HANOVER, Md. — Representatives of eleven starter interrupt/GPS tracking system providers met with facilitator Jack Tracey, Hanover-based Hudson Cook LLP's Thomas B. Hudson and National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association founding member Jim Bass for an organizational meeting of the recently formed Payment Assurance Technology Association (PATA).

"The starter-interrupt/gps industry is emerging as a significant factor in the automotive finance market," Tracey said. "An association will help to establish the standards and uniformity that is now lacking."

F&I magazine's sister publication, Special Finance, first reported the decision to form a trade association for starter interrupt/gps manufacturers, sellers, users and communication service providers last month, just prior to the NAF Association's 12th Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference. The decision to form the association passed unanimously, and an interim board of directors, made up the eleven companies participating in the meeting, was elected. The next meeting, which will focus on establishing bylaws, will be held during the The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA)'s 62nd Annual Convention & Expo June 24–28 in Dallas.

Once bylaws are approved, membership can expand, programs can be

outlined, a budget drawn up and a permanent board of directors

selected. Discussion during the meeting indicated that PATA is intends to pursue the establishment of industry standards, market studies and user and public education.

Founding companies include C3 Location Systems, CalAmp (Aercept), CAR Financial Services Inc. and ACC Consumer Finance, iMETRIK, MKL & Associates, Passtime, Procon, Sekurus ON TIME, The Shield Group LLC, Telit Americas and

http://www.westernfundinginc.com/>Western Funding

.

Those interested in becoming part of the new trade group can contact Tracey at (410) 865-5431 or jtracey@hudco.com.