October 19, 2026 // Franchising.com // CARMEL, Ind. – Byrider, the nation’s largest Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) used car dealership network and franchisor, is advancing its franchise development strategy with an increased focus on new car dealer ownership groups.
The initiative builds on Byrider’s growth plan to align expansion with experienced automotive operators who bring existing industry knowledge, infrastructure, financial resources and deep familiarity with their local markets. For new car dealership owners, the Byrider model provides an opportunity to expand their existing automotive businesses by reaching a broader segment of customers, including those who may not qualify for traditional vehicle financing.
Through Byrider’s vertically integrated model, franchise owners operate both the dealership and its associated financing business, CNAC, giving them direct oversight of vehicle sales, financing and collections. Byrider provides the training, technology and ongoing support to help operators understand and manage the lending and collections side of the business, even if they don't have prior experience in automotive financing. This structure allows established dealers to build on their existing automotive expertise while expanding into the Buy Here Pay Here segment.
“New car dealership owners are a solid fit for the Byrider model because they already understand the automotive business,” said Mike Onda, Chief Executive Officer of Byrider. “Byrider allows strong operators to build on that experience through a proven model that brings vehicle sales, financing, and service together under one brand, reaching a new segment of customers.”
As Byrider executes its nationwide expansion strategy, the company is prioritizing growth in markets where consumer demand, local market dynamics, and long-term development potential align with the brand’s model.
Currently, the strategy is already taking shape within the Byrider franchise system, demonstrating how established auto dealers can leverage the business model to expand their dealership portfolios. Franchisee Aaron Zeigler joined the Byrider system in 2001 as president of Zeigler Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the nation. They have since expanded to 3 total locations in the Byrider network.
New car dealership owners represent an important component of Byrider’s broader franchise development plan, alongside qualified franchise candidates from a range of professional backgrounds. Their automotive experience, existing infrastructure and local market knowledge align naturally with the Byrider model and provide a strong foundation for operating within the BHPH segment.
For more information about Byrider, visit byrider.com. To learn more about franchising with Byrider, visit byriderfranchise.com.
Byrider Franchising Partners, LLC was established in September 2024 when a group of dedicated franchise owners came together to continue the proud legacy of the Byrider brand, acquiring its franchising assets to strengthen and grow the system for the future. Today, Byrider is the largest Automotive Sales & Finance franchise, with 100 locations nationwide and over 1.34 million vehicles sold since its founding in 1989 as J.D. Byrider.
Byrider offers high-quality autos, trucks and SUVs with onsite financing, warranties or optional service plans. Byrider’s franchise support team continues providing franchisees with accounting guidance, legal and compliance expertise, human resources and recruiting, innovative marketing, modern information technology solutions, a custom credit scorecard and robust in-person and virtual operating model training.
SOURCE Byrider
Byrider, one of America's largest integrated used car dealership and franchise systems, recently announced a major rebranding, officially changing its name from J.D. Byrider to Byrider.