06.04.2008

Jim Yates, president and CEO of Alliance Inspection Management (AiM), has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award in the Greater Los Angeles area. 

AiM is the premier new and pre-owned vehicle inspection company in North America that combines breakthrough technology with deep industry experience to provide a trustworthy, independent bridge between buyers and sellers.  The company offers a comprehensive range of vehicle inspection services to verify the condition of new, off-lease and fleet vehicles at vehicle assembly plants, rail yards, ports, customers’ homes, dealers and auctions.  AiM annually conducts more than 10 million vehicle inspections.

“Although AiM was founded less that three years ago, I’m proud that our management team and our 400+ employee inspectors out in the field have delivered on the promise of providing timely, consistent and accurate vehicle inspection reports with a focus on customer satisfaction,” said Yates.  “Being named an award finalist by Ernst & Young underscores the great work everyone at AiM is doing and validates our unique vision for the vehicle inspection industry.”

Executives were selected as finalists from an original pool of 70 business leaders representing companies in the Greater Los Angeles area.  Winners will be announced June 24 at a gala event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  AiM is the only automotive-related company among the 18 finalists.

“These finalists are the best of the best, embodying the unique spirit of entrepreneurism,” said Brian Ring, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for the Greater Los Angeles area.  “They positively impact our region in a major way, through jobs, community growth and development and innovation.  Ernst & Young is proud to salute them.”

AiM’s achievement comes as no surprise to its growing list of business partners, including Chrysler Corporation, Nissan North America, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), Tokio Marine, Union Pacific, CSX Transportation and several major rental cars companies

“We have plenty of vendors already…what I want are Strategic Partners,” said Peter Grady, Director, Fleet & Remarketing Operations, Chrysler Corporation.  “We think AiM is that kind of partner.”

“AiM has successfully built a bridge between internet buyers and sellers which facilitates successful used car transactions,” said Bill McIver, National Director Remarketing Sales and Business Development, General Motors Acceptance Corporation.  “They have demonstrated the ability to inspect vehicles from the on-line buyer's point of view.  This helps us sell more vehicles over the Internet with greater buyer satisfaction.  Their ability and dedication to standing behind their inspections brings trust to the marketplace and allows buyers to bid with confidence knowing the vehicle has been represented accurately.  We view AiM as an integral business partner in our ability to grow our Smartauction platform.”

Greg Thibault, Vice President Fleet Disposal, Avis Budget Group, Inc. noted that, “Avis Budget Group selected AiM for vehicle inspection services from a very talented field of inspection service providers and they have exceeded their commitment to provide a high level of service and quality for our company.”

And the 2nd largest licensee for National Car Rental added its own evaluation of AiM.  “It is rare in today’s technology driven world that you find a company that not only exceeds your expectations, but does it with a joyful ‘Human’ exuberance,” said David J. Pilcher, Executive Vice President, Arelco Inc. dba National Alamo. “Since doing business with AiM, I have had the pleasure of dealing directly with both front line folks as well as all the company leadership.  In every encounter, it is obvious that these people really enjoy what they do and they do it very well.  This does not happen by accident.  It can only be fostered by great leadership.  Gee…what a novel idea!  One that will never come from a micro processor.”

David M.Wheeler, Assistant Vice President Damage Prevention Services, Union Pacific Corp., said “AiM’s commitment to the new car industry has been consistent with their motto to ‘deliver on the promise’.  They are a great partner in regards to damage prevention and claim reduction and we look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with them.”

An endorsement from CSX Transportation rounds out the list of business partners congratulating AiM on its selection as a finalist in the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award program. 

“We have a long-standing, working relationship with AiM in terms of preventing damage to, and reducing claims on, new vehicles throughout our network. They have experienced professionals at the field locations, and their management team is proactive in developing new processes and systems to add value to our efforts,” said Rob Rice, Director Load Engineering & Design Services, CSX Transportation.  “They are a valuable partner for us and our relationship is growing.” 

This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd anniversary.  Regional award recipients will be eligible for consideration in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year national program.