Xcite Automotive, which performs digital merchandising for auto dealerships with tools such as automotive photography, 360 Spin video and lot tracking technology, is now included in the Jaguar Land Rover Certified program.
Xcite vice president of strategic accounts Anne-Marie Cormier said because showroom visits are currently limited, vehicle visuals are crucial in the digital shopping journey.
The program will help dealers improve that journey for customers, including services for streamlining vehicle photography, with captures of interior and exterior 360 "spins" that the company says can provide a more immersive and engaging shopping experience.
“It's our mission to deliver the online experience that will move shoppers closer to purchase online,” Cormier said in a news release. “We have the tools, discipline and experience to professionalize Jaguar Land Rover dealer’s vehicle photography solution.”
Xcite Automotive will provide on-the-lot assistance and services to enhance vehicle images that appear on retailer, third-party, and Jaguar Land Rover websites.
The company said dealers can find the task of capturing images for each new and certified vehicle to be cumbersome. To help, Xcite Automotive said its services help drive efficiencies and ease the process of photo acquisition through more than 400 trained photographers nationwide.
Automotive consumers expect sophisticated digital content, the company said.
“And Xcite Automotive is poised to deliver for Jaguar Land Rover,” the company said.
Xcite Automotive said it has proven its vehicle merchandising capabilities with large U.S. dealer groups. Its field staff and processes work toward fast, efficient imagery services, quality assurance, and national level reporting and oversight.
Xcite Automotive also said dealers can revolutionize their vehicle imagery its with state-of-the-art photography studios.
Through a new program from the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, or NAMAD, dealers will be able to certify their non-branded used vehicles just as they do with their franchise brand certification.
F&I product and services company C Berman Associates will produce and execute the program, and that company along with NAMAD will introduce the NAMAD Certified Vehicle Program in February during the NADA Convention in Las Vegas.
The program will produce coverages for all major brands.
“We're excited about this new relationship with C Berman and how this collaboration will give NAMAD members a value-added product to provide to its customers,” NAMAD president Damon Lester said in a news release.
NAMAD pursues the “presence and participation of minority businesses and diverse employees across all aspects of the automotive economic sector.”
That work includes increasing the number of minority-owned dealerships across America, advocating for workplace and supplier diversity in automotive manufacturing and supporting minority engagement in the automotive retail sales and service sectors.
“We are proud to offer this additional benefit to automobile dealers who are NAMAD members,” said C Berman Associates vice president Emmanuel Boykin.
Boykin added, “As a former NAMAD dealer, I know this program will support dealer profitability and customer satisfaction.”
Fayetteville, N.C.-based Reed-Lallier Chevrolet’s used-vehicle sales increased by 30% after the dealer implemented SureSale Certified. Year-over-year, that was nearly three times greater than the average for the local market, according to SureSale, and early results show turn rates increasing by 10%.
“Year-to-date our used vehicle sales are up significantly, and the only thing that has changed in our used-vehicle department is SureSale,” said Reed-Lallier Chevrolet general manager Cory Lallier. “Our SureSale vehicles are much faster moving because consumers have peace of mind.”
SureSale Certified says the case study of Reed-Lallier Chevrolet provides a snapshot of how a dealership found a new way of using the current opportunity in CPO to increase used vehicle sales and turn rates.
Lallier worked with SureSale Certified to develop a new category of certified used vehicles, which SureSale says is similar to an OEM-certified program but for vehicles up to 15 years old and with 150,000 miles. It is also for off-brand vehicles.
Each “SureSale” vehicle came with a CAReport, clean title, 150-point plus inspection, five-month/5,000-mile warranty, and a five-day exchange guarantee.
“Before SureSale, we were only able to certify Chevy, GMC vehicles,” Lallier said. “Now we’re able to put it on pretty much any auto brand, and you can overcome the sales objections,” said Lallier. "For example, if they take it home and within five days they hate their decision, they can bring it back in and exchange it for a different vehicle.”
More details on the results: From March through May, Reed-Lallier sold 259 units, compared to 199 units for the same period in 2018. Of the units sold, SureSale vehicles represented 124 of the 259 units, or almost half.
SureSale reports the average price of a new vehicle as hitting record highs, SureSale notes that consumers are turning more to used vehicles that they can ‘Be Sure’ about, and that means certified pre-owned vehicles. However, because of automaker program brand restrictions, only a small amount of auto dealership inventories are CPO vehicles, according to SureSale.
The company says SureSale Certified expands the number of certified vehicles that dealerships can offer consumers through a branded turnkey program that allows auto dealerships to extend consumer protections to a wider range of vehicles. That range is up to 15 years, 150,000 miles. The protections are for more than 20 brands, and the company provides marketing support.
SureSale co-founder and president Jeffrey Schwartz said increases in vehicle pricing and the presence of more quality used inventory, along with the presence of disruptors such as Carvana, are factors contributing to a tough dealer market. But the opportunities in certified pre-owned are strong, he said.
“The results from Reed-Lallier are a very positive ‘indicator species’ for what we believe can, and should, be the future of CPO used vehicle sales — a future where more consumers can be sure about their used-vehicle purchase and auto dealerships can be sure of greater turn rates, more vehicle sales, higher customer satisfaction and increased profits,” Schwartz said.
With SureSale’s recent expansion into the Louisville market, nearly 1,000 SureSale Certified vehicles will be available at independent and franchised dealerships. Together with the Louisville move, the company introduced a new advertising campaign showcasing the process through “Shirley,” a brand ambassador that SureSale describes as a "trusted advisor" who helps consumers understand why SureSale helps them be sure of their SureSale Certified vehicle quality.
Lallier says the SureSale program offers opportunity for “additional gross pickup because of the additional value certified vehicles represent.” That, according to SureSale, is in addition to having more control on pricing, and gaining incremental revenue from F&I and customers bringing used vehicles back for service.
The editors at Autotrader have released a list of what they believe are the best certified pre-owned deals for vehicle shoppers in July. They like the offerings of several manufacturers, but this month, Lexus stands out for them.
Why is the Lexus certified pre-owned program one of their favorite CPO deals? The “attractive incentives,” according to Autotrader. Qualified shoppers can lease the ES 350 midsize sedan in July for $379 per month for 36 months, with $3,999 due at signing.
Autotrader said in a news release that as car shoppers “grill and chill” this month and as summer buying season continues to heat up, dealers across the country are looking to add the latest 2020 models to their lots. That means consumers can now find a good deal on their next vehicle, according to Autotrader.
Following are Autotrader editors’ additional picks as the top certified pre-owned deals for July 2019:
Autotrader says the Volvo certified pre-owned program's offer of a 5-year/unlimited-mile warranty, which is upgradable to 10 years, is “awesome for a CPO luxury car.” Volvo’s July offer is 0.99% APR financing for CPO models and Volvo On Call for 2015.5 and newer model year vehicles.
Two maintenance visits and a six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible are part of Chevrolet's certified pre-owned program. For the month of July, General Motors is offering 1.9% APR financing for several models to qualified shoppers, and most of those are Chevrolet. Autotrader describes the Cruze, Malibu, Equinox, Silverado, Traverse and Trax as being part of a “diverse list” that satisfies “just about any automotive appetite.” Autotrader said Chevrolet’s reputation for offering great value holds up with this CPO deal.
Qualified buyers can get a strong financing deal in July for Acura's certified pre-owned program, according to Autotrader. CPO MDX models are at 1.99% APR for 24 to 60 months, providing what Autotrader says is a wide range “to find a monthly payment that fits in your budget.” Autotrader editors like the Acura CPO program’s “nice powertrain warranty” of seven years/100,000 miles, along with a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
For two of what Autotrader says are Honda’s best offerings — the Accord midsize sedan and the Odyssey minivan — Honda's certified pre-owned program is offering a strong deal. Qualified buyers can finance either of these CPO models with Honda this July at 2.99% APR. With what Autotrader says is a “great Honda CPO warranty” of 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection, customers can shop with peace of mind, according to Autotrader, which adds that the Accord and Odyssey consistently rank among the top choices in their respective competitive segments.
Autotrader describes Jaguar's certified pre-owned program as “quite generous,” with its seven-years/100,000-miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage starting from the original sale date. The Autotrader editors describe the Jaguar XE as a “stylish, luxurious and athletic sedan” that it says serves as an attractively-priced entry into the brand. Autotrader says that when it’s depreciated on the CPO market, that price gets even better and more accessible. Qualified July shoppers can finance a CPO XE for 0.9% APR for 24 months or 1.9% for 36 months.
Autotrader says that for buyers looking for a fun and practical car, and if they like the value of CPO vehicles, then July is a good time to be looking for a certified Mazda. The certified pre-owned program for Mazda includes seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage from the original sale date. It also features 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage starting the day you buy the car. For qualified shoppers, Mazda is financing 4.99% APR for 36 months. Autotrader says that is about average for a car loan interest rate. “But the big perk is that the payment for the first month is waived,” Autotrader said.
Seven years/100,000-miles of powertrain coverage from the original sale date is the offer for Subaru's certified pre-owned program. Subaru’s July offer: a financing deal of 1.99% APR for 2014-2019 CPO models to qualified shoppers. Autotrader calls that a good interest rate for a gently used Subaru, “and it's really nice that it applies to all models within that five-year range,” Autotrader said. With that wide variety, Autotrader said, buyers can look at vehicles such as the sporty WRX, the practical Outback wagon, or the quirky Crosstrek and can be sure they are getting a great value on a “unique car that's brimming with character.”
“Certified pre-owned programs are a smart choice for car shoppers looking to save money while still getting a vehicle that looks and drives as good as new,” said Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody. “Whether summer road tripping in the mountains or at the beach, consumers will have peace of mind due to the thorough inspection process and manufacturer-backed CPO warranties that rival those offered for some new cars.”
Autotrader describes Cadillac’s certified pre-owned program as one of the best in the industry, and in June, Cadillac is offering several incentives on CPO vehicles.
Cadillac is making its ATS compact luxury car, the SRX crossover and Escalade SUV available with 2.9% interest for up to 60 months to qualified buyers. Autotrader says that is “an excellent deal over a desirable longer loan term.”
That is one of what Autotrader says is a top certified pre-owned deal for June. The company says the warmer weather means increased opportunities to find the right vehicle.
“Certified pre-owned programs provide a great option for getting the vehicle you want at a price that leaves money in the budget for that upcoming summer vacation,” Autotrader said in a news release.
In addition to Cadillac, following are some of what Autotrader editors says are some of the best CPO deals to help shoppers find the best certified pre-owned vehicle for them this month:
For all vehicles, BMW’s certified pre-owned program offers one year of comprehensive coverage. For an extra cost, drivers can add additional coverage. Another BMW incentive through the end of June is 1.9% interest for qualified shoppers for up to 48 months on CPO 2015-2017 models. Especially because it is over a longer term like 48 months, which Autotrader says is desirable, that is “an excellent interest rate for a pre-owned car,” the company said.
“Excellent warranty coverage” is part of Buick’s certified pre-owned offering, according to Autotrader. An additional year of comprehensive warranty coverage is available to shoppers who buy a CPO GM vehicle, and they also receive up to six years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Shoppers buying a CPO Buick Enclave midsize SUV or Encore compact SUV in June will receive an even better deal, with 0.9% interest from GM for up to 36 months on those vehicles.
Powertrain coverage for up to six years or 100,000 miles is part of Chevrolet’s certified pre-owned program, along with an additional year of comprehensive coverage, Autotrader said. But qualified shoppers interested in buying an Equinox or Traverse SUV or a Silverado pickup through the end of June can get 0.9% interest for up to 36 months. Autotrader says that is “an excellent bargain for a used vehicle,” especially since a factory-backed warranty is also included.
“Two excellent warranties” are part of Ford’s certified pre-owned program, according to Autotrader. An additional year of comprehensive coverage is one of those, and six years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection is the other. A strong incentive for its CPO vehicles is available from Ford in June, Autotrader said. Qualified buyers through the end of the month can get 2.99% interest on CPO models for up to 36 months. Autotrader describes that as a strong deal for a used vehicle with a long warranty.
Autotrader describes Land Rover’s certified pre-owned program as “especially impressive,” with comprehensive coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date. In June, Autotrader says, qualified buyers can combine those and also receive a special incentive: CPO Discovery Sport models from Land Rover come with 0.9% interest for up to 24 months, or 1.9% interest for up to 36 months. Autotrader says that is “a truly excellent bargain” for buyers who aren’t bothered by the short loan terms.
Comprehensive coverage for up to a year is part of the Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned warranty offers, and for an additional cost, extra coverage is available to buyers. June buyers of a CPO C-Class will see an impressive CPO model interest rate, according to Autotrader: For all CPO 2016, 2017 and 2018 C-Class models, that rate is 1.99% for up to 36 months, which Autotrader says is an excellent rate for a pre-owned car.
Attractive qualities of Nissan’s certified pre-owned program include a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the car’s original sale date. Qualified shoppers who get a CPO Altima in June will also receive “an impressive interest rate” according to Autotrader: That is a 3.99% rate for up to 60 months on any CPO 2014-2018 Altima model. Autotrader says that especially with a long warranty, that is a good rate for a pre-owned car.
“Whether celebrating dads and grads or looking for the perfect road trip vehicle, there are plenty of reasons to buy a certified pre-owned car in June,” Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody said. “2019 is expected to be a record year for vehicles coming off leases, and that means an increased supply of vehicles likely headed for CPO programs. Consumers can take advantage of the trend by getting into a CPO vehicle that costs less than its new car counterpart but still carries the backing of a manufacturer's warranty.”
The certified pre-owned program from GMC is one of the favorites of third-party car listings brand, Autotrader. The company likes GMC's program because it offers an additional year of comprehensive coverage, along with six years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
This month, GMC features a bigger benefit for shoppers choosing a certified pre-owned Acadia, Sierra or Terrain. The automaker is offering 0.9% interest for up to 36 months on all certified pre-owned versions of those models to qualified shoppers.
But the GMC offer is just one of the top certified pre-owned deals for May, according to third-party car listings brand Autotrader.
Autotrader says that the auto industry is entering a crucial sales stretch with Memorial Day weekend approaching. Dealers are working to land sales as consumers focus on getting a good deal on a car before the summer, Autotrader says. The company says that consumers can make less of a dent in their wallets by looking to certified pre-owned vehicles to acquire their dream car.
“Dealers and automakers will be rolling out new incentives in May and trying to get the attention of car shoppers with Memorial Day weekend promotions,” Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody said in a news release. “Smart shoppers can get the most bang for their buck by checking out certified pre-owned programs. CPO vehicles offer perks similar to a new car, but at a lower price. Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, buyers can save themselves the headache of unexpected repairs, so they can sit back, relax and enjoy the summer.”
Following are some of Autotrader editors’ best certified pre-owned deals to help shoppers find a vehicle this month.
Autotrader calls Jaguar’s certified pre-owned program “one of the best in the industry” The program offers seven years or 100,000 miles of comprehensive coverage from the original sale date. Through the end of May, qualified shoppers interested can get the following deals on an F-Pace with that certified pre-owned warranty: Qualified shoppers looking to finance a certified pre-owned F-Pace over 24 months can get 0.9% interest. For a 36-month term, they can get 3.9% interest.
Autotrader says buyers can get comprehensive coverage for up to six years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date for Lincoln’s certified pre-owned program. The best deal for May is for certified pre-owned versions of Lincoln’s high-end Black Label models. For those units, the brand is offering 2.9% interest for 72 months. For all other certified pre-owned models, Lincoln buyers can get 4.49% interest for up to 66 months.
Mazda's certified pre-owned buyers can get two warranties: Those include powertrain coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date, along with comprehensive coverage for an extra year or 12,000 miles. For May, Mazda is also offering what Autotrader is calling “an excellent rate for a used car”: 1.49% interest for up to 36 months for qualified shoppers on all certified pre-owned vehicles.
As for Mercedes-Benz, its certified pre-owned program features comprehensive coverage for up to one year with no mileage limit. If they desire, shoppers can extend that coverage for additional years. Mercedes qualified shoppers can get 1.99% interest for up to 36 months on most certified pre-owned vehicles through the end of the month, including the CLA, C-Class, GLA, E-Class, GLC, and the GLE.
Subaru offers a powertrain warranty that covers vehicles for up to 7 years or 100,000 miles from their original sale date for its certified pre-owned program. Autotrader says the automaker is offering “an excellent incentive” in May to make its certified pre-owned program more appealing: 1.99% interest on all certified pre-owned models for up to 36 months to qualified shoppers. Autotrader calls that “a good deal for a used vehicle.”
Regarding Toyota, the automaker is offering two warranties for its certified pre-owned program. One offers powertrain coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date. The other features an additional year of comprehensive coverage. Toyota is adding another benefit to qualified shoppers for its CPO program through the end of May: interest rates from 3.9 percent for 36 months on certified pre-owned Camry and RAV4 models.
Moving over to Volkswagen, that automaker’s certified pre-owned program includes several coverage lengths depending on the current age of the vehicle. However, all of them feature some additional coverage beyond the factory warranty. Qualified buyers looking at Volkswagen’s certified pre-owned program in May can get an even better deal than more warranty coverage, according to Autotrader: 3.99% interest for up to 60 months. Autotrader calls that “a good rate over a desirable long term for a used car.”
Buyers interested in Autotrader’s full coverage of the certified pre-owned programs mentioned and available inventory can visit this site.
Qualified buyers seeking to finance a certified pre-owned Nissan Leaf or Nissan Altima can get the following deal: Through the end of April, Nissan is offering 3.99% interest for up to 60 months on any certified pre-owned version of the vehicles.
That is just one of several offers that Autotrader is describing as a top certified pre-owned deal for April. Autotrader editors have listed what they say are some of the best certified pre-owned deals to help shoppers find the right vehicle this month.
Autotrader says that April typically starts one of the strongest selling months of the season as tax refunds result in fuller wallets for many car shoppers. Tax season often means more Americans are ready to use their refunds toward a vehicle purchase. Autotrader notes that consumers looking to get the “most bang for their buck” should consider a certified pre-owned vehicle.
“After completing the tedious task of yearly taxes, consumers are often rewarded with a refund they can apply toward a major purchase, like the down payment on their next vehicle,” Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader, said in a news release. “The refund can be stretched even further by considering a CPO vehicle, allowing shoppers to drive away with a car that is as good as new, but at a better price.”
Following are more of what Autotrader describes as the best certified pre-owned deals for April:
Acura is offering an extra year of comprehensive coverage and powertrain coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date for its certified pre-owned program. Also to qualified shoppers, the automaker is also offering 1.99% for up to 60 months on certified pre-owned RDX models through the end of April. Autotrader calls that “a desirable long term for a used vehicle.”
Autotrader also believes the one additional year of comprehensive warranty coverage with no mileage limit for BMW’s certified pre-owned program is a strong deal. Buyers can extend that coverage to additional years for an extra fee, according to Autotrader. But that’s not all. To further attract qualified drivers for April, for all certified pre-owned 2015-2017 BMW models, the automaker is offering 1.99% interest for 24 months. And the offer is even better for certain certified pre-owed models. For 2015-2017 BMW 3 and 4 Series models, the offer is 1.99% interest for up to 48 months, or 2.99% for up to 60 months.
The certified pre-owned program from Buick also gained Autotrader’s attention. The automaker is offering an additional year or 12,000 miles of comprehensive coverage, along with six years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage from the original sale date.
For April, certified pre-owned versions of the Buick Enclave and Encore crossovers come with another strong deal, according to Autotrader: Qualified shoppers can get 0.9% interest for up to 36 months on certified pre-owned Enclave and Encore models through the end of the month.
As for Cadillac, Autotrader describes that automaker’s certified pre-owned program as “among the best in the car industry.” It includes an offer of six years or 100,000 miles of comprehensive coverage from the original sale date, and Cadillac is offering an extra “desirable deal” for the ATS, Escalade, and SRX models in April, according to Autotrader: Qualified buyers can get 2.9% interest for up to 36 months on certified pre-owned versions of all three of those models through the end of the month.
Ford's certified pre-owned program is already strong, with two warranties, according to Autotrader. One of the warranties provides coverage for an additional year or 12,000 miles beyond the factory warranty. The other features powertrain coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. For April, however, Ford’s certified pre-owned program is even more enticing than usual, according to Autotrader. The automaker is offering “an appealing interest rate” of 4.49% for up to 60 months for qualified buyers wanting a certified pre-owned vehicle. Autotrader says that is “a good deal over a longer term, especially for a used vehicle.”
And if all those deals weren’t enough, Autotrader describes Land Rover's certified pre-owned program as “among the very best.” That program provides “excellent peace of mind” by including seven years or 100,000 miles of comprehensive coverage from the original sale date, according to Autotrader. April buyers can combine the two and also get 0.9% interest on certified pre-owned Discovery Sport models for up to 24 months. For most Discovery Sport models, buyers can get 1.9% interest for up to 36 months. Autotrader describes both of those as “excellent deals for qualified shoppers.”
And back to Nissan, in addition to the Leaf and Altima deals mentioned earlier, the automaker is adding additional coverage to the brand’s powertrain warranty. That coverage is for up to seven years or 100,000 miles of coverage from the original sale date.
