 2

Doing Business in Spanish with English Forms

OPTION 1 Protect Your Business from Fraud

1:15pm - 2:15pm

Education Session: DMV Update, Panel Discussion

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012

Español

6:00pm - 9:00pm

(TENTATIVE SCHEDULE) 1:45pm - 3:00pm

9:00am - 10:15am Buy Here, Pay Here Topics

Family Fun Night in the Exhibit Hall Carnival games, Entertainment, Silent Auction

Education Sessions:

OPTION 1

Branding Your Dealership for Success

OPTION 1 5 Easy Steps to Boosting your Online Presence

OPTION 2

Best Practices for Success in Managing Online Inventory

OPTION 2 Latest Legal Battles, It Could Happen to You

3:15pm - 4:30pm

Closing Keynote Address: D.J. Harrington, the Car-Diologist

OPTION 3 Latest Legal Battles, It Could Español Happen to You

6:30pm - 9:30pm

Awards Gala Dinner Entertainment: A Tribute to Sir Elton John

10:30am - 11:45am Education Sessions:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012 10:00am

(TENTATIVE SCHEDULE)

Immerse Yourself in Water & Fun! Enjoy the beautiful half-mile stretch of private beach. Delight in the limitless ways your family can enjoy the water, sand and sea. First 50 participants at the Boca Raton Boat Shuttle receive complimentary beach bag, towel and sunscreen, courtesy of Century Motors.

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June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 29

INDUSTRY NEWS NIADA Partners with Warrantech for All-New Certified Pre-Owned Program vehicle and that number is growing,” said NIADA CEO Mike Linn. “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.” With three unique plans under the NIADA CPO Program, dealers will be able to select the option that is right for their market and customer base. These options include: • 3 month/3,000 miles limited warranty • 6 month/6,000 miles limited warranty • 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 additional information regarding the NIADA CPO program, please call (877) 310-0288.

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The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association 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. 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 and services their customers are looking for. “Our research is telling us that 65% of consumers begin their vehicle search looking for a Certified Pre-Owned

30 — Independent Dealer — June 2012

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June 2012 — Independent Dealer — 31

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32 — Independent Dealer — June 2012