Archive - Dealer Information Hub

Tackle your debt in 3 steps
Practical tips to take control of your finances

Jul 01 2025 8:21 PM

Credit Scores:
The 3-digit power players
4 Reasons why your credit score matters

Jun 24 2025 2:50 PM

Your credit score isn’t just a random 3-digit number. With a high score, it’s your VIP pass to better interest rates, more loan approvals, and even your dream apartment. Yep, it’s kind of a big deal.

The blueprint to your credit score
Five key factors that make a real difference in your financial future

Jun 10 2025 4:11 PM

Your credit score isn’t carved in stone, and that’s a win. Want better loan deals, lower interest rates, or just a little more financial breathing room? It all starts with understanding how your score works. Here’s the scoop on the five factors that drive your score – and how to steer them in your favor.

Fix your credit like a pro
5 Simple steps to revive your score

May 15 2025 1:45 PM

Yep, life happens, and sometimes our credit takes a hit. The good news? A few smart money moves and these five tips can help you bounce back in no time. A better credit score means lower interest rates, easier loan approvals, and more financial freedom. Here’s how to get started:

Credit Scores 101: 3 Things You Really Need to Know
Understanding your score can unlock major money moves

Apr 21 2025 2:47 PM

Your credit score plays a significant role in your financial life and can affect everything from getting a loan to renting an apartment.

Tax season tips to get ahead
- It's your money, use it wisely!

Mar 20 2025 2:41 PM

3 ways to use your refund to get back on track financially

New year, who dis?
Time to take charge of your finances in 2025

Feb 21 2025 2:00 PM

Setting a simple budget is an easy way to help boost your credit score, eliminate debt, or save for that big purchase you've been eyeing for a while.

The digital transformation of the auto industry

Jun 26 2024 5:16 PM

Exeter examines how customer behaviors are directly affecting the car-buying experience and shaping the future within the industry.

Honoring pioneers of the automotive industry

Jan 31 2024 7:42 PM

Exeter reflects on the history of automotive advancements made by Black automotive innovators through the years. Read on for the stories of three Black pioneers of the industry whom we’re thankful for.

Tesla Cybertruck and the Evolution of EVs

Jan 18 2024 8:44 PM

As Tesla releases its latest invention, the Cybertruck, conversation swirls around the effects it will have on the world of electric vehicles. The debate on the future of EV’s is in the forefront of consumers’ minds more now than ever before.

Taking roads less traveled

Mar 16 2023 3:15 AM

A whole new meaning to “Auto”

Feb 15 2023 6:53 PM

As auto makers continue to produce vehicles with more driver support and self-driving technology, consumers are saying they need more information to feel comfortable sharing the road. Where do consumers stand with the development of autonomous vehicles today?

Celebrating Black History Month by saying “thanks”

Jan 31 2023 8:00 AM

As we turn our focus to the importance of February and celebrating the past, present and continual contributions of Black Americans, we’d like to spotlight and say “thanks” to one very special pioneer in the automotive industry – Homer B. Roberts.

First-edition electric vehicles coming out in 2023

Jan 09 2023 6:55 PM

As America aims to reach a target of 50 percent electrification of new vehicles by 2030, auto makers are hitting the gas on model production. Here are three exciting first-edition electric vehicles hitting the market in 2023.

You auto not say that

Dec 07 2022 11:14 PM

Have you ever considered how many vehicle-related idioms there are? Well, here are six we suggest tapping the breaks on using when things aren't going well.

Exeter values our veterans

Nov 08 2022 2:33 PM

It’s National Veterans and Military Families month, and one of our community pillars here at Exeter is to serve our veterans. Here’s how the company honors our military veterans and armed forces members in a special way each year.

Add these eight U.S. road trips to your list

Oct 31 2022 5:40 PM

The list of must-take road trips in the U.S. is almost endless. Here’s Exeter’s list of eight regional road trips to check out this fall.

Results from our August Dealer Satisfaction Survey

Oct 04 2022 7:59 PM

We just hosted our bi-annual Dealer Satisfaction Survey, and the results are in! In this round of survey questions, we asked participants about their DealerPortal user experience. Here’s what we learned.

How many people does it take to sell a new vehicle?

Sep 22 2022 8:18 PM

In our latest Dealer Information Hub blog post, we take a deeper look at the many ships, trucks and trains involved in the extensive journey to get most news cars to your dealership.

Rewarding loyalty; perpetuating business

Sep 08 2022 5:05 PM

Does your dealership have a loyalty program for customers? Loyalty program perks are a great way to keep your auto customers engaged with your business.

Continuing to forge a path forward

Aug 25 2022 8:46 PM

Check out the stories of three incredible Exeter women in honor of Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26.

3D printing drives automotive industry amid supply shortages

Aug 18 2022 8:54 PM

Due to supply chain shortages, the automotive industry is turning to 3D printing to combat current manufacturing woes.

Exeter customer wins $10,000 for going paperless

Aug 04 2022 8:02 PM

Who knew selecting a paperless servicing option could actually earn someone more ‘paper’ in return? Well, we did! Learn more about our most recent customer sweepstakes.

Exeter’s approval rates surpass 90 percent in some FICO categories

Jul 21 2022 4:21 PM

What is defined as “good credit” when it comes to buying a vehicle? According to Experian, almost half of auto consumers need near-prime or non-prime financing to finalize their purchase.

Leveraging technology to enhance transparency

Jun 28 2022 5:24 PM

At Exeter, we’ve put technology to work not just for ourselves, but for our dealers and customers alike.

10 ways Exeter helps dealers get first-time buyers approved

Jun 15 2022 8:24 PM

Working with first-time automobile buyers can be difficult when they have limited credit. Exeter can help.

$100 grand ain’t what it used to be

May 31 2022 7:30 PM

Research shows that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck – no matter their income level. Despite this, Exeter may be able to help.

Three ways to keep your dealership top-of-mind with consumers

May 17 2022 2:15 PM

The chain of auto consumerism doesn’t stop at an initial purchase. Here are a few ways to keep customers engaged with your dealership after they drive off the lot.

Consumers rely on auto dealers – Auto dealers rely on Exeter

May 03 2022 9:02 PM

Research shows that more than 60 percent of auto consumers rely on auto dealers for help when it comes to finding financing.

Helping dealers work smarter, not harder

Apr 22 2022 4:33 PM

Recent research shows 88 percent of customers expect a brand or organization to have an online self-service portal. Our customers have MyAccount, and now our dealers have DealerPortal.

Keeping the bar high in customer service

Mar 31 2022 4:31 AM

Exeter’s service journey doesn’t stop with our dealer partners. When their customers become our customers, we take good care of them, too.

Top car movies of all time

Mar 23 2022 7:58 PM

While we don’t claim to be movie critics ourselves, we took the word of several movie critics to bring you Exeter’s unscientific list of can’t-miss car movies.

Electrifying America

Mar 09 2022 3:34 PM

In 2021, the U.S. Government signed an Executive Order into effect setting a target of 50 percent electrification of new vehicles by 2030. Ambitious? Maybe not.

We asked - You answered

Feb 23 2022 6:02 PM

In December, we asked our core dealer partners which program helped them the most. The results are in, and here’s what they said…

Report says consumers are still shopping for vehicles despite headlines

Feb 08 2022 8:50 PM

Plenty of headlines lately tell what sounds like a dismal story for America’s car dealers. However, one study indicates overall car buying satisfaction remains at a near-record level. The remedy? Stay the course!

Three names in the automotive industry worth knowing

Jan 26 2022 2:23 PM

McKinley Thompson Jr., Homer B. Roberts and Garrett Morgan – Perhaps you’ve heard of them.

What you can expect from us

Jan 19 2022 3:02 PM

ethicsexeterauto finance

When your automobile dealership works with Exeter, you should expect the best. Here are excerpts from our Code of Conduct - so you know precisely what we expect from our team...

Here are the top used cars of 2021

Dec 15 2021 2:00 PM

Autotrader said it developed its top ten “based on previous ‘Best New Car’ winners, as well as vehicles from the list of Best Electric Cars for 2021.” ...Listed alphabetically by make, here’s what they came up with.

Arrive at your destination safely this holiday season

Nov 17 2021 4:23 PM

For many of us, travel is inevitable during the holiday season and into the new year. Each winter, we make our plans, pack up our stuff and get on our way -- with Thanksgiving and December holidays being the driving force behind all of this travel...

Women making waves in auto finance

Nov 10 2021 9:00 AM

At Exeter, we’re proponents of women making waves in the auto finance industry, and we strive to create an evolving professional ecosystem where all our team members can excel – both within the company and outside of it...

What are the odds?

Oct 20 2021 8:00 AM

Do you recall the story problems in math class when you were in high school? Remember the one about the train leaving Chicago and heading east at 60 miles per hour and the train leaving New York traveling west at 50 miles per hour? You had to figure when and where they’d meet, which is something nowadays you’d think the railroad companies would know how to do without asking a 10th grader.

Why you should go to the dentist

Sep 22 2021 8:00 AM

When the COVID-19 vaccine was first made available in the U.S., many distribution points were quickly overwhelmed by throngs of people who wanted to receive it. Although there was nothing funny about the situation, there was a meme that circulated on social media that addressed the situation in a humorous way.

Bridging the gap between auto lenders and independent dealers

Aug 18 2021 8:00 AM

Next week, independent auto dealers from across the country will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas, and Exeter will be there, too. We’ll all be attending the 75th annual National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Convention and Expo. The convention affords dealers the opportunity to learn the latest about their industry from experts in a variety of fields – like auto finance.

All the wiser

Jul 21 2021 8:00 AM

This week, we’re celebrating 15 years in the auto finance business here at Exeter! Most days lately, we’ve got our noses to the grindstone. But with this special anniversary upon us, we’re taking some time to look up and take in everything we’ve accomplished since being established in 2006...

A reflection of resilience

Jul 15 2021 8:00 AM

Last week, a video from Exeter’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Matt Page, landed in the email inboxes of our dealer partners. The prompt? Placing a mental wager on how this year’s Fourth-of-July car sales went compared to years gone by...

Shades required: Bright summer ahead

Jun 23 2021 8:00 AM

As we head into the summer selling season at auto dealerships across America, it’s easy to get discouraged. There is continuing news of a chip shortage, which is impacting vehicle inventory...

Gray is the way

Jun 09 2021 8:00 AM

Do you dream of owning a cherry red sports car? Or maybe a baby blue convertible? You may be dreaming about cars in vivid color, but when it comes to actually making a purchase, most of us buy something a lot more boring...

The longest race in the world

May 26 2021 8:00 AM

You have heard of INDYCAR and NASCAR racing. They’re well-known staples of the American auto racing scene. Around the world, though, perhaps no race is as prestigious as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. First held 98 years ago today...

The most important skill for selling cars

May 12 2021 8:00 AM

To the uninitiated, being a smooth talker may seem to be the most valuable skill a successful auto salesperson needs. The smart money, though, says the opposite is true...

Exeter salutes its best!

Apr 28 2021 8:00 AM

Our Dealer Sales Managers (DSMs) are charged with building relationships with auto dealers in their respective territories and helping them understand what we can do for their customers. Every DSM on our team does a great job, but some of them stand out among all the rest. Today, we salute our best from last year.

Why our award matters to your dealership

Apr 14 2021 8:00 AM

What would you think if your boss said something like this about you: “While I think all our executives are bright, talented leaders, I am fond of telling them that when Michele is present that the rest of us are merely competing to see who’s the second-smartest person in the room!”...

Auction Awards 2020

Mar 31 2021 8:00 AM

Exeter relies on many partners during the life of a typical loan. At the beginning, we work with auto dealers as they help their customers purchase the perfect vehicle. At the end of the cycle, we sometimes work with auction partners to sell vehicles that have come back into our possession. As a way of recognizing those partners, each year Exeter honors three auctions nationally with our eXcellence award...

Gas up the car and go

Mar 17 2021 8:00 AM

As springtime arrives, Americans are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and we all hope the pandemic will soon be behind us. As we head toward summer, it’s still hard to predict what impact coronavirus will have on upcoming vacation and travel plans. But at least one publication is predicting it will be another big year for family car trips.

We did it together

Mar 03 2021 8:00 AM

Congratulations. We did it. Together. Exeter has now served one million customers. And as an auto dealership owner, leader or employee, you played a part in helping us reach that major milestone. If your dealership has ever submitted even a single application to us since we were founded in 2006, we want you to know we appreciate your contribution to our success.

A million thanks for a million customers

Feb 03 2021 8:00 AM

Exeter helped its first customer finance the purchase of a car in the spring of 2006. Since then, we’ve helped 999,999 more. We met our one millionth customer in January as he was purchasing a car at Toyota of Dallas. He’s Raul Trevino Jr. of Ennis, Texas, and we surprised him while he was at the dealership...

Helping a customer who doesn’t have prime credit

Jan 20 2021 8:00 AM

You’ve got a potential car buyer on the lot. The customer has looked over several models you’ve got available, taken a couple of test drives and finally made a selection. Now it’s time to close the sale. But when you start the paperwork, you find out the customer has subprime credit. What does that mean?

Now’s your chance

Dec 23 2020 8:00 AM

Next week may be the best time EVER to buy a car. Think about it. Traditionally, the last week of the year is always a terrific time to buy a new vehicle. Dealerships are looking to finish the year on a positive note, and manufacturers usually offer some great deals to support year-end sales.

Saluting the best of 2021

Dec 09 2020 8:00 AM

Looking for a fantastic new vehicle? Who isn’t, right? One way to find out which new models are hot and worthy of consideration is to check out more than two-dozen semi-finalists in the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

No one should be hungry

Nov 25 2020 9:00 AM

With Thanksgiving upon us, we’re trying to do our part to make sure no one in America goes hungry. We started by offering a holiday meal to every member of the Exeter team. Then we donated hundreds of turkeys to Feeding America to help fight hunger in our community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Honoring our veterans

Nov 11 2020 9:00 AM

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served in the U.S. military. For one day, we stand united in respect for all the men and women who have proudly worn a uniform in defense of our nation.

Take a seat

Oct 28 2020 8:00 AM

What do you do when you’re driving? No, we don’t mean daydream, talk on the phone or listen to music. We mean sit. You take a seat – every time you’re in the car, for every mile you travel, for every minute you’re in the vehicle.

It’s all about the people

Oct 14 2020 8:00 AM

If you want your employees to take good care of your customers, take good care of your employees. At Exeter Finance, one of the many people who takes good care of our employees is our Chief Human Resources Officer, Michelle Whatley. She leads the team that recruits, hires, trains, retains and supports well over 1,000 Exeter employees. We think she’s great at it, and we’re not alone in that thinking.

Promoting Diversity & Inclusion

Sep 30 2020 8:00 AM

Wondering how to get a Diversity & Inclusion initiative started in your organization? We asked Charita Henderson, Exeter’s Vice President of Leadership Development and co-chair of our D&I initiative, what steps you should take to get underway.

Time to plan the pickup party

Sep 16 2020 8:00 AM

We all love a good party. Getting together with friends, family members and fellow enthusiasts to celebrate something special is always fun. And in the spirit of organizing a festive, extraordinary event, we suggest that everyone start planning an important birthday party now.

We’re going after #1

Sep 02 2020 8:00 AM

We’ve got our sights set on #1. That’s right. We’re going after the #1 cause of death in the United States: heart disease. This month, Exeter Finance is joining millions of Americans in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Improving auto dealership efficiency

Aug 19 2020 8:00 AM

Entire organizations exist to make business – and more specifically, business processes – more efficient. They look for ways companies can do work more quickly and accurately to increase productivity, boost customer satisfaction and lift profitability.

Supporting America’s Wounded Warriors

Jul 22 2020 8:00 AM

We’re asking our employees, dealers, customers, business partners and friends to join us in supporting the Wounded Warrior Project this month.

Six ways to stay safe behind the wheel at night

Jul 08 2020 8:00 AM

Did you hear the story about the guy who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic? His car got three weeks to the gallon! Seriously, if you haven’t done as much driving lately as you usually do, it might not be a bad idea to brush up on some safe-driving tips before you head back to the office.

Two-dozen top summertime road trips

Jun 24 2020 8:00 AM

Summer has arrived, and we’re ready to hit the open road. We’ve done some looking around and come up with a list of two-dozen top road trips. Let’s get in the car and go!

Is blue the best?

Jun 10 2020 8:00 AM

The PANTONE Color Institute has named PANTONE 19-4052 “Classic Blue” the Color of the Year 2020. And why not? According to the company, Classic Blue instills calm, confidence and connection.

Low-cost repair states

May 27 2020 8:00 AM

When your car’s “check engine” light comes on, the state you live in affects how much you’ll pay for the repairs.

In tough times, Americans turn to their autos

May 06 2020 8:00 AM

As Americans maintain their social distance because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are looking for unique, creative ways to celebrate the good news in life.

Credit scores explained – sort of

Apr 01 2020 8:00 AM

Do you know what a “subprime” credit score is? The answer is that it depends on whom you ask. Each of the major consumer credit bureaus defines it differently. Here’s how the bureaus define the categories. FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850; higher scores mean better credit.

An open letter to auto dealers from Exeter Finance CEO Jason Grubb

Mar 25 2020 8:00 AM

It has been said that adversity is the true test of character. It’s easy to be well mannered and soft spoken on beautiful, sunny days when you don’t have a care in the world. But what we say and how we behave when times are tough speak volumes about who we really are.

How to be the best

Mar 17 2020 8:00 AM

At Exeter, one of the ways we try to stay on top of our game is through extensive training. Our Dealer Sales Managers (DSMs), for example, recently spent a full week together learning more about our industry and our dealers.

Customers with bankruptcies need reliable transportation, too

Mar 10 2020 8:00 AM

When a customer is looking for a new or used car, you don’t have to automatically rule them out just because they have filed for bankruptcy[1] in the past.

Why we should all love a good down payment

Mar 03 2020 8:00 AM

It may seem counterintuitive to think that auto finance companies, like Exeter, are happy to lend less money. In fact, you might think it would hurt us to lend less money. The truth, though, is that it helps. It helps the consumers who borrow the money and purchase the cars, automobile dealerships where cars are sold, and lenders like Exeter. It’s a true win-win-win situation.

Best Used Cars for Under $20,000

Jan 29 2020 8:00 AM

Consumer Reports examined years of test data and hundreds of thousands of survey responses to find the best used cars for under $20,000.

Why do we even need subprime anyway?

Jan 22 2020 8:00 AM

We’ve heard it all before: Subprime customers are poor. They’re deadbeats. They shouldn’t be able to buy new things if they can’t afford them. Wrong, wrong and wrong. Each one of those statements is completely false. And we’d like to tell you why in three short thoughts.

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