Certified Automotive Remarketer (CAR) Program Overview
The mission of CAR is to enhance and promote the profession of Vehicle Remarketing by providing the premier credential in the industry. Curriculum includes 20 courses in five units:
- Remarketing Channels
- Pre-sale Activities
- Actual-sale Activities
- Post-sale Activities
- Legal, Ethics and Terminology
Candidates must have a minimum of three consecutive years experience in the vehicle remarketing segment or support of that segment prior to taking a test. A test may be given only for courses where the student has enrolled and paid the appropriate fee. Testing may be requested at remote locations such as local community colleges where a test monitor can be utilized. Please contact the Executive Director, Matt Marks, if you wish to arrange for remote site testing. Testing will be given at all annual National Remarketing Conferences. Candidates have three years to complete testing for all 20 courses from the time that the candidate enrolls in the first course. The IARA Certification Board will evaluate candidate applications and determine eligibility. Applications are available online. CAR designations will be awarded during a formal ceremony at the IARA Summer Roundtable event. Certification is valid for three years and will be renewed based on continuing education requirements during years two and three. To enroll and purchase a CAR course click here.
Overview of CAR Courses
UNIT |
COURSE |
DETAILS |
Remarketing Channels |
Driver/Employee CAR-1 |
Includes defining and describing each available vehicle remarketing channel, including driver/lessee, employee/associate, direct-to-dealer, online auction, physical auction and other specialty sales and/or markets. Click here for more information. |
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Dealer CAR-2 |
Describes process whereby consignor places vehicles for sale on consignment at a dealership. Includes process of wholesaling used vehicles to dealers. Click here for more information. |
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Online Auction CAR-3 |
Defines and describes online auction channel in depth from consignment to sale completion, including auction type selection and methodology as well as unique challenges of this channel (e.g., arbitration). Click here for more information. |
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Physical Auction CAR-4 |
Includes all functions and processes that take place at a physical auction, starting with the assignment process of vehicles to completing the sale and delivery of vehicles. Click here for more information. |
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Pre-sale Activities |
Verification Transportation Grounding CR/Inspection CAR-5 |
This course will provide the student with a thorough understanding of the identification, documentation, acquisition and transportation process involved in the pre-sale activity. Click here for more information. |
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Reconditioning
CAR-6 |
This program aims to provide the skills required for the participant to run a reconditioning program. The course will be geared toward fleet management / leasing companies, finance companies, and remarketing companies. Click here for more information. |
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Lease Maturity CAR-7 |
This course will identify the skills required to effectively manage a lease end-of-term program. The outcome to be achieved varies from portfolio to portfolio, or client to client, predicated on the program goals. Click here for more information. |
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Marketing
CAR-8 |
This course provides an insight and a comprehensive guide into what is necessary to develop an effective pre-sale marketing program to maximize the remarketing of a portfolio’s used vehicles. |
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Services-History Reports/Finance and Warranty
CAR-9 |
The course purpose is to cover two remarketing pre-sale services: Vehicle History Reports (VHR) and Financial Services. Click here for more information. |
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| Repossession CAR-10 |
This course will help CAR candidates recognize and explain the unique elements surrounding repossession processes. Specifically, candidates will be able to explain the activities and functions necessary whenever vehicle repossession takes place. They will also gain insight into determining state-specific repossession laws, as well as how to keep up to date on repossession news and events. Click here for more information. |
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Actual-sale Activities |
Dealer/Auction Selection CAR-11 |
Upon completion of this course, the CAR Candidate will be able to explain and describe the decision factors and the process involved when a remarketer selects a vehicle auction. Click here for more information. |
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Branding and
Certification CAR-12 |
Branding your portfolio means that buyers will be able to always recognize and trust your vehicles to be consistent in quality, appearance, and condition. The course will explain how to establish such a program. Click here for more information. |
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Pricing
and Guidebooks CAR-13 |
This course provides the student with a thorough understanding of the processes utilized by the primary guidebooks to determine vehicle values and market performance. The student will also learn about setting floor prices. Click here for more information. |
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Post-sale Activities |
Arbitration CAR-14 |
This module covers arbitration activities as part of the remarketing process. The seller can always establish, or design, his/her own criteria for arbitration with the selling venue. Click here for more information. |
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Title Process CAR-15 |
The candidate will learn the definition of a title and when, where, why, and how a title is used. A caveat, however: this course is not meant to be all-inclusive or to cover all possibilities that may be encountered in the titling process. Every state has its own set of titling rules and regulations; therefore, anyone involved in titling work should become familiar with his or her state requirements. Click here for more information. |
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Benchmarking CAR-16 |
Strengthens the CAR candidate's remarketing skills, emphasizing specific functions applicable to pre and post-sale activities. Click here for more information. |
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Factors Influencing Resale Values
CAR-17 |
The purpose of this course is for the participants to fully understand the various factors that influence used vehicle values. In addition, the participant should learn how to apply the knowledge gained to his or her operation with the goal of maximizing values. Click here for more information. |
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Arbitrage
CAR-18 |
The CAR candidate must be able to illustrate how the factors such as color, options, engine variables, mileage and vehicle condition levels influence resale values. Describe how reconditioning can enhance resale value. Identify and discuss the potential effects arbitrage plays in the remarketing process. Click here for more information. |
Legal, Ethics and Terminology |
Legal
and Ethics CAR-19 |
Upon completion of the course, the CAR candidate will have a cursory knowledge of the legal and ethical issues involved in remarketing: Auction Firm/Auctioneer Licensing; Sales Tax; Product Liability; Disclosure Obligations; Agent/Principal Law. The course will focus on a brief overview of the legal aspects associated with used vehicle remarketing. NOTE--The course is not sufficient for the candidate to obtain a dealer license or auctioneer license, nor to rely on for legal advice. Click here for more information. |
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Terminology CAR-20 |
Provides understanding of remarketing terminology to facilitate comprehension of other IARA remarketing courses. Click here for more information. |
Continuing Education
The IARA CAR designation is valid for three and one-half years. After two and half years, the twelve month CAR Continuing Education period commences in order to be recertified. If not completed after three years-six months, the certification lapses. Click here to download details about re-certification.
Feedback
Your feedback on the process, the courses, and suggestions for improvement are encouraged and welcomed. The IARA is proud to be able to offer an opportunity for self- improvement and education within the remarketing industry. Thank you for taking advantage of this opportunity and we hope you enjoy the learning experience. Please submit comments to Matt Marks, Executive Director or call Matt at 973.398.2774.