June 2010 Independent Dealer by FIADA

since 1940

June 2010

www.FIADA.com

A Tradition of Quality: FIADA honors top dealers with the Quality Dealer of the Year Award. Page 8

A Publication of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

Information and Insight for Florida Used Car Dealers

Power to the Dealers: HB 631 was signed into law and takes effect on July 1. Page 20

Join Now. Move Ahead. Top reasons why independent dealers are FIADA members. Page 24

PERMIT NO. 801 TALLAHASSEE, FL

PA I D PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer —

Another

LAw?

R e la x!

Florida’s leading temporary tag provider is on the case. Effective July 1, 2010, ALL Florida dealers are required* by law to electronically report a temporary transfer of a metal license plate on metal plates that are being moved from one vehicle to another.

Services Include:

For more information visit our website at www.add123.com or contact us at info@add123.com Enter promo code FIADATT to receive $25 off account activation Offer expires July 31, 2010 *Excludes transactions resulting in a permanent transfer

t 5FNQPSBSZ 5SBOTGFS PG .FUBM 1MBUFT

PAID ADVERTISING

t 5FNQPSBSZ 5BHT t .PUPS 7FIJDMF *ORVJSJFT JODMVEJOH $VSSFOU 0XOFS -JFOIPMEFS *OGPSNBUJPO t 7FIJDMF )JTUPSZ 3FQPSUT t 3FQPTTFTTJPO /PUJmDBUJPO -FUUFST t %SJWFS -JDFOTF *ORVJSJFT

— Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.ADD123.com www.fiada.com

VENDOR VIEWPOINT

New Law Requires Temporary Metal Plate Transfer for All Florida Dealers

eginning July 1, 2010, all Florida auto dealers will be required by law to electronically report the transfer of a metal license plate as it is being moved from one vehicle to another. The electronic report will create a temporary registration in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database, and should be completed prior to a customer driving off the lot. This is a change for dealers who have been issuing a temporary tag to notify the DHSMV of the transfer while the permanent metal plate reassignment is processed. Now, dealers can move a customer’s metal plate to the purchased vehicle on the spot and electronically report that transfer to the DHSMV without issuing a paper tag. In one very important way, the new temporary metal plate transfer is similar to the process of issuing a temporary tag to notify the DHSMV. Temporary metal plate transfer reports only create a temporary registration, and do not replace the paperwork necessary to process a title and permanent metal plate transfer. There has been confusion among dealers that this new requirement might necessitate a change in temporary tag vendors. Dealers should contact their temporary tag provider immediately to confirm that programming is in place that will allow them to comply with the new requirement. “Like many temporary tag vendors, we have known about this requirement since last spring,” said Jim Taylor, President of Auto Data Direct. “Our programmers have worked hard to provide a simple and efficient tool for our customers to easily meet this new requirement.” How does this new process benefit dealers? Once a temporary metal plate transfer is recorded in the DHSMV system, the vehicle owner’s insurance takes responsibility for the vehicle, shifting much of the liability away from the dealer. In addition, by recording the temporary transfer, law enforcement will have immediate access to registrant and vehicle information. This not only protects car buyers from theft, it should prevent unnecessary traffic stops when a newly-transferred metal plate doesn’t match the registration www.fiada.com

information available to law enforcement. The added protection, increased customer satisfaction and safety makes the new law a win-win-win situation for dealers, consumers and law enforcement agencies. For more information about the new temporary transfer requirement, contact your temporary tag vendor or visit Auto Data Direct’s website at www.add123.com.

About Temporary Metal Tag Transfers Florida’s new temporary metal plate transfer system adds some new features that will benefit dealers, including the ability to void a transfer and restore a previous registration, under certain circumstances. If the sale of a vehicle falls through on the same day as the temporary metal plate transfer, the transaction can be voided. This feature is only available on the same day the transfer is performed, but the void function will restore the previous registration and cancel the fees for the temporary transfer transaction. If the sale of a vehicle falls through after the date of the temporary metal plate transfer, a dealer can remove the transfer and restore the previous registration. In this case, the state transfer fee cannot be refunded because the transfer has been processed, but the restore process is free. When determining if a temporary metal plate transfer is necessary, the first thing to consider is the number of days left on the registration. If the registration being temporarily transferred has 30 or more days remaining, dealers can process a temporary transfer of a metal plate. If the registration being temporarily transferred has less than 30 days, a temporary tag must be issued. June 2010 — Independent Dealer —

PANHANDLE

Comfort Inn 1013 East 23rd St. Panama City, 32405

FIADA Office 1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee

NORTHEAST FLORIDA Adesa Jacksonville Auto Auction 11700 New Kings Rd. Jacksonville, 32219

Gulf States Auto Auction 6615 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL 32526

WEST COAST

Insurance A/A of Clearwater 5152 126th Ave N. Clearwater, 33760

Ramada Inn Tampa 11714 Morris Bridge Rd. 1-75 Exit 265 Tampa

SOUTH FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA Manheim’s Imperial Auto Auction 3300 County Line Rd. Lakeland, 33811

Ocala Driver’s License Office 110 SE 25th Avenue Ocala, 34471

Manheim Central Florida Auto Auction 9800 Bachman Rd. Orlando, 32824

Manheim Remarketing Site Orlando/Ocoee 1275 E. Story Road Winter Garden, 34787

JUNE 2010

Manheim Ft. Lauderdale 5353 State Road 7 Davie, 33314 Adesa Miami/Insurance Auto Auction of Miami 12700 NW 42nd Ave Opa Locka, 33054

AUGUST 2010 JULY 2010

JULY 2010 JUNE 2010

June 3-4

Orlando/Winter Garden

July 8-9

June 5-6

Tampa

June 7-8

Ocala

Orlando/Winter Garden

Aug. 5-6

Orlando/Winter Garden

July 10-11 Tampa

Aug. 7-8

Tampa

July 12-13 Ocala

Aug. 9-10 Ocala

June 9-10 Lakeland

July 14-15 Lakeland

Aug. 11-12 Lakeland

June 9-10 Pensacola

July 14-15 Pensacola

Aug. 11-12 Pensacola

June 12-13 Ft. Lauderdale

July 17-18 Ft. Lauderdale

Aug. 14-15 Ft. Lauderdale

June 22-23 Tallahassee

July 20-21 Panama City

Aug. 24-25 Panama City

June 26-27 Orlando

July 24-25 Orlando

Aug. 21-22 Orlando

June 28-29 Jacksonville

July 26-27 Jacksonville

Aug. 30-31 Jacksonville

June 21-22 Clearwater

July 19-20 Clearwater

Aug. 23-24 Clearwater

June 23-24 Miami/Opa Locka

July 21-22 Miami/Opa Locka

Aug. 25-26 Miami/Opa Locka

View Course Descriptions and Register at www.FIADA.comwww.fiada.com

— Independent Dealer — June 2010

MAILING ADDRESS 1840 Fiddler Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 TELEPHONE (850) 385-2712 (800) 237-0448

FAX (850) 385-3251 WEBSITE www.FIADA.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Greg Edwards President Jim Kagiliery Chairman of the Board Jeff Gann Senior Vice President Jeff Zupec Secretary Dino Mercurio Treasurer

Mario Allmond Regional Vice President Brandi Noegel Regional Vice President George Hickey Regional Vice President Steve Marbais, CMD Regional Vice President John Cousins Regional Vice President FIADA STAFF Steve Jordan Executive Director Larry Peters S. Allen Monello, D.P.A. Terry Myers Instructors Sarah Langley Membership Coordinator Alex Romans Education Coordinator Christy Taylor Editorial/Advertising

POSTMASTER:

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.

www.fiada.com

Contents June 2010

For members of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association

C O LU M N S & F E AT U R E S 6

Greg Edwards

Steve Jordan

Ginger White joins FIADA as Membership Recruitment & Retention Coordinator.

Dealer Training & Town Hall Meeting

Gold Medal Members Honoring our members for 5, 10 and 15 years of membership.

FIADA member benefits can give you a competitive edge.

HB 631 was signed into law and gives dealers new power starting July 1.

The FIADA Member Book of Savings can turn your dues into $7,000 in savings.

President’s Message Executive Director’s Message Spreading the Word

Business Survival Power to the Dealers Top Reasons Independent Dealers Belong to FIADA Legal Briefs Federal Regulatory Updates: What Dealers Should Know

A Good Plan For Bad Weather What you can do now to prepare for hurricane season.

John Grant, FIADA Lobbyist

Chris Leedom asks dealers to speak up on federal regulation.

Fast Cars and Freedom: FIADA’s Annual Convention & Expo

Legislative Update Industry Op-Ed

D E PA R T M E N T S 46

Member News & Notes

Internet Extras

UPCOMING EVENTS July 16-17, 2010 FIADA Board of Directors Meeting PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens, FL

October 15-16, 2010 FIADA Annual Convention & Expo Tradewinds Resort St. Pete Beach, FL June 2010 — Independent Dealer —

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Be Prepared For The Unexpected BY GREG ED WARDS

s the first wave of tar balls start rolling up on Florida’s beaches, I am reminded of the impact the recent oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico will have on those of us who live and work in this state. With an estimate of 500,000 to 800,000 gallons of crude oil polluting the ocean waters every day, our pristine beach line is in jeopardy. Environmentally speaking, this is the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

agenda take center stage and force major design changes for gas-guzzling automobiles? Will the government ultimately be the one to pick up the tab for clean-up efforts and ongoing restoration programs, causing us all to pay more in fees and taxes? My guess is yes to all of these questions. I think if you are a wise dealer, you may want to start planning for a worst-case scenario and how your business will respond.

Before it is over, the economic impact for our state may be equally as devastating. I’ve read that at least 60 percent of vacation spending in Florida is in beachfront cities. There is no denying that those beachgoers might reconsider their trip if the sugarwhite beaches of Pensacola become dotted with sticky, black tar. Our fishermen and seafood industry will be hit hard as well, as sealift dies and becomes contaminated. Since the offshore rig Deepwater Horizon exploded on April 20, BP has lost around 30 million gallons of oil—and that number is still climbing. You got to think all that wasted oil will soon have an effect on the price we will be paying at the pump and our long stretch of affordable gasoline may soon be coming to an end.

In all of the gloom and doom though, I am able to learn a positive lesson from the Gulf oil spill. It is imperative as a business, an Association, even as an individual, that you have a solid plan for dealing with the unexpected and destructive events that happen in life. Remember Murphy’s Law? BP forgot about it and got caught in a very bad situation.

And, if you thought it could not get any worse, consider that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an “active to extremely active” this year with 14 to 23 named storms and three to seven of those Category 3 or higher. A storm churning up the Gulf waters will only exacerbate the problem and further devastate our state economically and environmentally. None of us know yet how this disaster is going to play out. Will car sales slump again with growing concern for oil conservation? Will the “crude oil dependency” — Independent Dealer — June 2010

The more prepared you are to handle the minefields around you the better your chance for survival. That’s just simple battlefield strategy. There are always going to be problems, but if you can anticipate them and know who to turn to when you need help, you’ll eventually come out the other side better and stronger. It kind of reminds me about our Association. The FIADA is always there for us as dealers, protecting us from the things that threaten our way of life. Whether it is through legislative efforts, regulatory resources, the advice of experienced members, an article in the magazine or some other point-of-contact your dealer’s Association will always be able to provide you with the right tools and information to do your job. Even if your job changes or your business is flooded with adversity, FIADA will be there ready to help you stop the leak and start again. If you aren’t a member, I would suggest becoming one. You don’t want to do it alone. www.fiada.com

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

5486 Old Dixie Hwy. / Forest Park, GA 30297 / 800.307.9233 / www.autofinancenow.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer —

EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR’S MESSAGE

A Tradition of Quality BY STE VE JORDAN

y joining the FIADA independent auto dealers all across Florida are making a commitment to “move ahead,” and separate themselves from their competition, and run their businesses based on the cornerstones of integrity, honor, character and quality. For many of our dealer members, these are tried and true aspects of a business model that have served them well over the years. But there are a growing number of FIADA members that have decided to take these traits to a new level by dedicating themselves to serving their industry, their community and being outstanding business operators. It’s from among this group of quality dealers at the top of their class that the FIADA will find our 2010 - 2011 “Quality Dealer of the Year.” The Quality Dealer of the Year Award is the most coveted honor at the Banquet & Awards Ceremony during the FIADA’s Annual Convention. This year’s convention will be held on October 15th & 16th at the TradeWinds Island Resort on the beautiful beach of St. Pete (just outside Tampa) where the 20092010 Quality Dealer, John Cousins, will crown next year’s winner. As founder of Southeast Car Agency in Gainesville, Florida, John is the epitome of what a quality dealer should be. Working tirelessly to give back to his community, he has established himself and his company as the standard of quality in business. John understands that giving back isn’t an obligation,

but a privilege. Through his hard work and attitude of servant leadership, John has set himself apart from the crowd and his community, customers and employees are all the better for it. Next year’s Quality Dealer will have big shoes to fill, but when the FIADA Board of Directors convenes and chooses from the candidate pool, it will use the following three key factors to determine what member can best represent the FIADA: 1. Service to their Industry. Candidates should display a willingness to serve the used motor vehicle industry through helpful service to fellow dealers by sharing knowledge, talent and experiences. They should support the FIADA through dedicated service and willingness to be helpful in performing association duties when asked by leadership. 2. Service to their Community. Candidates should be involved in the affairs of their local community and exhibit a willingness to give back to their communities with their time, talent and money to credible, worthwhile causes that can assist in meeting a greater need. 3. Outstanding Business Operations. Candidates should be committed to offering exceptional service to customers, both during and after a sale. They should always maintain the highest standards as they relate to employee and business associates and be highly respected with a good personal and business reputation within their local community.

Each year the Quality Dealer is awarded a ring, like the one above which was given to FIADA’s first Quality Dealer, Ellis Warren. — Independent Dealer — June 2010

Along with other qualifying characteristics, the 2010-2011 Quality Dealer will be chosen and given the Quality Dealer Award and the traditional Quality Dealer Ring. They will then go on to represent Florida and compete www.fiada.com

at the national level against other state winners at the NIADA Annual Convention next year. If you know of a dealer in your area that meets these criteria and you would like to nominate them, please contact us here at the state headquarters or visit www. fiada.com for a nomination form.

FIADA Quality Dealers 1988 Ellis Warren* 1989 Glenn Harris 1990 Gary Smith* 1991 Bob Snider 1992 Deacon Jones* 1993 Ed Tillman 1994 Terry Cramer 1995 Pete Mercurio 1996 George Hickey* 1997 Tommy Kay 1998 Jim Wilson 1999 Glenn McNeill 2000 Jim Winterick 2001 Larry Noegel 2002 Don Scott 2003 Steve Marbais 2004 Dino Mercurio 2005 Ray Morrison 2006 Frank Fuzy 2007 Edward A. Fernandez 2008 George Baker 2009 John Cousins * Denotes a NIADA Quality Dealer

www.fiada.com ADA NEWS • JUNE 2010

Fridays • 10:00AM • Six Lanes • 700 Vehicles 651 Precast Lane, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: (843) 719-1900 www.charlestonautoauction.com

PAID ADVERTISING

Since the beginning, FIADA has been setting the standard for independent auto dealers in Florida and carrying out our many timehonored traditions like the Quality Dealer Award which began in 1988. I encourage you to challenge yourself and take inventory of where you stand with your contributions to the industry, your community and to how you operate your business. Your customers, employees and your business operations will benefit from your commitment to excellence. Make the necessary changes, take your commitment up a notch to give something back and maybe you can join the ranks of those quality dealers who have served before you.

June 2010 — Independent 35 Dealer —

Ginger White accepts a new position as the Membership Recruiter & Retention Coordinator to help grow awareness of FIADA in the independent dealer community. By Christy Taylor

ince 1940 the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association has been looking out for the best interest of used car dealers around the state. Yet, even with a solid reputation in the industry, a growing legislative presence and a host of exclusive membersonly benefits, there are some dealers who have not realized the power of the oldest dealers association in the country. Independent dealers are very focused businessmen and women. They get fully-invested into what they do best, selling cars, and sometimes are unaware there is a dealers association they could belong to. Yet, as those dealers have been hard at work FIADA continues to add value for its members and it is time to make sure the message is out loud and clear. This summer, FIADA has the privelege of welcoming an industry veteran as the new Membership Recruitment & Retention Coordinator. Ginger White, a wellknown name around auto auctions and used car dealerships in the Southeast for 20 years, has accepted the new position and is looking to share her commitment and appreciation of the Association with Florida dealers. “The more you know about the business you are in, the better your business will be. The only way to know about what is happening around you is by being involved in your Association,” White said. “I feel FIADA has so much to offer and if you aren’t a member you are missing out.” 10 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

White has supported the Association both as a Manheim veteran and in her current position as General Manager of the Tallahassee Auto Auction for the past 10 years. She has sponsored events, helped train new dealers and always encouraged nonmembers to join. In fact, White has been honored both at the state level, receiving FIADA’s Auction Person of the Year honor in 2005 and last year the national title of NIADA Auction of the Year. She is leaving her post at Tallahassee Auto Auction because she is excited about the opportunity to be on the road meeting dealers and building the profile of FIADA. “After 10 years of working for the Nichols Family at Tallahassee Auto Auction, I am very appreciative of all they have done for me,” White said. “I’m also excited about the opportunity going forward to work with FIADA, its Board of Directors and Executive Director Steve Jordan.” White plans to help with the transition of a new GM at Tallahassee and will be starting with FIADA in July. On a mission to not only convert nonmembers to members, but also educate current members and get them more involved, White says she is ready to get started. She plans to get started in her own backyard, Leon County, and carry it on to a new membership push for the entire panhandle. Shoring up support in North Florida will set the foundation for the rest of the state. “The FIADA is headquartered in Tallahassee, so every dealer in Leon County should be a member. It

will also give us that much more momentum in our legislative efforts if we have increased membership right there at the capital,” White said. White is most looking forward to, traveling the highways and byways of Florida extending her handshake and a smile. She is excited to sit down and talk with everyone—big and small. “Independent dealers are great Americans. Whether they are momand-pop stores or larger operations they are working hard to provide a much needed service in their community,” White said. “I can’t wait to get out there and listen to their cares and concerns, and find ways FIADA can support them. I see my role as an ambassador on behalf of the Association to every dealer in the state.” The bar is set high as White says she will not stop until at least a quarter of all licensed independent dealers in the state are members. It may not be a hard sell, after all for less than a dollar a day, FIADA membership can give dealers access to legal help, technical assistance, educational opportunities, and a host of other money-saving benefits and services. “Not only will membership mean savings and return on investment, but it will also help everyone associated with buying and selling cars. More educated dealers means better customers at the auctions, better service to retail customers and much more. We have a lot to offer, and membership can bring great value to all dealers,” White said. www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 11

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 8:00am Registration / Sign-In Coffee & Danish 9:00am Buy Here Pay Here Training: Part 1 Super-Size Your Bottom Line: Keys to Buying the Right Inventory • Know Your Market & Enhance Your Profitability • Industry Benchmarks that Impact Your BHPH Loan Performance • How Does Your Book of Business Stack Up? Industry Standards in a Recovering Economy 10:30am Questions & Answers 10:50am Break 11:00am Legal & Regulatory Flash Points for Dealers Sidestepping Legal Landmines in the Regulation Age • Frequently Asked Legal Questions • Impact of New Laws: September 1, 2009 & July 1, 2010 • Industry Overview 11:50am Questions & Answers

12:00pm Town Hall Meeting & Legislative Update (Working Lunch) Advocating for the Independent Dealer in Florida’s Capitol • Status of House Bill 631 and Senate Bill 1182 • Fee Increases: FIADA Strategy to Roll Them Back • All Politics is Local: FIADA wants to hear from You 12:45pm Questions & Answers 1:00pm

Buy Here Pay Here Training: Part 2 Keys to Limiting Your Risk as a BHPH Dealer • Sales, Marketing & Advertising: Your Recipe for Higher Margins • Underwriting the BHPH Customer: Give Yourself a Chance to Collect • Finding Customers that Don’t Want to be Found: Repossession Recovery Affidavits

2:30pm Questions & Answers 3:00pm Dismiss

Pre-register today at www.fiada.com or by calling (800) 237-0448 and when you check-in at Manheim Palm Beach for the FIADA training, you will receive $100 off a Manheim Palm Beach Buy/Sell Fee. 12 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 13

FIADA is the oldest independent dealer association in the country. Since its inception in 1940 it has attracted the best dealers in the business. We want to recognize our gold medal members for their impressive length of membership and support of the Association.

15+ Year Members ABC Autos, Inc Tampa, FL ABC Southeast Florida Ft. Pierce, FL America’s Auto Auction Jacksonville, FL Arlington Salvage and Wrecker Co. Jacksonville, FL Auto Brokers of Orlando Orlando, FL Auto Credit Ft. Myers, FL Autorama Auto Sales Ft. Myers, FL Avery Motors Jacksonville, FL Beach Cars of West Palm, Inc. West Palm Beach, FL Benz Financial Services, Inc. North Miami Beach, FL Bob Oliva Motors, Inc. Pompano Beach, FL Bond Auto Sales, Inc. Tampa, FL Bubba Hill Auto Plaza, Inc. Panama City, FL Bud Lawrence, Inc. DeLand, FL Car Collection of Tampa Tampa, FL Carrollwood A/S & Repair Tampa, FL Central Truck Sales, Inc. Miami, FL Century Motors of S. Fla., Inc. Pompano Beach, FL Cherry Cars, Inc. Ft. Myers, FL Chuck Carlson Auto Sales, Inc. Pompano Beach, FL Clearlake Motors Cocoa, FL Cocoa Auto Dealers Exchange Cocoa, FL Continental Auto Sales Land O’Lakes, FL Courtesy Car Rental, Inc. Lighthouse Point, FL Credit Cars Orlando, FL Datura Auto Sales West Palm Beach, FL Dick’s Auto Sales Lakeland, FL Dixie Motor Sales, Inc. Delray Beach, FL Don Hyatt - HLD Weston, FL Don Scott Motors Ocala, FL Donald Swerdlin- HLD West Palm Beach, FL Economy Motors Live Oak, FL Ed Cox Motor Company, Inc. Ft. Walton Beach, FL Edison Bridge Auto Sales Ft. Myers, FL Fett Motors, Inc. Pinellas Park, FL Florida Auto Exchange Co. Dunedin, FL Gateway Auto Sales, Inc. Jacksonville, FL Glenn Harris Motors, Inc. Kissimmee, FL Goebel’s Used Cars, Inc. Ocala, FL Greco, DeBellas, Camero, Inc. Ocoee, FL GTS Auto Sales Miami, FL Gulf Coast Auto Mart, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL Gulf Coast Truck Inc. Pensacola, FL 14 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

Gulfstream Motor Credit Co. Harold D. Corey Auto Broker Hawley Motor Sales, Inc. Holt Auto Sales, Inc. Howland International, Inc. Integrity Auto Sales, Inc. J.D. Sanders, Inc. Jenkins Auto Sales of Florida Jim Lash Blue Book Cars J-Linn Motors John Rogers Used Cars JW Autobrokers, Inc. K.K. Car Company, Inc. Lake County Motors, Inc. Langston Motors Larry Condon Auto Sales Lash Auto Sales Le Bo Auto Brokers Lockhart Auto Sales - HLD Mancini Automotive, Inc. Manheim Fort Lauderdale Manheim Fort Myers Manheim’s Daytona A/A Manheim’s Gtr. Tampa Bay A/A Manheim’s Imperial A/A Manheim’s Lakeland A/A, Inc. Manheim’s St. Pete A/A Marbais Enterprises, Inc. Mark Gerke Motors, Inc. Marteney Motors Martinez & Associates, CPAs, P.A. Maxx Motors Mears Motor Leasing Mears Transportation Group Mid State Motors, Inc. Mike Kashtan’s Superior A/S Mixon’s Car City Motorcar Gallery, Inc. Noegel’s Auto Sales Nye’s Auto Sales O’Donnell Automotive Orange Avenue Autos Orange County Motors, Inc.

Miami, FL Indian Rocks Beach, FL Sarasota, FL Kissimmee, FL Poinciana, FL Port Orange, FL Alachua, FL Pompano Beach, FL Sanford, FL Clearwater, FL Orlando, FL Jacksonville, FL Lake Worth, FL Mt. Dora, FL Eustis, FL Stuart, FL Lakeland, FL Cape Coral, FL Orlando, FL Hudson, FL Davie, FL Ft. Myers, FL Daytona Beach, FL Tampa, FL Lakeland, FL Lakeland, FL Clearwater, FL Ocoee, FL Panama City, FL Melbourne, FL Winter Springs, FL Princeton, FL Orlando, FL Orlando, FL Ocala, FL Pinellas Park, FL Lake City, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Starke, FL Tampa, FL Orlando, FL Orlando, FL Orlando, FL

Owen Motors, Inc. Panama Motors Paragon Auto Sales, Inc. Park Motors, Inc. Parkway Auto Sales, Inc. Poffenbaugh Ford, Inc. Prime Autos - HLD Progressive Motors, Inc. R & L Auto Wholesale Ray Whitts Used Cars Ray’s Motor Sales, Inc. Ray’s Used Cars Red Carpet Motors Richard Bell Auto Sales Rob Bruce Auto Sales Robert Galloway - HLD Robert Snider - HLD Robinson-Adams Insurance Roney Auto Sales Sanford Auto Dealers Exchange Shade Tree Auto Repair Shoda’s Auto Sales, Inc. Skipper Limited, Inc. Southeast Car Agency, Inc. Southside Autos, Inc. Sunstate Title Service Tallahassee Auto Auction Tampa Machinery Auction The Car Company, Inc. The Truck Center, Inc. The Truck Junction Tom’s Cars, Inc. Toy Store Tucker Auto Sales Turnpike Motors VIP Auto Sales W. C. Morrison Warren Motors - HLD William H. Fenton Co., Inc. William L. Ragatz, Inc. Williams & Stazzone Insurance Wood Motor Company Your Auction, Inc.

Sarasota, FL Jacksonville, FL Interlachen, FL Jacksonville, FL Homestead, FL St. Cloud, FL West Palm Beach, FL Pompano Beach, FL Lakeland, FL Holly Hill, FL Lake Wales, FL Dade City, FL Port Richey, FL DeLand, FL Longwood, FL Cocoa Beach, FL Titusville, FL Birmingham, AL Plant City, FL Sanford, FL Bartow, FL Jacksonville, FL Graceville, FL Gainesville, FL Orlando, FL Tallahasee, FL Tallahassee, FL Thonotosassa, FL Lake Alfred, FL Ft. Walton Beach, FL Sarasota, FL Ocala, FL Largo, FL Orlando, FL Pompano Beach, FL Jacksonville, FL Panama City, FL Jacksonville, FL Westfield, MA Winter Haven, FL Cocoa Beach, FL Ft. Myers, FL St. Petersburg, FL www.fiada.com

10+ Year Members Advanced Business Computers Jacksonville, FL Angelo Auto Wholesale Jacksonville, FL Bargain Auto Sales of Lakeland, Inc. Lakeland, FL Brimmer, Burek & Keelan, LLP Tampa, FL Bryans Used Cars DeFuniak Springs, FL Buyer’s Zone, Inc. West Palm Beach, FL Car Credit Tampa, FL Carmax Richmond, VA Car-Time, Inc. Bunnell, FL Chaneys Used Cars Inc. Avon Park, FL Charlie Cole’s Auto Mall, Inc. Largo, FL Chase Automotive Finance Corp. Tampa, FL Computerized Vehicle Registration Newberry, FL Credit World Auto Sales, Inc. Orlando, FL Creel Motors St. Petersburg, FL Dean’s Auto Outlet Ormond Beach, FL Dick Moye Auto Sales, Inc. Pensacola, FL Discount Cars of Marianna, Inc. Marianna, FL Donny Mills Auto Sales, Inc. Largo, FL

DriveTime Sales & Finance E.J.’s Auto World Ed Tillman Auto Sales Family Auto Mart, Inc. Fleet Lease Disposal Fleet Street Remarketing Frontier Motors, Inc. Gallagher Promotional Products Gene Gorman’s Auto Sales Golden Oldies Auto Sales, Inc. Guardian Warranty Corp. Hilltop Motors Independent Credit, Inc. J & J Auto Sales J.D. Byrider J.D. Byrider Maher Chevrolet Mid Continental Quality Autos Naples Motorsports

Phoenix, AZ Panama City, FL Jacksonville, FL Melbourne, FL Delray Beach, FL Largo, FL Pensacola, FL Longwood, FL Punta Gorda, FL Hudson, FL Avoca, PA Jacksonville, FL West Palm Beach, FL Ft. Pierce, FL Jacksonville, FL Tampa, FL St. Petersburg, FL Sanford, FL Naples, FL

Norman & Company,Inc Oldsmar, FL Northside Motors, Inc. Lake City, FL Northwest Florida Auto Sales Ft. Walton Beach, FL Passport Leasing Corp. Ft. Lauderdale, FL Refine Coach Inc. Miami, FL Richard’s Car Company, Inc. Jacksonville, FL Select Autos of Naples, Inc. Naples, FL Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises, Inc. Live Oak, FL Sides Cars-Trucks New Smyrna Beach, FL Stepanek’s A/S & Service, Inc. Vero Beach, FL Ted’s Auto Sales, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL Tropical Auto Sales North Palm Beach, FL United Acceptance, Inc. Smyrna, GA Victory Motor Corp. of Panama City Panama City, FL Warren’s Auto Sales Avon Park, FL Wing Motors Miami, FL Wise Way Auto Sales, Inc. Ocala, FL World Imports USA, Inc. Jacksonville, FL

CrossLander of Central FL Winter Garden, FL Dealers Auto Auction Gainesville, FL Dennis LeVine & Associates, PA Tampa, FL Dewitt Motors Sarasota, FL Discount Key Machines.com Orlando, FL Dixie Motors LLC Live Oak, FL Dunnellon Motors, Inc. Dunnellon, FL E & M Auto Sales (Off Lease Only) Lake Worth, FL ELXSI dba: Cues Orlando, FL Encore Motorcars of Sarasota Sarasota, FL Firehouse Auto Sales Sebastian, FL First Coast Auto Sales Jacksonville, FL Florida Auto Dealer School Clearwater, FL Fran Auto Sales Miami, FL Frazer Computing, Inc. Canton, NY Galeria Auto Mart, Inc. Apopka, FL George Holmes - HLD Ft. Myers, FL Gibson Truck World Sanford, FL Global Wholesale Motor Company Ft. Myers, FL Greg Edwards Enterprises, Inc. Daytona Bch Shores, FL Gulf Coast Autos, Inc. Panama City, FL Hallmark Driving, Inc. Live Oak, FL Handicapped Driver Services Jacksonville, FL Insurance Services of Central FL. Orlando, FL J & C Auto Sales Naples, FL Jam Vehicles Palm Bay, FL K & M Truck & Auto Sales, Inc. Leesburg, FL Lakeshore Motors East Lake Weir, FL Laser Finance Altamonte Springs, FL Leedom & Associates Sarasota, FL Lighthouse Children Home, Inc. Tallahassee, FL Lovering Auto Sales Lakeland, FL M&M Auto Sales Cape Coral, FL Manheim Orlando Ocoee, FL Manheim’s Central Florida A/A Orlando, FL March Auto, Inc. Jacksonville, FL Martins Used Cars, Inc. Ocala, FL Millenia Motors, Inc. Longwood, FL Millennium Luxury Coaches Sanford, FL Mobility Freedom, Inc. Clermont, FL Moffat Automotive Group, Inc. Stuart, FL Motorworld of Clearwater, Inc. Clearwater, FL

Neal’s Wheels Fanning Springs, FL No. 1 Auto Sales, Inc. Hollywood, FL North Central Florida A/A Ocala, FL Payless Auto Sales LLC Panama City, FL Prestige Auto Sales Ocala, FL Pro Toyz, Inc. Clearwater, FL Professional Financial Services of Florida, LLC Tampa, FL ProLine Motors Inc. Fernandina Beach, FL Pro-Power Auto Sales Company Port Charlotte, FL Quincy Auto Mart, Inc. Quincy, FL Reliable Used Cars, Inc. DeLand, FL Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Palatka, FL Royal Administration Services Hanover, MA Sibley’s Used Cars Ocala, FL Southeast Fleet Auto Sales, Inc. Clearwater, FL Southern Country Auto Sales Gainesville, FL Southwest Auto Brokers Cape Coral, FL Space Coast Auto Auction Melbourne, FL Spanos Imports Daytona Beach, FL Specialty Cars of Sarasota Sarasota, FL Speedway Pull-N-Save Auto Parts LLC Daytona Beach, FL Splish Splash Auto Sales, Inc. Princeton, FL Stirlingshire Investment, LLC Hollister, FL Sunrise Automotive Holly Hill, FL Tampa Carstore, Inc. Tampa, FL Tax Refund Services, Inc. Tampa, FL Taylor Auto Sales, Inc. Tallahassee, FL The Car Cabana of Melbourne Rockledge, FL The Car Store, Inc. Seffner, FL Thickets, Inc. Archer, FL Tom Bush Auto Plex Jacksonville, FL Tom Sweeney Inc. Lake Wales, FL Trinity Motors Sarasota, FL Ultimate Image Auto, Inc. Tallahassee, FL United Auto USA Corp Miami, FL Van’s Cars & Trucks Brooksville, FL Verde Classics, LLC Boynton Beach, FL Wayne Reaves Computer Systems Macon, GA Western Funding, Inc. Tampa, FL Wilson Software Corp. Englewood, FL Xpress Finance, Inc. Orlando, FL

5+ Year Members 3445 Car Store, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL ADESA A/A of Tampa Tampa, FL Advanced Auto Sales Kissimmee, FL Advanced Vehicle Modifications, Inc Ocala, FL AFS Acceptance LLC Ft Lauderdale, FL Alamo Auto Sales, Inc. Panama City, FL Alas Auto Brokers Inc. Davie, FL American Recovery Association Irving, TX Arlington Auto Exchange, Inc. Jacksonville, FL Aubrey’s Auto Sales Delray Beach, FL Aubrie Nelson Auto Sales Altha, FL Auto Add-Ons, Inc. Tavares, FL Auto Data Direct Tallahassee, FL Auto Plan, Inc. Tampa, FL Auto Select St. Augustine, FL Auto Shopper Magazine Lakeland, FL Automax Palm Harbor, FL Automax Ocala, Inc. Ocala, FL Automotive Fleet Enterprises Pinellas Park, FL Autos of Palm Beach West Palm Beach, FL B & T Enterprise Services, Inc Spring Hill, FL B & W Motor Cars Tampa, FL Beach Boulevard Automotive Jacksonville, FL Big Boys Toys Florida, LLC Panama City Beach, FL Big John’s Carz An Trucks Orange City, FL Big O’s Northside Auto Sales Interlachen, FL Bill Owens Auto Sales Avon Park, FL BJ’s Auto Wholesale Palmetto, FL Black Book Natl. Auto Research Gainesville, GA Braman Motorcars West Palm Beach, FL C & C Cars Pinellas Park, FL C & J Auto Sales of Tampa Bay Seffner, FL C & S Orlando, Inc. dba Econ Motor Sales Orlando, FL C.L.D Enterprises Inc. Tampa, FL Cars & Credit of Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Cars.Com Chicago, IL Cash Cars, Inc. Belleair Bluffs, FL Cassat Auto Sales Jacksonville, FL Central Florida Auto Brokers Ocoee, FL Central Florida Auto Wholesale, Inc. Leesburg, FL Central Florida Used Car Mart Mascotte, FL Corbin Auto Sales Chipley, FL www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 15

Membership in FIADA and NIADA puts corporate-sized benefits and tools right in your small business’ pocket.

magine if your business had access to all of the benefits a large corporation has, without having to organize, maintain or fund them. As a member of the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, you can. Your member benefits offer savings and special programs on a wide variety of business products and services that can help you profit and grow in a competitive market. To make a good thing even better, when you are a member of the FIADA, you simultaneously become a member of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, which means you not only have access to all of the coupons, savings and benefits from FIADA but also those that NIADA has to offer. The list includes business savings, employee benefits and even personal perks. Take a look for yourself at what your joint membership has to offer: FIADA BENEFITS

Payment Processing FIADA has partnered with First National to provide members with a payment processing solution that provides competitive rates and with unparalleled customer service. First National’s program highlights include online reporting, no monthly minimum processing requirements, check verification and guarantee solutions. First National also offers an Interest Bearing Account, which allows you to earn interest on your credit card deposits. To take advantage of your member benefits or to learn more about First National, call 800-354-3988. When you call, be sure to ask for a FREE savings analysis detailing how First National can save your business money. 16 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

Shipping Services FIADA members are now eligible to receive valuable discounts of up to 27% on select FedEx® shipping services. There are no costs and no minimum shipping requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit. FIADA members save: • Up to 27% on select FedEx Express® • Up to 23% on select FedEx Express international • Up to 15% on select FedEx Ground® • Up to 10% on select FedEx Home Delivery® For more information or enroll in the FedEx Advantage Program, please go to www.1800members.com/ fiada or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1.800.636.2377, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, M-F). Office Supplies Office Depot offers Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association members extra discounts and services due to the cooperative purchasing power of FIADA that would not be received just by using Office Depot individually. They offer a wide variety of benefits, including free next-day delivery, special pricing on Technology and Promotional products, and an award-winning Web site that keeps 18 months of tracking information at your fingertips. To take advantage of this member benefit, Call (800) 422-2654 or email Andrew Magazine at andrew. magazine@officedepot.com for information or to set up an account; or call (800) 386-0226 to place an order. Continued on page 18. www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com PAID ADVERTISING

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 17

BUSINESS SURVIVAL continued from page 16.

Credit Reporting FIADA has partnered with MicroBilt to bring you savings on credit reports. With MicroBilt, you get direct access to all consumer and commercial credit bureaus, public records, criminal records, sub-prime reports and verification products. For more information contact Randy Mosteller at 866-538-9815 ext 1. Background Searches Omnia Background Search is your source for preemployment background screening. We provide criminal searches through out the U.S., credit reports, driving records, employment verifications, workers’ comp searches, and others. Order online or by fax, you pay for only the reports you need, with an average turnaround of 48-72 hours. We follow federal laws, such as obtaining a signed applicant release form. For more information regarding employee criminal background checks. Contact Tony Curtachio at 800-233-9990 ext 1231 or email him at tcurtachio@ omniagroup.com. Document Management Scan123 is a web-based document management software solution which uses off-the-shelf hardware, a nonproprietary file storage format, and a secure, off-site datacenter to provide enterprise level performance at a fraction of the price of its competitors. The Scan123 document management software helps keep companies in compliance with federal and state laws, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. For additional information on the Scan123 document management system (or for an online demo), contact Paul DeMoret, Operations Manager of OCMUSA.COM phone:888-481-3727 or email pauld@ocmusa.com. NIADA BENEFITS

Insurance Products and Discounts A new member benefit, the NIADA insurance center can give eligible members discounts on group and individual medical, dental, vision, life, auto and home insurance programs. Members and employees select their own criteria and requirements, then choose from around 40 insurance companies who will present their best rate for the coverage requested. The program is administered by Marsh Insurance, a service of Seabury & Smith. Enrollment is available online or by calling (866) 796-6290. NIADA Insure is powered by NADA Insurance and offers NIADA members a variety of term life, personal accident and long term care insurance. Now the power of NADA and NIADA combine to give you very competitive group rates giving you and your employees financial peace of 18 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

mind. For more information, go to www.nadainsurance. com or call (888) 461-6232. Retirement Program The NIADA Retirement Program is administered by NADART (a division of NADA) and has managed assets exceeding $3 billion. It has been offering comprehensive retirement plan administration and investment support to franchised new car and truck dealers nationwide for over 45 years. The program is now available to all NIADA members as well allowing you to offer yourself and your employees a state-of-the-art 401k retirement plan. Contact NADART at (800) 248-6232 ext 7254. Education and Training NIADA.TV provides on-demand 24/7 dealer and industry training with special seminars, live broadcasts and videos. You will find some of the industries best trainers providing the network’s educational content. As a NIADA member you will receive special training email notices. Parts and Service Discounts AutoZone is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the US. NIADA members now have access to AutoZone’s “hotshot” delivery program including discounts on more than 750,000 product level SKUs in over 70 distinct categories covering most applications. Email George.verkamp@ autozone.com for more information. Wireless Telephone Services Discount T-Mobile offers NIADA members a 10% monthly savings on your wireless phone services for all current rate plans and features. This also includes a free Motorola W490 (no rebate needed), free car charger (with new activation), free activation, free shipping and up to five free phones on Family Plans. This is a call in only offer, so to take advantage you must call (866) 464-8662, select option 3 and refer to the promotion code 9182TMOFAV. (This offer is not available in retail stores or other websites. Existing customers can start receiving the 10% monthly discount by emailing lavoyger.durham2@tmobile.com. Other free phone choices are available and at low discounted prices.) Vehicle Pricing Guide Discounts Black Book offers special pricing on their Express On-Line Used Vehicle Pricing Guide via www.blackbookusa.com. The database is available 24/7 with updated daily pricing. Call (800) 554-1026 to learn more. Discover more FIADA and NIADA member benefits, go to www.FIADA.com and click on member savings. www.fiada.com

.11-+0) 61 $7;! Buy with confidence. â&#x20AC;˘ 60-day buy-back guarantee

Dealer Preferred vehicles are 5 years

â&#x20AC;˘ PSI included with every purchase â&#x20AC;˘ Full condition reportâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with photos

or newer, have 100,000 miles or less and a clean vehicle history report.

Look for Dealer Preferred in-lane and online at ADESA.com.

5KOWNECUVKPI 9QTNFYKFG

,QKP VJG DKFFKPI .+8' QPNKPG CV #&'5# EQO

%QPVCEV [QWT PGCTGUV #&'5# NQECVKQP

Â&#x2026; #&'5# +0%

#&'5# ,CEMUQPXKNNG #&'5# /KCOK 5CNG FC[ 6JWTUFC[

5CNG FC[ 6WGUFC[

#&'5# 1ECNC 5CNG FC[ (TKFC[

#&'5# 5CTCUQVC 5CNG FC[ (TKFC[

#&'5# 6CORC 5CNG FC[ /QPFC[

#&'5# EQO PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

overnor Charlie Crist signed HB 631 into law on June 3, giving independent dealers a home run victory this legislative session. The significance of the Governor’s signature puts added emphasis on the important provisions HB 631 gives dealers, and was the grand slam finish to FIADA’s legislative efforts this year. To recap the scorecard, Rep. Rachel Burgin filed HB 631 in the House on January 11, 2010. After nearly unanimous votes in the Roads, Bridges and Ports Policy Committee, Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee, and Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council the bill moved on to a house vote on April 26 and passed with 108 Yeas and no Nays. From there, it moved into the Senate under Sen. Victor D. Crist’s sponsorship (SB 1182) and received more positive support as it traveled through three committees ending in a unanimous vote by all Senate members on April 30. Presented to the Governor on May 21, the fate of HB 631 would go one of three ways: vetoed, unsigned and pass into law by default or become law with the Governor’s signature. Governor Crist chose to sign the bill, and give even more credibility to its significance. “The Governor’s signature on HB 631 is huge,” FIADA’s Executive Director Steve Jordan said. “Florida’s independent dealers should be proud that a piece of legislation that will directly impact their business in a positive way, was so well received by the legislature and the Governor.” What’s the big deal? For starters, HB 631 addresses the problem of curbstoning and gives licensed dealers a way to fight back against illegal competition. It also protects dealers from footing the bill on unpaid tag fees.

Governor Charlie Crist signed HB 631 into law, giving dealers the upper-hand over curbstoners, lost tag fees and business practices. See how this new law will affect you starting July 1.

When the law goes into effect on July 1, here is exactly what it will mean for you: •

State law enforcement, Department of Motor Vehicles, local code enforcement and local municipalities will now be empowered to issue citations for curbstoning. Law enforcement officers and code enforcement officers will also be able to have certain cursbtoned vehicles immediately towed. To further punish illegal sellers, the new law will enforce a mandatory $100 fine per violation and require a release from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before the curbstoned vehicle can be returned.

•

Dealers will be able to streamline title and registration paperwork processes by replacing notarization Continued on page 22.

20 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 21

POWER TO THE DEALERS continued from page 20.

begins with the model year of the vehicle. The bill also redefines “derelict motor vehicle certificate” to clarify that the motor vehicle with such a certificate may only be dismantled or converted to scrap metal.

requirements with simple perjury language on Title Application and Power of Attorney forms. •

•

DHSMV will not be allowed to issue a license plate, revalidation sticker or replacement plate to anyone who has failed to pay for a previous registration of the vehicle, preventing dealers from losing money on unpaid tag fees. Dealers will have the choice to retain certain required records in electronic form rather than paper for compliance and audit purposes. This means you can scan your records, if you choose, and destroy the paper saving you time and eliminating the need for file cabinets and storage. The definition of “certificate of title” is expanded to include titles from other states and clarifies that a 10-year provision to determine if a vehicle is derelict

•

A “seller” is allowed to apply for a derelict motor vehicle certificate when the owner is not able to apply. The application will require a personal identification number, a copy of the seller’s identification and a thumbprint. A buyer’s failure to obtain this information is a third degree felony.

You can read the bill’s official language of HB 631 and a summary of all of its provisions at www.FIADA.com. For further understanding, or questions, relating to the new law contact FIADA at (800) 237-0448 or make plans to attend the Dealer Training and Town Hall Meeting on Friday, July 16 at Manheim Palm Beach. See page 12 for details.

Stay tuned for more Dealer Trainings and Town Hall Meetings coming soon. In addition to the July event in Palm Beach, FIADA is now setting the agenda for future trainings across the state. If you would like to host or help organize a meeting in your community, call FIADA at (800) 237-0448.

Auction Listing: A complete directory of all 31 auction partners around the state.

Have you logged on to www. FIADA.com lately? You’ll find a number of valuable resources and tools that will help your business at the click of a mouse.

Serving Florida’s Used Car Dealers Since 1940.

Banking and Finance: Get easy to understand Q & A on topics like finance, insurance and repossessions. Plus, download the FIADA Repossession Manual for further reference. DMV Related Issues: Clarify tag and title issues and sign up for DMV bulletins. Access the Dealer Sourcebook/ DTS Manual.

Banking and Finance: Get easy to understand Q & A on topics like finance, insurance and repossessions. Plus, download the FIADA Repossession Manual for further reference. Sales Tax: Access the Department of Revenue’s Sales Tax Manual, other states’ sales tax rates and answers to sales and use tax exemptions.

Federal Regulations: Download templates and guidelines for the Red Flags Rule, FTC Safeguards Rule, Adverse Action Notices and more. 22 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

EVERYTHING

UNDER THE SUN. Dealers can access thousands of vehicles of nearly every make and model 24/7.

See how SmartAuction can help your used car business by visiting smartauction.biz or calling 1.877.273.5572.

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

Our online auction offers a diverse selection of vehicles, thanks to a vast community of buyers and sellers that includes OEMs, banks, rental companies and dealers across the country. So you can quickly and easily find the right pre-owned car for your customer. And that saves you a lot of hassle, time and money.

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 23

Top Reasons Independent Dealers Belong to FIADA Auction Buy/Sell Fee Discounts • FIADA’s relationship with auctions provides you with over $1,175 in discounts on auction buy / sell fees. That’s $1,175 in immediate cash flow savings. • In addition, you will receive over $6,000 in discounts on advertising, software, education, forms, shipping, office supplies and more.

Help Your Business Win

• As a member, you’re part of an association that’s 70 years old. So, even if you’re just starting out, you don’t have to look like it. You will have access to the FIADA logo for use on your print and electronic communications. You will also receive the FIADA Code of Ethics Certificate and a FIADA Member Decal to display in your store location.

• Pick up new ideas and network with other dealers and industry service providers at our annual convention and quarterly board meetings. • Need to contact another dealer in another part of the state or across the country? With FIADA’s online member directory you can contact dealers across the state for assistance. Have a customer that moved across the country? Through our affiliation with NIADA, FIADA is a part of a nationwide network of independent dealers that can assist you with finding your customers and your cars. • FIADA Members save on the DMV required online continuing education course. Simply login with your Member ID and password to save $30. • By donating to the Political Action Committee you can directly support candidates and elected officials in state offices who have a positive relationship with the automobile industry.

Industry Compliance Made Simple

• Keep abreast of the latest rules and regulations affecting Florida’s Independent Dealer. FIADA

publishes Independent Dealer magazine to keep you up-to-date. Also as late breaking changes occur, FIADA will keep you updated via email blasts.

• Stay compliant with new federal regulations. FIADA provides the tools and resources necessary for dealers to comply with the Red Flags Rule and Safeguards Rule. • FIADA members also have access to information regarding other compliance issues such as sales tax, titles and registrations. • Have questions about the automobile industry? As an FIADA member, help is always just a phone call away. FIADA members have unlimited access to our in-house expertise to give assistance to common problems that can be cumbersome and technical.

Annual Dues: $300

24 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

Independent Dealer Magazine

www.fiada.com

June 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25

LEGAL BRIEFS

Federal Regulatory Updates: What Dealers Should Know B y Th o m a s B. H udson and Emily M ar low B eck

ere we go again - another collection of selected federal regulatory highlights we track each month. Remember - what we report here is not every recent development, just ones that we think are of particular interest to car dealers - and note that this column does not offer legal advice. You need to consult your dealership lawyer with any legal questions. Federal Law Here Comes the CFPB, or CFP! The really critical developments taking place in Washington, D.C., as far as dealers are concerned, involve the Senate financial regulatory reform bill. The House version of this wideranging regulation creates a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, but exempts car dealers (but not BHPH dealers) from the Agency’s authority. The Senate bill creates a “bureau”, rather than an “agency,” but has no car dealer exemption of any kind. Even if car dealers end up with an exemption (unlikely), the agency or bureau will arguably have the authority to dictate to banks and other buyers of retail installment sales contracts the sorts of terms, conditions, pricing and products that can appear in those contracts. If the Senate bill passes, which seems very likely at the moment, look for farreaching federal regulatory changes in the car sales, finance and lease businesses. Trust us when we say that there has been nothing like this in your lifetime. Publicity for Model Privacy Notices. On April 15, the Federal Trade Commission, the SEC and the federal 26 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

banking and credit union regulators released an online “form builder” for the new Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act safe harbor privacy notices. The agencies developed the form builder in conjunction with their December 2009 release of model GLB safe harbor form regulations. The form builder lets entities download a PDF version of the model forms with fillable fields, complete the fields and print a completed notice. Properly completed, the model forms provide safe harbor protection for the GLB privacy notice requirement. Pre-Approved? Maybe Not! The FTC recently settled charges against a marketing company, Direct Marketing Associates Corp., and its president and owner, alleging that the company falsely told consumers they were preapproved for car loans. The company allegedly got lists of consumers from a credit reporting agency and solicited the consumers for a pre-approved car loan. The FTC’s news release says that the finance companies named in the solicitations lacked licenses and didn’t actually make any loans. Under the settlement, the marketing company is barred from telling consumers they are pre-approved for or are likely to receive credit unless it knows that a lender can make good on the offer for eligible consumers. The settlement also prohibits the company from obtaining credit reports on consumers without a permissible purpose. General Interest “Silent” on Class Actions? On April 27, the United States Supreme Court issued a major arbitration

opinion that concluded that parties to an agreement cannot be compelled to engage in class-wide arbitration unless they have agreed to do so. In Stolt-Nielsen S. A. v. AnimalFeeds Int’l Corp., the high court held that imposing class arbitration on parties who did not agree to authorize class arbitration violates the Federal Arbitration Act. The parties in StoltNielsen agreed that their commercial contract was “silent” on the class arbitration issue. The Court noted the arbitrators’ proper task at that point was to identify the rule of law that should govern in that circumstance. The Court thus answered the question left open in an earlier arbitration case regarding arbitration agreements that are silent on class-wide arbitration, holding that a party may not be compelled under the FAA to submit to class arbitration unless there is a contractual basis for concluding that the party agreed to do so. This is a case to keep handy when reviewing your arbitration agreement. Tom and Emily are partners in the law firm of Hudson Cook, LLC. Tom (tbhudson@hudco.com) is the author of a book, CARLAW®, and, with Emily (ebeck@hudco.com), is the Editor/author of the CARLAW® F&I Legal Desk Book. The books are available at www.counselorlibrary.com. Tom is also the publisher of Spot Delivery®, a monthly legal newsletter for auto dealers, and the Editor in Chief of CARLAW®, a monthly report of legal developments in all states for the auto finance and leasing industry (not to be confused with the book). Spot Delivery, CARLAW and the books are produced by CounselorLibrary.com LLC. For information, call 410-865-5411 or visit www.counselorlibrary. com. Copyright CounselorLibrary.com 2010, all rights reserved. Single publication rights only, to the Association. (5/10). HC 4833-8186-7013 www.fiada.com

Are you set to comply with the new state law governing metal plate transfers? Beginning July 1, 2010 ALL automobile dealers will be required to notify the Department of HSMV via an electronic system when transferring a metal plate for a customer. TitleTec has been certified to offer this system to dealers. The Temporary Plate Transfer must be completed before the customer leaves your lot. If you are currently using TitleTec’s Metal Tag EFS System you are exempt from the metal plate transfer statute change.

TitleTec’s t21 core software products include: t21 EFS System Offers dealers the ability to issue metal tags and process tag transfers

t21 Fee Calculator Allows dealers to calculate accurate Title and Registration fees for their customers

t21 Temp Tags Gives dealers the ability to process Temporary Tags as well as Temporary Metal Plate Transfers

Call us toll free at 866-689-0578, or visit us online at www.titletec.com

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 27

Put yourself in the driver’s seat and tell us where you want Independent Dealer Magazine to go. Take a minute to go to www.FIADA.com and complete a short reader survey that will help us plan new features and departments for your magazine, Independent Dealer. We need your input to help create articles and stories that you find helpful and want to read.

... E S I H C . N Y A R R O T F C E A H F T U T THE O H T I W

Stand Tall

Don’t Wait For The Factory To Decide.

Call today and take your business to the Next Level!

Why... Thrifty Car Sales?

• A Recognized Brand Name & Image • Advertising, Sales & Marketing Support • A Business Development Center • A Website Solution & Promotion • Nationally Branded Products & Services

NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNER

Why... Thrifty Car Rental? • Nationally Recognized Brand • Worldwide Reservation Services • Volume Purchasing Programs • Financial Analysis & Review Services • Advertising, Sales & Marketing Support

PAID ADVERTISING

Thrifty Car Sales is standing beside you to help grow your business. With locations nationwide, Thrifty Car Sales and Thrifty Car Rental are standing tall.

To learn more, call toll free:

1-877-289-2583

www.ThriftyCarSales.com/franchise © 2010 Thrifty Car Sales, Inc. Thrifty Car Sales is a trademark of Thrifty, Inc. All rights reserved. 5310 E. 31st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135. This advertisement is not an offer to sell in any registration state until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of registration or declared effective by such state. NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. MNREG#F-5378. • © 2010 Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc. Thrifty Car Sales is a trademark of Thrifty, Inc. 5310 E. 31st Street, PO Box 35250, Tulsa, OK 74135. Phone 918.665.3930. All rights reserved. Thrifty features quality products of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and other fine cars. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed with the Department of Law of the State of New York. This information is in no way intended to encourage the breach of any contractual obligations you my have. MN REP. NO. F-1308

28 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 29

Date of Order:

FIADA Order Form Information and Instructions

ORDER ONLINE AT www.FIADA.com or FAX order to 850.385.3251 or MAIL to FIADA, 1840 Fiddler Court, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Attn:

Attn:

FLORIDA INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE DEALERS Street, Address Required for Delievery ASSOCIATION 1840 Fiddler Court City, State,Tallahassee, Zip FL 32308 FAX (850) 385-3251 PHONE (800) 237-0448 Telephone www.fiada.com

Dealership Name

Street Address Required for Delivery

Method of Payment:

Method of Payment Date of Order Check Money Card q Check q Money Order q Credit Name on Credit Card Name on Credit Card

City, State, Zip

County

Credit Card Number

Fax

Expiration Date

Telephone Email

Order Credit Card

Fax

Credit Card Number Expiration Date Signature

Verification Code

Signature

Order online at www.fiada.com or fax order to 850-385-3251. All Fax/Mail orders will be charged a $10.00 administrative fee.

QTY

Form # 8300000 8300002 8300003 8300004 8300005 8300006 8300007 8300008 8300009 8300010 8300011 8300012 8300013 8300014 8300015 8300016 8300017 8300018

DOCUMENTS

Description

Member Price

Total

Nonmember Price

Retail Purchase Agreement Customer Proposal Trade-in Vehicle Appraisal Test Drive Agreement Deposit Receipt-Standard Used Vehicle Limited Warranty Spot Delivery (Purchase) Authorization to Release Payoff Information Notice to Co-signor Insurance Coverage Acknowledgment Notice of Optional Credit Insurance Wholesale Purchase Agreement F&I Product Purchase Confirmation Service Loaner Agreement Customer Delivery Checklist (Sale Only) Agreement to Arbitrate Dealership Telephone Solicitation Policy Delivery Confirmation & Acknowledgement of Understanding Delivery Confirmation Delivery Confirmation (Spanish) Interpreter Confirmation of Translation Deal Jacket – Buff Color

3 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/25 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

8300023

Consignment Agreement

8300024

Spot Delivery Agreement Buy Here Pay Here

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8300025

Acknowledgment of Voluntary Resign

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8300026

Acknowledgement of As Is Sale

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8300028

2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8300029 8300030

Trade In Vehicle Appraisal (Car Image) Goodwill Repair Acknowledgement

2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$15.00

$19.00

8300031

FTC Used Buyers Guide As-Is English w/Transfer

2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$15.00 $11.00

$19.00 $15.00

8300033

Privacy Notice Pads

Tape 2 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$16.00

$20.00

8300034

Retail Installment Contract – Simple Interest

1ply Cutsheet 100/sheets per Pad

$12.00

$18.00

8300035

Retail Installment Contract – PreComputed

3 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$30.00

$45.00

8301001

Certification of Pollution Control Devices

3 Part NCR Set/100 per Pack

$30.00

$45.00

8301002

Hillsborough County Cert of Pollution Control 2 Part

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8301004

Dealer Training Manual

NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8301005

Title & Registration Manual

Coil Bound Book 1 Each

$25.00

$35.00

8301006

Dealer Records Log

Coil Bound Book 1 Each

$25.00

$35.00

8301007

Customer Care Paper Folder

Coil Bound Book 1 Each

$15.00

$21.00

8301008

Odometer Statement

Envelope w/flap 50 per Pack

$22.00

$25.00

8301009

Credit Statement

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$14.00

8301010

Pre Sale Credit Disclosure

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack

$11.00

$15.00

8300019 8300020 8300021 8300022

2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack 2 Part NCR Set/50 per Pack Thumb Notch/100 per Pack

DISCLAIMER—All FIADA forms havetobeen checked carefully to include latest regulations of both DISCLAIMER – All FIADA forms have been checked carefully include latest regulations of both state and federal agencies and are believed to meet all and requirements; however, all believed forms are with no express warranties. state federal agencies and are to furnished meet all requirements; however, all forms The are furFIADA does not render legal advice, not assume any responsibility or liability in legal conjunction withdoes the not distribution nishedand withdoes no express warranties. The FIADA does not render advice, and assume of these forms. The Form return is a 30-day return policy. If you aredistribution not happyofwith products/items you anypolicy responsibility or liability in conjunction with the theseany forms. The Form return order, simply notify us within policy 30 days shipment a prompt exchange, refund. is a of 30-day return for policy. If you are not happycredit, with anyorproducts/items you order, simply SHIPPING CHARGES BASED ORDER TOTAL notify us within 30 days of shipment for ON a prompt exchange, credit, or refund. SHIPPING BASED ON ORDER TOTAL Add $8.00 CHARGES $60.01 -$100.00 Add $10.00 Up to $30.00 Add $8.00 $60.01 - $100.00 $30.01 - $60.00 Add $9.00 $100.01 (and over) Add $12.00 $30.01—- $60.00 30 — Independent Dealer June 2010 Add $9.00 $100.01 (and over) Up to $30.00

Add $10.00 Add $12.00

$23.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $20.00 $15.00 $11.00 $15.00 $11.00 $15.00 $11.00 $11.00 $15.00 $11.00 $15.00 $15.00 $11.00

$11.00 $15.00 $11.00 $11.00 $28.00

ORDER TOTAL

Total

$31.00 $19.00 $19.00 $19.00 $23.00 $19.00 $15.00 $19.00 $15.00 $19.00 $15.00 $15.00 $19.00 $15.00 $19.00 $19.00 $15.00

$15.00 $19.00 $15.00 $15.00 $34.00

SUBTOTAL SALES TAX ______% $10.00 Administrative Fee for all Fax & Mail Orders TOTAL DUE:

www.fiada.com

At Dealer Funding, you will speak with experienced underwriters and receive individual attention and consideration on every deal. Available Monday through Saturday, we are here when you need us. Our straightforward financing program offers competitive loan rates and generous terms with no surprises on your check.

PAID ADVERTISING

Quickly funded deals and superior customer service will make Dealer Funding your primary choice for secondary credit.

MEMBER

www.fiada.com

June 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 31

Hurricane Season is here. How prepared is your business?

By Scott Reeves, Forbes.com

urricane season officially started on June 1, and weather forecasters have suggested it will be a very active year. While you start gathering batteries and bottled water for your personal hurricane kit, you might want to take some time to thin about how your business should prepare. Surprisingly, many entrepreneurs don’t take the basic steps to prepare for a major storm. The consequences of not backing up computer data, lining up an emergency generator or having a way to contact scattered employees can be catastrophic. Office Depot says about 43 percent of businesses pounded by a natural disaster never reopen. “Many people don’t understand the enormity of the damage that can be caused by a hurricane, tornado, flood or fire,” says Jon Toigo, chief executive officer of Toigo Partners International, a disaster recovery consulting firm in Tampa, Fla. “A few businesses make no plans at all. This isn’t rocket science — for the most part, it’s common sense.” If you haven’t already backed up your computer data, get to it. Just be sure you don’t keep the back-up in a filing cabinet at the office — where it’s just waiting to be mangled by the storm. “Hurricanes are seen as the ultimate calamity, but in most cases, you have at least 30 hours warning,” says Ronald Bergeron, owner of Bergeron Land Development Co. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “That’s plenty of time to back up your data if you haven’t already done so and to remove all computers from the office.” Bergeron says 50 miles is the minimum distance to assure safety.

Consider storing two sets of electronic backup data in different locations as far apart as practical. A mom-and-pop operation can simply e-mail basic information to a Yahoo! or Google account. Limit the number of people who are authorized to handle your data, rigorously enforce the rules, and anytime key data is moved off site, make sure it’s encrypted. Chances are, you may not need all that data right away. To stay afloat in the short term, slap together a “grab-and-go” bag containing a laptop with critical information that you can take with you during evacuation. Make sure, too, that your emergency equipment is compatible with your other systems. Of course, backup data without electricity to bring your network to life is useless. Power outages following major storms can last for days or even weeks — long enough to kick the stuffing out of a small business. Some 10 million people in the southeast had their power knocked out for some extended period in the last two years, estimates Rusty Walker, vice president of sales at Power To Go in Tampa, Fla. Power To Go provides towable generators, and the fuel to run them, during extended outages. Too often companies pay big bucks to get on a waiting list for a generator, but forget to sock away fuel to run it — a big problem considering that gas stations can’t run their pumps without electricity. Having a generator allows you to get a jump on the competition by re-opening quickly. Better yet, turning on the lights assures the community that the worst is over and things are getting back to normal. In short, your Continued on page 34.

32 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 33

BAD WEATHER continued from page 32.

business becomes a beacon — and that’s better than just about any advertising plan. Power To Go lets small businesses buy or finance a portable generator for $25,000 (and up) and store it at a secure facility in Tampa, Orlando or West Palm Beach. The company also does all the maintenance and guarantees fuel will be available at its storage sites. Power To Go also offers to rent out generators during non-emergency times (perhaps 30 to 40 days a year) and split the revenue 50-50 with owners. Typical rental fees start at $150 a day. Some of Walker’s competitors require a deposit to get on a waiting list after the next big storm. If no generators are available, you get your money back — though in the meantime you’ve given the company a big chunk of change interest-free and your business is still in the dark. Lesson: Shop around to be sure you’re guaranteed a generator when you need it.

“It’s easy to over-buy when preparing for an emergency,” says Tom Serio, Director of Business Continuity Management for Office Depot in Delray Beach, Fla. “You don’t need five terabytes [of data storage] any more than you need the biggest, heaviest, most expensive piece of any type of equipment.” And just when you think you have everything in place, take one final important step. “Test your plan, even if it’s a dry run sitting around a table,” says Serio. “It will give you experience and highlight shortcomings. You’ll realize that you can’t do this or that because you don’t have the right people or equipment in place or available in the proper sequence. All this will speed your recovery after a disaster.” Article reprinted from MSNBC.com. © 2010 Forbes.com

PAID ADVERTISING

You’ll also want to keep an eye on your company’s most precious resource: your employees. In addition to providing a 24-hour emergency phone number, set up a general email account that allows employees to check in. Note: In some cases, the text messaging feature on cell phones works even if the voice network is down.

Total price tag for your recovery plan? Depending on the size of your business and tolerance for risk, being prepared can cost from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Just don’t let your fear of disaster whip you into a buying frenzy. “If you operate your business at ten sites, you don’t need ten generators,” says Walker. “Power outages are generally scattered so you’ll probably be all right if you buy two or three generators and tow them to sites as needed.”

34 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 35

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

Session’s Over, But No Time To Rest BY JOHN GRANT, FIADA LOBBYIST

ith the whirlwind session behind us and the excitement of passing HB 631, it is time to focus on the legislative agenda ahead. The passage of our legislation, which the Governor signed into law on June 2, not only passed a law that helps our dealer members, but also highlighted our presence in the legislative process. Now, we need to build on our “legislative branding” by making our presence known in the election process, both through judicious spending of our political action committees resources and by direct member and association involvement in local campaigns. As a member, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Here are some answers: Make a PAC Contribution. By the middle of June qualifying for the 2010 election will close and the primary ballot for both parties will be set. The primary date is August 24. We need members to make an extra effort to contribute “over and above” to our PAC. The more funds we have available, the greater impact we can have in more legislative races. After all, money is the mother’s milk of politics. To make it convenient, you can use the PAC donation form on this page when sending in your contribution. Get Educated and Invovled. Members are encouraged to learn about the races in their home town, select the candidates friendly to our industry and get involved by working in those campaigns and perhaps hosting a local fundraiser at one or more area dealerships. Not only will that help our legislative program, but it will bring new faces to your business location and increase your visibility in the community.

Don’t be intimidated by getting involved in a campaign. You do not have to know anything about politics to play an important part. The candidates election team will help you understand wht to do and even assign you responsibilities you can handle. FIADA Legislative Score Card. The Association will be preparing and sending a questionnaire to all legislative candidates who qualify in order to find out where they stand on the issues that concern independent dealers and small businesses. Once the questionnaires have been returned, your legislative committee will tabulate the results and make them available to all members. Stay tuned for this FIADA Legislative Score Card as an imporant tool when choosing a candidate you want to support. We can’t say it enough. All members are encouraged to become involved in this year’s election process, as it is an opportunity we have only once every two years. Make the most of it, and I guarantee you will see the results next Spring in Tallahassee.

Do your part in supporting the legislators who have helped your industry. Contribute to the FIADA PAC Fund. CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME:

DEALERSHIP: ADDRESS: Make your check out to FIADA-PAC and mail your contribution to: FIADA • 1840 Fiddler Court • Tallahassee, FL 32808 Enclosed is my check for:  $1,000

 $500

 $250

 $100

_________

 Monthly Contribution _______

Contributions to the FIADA Political Action Committee are voluntary and are not tax deductible. 36 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

RELIABILIT Y The Industry Leader in GPS Tracking Solutions

6HWWLQJ WKH *ROG 6WDQGDUG LQ 5HOLDELOLW\

*ROG6WDU *36 RIIHUV WKH PRVW UHOLDEOH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH RQ WKH PDUNHW ZLWK RYHU GHDOHUVKLSV WUXVWLQJ RXU GHYLFHV WR SURWHFW WKHLU DVVHWV +HUH DUH D IHZ NH\ UHDVRQV ZK\ :RUOG FODVV WHFKQLFDO VXSSRUW )XOO\ UHGXQGDQW QHWZRUN LQIUDVWUXFWXUH /DUJHVW FRYHUDJH DUHD LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ /DUJH LQYHQWRU\ LQ VWRFN DQG UHDG\ IRU LPPHGLDWH GHOLYHU\

+HUH DUH D IHZ SURGXFW IHDWXUHV

866.655.8825 www.fiada.com

www.GoldStarGPS.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 37 7YVJVU.7: 0UJ

PAID ADVERTISING

)UHH 'DLO\ $XWR 5HSRUW 6PDOOHVW *36 GHYLFH LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ SRROHG ORFDWHV SHU GHYLFH 6WRS 5HSRUW ² IUHTXHQW VWRS ORFDWLRQ UHSRUWLQJ WUDN606 ² ORFDWH ZLWKRXW WKH LQWHUQHW $QG PDQ\ PRUH

INDUSTRY OP/ED

must tell you that generally we try not to be a lightning rod for controversy and commentary. Sure, every now and then we express our view on an issue that is near and dear to dealer-owners, however, we usually take the posture of encouraging an opinion, without suggesting one singular opinion should rule. For instance, we have always said “vote,” but have not expressed for whom one should vote. While we are not abandoning that posture—yet—I must tell you as a dealer and industry insider for the past 20-plus years I am deeply concerned about our regulatory landscape. The average dealer in most states is regulated by somewhere between five to eight different agencies or offices. Yet, as it stands now dealers

BHPH dealers will fall under the jurisdiction of this agency. That was part of the deal that was cut to get non-BHPH dealers exempted in the Brownback Amendment, many of you have heard about and read about. You gotta love that one. No one yet knows what this agency will look like, but there will be a consumer protection “czar” who will surely understand the business and help regulate it. What, you do not believe that will be the case? The bottom line is I am deeply concerned. I recently read one industry leader’s approach of “well let’s just wait and see.” That was what was printed. I believe the opposite is the appropriate path. The “wait-and-see” approach has never yielded anything good. Dealer’s need to take a proactive

time I checked my client list of over 2,000 BHPH dealers, I could count on one hand how many get their funding from Wall Street. This is not about protecting anyone. This is about grabbing yet another business and controlling everything about it. I am going to save this article for 10 or 20 years and can’t wait to compare the landscape of now versus then. I hope some of you are still here! I hope I am still here. Okay, you have probably had enough. My point is – do something! Do not just “wait and see.” That is probably the worst position to take. As dealer-owners we need to take a proactive stance in issues that impact our industry. We need to stand behind our state and national associations like NIADA. We need to be willing to

No more wait and see, dealers need to raise their voice against increased federal regulation. By Chris Leedom – particularly BHPH dealers, still another government agency will have oversight of BHPH dealers. This one is not even part of the federal government, but part of the Federal Reserve. Probably caught some of you off guard there. Many believe the Federal Reserve is part of the government—that is, in fact, not the case. The recent financial reform bill passed by our U.S. Senate and headed for a Conference Committee, will create a “Consumer Financial Protection Agency,” as part of the Federal Reserve that will make sure Wall Street never again runs amuck and harms consumers again. As part of that safeguarding, all 38 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

stand, weigh in on the issue and help shape their destiny. Not “wait and see.” I encourage you to contact your representatives in both the House and the Senate and express your opinion. For one, many states have enacted a dealer advisory board to help express the realities of the business issues in these types of scenarios. So for one, I would suggest the adoption of a dealer board to help communicate with this new czar. Secondly, I think that we all better wake up, smell the coffee and begin to shape the world we face – not “wait and see.” As a dealer-owner, I do not see the need for BHPH dealers to be covered under a law that is touted to “protect us from Wall Street.” Last

fund efforts and initiatives that may impact our livelihood. You can bet the other side is well-funded. So think about what concerns you, take a stand and get active. We will spend a fair amount of time at our upcoming 16th Annual Leedom Group Buy Here-Pay Here National Convention discussing this topic and many others crucial to your business. This convention is the one everyone talks about – so you will not want to miss it. I hope to see you there at Caesar’s Palace, Sept. 20-22. Chris Leedom is the president of the Leedom Group, a collection of companies serving domestic automotive retailers with Twenty Group training and consulting services, as well as capital lending to buy here-pay here dealers. chris@twentygroups.com www.fiada.com

PAID ADVERTISING

www.fiada.com

June 2010 — Independent Dealer — 39

Our Garage Liability Program Represents STABILITY for your Dealership The Dealers One Stop Shop: • Garage Liability Package Policy • Dealer Bonds • Dealers Open Lot Coverage • Property & Crime Coverage • Workers Compensation • Group Health & Employee Benefits • Car Rental Association Program • Personal Lines Insurance

Stable Market: We have several “A” rated carriers that can provide insurance coverage for the auto dealer professional.

Competitive Rates Fast, Easy Quotes A-Rated Companies Dealer’s One Stop Shop Endorsed by the FIADA

Williams & Stazzone has been insuring Florida dealers since 1989 with the same insurance carrier. We are very proud to be the Insurance Agent of Record for the FIADA.

Ph. 1-800-868-1235 • Fax 1-800-635-0704 Florida Office Locations: Orlando, FL • Boca Raton, FL Cocoa Beach, FL • Pensacola, FL

www.wsins.com Yes! I want to talk with the “AUTO DEALER SPECIALISTS”

For More Information Regarding Your

Specialized Insurance Needs... Fax This Form Today!

1-800-635-0704 40 — Independent Dealer — June 2010

www.fiada.com

Independent Dealers Unite!

Join us in St. Pete Beach for the premier training and networking event.

Special 2010 Convention Pricing: Corporate Registration $249 and then $195 for each additional employee.

Family Registration $349 Includes dealer, spouse and kiddos.

For more information, and register, go Online now to www.fiada.com! www.fiada.com

Make Your Hotel Reservations Now! Space is limited, so call Tradewinds today at 800.808.9833 Room Rate: $149/night (plus tax) You must mention you are part of the FIADA Annual Convention to receive group rate. June 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Independent Dealer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 41