Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance Makes Debut

CARY, N.C. — A new national organization to support dealers in the buying and selling of late-model pre-owned vehicles in the fast changing automotive landscape has been formed, it was announced here today by Ron Smith, president of Cherokee Automotive Group.

The new entity, known as the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance (POADA), is projected to provide a wide range of sales-oriented programs to dealers selling a high percentage of late-model pre-owned vehicles. 

Smith said dealers affiliated with POADA will retail primarily cars and light trucks that fall within an age range of current-model plus four years. POADA-affiliated dealers will be able to participate in benefit programs negotiated through POADA, Smith said. 

Working with Smith in the development of POADA are Bill Zadeits, executive vice president of Cherokee Automotive Group, along with other CAG executives Bruiser Mann, vice president of business development and formerly with Auto Trader Publishing, and Mark Rothenberg, former vice president of marketing with Cox Enterprises.

?The pre-owned industry has changed dramatically over the past few years and most notably over the past few months,? said Smith, an industry veteran whose company also publishes several industry publications, including Auto Remarketing. ?Dealers throughout the industry have turned to their pre-owned departments to generate income and profits during this recession. 

?Now, with so many dealers losing their franchise agreements due to industry restructuring and other franchise dealers focusing even more on pre-owned cars, parts and service, POADA will strive to provide dealers with industry resources for floor planning, financing, warranties, certified programs, training and additional important business components to facilitate pre-owned vehicle sales.?

Zadeits said POADA is an alliance, not an association. POADA, he said, is designed to help dealers facilitate wholesale and retail sales, provide discounts and provide buying power available through a group alliance.  POADA will not be involved in such traditional association activities such as lobbying and legislative activities. 

POADA affiliation is open to all licensed dealers, including both franchise and independent dealers. Smith said POADA, which will be managed by S&A Cherokee, will be announcing organizational details and programs within the next few weeks.

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