Dealertrack Technologies

Contributing Author: Brien Joyce, Vice President, Specialty Channels, EFG Companies

Ask yourself the following questions:

How often are your indirect auto loans refinanced within the first 30/60/90 days?
Do you consider your offering equal to, or more competitive than, the competition?
What differentiation does your offering provide to cut through the clutter and drive auto loan growth and retention?

With a dense auto lending environment from captives to credit unions, dealerships have had their pick when it comes to choosing which loans to push. In fact, dealerships have reduced the number of lenders they work with. According to a recent study from Dealertrack Technologies, the average number of lender relationships has dropped to between 6.9 and 10 lenders. With that in mind, lenders have vied to provide consumers with low rates and dealers with high margins.

Contributing Author: Brien Joyce, Vice President, Specialty Channels, EFG Companies

2014 marked another record year for auto sales, and subsequently more lenders expanded their portfolios into the subprime realm. With dealerships having an average of 10 lenders with which to place loans (according to Dealertrack technologies), lenders are now concerned with sustaining 2014 results and staying ahead of the pack. Smart lenders have taken the opportunity to increase loan volume by tapping into a rising dealer need and providing complimentary consumer protection products on their loans. Examples include vehicle return, limited powertrain, tire and wheel coverage, etc. with an option to sell upgrades. However, this also means that lenders need to be extremely selective as to whom they choose as their F&I product administrator. That company’s customer service will ultimately directly affect dealership, and therefore lender, profitability.

With 2015 just ramping up, now is the time to pay attention to what makes a product administration partner reputable and dependable. Those proof points can help overcome consumer concern in the F&I office, as well as increase customer retention for both your institution and your dealership partners.

Proof points to pay attention to include the company’s investment in customer service training and technologies, customer service awards and recognitions, and professional certifications like the National ASE Blue Seal of Excellence. However, what really sets a product administrator apart is transparency. When evaluating whether your product administration partner is holding you back, consider whether they provide information on: