COSTA MESA, Calif. -

Now franchised dealers have another way to leverage the J.D. Power brand recognition; this time in the finance office.

On Tuesday, J.D. Power launched what the company dubbed the J.D. Power Automotive Protection Products for new-vehicle buyers. These F&I products are available now at an expanding network of franchised dealerships across the country.

“The finance and insurance market is fragmented and is often perceived negatively by consumers,” said Chris Sutton, vice president of U.S. automotive retail practice for J.D. Power.

“J.D. Power has an obligation to stand up for the consumer in everything that we do,” Sutton continued. “These products carry our name because the terms and conditions have been adjusted, as well as the selling process. Customer satisfaction, both immediate and long term, is the goal. 

“The confidence inspired by our brand is something we believe will help lead new-car dealers to more sales of these important products and more satisfaction with the dealer-customer relationship in the long term. This will result in a win-win for consumers buying new cars and for dealerships selling these products,” Sutton added.

J.D. Power Automotive Protection Products include extended service warranties, tire protection, surface protection, GAP, key replacement, lifetime warranty, dent and ding, maintenance, high tech coverage and windshield protection as an add-on.

J.D. Power emphasized that it will provide participating dealers with rigorous training programs and business management support through a proprietary CARE Selling process designed with sales agency partner Bill Holcomb to drive sales during the final steps of purchase while promoting customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

“CARE Selling has been developed to address evolving customer needs and expectations,” Holcomb said. “Our process, coupled with customized products, has documented success.”

Consumers also will be surveyed after each claims process to ensure an exceptional customer experience commensurate with the J.D. Power brand name.

To learn more about J.D. Power Automotive Protection Products, visit www.jdpprotect.com or call (850) 376-2482.