CARY, N.C. -

CarMark Certified, which changed to a new administrator earlier this month, announced recently that it is revamping its certified warranty program, adding new features and benefits that will make the program more appealing to dealers and consumers alike.  This new program is to be announced by the end of 2014’s first quarter, said Bill Zadeits of CarMark Certified.

“We announced several months ago that beginning Jan. 1, our new program administrator would be National Auto Care (NAC) of Columbus, Ohio, and we are excited about our new relationship,” Zadeits continued. 

“Our discussions with NAC have focused on how we can take our successful existing program and make it better.  The changing demographics of the used-vehicle industry mandate that a program like CarMark Certified must adapt to the changing times.”

CarMark Certified was launched three years ago as a viable, third-party certified pre-owned program that was opened to both franchise and independent dealers.  At the close of 2013, CarMark Certified had an affiliation with approximately 22 dealers in 14 states. 

Paul Leary, NAC’s executive vice president, also expressed enthusiasm for the CarMark Certified program, noting that a program that pays dividends for both franchise and independent dealers has a strong future. 

“We are very bullish about the growth of CarMark Certified,” Leary said.  “While manufacturer CPO programs are limited to their own franchisees and their make vehicles, CarMark’s universal approach allows for a certified program across the board.  This provides franchise dealers the opportunity to expand CPO offerings to non-make vehicles on their used-vehicle lot, while offering independent dealers the opportunity to sell certified cars and trucks.”

Both Zadeits and Leary said the change in program administrators provides an opportunity to make program changes and tweaks to meet market demands.

“Of course, the best way to find out what dealers need and want is to ask them,” Zadeits said.  “Consequently, we are spending a lot of time over the next few months doing the research that will make CarMark Certified even stronger.  We want it to be the best choice for all dealers.”

NAC is one of the nation’s leaders in providing warranty and vehicle service contracts for dealers, having been in business since 1984.  The companies programs are insured by an A.M. Best  A-rated carrier which has over $28 billion in assets. CarMark Certified is a third-party warranty program owned by POADA, LLC of Cary, N.C.  It is a sister company of Cherokee Automotive Group, which publishes various print and digital media about the used-vehicle industry.