Maus Family Automotive adds SureSale to all pre-owned vehicles, increasing purchaser’s peace of mind

Tampa, FL & Santa Monica, CA –  February 22, 2021 –  Maus Family Automotive today announced that it has partnered with award-winning SureSale to offer the industry’s most comprehensive vehicle report on each of its pre-owned vehicles. SureSale offers consumers transparency and confidence in their used vehicle purchases through comprehensive vehicle histories, inspections, and assessments of current quality.

“Adding SureSale’s quality seal to our MausCare will help our pre-owned customers make more informed decisions and increase their long-term satisfaction. We are thrilled that our customers will enjoy the peace of mind that SureSale provides,” said David Maus, owner of Maus Family Automotive. 

Maus Family Automotive operates four dealerships in the Tampa Bay area. Now, each Maus pre-owned vehicle will come with a free SureSale vehicle quality report, an analysis of thousands of data points about each vehicle –  including a 170-point inspection, road test, and history check –  that ensures an informed purchase process.

“Unlike other industry reports, such as CARFAX, that only look at past history, SureSale tells a vehicle’s whole story – past and present. For example, while a vehicle may have a clean history report, its current condition or mechanical state may be far from clean. That is what makes the SureSale vehicle quality report a better, more comprehensive resource for consumers,” continued Maus. 

Maus Family Automotive dealerships have long had an interest in the pre-owned vehicle category and offer car shoppers a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles, which all come standard with MausCare, a benefits service that provides added features to enhance and protect each vehicle. Adding SureSale to MausCare is another step Maus Family Automotive is taking to ensure their customers have the best possible experience when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. 

“While a vehicle’s history is important, what is even more important to consumers is a vehicle’s current condition. Uniquely in our industry, SureSale offers both, helping to increase car buyer confidence,” said SureSale Vice President of Sales Sean Peoples. “It is clear that David Maus, and Maus Family Automotive, put their community and customers first, and that helping their customers better understand the value and benefits of their vehicle purchase is a priority. The deep, credible data and transparency about each vehicle that SureSale provides is a perfect complement to this mission.” 

About Maus Family Automotive

Maus Family Automotive currently operates four dealerships in the Tampa Bay area: Maus Nissan of New Port Richey, Maus Nissan of Crystal River, Maus Nissan of North Tampa, and Maus Acura of North Tampa. Under the leadership of David Maus, a well-respected industry professional with over 25 years of experience, the dealerships insist on a culture of integrity and honesty and in putting the customer first. Maus Family Automotive is dedicated to giving back to the community, regularly supporting organizations that are making a positive impact on the local community, and offering preferred pricing to military, police, and firefighters. The dealerships are conveniently located throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, servicing the surrounding cities and beyond. For more information, visit MausFamilyAutomotive.com. For more information, contact EricEscobio@PowerPlayAdv.com.

About SureSale
SureSale offers used vehicle buyers peace of mind with the SureSale vehicle quality report, which stands alone in the industry for the depth of information it includes on the vehicle’s past and present condition. Delivered through the industry’s first, and only, vehicle quality SaaS platform, SureSale enables franchise and independent dealers to validate, and merchandise, the quality of their used vehicle inventory. SureSale, which won the 2020 Gold Stevie® Award for “Innovation of the Year,” was founded to help the auto market meet the demand for inspected, high-quality pre-owned vehicles among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale is based in Santa Monica, CA. Visit SureSale.com for more information.

SureSale Media Contact:
Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776
Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723

Auto dealerships using SureSale to power used vehicle sales achieve 20% lift in VDP views and marketplace leads

Santa Monica, CA – February 8, 2021 – SureSale, which helps auto dealers provide car buyers verification of vehicle quality and condition, has expanded its digital merchandising options to help auto dealers capitalize on their digital retail efforts and reach more used vehicle buyers online. Because SureSale’s digital merchandising enables used vehicle inventory to stand out in crowded marketplaces, auto dealers are reporting increased vehicle detail page (VDP) views and customers.

“SureSale’s proprietary platform seamlessly integrates with dealer platforms to make it easy for auto dealers to amplify that their vehicles have undergone an inspection, road test and history check,” said Sean Peoples, VP of Sales at SureSale. “The trust and digital engagement this creates is increasing vehicle detail page (VDP) views and buyer consideration for auto dealers, all of which leads to increased used vehicle sales.”

In a recent three-month analysis based on results from multiple auto dealerships, vehicles with a SureSale report experienced a 20% increase in VDP views and leads on third-party marketplaces. Data was determined by comparing vehicles with a SureSale vehicle quality report to a control group on some of the most trafficked auto marketplaces, including CarGurus and Autotrader.

“The SureSale vehicle quality report stands alone in the industry for the depth of information it provides on each vehicle. Unlike other reports that just list vehicle history, SureSale includes the vehicle’s past and present condition, fueling consumer confidence and generating a more informed, efficient and valuable transaction for auto dealers,” continued Peoples.

Empowering auto dealerships with digital tools that facilitate a more contactless transaction, and that boost vehicle visibility, has never been more important as the pandemic has increased the number of car shoppers going online. Meanwhile, the importance of vehicle ownership has heightened as people avoid mass transportation and ride-sharing. This is driving a new wave of car buyers into the market, many of whom are turning to the affordability of pre-owned vehicles in the face of rising new vehicle prices. All of this adds up to increased competition – and opportunity – in the used vehicle market.

By integrating with auto dealer’s inventory feeds and image management systems, SureSale lets its mobile app users instantly validate vehicle quality and condition. SureSale’s proprietary platform analyzes thousands of data points including those from the 170-point inspection and road test, as well as a history check, to generate a SureSale vehicle quality report for each vehicle. SureSale’s enhanced digital merchandising then kicks in, digitally badging each vehicle and merchandising listings across third-party marketplaces. This merchandising, which is completely turn-key for the dealership, increases engagement on vehicle listings, helping dealers to sell more vehicles while building trust and providing peace of mind.

SureSale is an exhibitor at the 2021 NADA Virtual Expo, click here for more information.

SureSale announced last week that it is powering AAA Inspected, a new program that helps AAA members and non-members buy quality used cars with confidence. Click here for more information.

About SureSale
SureSale offers used vehicle buyers peace of mind with the SureSale vehicle quality report, which stands alone in the industry for the depth of information it includes on the vehicle’s past and present condition. Delivered through the industry’s first, and only, vehicle quality SaaS platform, SureSale enables franchise and independent dealers to validate, and merchandise, the quality of their used vehicle inventory. SureSale, which won the 2020 Gold Stevie® Award for “Innovation of the Year,” was founded to help the auto market meet the demand for inspected, high-quality pre-owned vehicles among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale is based in Santa Monica, CA. Visit SureSale.com for more information.

SureSale Media Contact:
Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776
Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723

AAA Inspected, powered by SureSale, independently verifies pre-owned vehicles, so consumers can trust that the vehicle they are buying is a quality vehicle

Wilmington, DE & Santa Monica, CA -- February 1, 2021 – AAA Club Alliance, Inc. (“ACA”) and SureSale, the award-winning platform(1) for quality used vehicles, today announced the launch of AAA Inspected, powered by SureSale. AAA Inspected is a new program that helps AAA members and non-members buy quality used cars with confidence.

SureSale’s proprietary platform and network of qualified vehicle inspectors enables AAA Inspected to assess vehicle quality by analyzing thousands of vehicle data points, combing through vehicle history, and evaluating vehicle condition with an independent 170-point inspection. The program is currently available in ACA’s territories in Kansas and Oklahoma.

“For over 115 years, consumers have trusted AAA to keep them safely on the road, covering members with insurance, roadside assistance, and more. With AAA Inspected, we’ve added quality pre-owned cars to the list,” said Keith McIntyre, Director of Auto Buying and Sales at ACA, the third largest club in the national AAA federation.

AAA Inspected provides the information consumers need to feel sure about the used vehicle they are purchasing. This includes an independent inspection by a certified mechanic, and a Factfile™ vehicle report, a comprehensive accounting of the vehicle’s past history, current condition and future quality assurance. The Factfile™ report is free, and car shoppers and buyers can access it online or at the dealership.

“Unlike other industry reports, such as Carfax, which are limited to a vehicle’s past history, SureSale tells the vehicle’s whole story – past, present and future. Thanks to our partnership with SureSale, our members will be able to quickly and easily know that they can trust the quality of a used vehicle,” continued McIntyre.

AAA research shows that its members place a higher value on vehicles that are independently inspected,(2) which is why ACA and SureSale analyze multiple data points to ensure that the vehicle is in excellent condition. Only when SureSale has determined that a vehicle meets its quality standard does it become a AAA Inspected vehicle.

“We are proud to partner with ACA to bring a universal standard of quality to AAA Inspected vehicles. AAA is one of the most trusted consumer brands in the country and, with AAA Inspected, consumers can, at last, get an answer to the question: ‘Am I buying a reliable, quality used vehicle?’” said Jeffrey Schwartz, SureSale Founder and President.

AAA Inspected, powered by SureSale is free to all car buyers and includes a limited warranty and 3-month trial subscription of SiriusXM for vehicles with a factory-equipped radio. Additional benefits, exclusive for AAA members, are also available.

Car buyers in Kansas and Oklahoma can access AAA Inspected, powered by SureSale at AAA.com/Inspected.

About AAA Club Alliance 

AAA Club Alliance, Inc. is the third largest AAA club in the national AAA federation and serves more than six million members in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC. AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services, advocates for the safety and mobility of its members, and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, not-for-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

About SureSale
SureSale offers used vehicle buyers peace of mind with its Factfile™ vehicle report, the single source of truth on the past history, present condition and future assurance of a used vehicle. SureSale’s universal standard for used vehicles is delivered through the industry’s first, and only, vehicle quality SaaS platform, which also enables franchise and independent dealers to validate, and merchandise, the quality of their used vehicle inventory. SureSale, which won the 2020 Gold Stevie® Award for “Innovation of the Year,” was founded to help the auto market meet the demand for inspected, high-quality pre-owned vehicles among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale is based in Santa Monica, CA. Visit http://www.suresale.com for more information.

Media Relations Contacts:

SureSale
Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776

AAA Club Alliance, Inc.

Shawn Steward, steward@aaa-alliedgroup.com, (785) 409-0678 mobile

(1) SureSale won the Gold Stevie® Award in the “Innovation of the Year” Business Services category in the 18th Annual American Business Awards®.

(2) Source: AAA Certified Qualitative Research Study – “Used Vehicle Inspection and Certification Concept & Pricing Test”, AAA Club Partners, Inc., January 2011 (83% of AAA members say they would or might pay more for a vehicle that is inspected by AAA) 

Agreement between leading vehicle certification company and leading audio entertainment company adds additional value and incentive to customers of independent and franchised dealers who offer SureSale vehicles

Los Angeles, CA – August 10, 2020 – SureSale, the award-winning, gold standard for quality used vehicles, today announced that it has teamed up with SiriusXM to offer a complimentary 3-month subscription* to SiriusXM’s top-tier All Access package included with the purchase of SureSale vehicles at franchised and independent dealerships.

“When a customer buys a SureSale car, they are already getting a truly great, fully-inspected, pre-owned vehicle, that they can be ‘sure of,’” said Jeffrey Schwartz, president and co-founder of SureSale. “Through our agreement with SiriusXM, we are adding additional value – and enjoyment – to SureSale buyers. Their ‘new-to-them’ vehicle, will now have three months of the deepest variety of ad-free music, plus sports coverage, exclusive talk channels, comedy, and comprehensive news coverage – something that has become only more important in the current crisis.”

The SiriusXM All Access subscription – which is available in SureSale vehicles that have factory-equipped SiriusXM radio – is SiriusXM’s most extensive offering, featuring Howard Stern, a wide variety of ad-free music, plus live pro and college sports, talk programming, news, comedy and more. With a SiriusXM All Access subscription, listeners can access all this programming in their vehicle and also outside their car on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their home. For more on what SiriusXM offers and all the ways to listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.

Additionally, customers buying SureSale vehicles with compatible vehicle navigation systems will receive a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM Travel Link – which offers weather, fuel prices, movie listings, and sports scores – as well as NavTraffic, which delivers detailed information on traffic speed, accidents, construction, road closures, and more.

“We are very excited to be working with SureSale. Their certification platform is an innovative and important service for the pre-owned industry, and this represents a terrific new avenue for us to reach more pre-owned vehicle customers, who may not otherwise have access to a SiriusXM-activated vehicle, and enable them to experience our best audio entertainment package,” said Gail Berger, Vice President, Auto Remarketing for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM All Access gives customers access to all of our great content, and they can listen to us in the car, and at home. This enhanced experience certainly adds to the benefits of owning a SureSale vehicle.”

SureSale’s certification-as-a-service platform, which recently received the 2020 Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation of the Year**, offers franchise and independent dealers across the US a turnkey program and technology that enables them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory. The platform, which helps to facilitate a more socially distanced purchasing process, provides vehicle history data, mobile vehicle inspections, and VIN specific data, including recalls, all presented through SureSale’s industry-leading, proprietary Factfile™. SureSale gives automobile dealers the ability to further earn consumer trust, while meeting and exceeding the needs of shoppers who want to “be sure” about their used vehicle purchase.

About SureSale

Founded and led by a team of automotive/tech innovators, SureSale has created the gold standard for quality used vehicles. Delivered through the industry’s first, and only, Certification-as-a-Service platform, SureSale bridges a major auto market gap, dramatically expanding the certified category and meeting the growing demand for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO) among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale’s award-winning certification and marketing platform, which is supported nationally by the SureSale brand, offers franchise and independent dealers across the US a turnkey program and technology that enables them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory. Each SureSale vehicle comes with an independent inspection and a Factfile™ vehicle report, the single source of truth on the past history, present condition and future assurance of a used car. SureSale is based in Santa Monica, CA. Visit www.suresale.com for more information.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the leading audio entertainment company in the U.S., and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM and Pandora together reach more than 100 million people each month with their audio products. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers and directly to consumers through aftermarket devices.

* Complete offer details and terms available through SureSale.

** SureSale won the Gold Stevie® Award in the “Innovation of the Year” Business Services “category in the 18th Annual American Business Awards®

SureSale Media Contact:

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723

SureSale’s automotive certification-as-a-service platform was named “Innovation of the Year”

Los Angeles, CA – May 26, 2020 – SureSale, the gold standard for quality used vehicles and purchase protection, won the Gold Stevie® Award in the “Innovation of the Year” Business Services “category in the 18th Annual American Business Awards®.  The category recognizes singular innovations in product development.

“The SureSale team is proud to receive this honor which validates our mission of enabling auto dealers to more easily certify more of their used vehicles inventory while providing greater peace of mind to used car buyers,” said SureSale President and Co-founder Jeffrey Schwartz.  “We are particularly gratified that SureSale’s innovation was recognized by this award. Our information-rich certification-as-a-service platform could not be timelier as transactions between consumers and auto dealers have, by necessity, become more digital and contactless.”

SureSale bridges a major auto market gap by expanding the certified category to meet demand for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO) among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale is poised to create a sea change in the ability of automobile dealers to earn consumer trust for a much larger percentage of their used vehicle inventory, while meeting and exceeding the needs of shoppers who want to “be sure” about their used vehicle purchase.  SureSale’s certification and marketing platform offers franchise and independent dealers across the US a turnkey program and technology that enables them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory. The platform, which helps to facilitate a more socially distanced purchasing process, provides vehicle history data, mobile vehicle inspections, and VIN specific data, including recalls, warranty coverages, and purchase protection, all presented through SureSale’s industry leading, proprietary Comprehensive Auto Report (CAReport).

“Despite the toughest business conditions in memory, American organizations continue to demonstrate their commitment to innovation, creativity, and bottom-line results,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher.  “This year’s Stevie-winning nominations are full of inspiring stories of persistence, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and compassion.  We celebrate all of their stories and look forward to showcasing them during our virtual awards ceremony on August 5.”

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. 

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be virtually presented to winners during a live event on Wednesday, August 5.  Tickets for the virtual event are now on sale.

More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2020 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.   

About SureSale

Founded and led by a team of automotive/tech innovators, SureSale has created the gold standard for quality used vehicles and purchase protection.  Delivered through the industry’s first, and only, Certification-as-a-Service platform, SureSale bridges a major auto market gap, dramatically expanding the certified category and meeting the growing demand for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO) among the US’ 40 million used car buyers. SureSale’s certification and marketing platform, which is supported nationally by the SureSale brand, offers franchise and independent dealers across the US a turnkey program and technology that enables them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory.   Each SureSale Certified vehicle comes with a CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report), the single source of truth on the past history, present condition and future assurance of a used car, as well as comprehensive warranty and purchase protection. SureSale is based in Santa Monica, CA. Visit www.suresale.com for more information.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com

SureSale Media Contact:

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela(at)mwebbcom(dot)com, (714) 454-8776

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie(at)mwebbcom(dot)com, (949) 307-1723

‘AAA Inspected’ Expands Consumer and Dealership Access to Quality Used Vehicles through New AAA Club Alliance and SureSale Partnership

March 9, 2020 - Auto dealers now have access to a program that enables them to brand used vehicle inventory as ‘AAA Inspected.’  The program is the result of a partnership between SureSale and AAA Club Alliance, the third largest AAA auto club in the national AAA federation.  The program is scheduled to launch initially in Kansas and Oklahoma.

‘AAA Inspected’ is powered by SureSale, which offers a comprehensive platform to guarantee used vehicle quality across 30 different makes and hundreds of models.  ‘AAA Inspected’ vehicles have passed an extensive background check and come with a clean title, a 150+ point vehicle inspection, a 5-month, 5,000-mile limited warranty, and include a 5-day exchange guarantee.  

According to Keith McIntyre, Director of Auto Buying and Sales at AAA Club Alliance, the affordability crisis for new vehicles is driving a market shift towards quality used vehicles.   As new car costs have risen, consumers have shifted their attention to quality used vehicles and driven the growth of original equipment manufacturer CPO vehicles, which are now experiencing their tenth consecutive year of record growth.  

“‘AAA Inspected’ increases auto dealers’ opportunity to meet consumer demand for quality used vehicles with a turnkey program,” says McIntyre, “all while ensuring the rigorous quality of the vehicles for AAA members -- from extensive inspections, to VIN-specific history and comprehensive warranties.”

SureSale President Jeffrey Schwartz emphasized the importance of the AAA brand: “AAA is one of the most trusted and valued brands in the world.  The SureSale platform enables AAA Club Alliance to offer their members a rock-solid vehicle inspection program that lives up to the AAA brand, while increasing both the range and affordability of quality used vehicles their members have access to.” 

Contacts:   

Angela Jacobson
mWEBB Communications
Email: angela@mwebbcom.com 
Phone: 714-454-8776

Melanie Webber
mWEBB Communications
Email: melanie@mwebbcom.com
Phone: 949-307-1723

Veteran automotive tech entrepreneurs have developed a standardized certification-as-a-service platform to expand the availability of CPO inventory for 40 million used car buyers

Los Angeles, CA – February 6, 2020 –SureSale, the first and only certification-as-a-service platform to create a consistent, high-quality standard for used vehicles, today closed $7 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Los Angeles-based Upfront Ventures, which has backed successful innovative automotive tech firms TrueCar and DealerTrack.   The funding round includes participation from Coffin Capital and Ventures, who led the seed round, among others.

Founded by automotive and technology entrepreneurs, Jeffrey Schwartz and Donny Hall, SureSale redefines the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) category with a platform that expands the availability of CPO inventory for the 40 million consumers who purchase a used vehicle each year, while meeting the growing consumer demand for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

“The used vehicle industry is the largest retail segment of the US economy that, surprisingly, still has major untapped potential to create an independent, gold standard brand and maximize value for both dealers and consumers," said Upfront Ventures partner Kobie Fuller. "Donny and Jeffrey are veteran entrepreneurs who are bringing unmatched industry expertise and a technology-first approach to disrupt the traditional certified pre-owned category. We are excited to be their partners in this journey, especially as it's happening in LA."

As new car costs skyrocket, consumers have shifted their attention to quality used vehicles.  As a result, buyer interest in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, which come with a guarantee of quality and reliability, has increased 25% since 2016, and OEM CPO programs are experiencing their ninth consecutive year of record growth.  However, because existing CPO is limited to OEM programs, only a small fraction of the quality used car supply is available as CPO.  This means that, nationwide, auto dealers are unable to effectively meet what comprises an estimated two-thirds of used car buyer demand.  

“SureSale’s unique platform, and recognized quality standard, bridges this certification gap by providing auto dealers with expanded opportunities to certify their inventory to increase profitability and meet the needs of the growing population of used car buyers who want to “be sure” about their used vehicle purchase,” said Hall, Co-founder and CEO of SureSale. 

SureSale Certified provides independent and franchise dealers with a turnkey, state-of-the-art certification and marketing platform that allows them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory, across 30 makes and hundreds of models. The SureSale platform provides vehicle history data, mobile vehicle inspections, and VIN specific data, including recalls, as well as current warranty coverages, available coverages and detailed purchase protection. This is all presented through SureSale’s industry leading, proprietary Comprehensive Auto Report (CAReport). Each vehicle that uses the SureSale platform also benefits from VIN level digital marketing and point of sale merchandising support.

“With SureSales’s standardized ‘proof-of-quality’ and nationwide distribution, CPO buyers can have assurance that their vehicles have been checked, inspected, and protected,” continued Hall. “And this provides benefits to auto dealerships as well: studies show that CPO vehicles turn faster, are considered higher value by consumers and increase customer satisfaction.” 

A recent case study of one of SureSale’s auto dealership pilot partners demonstrated that, in just a few months as a SureSale dealer, the dealership’s used vehicle sales increased by 30%, nearly three times greater than the average for the local market YOY. The dealership also reported increases in turn rates and opportunities for gross pick up.

Hall and SureSale co-founder and president Jeffrey Schwartz bring deep backgrounds of success with disruptive automotive technologies that challenged the existing landscape, creating value for both investors and industry.  Hall built one of the largest direct-to-consumer marketers of vehicle service contracts in the country. Over his career, Hall has been a leader and executive of multiple successful technology businesses in Southern California including LowerMyBills.com (sold to Experian), HomeLoanCenter.com (sold to LendingTree) and LeadPoint.com. Schwartz is widely recognized as a pioneer in the automotive Internet with 20+ years of automotive and technology experience. As CEO at Autoweb and Autobytel, both Nasdaq-listed companies, Schwartz formed relationships with every major automotive manufacturer and dealership group and over 25,000 retail franchises. Under Schwartz’ tenure in these roles, over $50 billion in retail sales were generated for participating customers.

SureSale has partnered with dealerships in select markets during its beta program and will use the funding round to further tap into the used vehicle market, expanding its proprietary certification-as-a-service platform, its distribution into franchise and independent dealerships across the country, and its partnerships with key automotive brands, product providers and indirect lenders. 

About Upfront Ventures

Upfront Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm making national investments in technology-forward companies and founders. Since 1996, Upfront has invested more than $2 billion in companies including Maker Studios (acquired by Disney), TrueCar, Ring (acquired by Amazon), Kyriba, Overture, Dealertrack (acquired by Cox Automotive) and Envestnet. upfront.com.

About SureSale

SureSale’s mission is to create the global quality standard by which used vehicles are measured by both buyer and seller.  The new category of vehicle, SureSale Certified, gives consumers access to a greater range of quality used vehicles and the peace of mind that comes from buying a vehicle that has gone through a 150-point inspection and rigorous background check, and comes with a clean title, a detailed CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report), a 5-month / 5,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 5-day / 500-mile exchange guarantee, and extended protection plans up to 36 months.  SureSale’s iconic spokesperson, ‘Shirley,’ gives used vehicle buyers peace of mind when buying a SureSale Certified vehicle.  SureSale Certified Dealers benefit from a turnkey, state of the art certification and marketing platform which allows them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory (over 30 makes with eligibility up to 15 years old and 150K miles) and sell more cars. Visit www.suresale.com for more information.

To become a SureSale Certified auto dealership: Contact: 800.818.4575 Email: sales@suresale.com Visit: https://www.suresale.com/dealers

SureSale Media Contact:

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723

Used or Certified? More often than not that seems to be the choice car buyers are making during this unsteady sales year. Consider: Edmunds expects new vehicle sales to be down around 20% in September compared to August – and about 10% below September 2018. On top of that, used cars are popular, but demand isn’t spectacular. ALG is forecasting a September increase of just 0.1%, compared to August. 

CPO is different, this year. Cox Automotive and others are predicting increases of around 10% or more, month-to-month. So far, CPO cars are expected to set another record in 2019 – with almost 2 million units sold through the end of August. 

And that spells opportunity for auto dealerships.  

The challenge is that most CPO programs are limited by brand and mileage. Most dealers still have plenty of good quality used vehicles on their lots that are both off-brand and/or with mileage/age that falls outside OEM CPO requirements. Finding a way to bridge that gulf and leverage consumer demand for certification programs was something that the sales pros at Reed-Lallier Chevrolet were looking to accomplish – so they called us. 

We’re proud to have been able to help them increase YOY used vehicle sales 30% after implementing SureSale Certified. So, I thought I would share the positive results and a link to our case study. 

General Manager Cory Lallier is the one who saw the trend and knew they needed to innovate – even though they already had a 1:1 new-to-used sales ratio. He took a look at their sales trends, inventory patterns and studied what consumers were really interested in – then found a way to adapt to the market, create faster turns, and ultimately deliver more quality used vehicles with the peace of mind of a certification program. Our SureSale Certified program fit their market and helped them stay a step ahead of consumer demand. 

After implementing SureSale Certified, the YOY used vehicle sales increase of 30% was nearly three times greater than the average in the local market.  In fact, SureSale contributed to an increase of over 60% in used car sales in just the first month - significantly higher than the YOY average for the top 25 dealerships in the DMA and far greater than the overall used vehicle market in that area. SureSale vehicles also had a faster turn rate 10% higher than non-SureSale vehicles.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Case Study here. It’s a good story about what one dealer did to keep sales running at a high level. 

Learn more about SureSale Certified here.

New case study shows how Reed-Lallier Chevrolet leveraged this one-of-a-kind CPO program to increase used vehicle sales 30% YOY as local market saw declines[1]

Los Angeles, CA – September 18, 2019 – SureSale Certified today released a new case study conducted with North Carolina’s Reed-Lallier Chevrolet that offers a compelling snapshot of how one dealership found a new way of leveraging today’s CPO opportunity to increase used vehicle sales and turn rates. 

After implementing SureSale Certified, Fayetteville-based Reed-Lallier’s used vehicle sales increased by 30%, nearly three times greater than the average for the local market YOY, while early results show turn rates increasing by 10%.

“Year-to-date our used vehicle sales are up significantly and the only thing that has changed in our used vehicle department is SureSale,” said Reed-Lallier Chevrolet General Manager, Cory Lallier.  “Our SureSale vehicles are much faster moving because consumers have peace of mind.”

- Reed-Lallier sold 259 units March through May vs 199 units for the same period in 2018
- Of the units sold, SureSale vehicles represented nearly 50% of those vehicles: 124 of the 259 units

As the average price of a new vehicle hits record highs, consumers are increasingly turning to used vehicles that they can ‘Be Sure’ about, namely Certified Pre-Owned vehicles[2], yet only a small slice of auto dealership inventories are CPO vehicles because of automaker program brand restrictions.  SureSale Certified expands the number of certified vehicles dealerships are able to offer consumers through a branded turnkey program that enables auto dealerships to extend consumer protections to a wider range of vehicles – up to 15 years, 150K miles and for more than 20 brands, while also providing extensive marketing support.

“Before SureSale, we were only able to certify Chevy, GMC vehicles. Now we’re able to put SureSale Certified on pretty much any auto brand, and you can overcome the sales objections,” said Lallier. “For example, if they take it home and within 5 days they hate their decision, they can bring it back in and exchange it for a different vehicle.”  

In addition to having more control on pricing, and gaining incremental revenue from F&I and customers bringing used vehicles back for service, Lallier believes that the SureSale program offers opportunity for “additional gross pick up because of the additional value certified vehicles represent.”

“While increases in vehicle pricing and the prevalence of more quality used inventory - combined with disruptors like Carvana - makes for a tough dealer market – the CPO opportunity is excellent,” said SureSale Co-founder and president Jeffrey Schwartz. “The results from Reed-Lallier are a very positive ‘indicator species’ for what we believe can, and should, be the future of CPO used vehicle sales – a future where more consumers can be sure about their used vehicle purchase and auto dealerships can be sure of greater turn rates, more vehicle sales, higher customer satisfaction and increased profits.”

SureSale recently expanded into the Louisville market where nearly a thousand SureSale Certified vehicles will be available at independent and franchised dealerships. In conjunction with the Louisville expansion, the company introduced a new advertising campaign showcasing SureSale’s transparent buying experience through Shirley, a trusted advisor, who helps consumers understand why SureSale means they can “Be Sure” of the quality of their SureSale Certified vehicle. 

To read and download the full Reed-Lallier Chevrolet case study, click here: https://blog.suresale.com/suresale-certified-increases-used-vehicle-sales-and-turn-rates-at-reed-lallier-chevrolet/

To find a SureSale Certified vehicle and auto dealership, click here: https://www.suresale.com/marketplace

To become a SureSale Certified auto dealership:

Contact: 800.818.4575 Email: sales@suresale.com Visit: https://www.suresale.com/dealers

About SureSale

SureSale’s mission is to create the gold standard for quality used vehicles and purchase protection.  The new category of vehicle, SureSale Certified, gives consumers access to a greater range of quality used vehicles and the peace of mind that comes from buying a vehicle that has gone through a 150-point inspection and rigorous background check, and comes with a clean title, a detailed CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report), a 5-month / 5,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 5-day / 500-mile exchange guarantee, and extended protection plans up to 36 months.  SureSale’s iconic spokesperson, ‘Shirley,’ gives used vehicle buyers peace of mind when buying a SureSale Certified vehicle.  SureSale Certified Dealers benefit from a turnkey, state of the art certification and marketing platform which allows them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory (over 30 makes with eligibility up to 15 years old and 150K miles) and sell more cars. Visit www.suresale.com for more information.

SureSale Media Contact:

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723

[1] In March, used vehicle sales at the dealership had increased by 62.3% YOY, higher than the overall used vehicle market in the area which was down -2%.

[2] https://www.autoremarketing.com/trends/used-vehicle-sales-likely-reach-near-34m-units-august

SureSale Launches National Ad Campaign: Introduces Shirley, Brand Ambassador for SureSale’s Certified Vehicles

Print and broadcast media campaign supports SureSale’s transparent buying experience for quality used vehicles; Louisville is premiere market with others to follow

Los Angeles, CA –August 12, 2019 – SureSale Certified, the gold standard for quality used vehicles and purchase protection today announced the launch of a new multi-channel advertising campaign centered around SureSale’s new brand ambassador ‘Shirley.’

The new campaign showcases SureSale’s transparent buying experience through Shirley, a trusted advisor, who helps consumers understand why SureSale means they can “Be Sure” of the quality of their SureSale Certified vehicle.  It premiered in the Louisville market and will expand to other US markets in the months to come. 

“We created a whole new category of used vehicle with SureSale Certified, so it was critical that we support it with a marketing campaign that both educates consumers and inspires them to opt for a SureSale Certified vehicle – all while being whimsical enough to entertain,” said SureSale President and Co-founder Jeffrey Schwartz. “With Shirley, we have generated a broadcast campaign that embodies SureSale Certified, as well as distinctive point-of-sale merchandising that will give our auto dealer partners a competitive edge.”

The company conducted a nationwide search to find a spokesperson who could help car buyers understand why they should opt for a SureSale Certified vehicle – and reflect the essence of SureSale.

“We believe that SureSale is a truly disruptive and truly positive development for the auto industry, offering benefits for both car buyers and auto dealerships alike,” said SureSale CEO and Co-founder Donny Hall. “With humor, Shirley offers confidence and clarity to used car buyers, and we are sure that consumers will soon be heading for dealerships that offer SureSale vehicles.”

Currently available at dealerships around the country, SureSale Certified vehicles come with a free CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report), clean title, 150-point inspection, a 5-month, 5,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 5-day exchange guarantee, and extended protection plans.   The SureSale value proposition is simple: consumers know the past, present and future of each SureSale Certified vehicle so they can buy with confidence and own with peace of mind. Dealers have a consumer-friendly selling proposition that not only helps them turn vehicles faster, but that is in the heart of an ongoing market shift to used vehicles.  Shirley is a key part of the marketing dealership toolkit that makes it easy for dealers to sell SureSale Certified vehicles.

Consumers are increasingly opting for the assurance of a Certified Pre-owned (CPO) as new vehicle sales continue to decline; yet only a small slice of auto dealership inventories are CPO vehicles because of automaker program brand restrictions.  SureSale Certified expands the number of certified vehicles dealerships are able to offer consumers:  with SureSale Certified, auto dealerships are able to extend consumer protections, similar to auto manufacturer CPO programs, to a wider range of vehicles – up to 15 years, 150K miles and for more than 20 brands.

SureSale Certified vehicles come standard with:

●    Clean VIN and Free CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report)
●    150-point Certified Inspection
●    5-months, 5,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty
●    5-day Exchange Guarantee
●    Extended Protection Plans up to 36 months or 36,000 miles
    

To find a SureSale Certified vehicle and auto dealership, click here:

https://www.suresale.com/marketplace

To become a SureSale Certified auto dealership:

Contact: 800.818.4575

Email: sales@suresale.com

Visit: https://www.suresale.com/dealers

About SureSale

SureSale’s mission is to create the gold standard for quality used vehicles and purchase protection.  The new category of vehicle, SureSale Certified, gives consumers access to a greater range of quality used vehicles and the peace of mind that comes from buying a vehicle that has gone through a 150-point inspection and rigorous background check, and comes with a clean title, a detailed CAReport (Comprehensive Auto Report), a 5-month / 5,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 5-day / 500-mile exchange guarantee, and extended protection plans up to 36 months.  SureSale’s iconic spokesperson, ‘Shirley,’ gives used vehicle buyers peace of mind when buying a SureSale Certified vehicle.  SureSale Certified Dealers benefit from a turnkey, state of the art certification and marketing platform which allows them to certify more of their used vehicle inventory (over 30 makes with eligibility up to 15 years old and 150K miles) and sell more cars. Visit www.suresale.com for more information.

SureSale Media Contact:

Angela Jacobson, mWEBB Communications, angela@mwebbcom.com, (714) 454-8776

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com, (949) 307-1723