Auto Remarketing has learned that on Sept. 3, Kia Motors America officially transferred responsibilities for the automaker’s certified pre-owned program to its fleet and remarketing department.

The program had been administered by KMA’s retail development department along with JM&A.

Kia also told Auto Remarketing that as part of the transfer, Michelle Hurney is moving over to the fleet & remarketing department as she continues to lead CPO and branded products. The automaker emphasized that it "continues to partner with JM&A."

“Kia Motors continues to partner with JM&A, and we are pleased with our current relationship. Kia pre-owned certified has experienced unprecedented growth, and JM&A has supported KMA since our launch of Kia CPO four years ago,” said David Carp, director of fleet & remarketing at Kia Motors America

“We look forward to working with JM&A as we take Kia CPO to the next level,” he added.

Carp also noted: “KMA has experienced unprecedented growth over the last three years, and a positive result of that growth is a rapidly growing off-lease portfolio with Kia Motor Finance. With the growing lease portfolio, KMA’s CPO (and Branded Products Program) was launched to strengthen our residual performance, increase brand loyalty and provide additional profit opportunities for Kia dealers.

“Over the last several years, the CPO and Branded Products programs have also seen significant growth.  For example, the CPO program has experienced 122-percent year-over-year growth in 2012 and is on track to sell over 18,000 units before year-end,” Carp continued.

“To further support KMA’s growth, the CPO and Branded Products Programs will be reassigned to the fleet and remarketing department,” he added, noting the transition’s effective date of Sept. 3.

“As part of the transition, Michelle Hurney will continue in her current role as retail support manager, continuing to oversee CPO and Branded Products and will join the fleet and remarketing department,” Carp shared.

He also noted that KMA will be adding a national manager of CPO.