WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -

Here’s a development to help independent and buy-here, pay-here dealerships that want to retail certified vehicles.

GWC Warranty and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association recently announced a strategic partnership to provide the NIADA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program.

According to a study by Cox Automotive, the average customer is willing to pay $3,000 more for a certified vehicle. The additional opportunity to upsell the limited warranty offering already included in the NIADA Certified Pre-Owned program to a vehicle protection plan can mean even greater profits for dealers.

And with support from GWC, including a digital and merchandising marketing program and training, the organizations said dealership staff will be equipped to communicate the program’s value at every step of the sale.

“CPO programs are not new to the industry, but we are seeing independent dealers find a great deal of success this year in particular,” GWC senior vice president of sales James Virgoe said in a news release. “Vehicles are more expensive to purchase and maintain, so the risk associated with ownership is higher.

“Dealers offering this elite program backed by NIADA make a strong statement about the quality of their inventory, giving customers the reassurance they need while also increasing dealership margins and profitability,” Virgoe said.

NIADA added that independent dealers will benefit from a nationally recognized endorsement of their CPO program and dedicated support and training from GWC, giving their dealership a competitive advantage.

“We’re excited to partner with GWC Warranty,” NIADA vice president of member services James Gibson said in the news release. “GWC has a great reputation and a proven track record of providing excellent service and training to dealers nationwide.” 

To learn more about the NIADA Certified Pre-Owned Program, visit https://gwcwarranty.com/dealers/certified.