VPG Names Ally Financial Preferred Financing Source

In a new relationship for Ally Financial, Vehicle Production Group has selected the finance company as the preferred financing provider for its U.S. vehicles.

Ally Financial will offer wholesale financing, floorplan insurance, and remarketing services for VPG dealers, as well as retail financing for their customers, said Mark Manzo, Ally’s vice president of alliance sales.

While preparing to introduce the MV-1 mobility vehicle in September 2011, VPG had ongoing discussions with Ally to prepare for the formal relationship. The specialty vehicle is the first factory-built mobility vehicle that is compliant with American Disabilities Act guidelines, designed and engineered for efficient wheelchair accessibility. The MV-1 is assembled by AM General LLC in Mishawaka, Ind., and is offered in several models, including a factory-direct compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system, Manzo noted.

“We have a group today experienced with these types of vehicles,” Manzo said. “We know what types of products specialized vehicles need.”

Known for a comprehensive range of products with a broad span of capabilities allowing them to meet unique needs in the market, Ally has entered the realm of smaller specialized offerings, perhaps something other companies might not touch on, he said.

“When it comes to provide unique products, we’ve been filling that niche for a while,” Manzo told AFN.net, noting the focus on building relationships in order to see OEMs succeed.

“The relationship with VPG will enable us to serve the growing population in need of mobility vehicles,” Manzo said in a statement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 3.3 million people in the U.S. age 15 years and older used a wheelchair in 2010.

VPG joins General Motors, Chrysler, Fiat, Maserati, Saab, Suzuki and Thor Industries on Ally’s list of preferred lending partnerships. Ally finances both new and used vehicles, and offers insurance products and remarketing services for auto and RV dealers.

Vehicle Production Group’s MV-1 Mobility Vehicle

Source: Ally Financial