J.D. Byrider has opened six new franchise locations this year - Traverse City, Mich.; Charleston, S.C.; Monroeville, Pa.; Raleigh, N.C.; Cincinnati; and New Orleans - with plans to add two more by year-end, in Houston and Alliance, Ohio, bringing the total to 129.

"We are pleased with the company's performance, especially given the challenges posed by the economy this year," said Steve Wedding, president of franchising for the company. "Our plan for the remainder of this year, 2010 and the future is to be aggressive but smart in our growth."

Ten new stores are projected for 2010, according to Michael Pearce, vice president of franchise development. "We already have deals under way in Illinois and Texas, with strong prospects in at least four other markets," he said.

Pearce, hired in July, is a 22-year veteran of the restaurant franchise industry hired to focus on growing the franchise sector. He said that the company is reaching out to disenfranchised new car dealers, but their marketing efforts are not restricted to this group.

"We've got a great model that has worked for two decades and is attractive to entrepreneurs and investors," Pearce said. "Our founder pioneered the concept of dealer financing in the used car industry, and the company has built an incredible system to make it work profitably for our franchisees."

J.D. Byrider is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.