The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) announced its objectives and projected goals for 2003 at its all-member meeting in February.

For 2002, the Alliance met its goal of 100 members, and established a new goal of 150 members for 2003. It also welcomed a new board member, Scott Kolb of Auction Broadcasting Co., and a part-time executive director, Matt Marks.

The IARA plans to continue its Roundtable Educational Series with a meeting planned for the July time frame and an all-member meeting to be held in conjunction with CAR 2004 to reduce the burden of additional meetings and travel. IARA plans to examine the need for a remarketing industry educational process, giving remarketers and associated companies the opportunity to increase the knowledge level of participants. In an effort with other associations, IARA is working to establish standardized remarketing terms and a glossary of remarketing term definitions. Similarly, the alliance has established a positive dialog with NAAA in a joint effort to institute industry performance benchmarking.

Changes and updates to the member Web site are underway for 2003, including the possible formation of an online section for questions and answers regarding remarketing issues. The technology committee will create a Web site section for Internet-based resources for remarketers.

For 2003, the Alliance has identified areas of concern that will be investigated and addressed. Using its Web site member legislative survey, the IARA identified five key points that will be investigated: 1) transfer of risk issues; 2) titling issues; 3) lemon laws; 4) litigation/damages; and 5) insurance/insurance liability. Also, the Alliance will investigate issues concerning Internet sales and how they are captured by the guidebooks. The problems for remarketers caused by inaccurate data in vehicle history providers’ databases will also be explored.

The success of the first Circle of Excellence award, presented to Jim Moran of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., prompted the Alliance to continue with its award program and acknowledge other outstanding contributors to the remarketing industry.