Greater Chicago Harley dealer offers automaker-esque return program

Those looking for a little extra peace of mind before purchasing their next automobile now have competing programs from Hyundai, General Motors and Ford that all offer some sort of payment-protection should you lose your job. Hyundai even promises to take back your vehicle if you find yourself unable to fine suitable new employment. But what if your desired form of transportation has fewer than four wheels?

Enter Starved Rock Harley-Davidson/Buell in Illinois, the first motorcycle dealership to offer such an incentive plan that we're aware of. The program, provided by WALKAWAY USA, lasts for the first 12 months for free, and after that additional coverage can be purchased that will allow the rider to "walk away" from the loan. Of course, there is plenty of fine print to go over, so be sure to check out the press release after the break if you're interested in knowing more.

[Source: Starved Rock Harley-Davidson/Buell]

PRESS RELEASE:
Starved Rock Harley-Davidson(R)/Buell(R) First to Offer a one-of-a-kind Motorcycle Return Program in Illinois.

OTTAWA, Ill., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Starved Rock Harley Davidson/Buell has made an agreement with WALKAWAY USA, LLC to offer financial protection to motorcycle purchasers who may have reservations during these challenging economic times. Effective immediately, customers who purchase and finance their motorcycle at Starved Rock Harley Davidson/Buell will have the option of returning their motorcycle to the dealership should they experience one of several life-changing events.

This program, the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry, offers customers peace of mind and financial security, and is complimentary for 12 months from the date of purchase. Customers are also able to purchase additional coverage above and beyond the 12 month complimentary offer, which allows for even greater flexibility in the event that something affects their financial or life situations. The program is available to any rider, regardless of age, health, or employment history. This one-of-a-kind program provides protection against negative equity and allows customers to "walkaway" from their loan should they experience one of the covered qualifying events. WALKAWAY coverage includes: involuntary unemployment, physical disability, loss of driver's license due to medical impairment, international employment transfer, self-employed personal bankruptcy, and accidental death. The enhanced coverage options include longer terms of loans up to 84 months, as well as payment protection in certain situations, which can help protect a customer's credit rating.

Tom Eiden, Dealer Principal, states, "We are very excited to be able to offer this unique and timely program to our customers. This program provides our customers with the peace of mind that goes with knowing that should the unthinkable happen, they are protected in many ways from having to make payments on a motorcycle that no longer fits within their budget. The fact that it is offered to every customer of ours that finances with one of our lending partners--complimentary for 12 months--only reinforces that we are here to take care of everyone that chooses to do business with us."

WALKAWAY USA, LLC holds the exclusive U.S. distribution license to the WALKAWAY program originated in Canada. Since its introduction in Canada in 2000, WALKAWAY has made it possible for consumers to walk away from over $35 million in automotive-related debt and has provided WALKAWAY retailers with a significant competitive sales advantage. For more information on WALKAWAY Protection for Motorcycle Financing, visit http://www.walkawayusa.com/.

To take advantage of the WALKAWAY program at Starved Rock Harley-Davidson/Buell, simply contact Tom Vandervelde, Business and Sales Manager, at 815-431-1900 or via e-mail at tomv@starvedrockhd.com. Starved Rock Harley-Davidson/Buell is located at 750 Centennial Drive in Ottawa, IL, and is easily accessible from the Chicagoland area and its suburbs.

About WALKAWAY USA, LLC

WALKAWAY USA, LLC (www.walkawayusa.com) is a division of EFG Companies (www.efgcompanies.com), an industry leader in providing innovative performance management solutions and technologies to the retail auto industry. WALKAWAY USA markets and administers WALKAWAY(R) Protection for Motorcycle Financing. WALKAWAY is the First and Only Vehicle Return Program(TM) that protects consumers from financial shortfalls arising from the depreciation of new and used motorcycle (negative equity).

Source: Starved Rock Harley Davidson/Buell