Ontario Automobile Dealer Association Forms Groundbreaking Partnership with SAL Group/IAP

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 23, 2009) - The Ontario Automobile Dealer Association (OADA) is pleased to announce that it has formed a historic partnership with industry powerhouse, SAL Group, a division of Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (IAP), effective immediately.

Under this new partnership, OADA's marketing division, the Ontario Automobile Dealer Services (OADS), will add a full line of SAL products and will be supported by proven management expertise. The move will enable OADS and SAL to strengthen their positions in the market, by offering a broader range of after-sale products to auto dealers and consumers in Ontario.

"We're delighted with the opportunity to partner with SAL Group, a leader in after-sale products and services," says Richard Goneau, General Manager at OADS. "This exciting partnership will allow OADS the flexibility to offer our customers a larger product mix, and it will allow us to utilize SAL Group's marketing and training expertise. It's a win-win for OADS and SAL Group."

Ontario automobile dealers benefit when they purchase products and services from OADS because revenues flow back to dealers by means of OADA services, such as Government Relations. "In the end, dealers get the biggest bang for their buck from dealing with OADS," says Ken Weeks, President of the OADA. "Not only are they purchasing top quality profitable products that add to their bottom line, but they are investing in the sustainability of their industry."

SAL Group provides auto dealers and consumers across Canada with comprehensive group creditor insurance, extended warranty programs, anti-theft programs, chemical protection, and dealership training programs. SAL Group's parent company, Industrial Alliance, is the 4th largest health and life insurance company in Canada.

"As one of the industry's strongest insurance companies, we saw the fit in partnering with OADA, one of the strongest industry associations in Canada," says Gerry Bouwers, President and Chief Operating Officer of IAP. "This builds on our relationship with other automobile associations in Atlantic and Central Canada. With our combined warranty and insurance portfolios, resources and expertise, SAL Group will now have the capability to offer more products to a larger segment of the automobile market in Ontario."

About OADA

The Ontario Automobile Dealer Association is a trade association representing 530 new automobile dealers across Ontario. The primary role of the OADA is advocacy and government relations, working closely with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) and various Government Ministries, to ensure that the voice of new automobile dealers is heard and respected. In addition, the OADA provides products and services, either directly or through partnerships to dealers, to increase sales, reduce expenses and improve profitability.

About OADS

For over 20 years, the Ontario Automobile Dealer Services has successfully provided its dealer members with superior and innovative products, programs, training and services, from dealership training and innovative mechanical warranties to market driven insurance coverage and after-sale products.

About SAL Group

For over 45 years, SAL Group has been a leader in providing Finance & Insurance products to the automotive sector in Canada. The company provides creditors' group insurance (life, critical illness, disability and loss of employment), extended warranty protection, chemical protection, anti-theft programs, and GAP to Canada's auto, RV, heavy truck, recreational power group and marine markets. SAL Group and Industrial Alliance Pacific are the exclusive sponsor of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association's Laureate dealer recognition program.