Dealership Corridor - Dealership Corridor

NAMAD and EFG Companies Announce 2nd Annual Northwood University Scholarship Recipients

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date September 8, 2016

Norma Benavides

Northwood Students Norma Benavides and Isabelle Daoud Selected Based on Academic Merit, Leadership and Dedication

EFG Companies, the innovator behind the award-winning Hyundai Assurance program, together with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), announced today that Northwood University students Norma Benavides and Isabelle Daoud are the recipients of the annual NAMAD Private Donor Scholarship. The annual scholarship will fund the remainder of Benavides’ and Daoud’s four-year tuition while they attend the Automotive Marketing and Management Program at Northwood University, representing an investment of up to $200,000 from EFG.

Scholarship Recipient Norma Benavides

A senior at Northwood University, Norma Benavides, from Laredo, Texas, grew up with first-hand experience of dealership operations through her father’s independent dealership. In her previous three years at Northwood, she has held the Public Relations Chair for the Northwood University Auto Show, as well as the Chair of the Distinguished Women Event for the university’s Signature Events Team. Benavides has made the Dean’s List every semester, and has received the Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals certification.

“This scholarship perfectly fits my career aspirations, as well as my background,” said Benavides. “My career goal is to one day become an automotive dealer and operate a dealership. I have learned that this career has many challenges, but with perseverance and passion it can be rewarding.”

Tags EFG Companies, NAMAD, National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, Northwood University

Economy

Benefits of a CPO Lease

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date August 31, 2016

Contributing Author:
Hollis Goode
Regional Vice President
EFG Companies

According to the NADA Used Car Guide, more than 3 million vehicles will reach the end of their leases in 2016. This represents a 35 percent jump in off-lease volume. With such a huge increase in reliable, late-model, pre-owned vehicles, the industry has already seen used vehicle prices drop to become more competitive. Now, dealers are more concerned with maintaining front-end profitability while still being competitive.

So, how can dealers accomplish their profitability goals while maintaining a competitive edge? The answer lies in certified pre-owned programs. Today’s consumers are much more concerned with getting more value for their money. That’s part of the reason why pre-owned vehicles have been top sellers in recent years. Dealers can further utilize this trend to sell higher-priced pre-owned vehicles with a CPO program.

According to proprietary research from EFG Companies, 32 percent of consumers would look to purchase a vehicle in the 61 – 150k mile range, of which, 62 percent would actively seek for that vehicle to be covered by a CPO program.

Tags certified pre-owned, CPO, CPO Lease

2016 Innovator of the Year Competition

EFG Companies and Northwood University Launch 2nd-Annual F&I Innovator of the Year Competition

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date August 23, 2016

Winning team to be awarded $25,000 – innovative F&I product launched into marketplace

EFG Companies, the innovator behind the award-winning Hyundai Assurance program, together with Northwood University, today announced the launch of their second annual F&I Innovator of the Year Competition. Held during the fall semester each year, this competition leverages the out-of-the box thinking of today’s Gen Z college students, coupled with F&I industry leaders’ insight, to boost the F&I industry’s focus on innovation. Visit http://bit.ly/Inn0v8te to learn more about the contest, last year’s winners and the upcoming launch of the winning 2015 product.

“The automotive industry is going through a period of extensive change,” said John Pappanastos, President and CEO of EFG Companies. “Consumer expectations and buying habits have shifted towards a more value-conscious and long-term mindset. The Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are continuing to focus on transparent auto lending practices. Manufacturers are undergoing a shift with the rise of electric vehicles, connected cars and ride sharing services. Each of these aspects of a dealership’s operations is in a mutually effective relationship with F&I. As new, young talent has brought significant advancements to other areas of the auto industry, it makes sense for the F&I industry to avail itself with new ideas from fresh minds, as well.”