Powersports lender MotoLease has weathered pandemic-related storms and embraced the digital shift under the leadership of Chief Executive Emre Ucer.
Since co-founding MotoLease in 2009, Ucer integrated cloud-based lending, simplified dealer processing and implemented the use of artificial intelligence for underwriting to streamline the lending process.
Amid the pandemic — with crunched inventory and high demand — MotoLease also offered flexible payment options through long-term leasing programs and gave up to the value of the vehicle for trade-ins to further lower payments.
MotoLease worked with dealer partners to ensure consumers were getting the lowest monthly payments possible as vehicle values soared.
The powersports industry continues to attract buyers even amid inventory woes and inflated vehicle values. Marine and RV consumers are willing to wait up to a year for product shipments and motorcyclists have shifted to the used market. Inflation is expected to hit the snowmobile market which already experienced a slight increase in pricing in September.
Los Angeles-based MotoLease serves more than 1,000 new- and used-powersports dealers nationwide.
Auto Finance Excellence asked Ucer five questions about his career at MotoLease, his greatest influences and leadership inspirations, and his passion for powersports.
Auto Finance Excellence: What are your company goals in about 10 words or less?
Emre Ucer: Focus on customer experience to be excellent beyond their expectation.
AFE: What is your favorite piece of leadership advice ever received?
EU: “Trust people to do their job once you empower them with the required resources and training,” as said by Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker.
AFE: What has had the biggest influence on your career?
EU: Maurice Salter, executive chairman of MotoLease, who encourages the combination of hard work and ethical business practices to create a win-win in every relation — including employees, customers and partners.
AFE: What do you think is the most underrated lending trend?
EU: Despite all the new technical tools, human interaction is still irreplaceable in most lending: Be available to assist the approved consumers with the process.
AFE: What’s something your employees would be surprised to learn about you?
EU: I participated in club level amateur auto racing many years ago.
Editor’s note: Emre Ucer has joined the speaker faculty for the 2021 Powersports Finance Summit on Oct. 27 at the Wynn Las Vegas. He will contribute to a conversation surrounding new technology, omnichannel approaches to customer experience and digital retail.
Powersports Finance Summit, the premier recreational vehicle finance event, returns October 26 in Las Vegas. The Summit is the only full-length forum for those companies involved in the financing of motorcycles, jet skis, side-by-sides, and other specialty vehicles. To learn more about the 2021 event and register, visit www.PowersportsFinance.com.