The Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association are both located in the Lone Star State and already have a close relationship.

That connection became even stronger on Tuesday in a development that could help Texas buy-here, pay-here operators and other independent dealerships highlight certified pre-owned vehicles — just like their franchised store competition.

TIADA has entered into a marketing agreement with its national affiliate NIADA to promote the NIADA Certified Pre-Owned program.

Association officials said that NIADA CPO is the only major third-party certified pre-owned program designed specifically for independent auto dealerships — developed by dealers for dealers.

The NIADA Certified Pre-Owned program “levels the playing field” for independent dealers in the booming CPO market, allowing them to compete with manufacturers’ franchise dealerships and take part in the popular CPO phenomenon while providing more options for consumers seeking quality used vehicles backed by a strong warranty and brand.

NIADA CPO is administered by Warrantech, an A-rated warranty provider, third-party administrator and a leader in the auto industry F&I ancillary products business, which also manages the General Motors, Volvo and Chrysler factory CPO programs.

Backed by Warrantech’s strong financial position and expertise in the CPO market, the NIADA CPO program represents the best-in-class offering for TIADA members to take advantage of.

TIADA will work closely with NIADA and the Warrantech regional team to promote and market the program and to educate and consult with TIADA members on the immense advantages of implementing NIADA CPO in their stores.

“TIADA is always looking to create more value for membership,” TIADA executive director Jeff Martin said. “Since the NIADA CPO program is only available to active members, we felt this was a natural fit.

“We are excited about the partnership and look forward to working with dealers who want to make a CPO product available to their customers,” Martin continued.

Martin added that dealers should be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to learn more about NIADA CPO and join the hundreds of other NIADA members enjoying the fruits of the stellar program.

 “We are thrilled to have one of our largest, most successful and well-run state affiliates enter into a marketing agreement to promote the independent auto dealer market’s best-in-class CPO program,” NIADA senior vice president of member services Scott Lilja said.

“The NIADA CPO program will allow TIADA members to continue to evolve their dealership business model to ensure continued growth, profitability and long-term customer loyalty in this hypercompetitive auto retail market,” Lilja went on to say.

For more information, visit www.niadacertified.com/dealers or call (800) 358-2655.