Southeast Auto Group (The Group NC)

Effective Date: 5/26/2025
Last Updated: 5/26/2025

1. Introduction

Southeast Auto Group, doing business as The Group NC (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Company”), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website thegroupnc.com, visit our dealership, or use our services.

Contact Information:

Business Name: Southeast Auto Group (DBA The Group NC)
Address: 160 Lugnut Lane, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: (704) 799-7774
Website: www.thegroupnc.com

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
Vehicle Information: Current vehicle details, trade-in information, vehicle preferences
Financial Information: Credit application details, income information, employment details
Identification Information: Driver’s license number, Social Security number (when required for financing)
Communication Records: Records of communications with our staff, service requests, and customer inquiries

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates, search terms
Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

Credit Bureaus: Credit reports and scores for financing applications
Vehicle History Services: Vehicle history reports and valuations
Marketing Partners: Lead generation services and advertising networks
Social Media Platforms: Information from social media interactions and advertising

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Business Operations

Process vehicle sales, trade-ins, and financing applications
Provide customer service and support
Schedule appointments and service reminders
Maintain customer records and transaction history
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

3.2 Marketing and Communications

Send promotional materials and special offers
Provide information about new inventory and services
Conduct market research and customer satisfaction surveys
Customize website content and advertisements
Send newsletters and automotive industry updates

3.3 Website Functionality

Improve website performance and user experience
Analyze website usage and traffic patterns
Provide personalized content and recommendations
Maintain website security and prevent fraud
Enable interactive features and customer portals

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

Processing credit applications and financing
Conducting vehicle history reports and appraisals
Providing extended warranties and insurance products
Website hosting and technical support services
Marketing and advertising services

4.2 Business Partners

Financing Companies: Banks, credit unions, and automotive finance companies for loan processing
Insurance Companies: Auto insurance providers for coverage quotes and claims
Warranty Providers: Extended warranty companies for coverage options
Vehicle History Services: Companies providing vehicle history reports and valuations

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in good faith belief that disclosure is necessary to:

Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our customers or others
Investigate or prevent fraud, security breaches, or illegal activities
Enforce our terms of service or other agreements

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our business, your information may be transferred to the new owner as part of the transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Secure data transmission using SSL encryption
Regular security assessments and updates
Employee training on data protection practices
Access controls and authentication procedures
Secure storage of physical and electronic records

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security
Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage and improve performance
Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and personalize your experience
Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

6.3 Third-Party Tracking

Our website may include third-party tracking technologies from:

Google Analytics for website analytics
Facebook Pixel for advertising and remarketing
Other advertising networks and lead generation services

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 General Rights

Access: Request information about the personal data we collect and use
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
Portability: Request a copy of your personal information in a portable format
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

7.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights including:

Right to know what personal information is collected and how it’s used
Right to delete personal information (with certain exceptions)
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites that are not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors affecting retention periods include:

The nature and sensitivity of the information
Legal and regulatory requirements
Business and operational needs
Customer relationship status

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website and update the “Last Updated” date. For material changes, we may provide additional notice through email or website notifications.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: