EFG Introduces the First Automotive Debt Cancellation Program to the US
IRVING, Texas--Jan. 2, 20055, 2005--| Unique Vehicle Return Program Already a Proven Success |
EFG Companies, a leading provider of innovative Finance & Insurance products, services and technologies to retail dealerships, today announced it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with WALKAWAY Canada Incorporated, the creator of WALKAWAY(TM) Protection for Automotive Financing, to introduce the first and only auto debt cancellation program to the US market. WALKAWAY virtually eliminates the financial risk associated with purchasing a new or used vehicle for consumers. WALKAWAY will be marketed through WALKAWAY USA, a newly formed division of EFG Companies.
"We are extremely pleased to be the exclusive providers of this new product to the US market, continuing our tradition of bringing innovative profit solutions to automotive retailers," said Thomas E. Larkin, President and CEO of EFG Companies. "WALKAWAY not only provides dealerships with a true point of differentiation but also opens up new opportunities for revenue growth." Larkin went on to announce that Keith Cooper, a 20 year veteran of the automotive F&I industry, has been tapped as the President and General Manager of WALKAWAY USA. Cooper, who has been with EFG Companies for 16 years, most recently served as Vice President of Sales/Marketing and Dealer Support.
In Canada, WALKAWAY allows customers to walk away from contractual obligations associated with vehicle financing when negative debt equity exits due to extraordinary circumstances, such as job loss, loss of driver's license, disability or critical illness, personal bankruptcy of the self-employed, and international employment transfer. Through the WALKAWAY program, consumers are protected regardless of age, health, employment record, vehicle amount financed or vehicle type. The US product, which will be offered as a debt cancellation waiver, will provide similar coverage options, subject to regulatory and underwriting conditions.
"In an environment of employment uncertainty, rising consumer debt, an aging population, and an increasingly mobile workforce, WALKAWAY has been tremendously popular with both dealerships and consumers in Canada," according to Vince Beretta, President of WALKAWAY Canada Incorporated. "We are excited to have EFG Companies as our exclusive distributor and partner for the US market. They have the vision and resources to make WALKAWAY an unprecedented success in the US."
Since its introduction in Canada in 2000, WALKAWAY has made it possible for consumers to walk away from over $11.5 million in automotive-related debt. A recent dealer survey indicated that 93% of dealerships offering WALKAWAY believe it has provided them with a competitive sales advantage, and 77% regularly advertise WALKAWAY to promote dealership traffic.
WALKAWAY USA executives are currently in discussions with large distribution channels, such as national automotive groups, F&I providers and lending sources. WALKAWAY will debut at the 88th annual Convention and Exposition of the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) in New Orleans, LA. On January 28, 2005 at booth # 6143.
About EFG Companies
EFG Companies (Enterprise Financial Group Inc.) is a leading provider of Finance & Insurance products, services and technologies for the automotive industry. EFG Companies has been developing and distributing innovative profit solutions to retail dealerships for more than 25 years. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, and licensed in 44 states, EFG Companies' pioneering offerings are available through five divisions: EFG Dealer Services, EFG Agency Services, EFG Technologies, EFG Training Services, and WALKAWAY USA. While EFG is privately held, it operates under the same internal control and reporting standards as a public company. These standards are supported through annual independent audits by KPMG LLP, annual independent actuarial reviews of reserves, and regular statutory examination by various state insurance departments. Website: www.efgcompanies.com.
About WALKAWAY Canada Incorporated
