MONTOURSVILLE, Pa. — AutoTrakk, a vehicle leasing company specializing in the subprime market, recently was granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Patent No. U.S. 7860764 B1 officially recognizes the AutoTrakk method and system for leasing vehicles to credit-challenged consumers "as exceptional and unique within the auto leasing industry."

AutoTrakk explained its newly patented system can combine low weekly lease payments with an electronic payment reminder system to provide reliable transportation to subprime customers.

The company recounted the original concept was developed by Blaise Alexander, chairman of AutoTrakk, who turned to Robert Malcolm, a friend and successful entrepreneur to develop a comprehensive system and business plan. The result of their collaboration became known as the "AutoTrakk" system.

Now in its 10th year, AutoTrakk's network has grown to include more than 500 dealers serving customers in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

"The AutoTrakk program was designed from the very beginning to make good, reliable transportation affordable for nearly everyone," Alexander noted.

"We felt too many good people were being denied the opportunity to drive a dependable vehicle because their credit score may have been damaged due solely to a bad economy or unfortunate circumstances such as illness or divorce. At AutoTrakk we understand that bad things can happen to good people," Alexander declared.

Malcolm, who now is AutoTrakk's chief executive officer, added, "the AutoTrakk system is a marriage of modern technology and traditional underwriting practices that focus on attention to detail.

"We review every aspect of every transaction to ensure the consumer can afford the vehicle they have selected and that the vehicle will serve them well," he went on to say. "We actually provide a warranty for each vehicle we finance."