TORRANCE, Calif. — F&I and Showroom has extended the nomination period for its 2018 F&I Dealer of the Year contest (sponsored by American Financial & Automotive Services Inc.) to Aug. 24. Dealership employees, general agents, vendors, finance sources, and F&I product providers can nominate their dealership or dealer client by clicking here. 

Now in its 17th year, the F&I Dealer of the Year and F&I Pacesetters program recognizes operations with highly profitable F&I departments that demonstrate a commitment to regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. Dealership employees, general agents, vendors, and F&I product providers are encouraged to nominate their stores and dealer clients for the award.

The magazine will first select six finalists, or F&I Pacesetters of the Year. They will be featured in the magazine’s conference issue and recognized during a special awards ceremony at Industry Summit 2018, which is scheduled for Oct. 8–10 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Fla.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, one finalist will be named the 2018 F&I Dealer of the Year. That operation will appear on the cover of F&I and Showroom’s December 2018 issue, which will feature an extended profile on the winning organization.

To nominate a dealership or dealer group, fill out the contest’s nomination form as completely as possible. List any and all awards or certifications earned by the dealership and its F&I team, as well as describe in detail the process followed by the operation’s F&I staffers. Be sure to note whether the dealership or group employs any special compliance process, such as the National Automobile Dealers Association’s Fair Credit Compliance Policy & Program, or has updated its sales and F&I processes to address new buying habits or to improve the customer experience.

Consumer ratings on DealerRater, Yelp, Google, and Facebook are also considered during the judging process, as well as an operation’s standing with the Better Business Bureau.

For more information or to nominate a dealership or dealer group, click here.