Oak-The F&I Store has announced a marketing alliance designed to bolster the sale and field support of finance and insurance products sold in Midwestern states by franchised automobile dealers. Oak will provide marketing, in-dealership service and training for automobile dealers selling F&I programs distributed by S&S Automotive Group.

In announcing the agreement, James L. Nerad, CEO of Oak, and Ronald L. Kushner, president and CEO of the S&S Automotive Group, stated that a key element of their long-term success has been the commitment to continually improve the level of service and quality of products provided to their dealer clients. The joint venture was undertaken to capitalize on the marketing and support assets of both firms, according to Nerad and Kushner.

Oak has been among the largest independent general agencies in the U.S. since it opened for business in 1975. The agency markets an extensive line of vehicle service contracts, credit insurance and GAP products in addition to an automobile dealer-oriented computer hardware and software systems. Oak also offers a complement of F&I-related schools and seminars and staffs an automotive career training center.

S&S has marketed finance and insurance programs as an adjunct to its expansive automobile dealer product lines, aftermarket accessories and vehicle audio and cellular phone products. In business since 1960, S&S is a second generation national supplier maintaining market prominence in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. The firm bills itself as the largest independent supplier in the United States.