Mike Southerland Appointed Director of Sales for Vehicle Protection Plus
Johnson City, Tenn. — Vehicle Protection Plus LLC (VPP), an provider of vehicle service contracts since 1995, appointed Michael Southerland as its U.S. director of sales.
Southerland’s 30-plus years of experience working with auto dealers and agents nationally in the vehicle service contract industry brings a new energy focus to VPP, according to company owners Ron Glime and Ben Crumley.
Southerland will be responsible for agency relationships, and will assist in design and development of new and improved products for the VPP national agent network.
Southerland said, “I have watched over the years VPP quietly and continually grow since its inception and have always noted and have deep respect for the fact that pricing has been right on and fair with the most desirable coverage without all the traditional exclusions that are so common in many of its competitors.”
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →