Las Vegas (June 27, 2015) --  Longtime Black Book senior vice president and editorial director Ricky Beggs and Ken Shilson, founder and president of the National Alliance of Buy Here-Pay Here Dealers, have been named the newest members of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association's prestigious Ring of Honor.

Beggs and Shilson became the 25th and 26th auto industry leaders to be inducted into the Ring of Honor, NIADA's highest award for non-dealers. The awards were announced during Wednesday's National Leadership Awards Banquet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, part of the 69th annual NIADA Convention and Expo.

NIADA's Ring of Honor recognizes allied industry leaders who have contributed to the professionalism and growth of the automobile industry through outstanding performance and leadership.

Beggs served as the voice of Black Book for the auto industry from 1981 until his retirement in April, offering expert analysis and commentary in his popular weekly video reports. He joined Black Book as used car editor and quickly established himself as an authority figure in delivering automotive vehicle valuation data and insight. He was named Black Book's managing editor in 1990.

Beggs was a pioneer and a driving force as Black Book modernized its approach to automotive data delivery. Under his leadership, Black Book was the first in the industry to provide daily vehicle valuations and reports directly from auction lanes.

"As managing editor, Ricky led a team of industry experienced editors and data analysts in reporting used market values based on actual auction activity and projecting residual values for consumer leasing," NIADA executive vice president Steve Jordan said. "Today that data is updated on a daily basis and is heavily relied on by franchised and independent dealers, financial institutions, auto manufacturers, government agencies and insurance companies."

Shilson has worked with Buy Here-Pay Here dealers more than 25 years as a CPA, consultant and analyst, and helped pioneer an IRS-approved tax strategy regarding the use of a related finance company.

As president of consulting firm Subprime Analytics, Shilson works with banks and financial institutions that provide capital to the BHPH industry and prepares annual benchmarks that are respected and used by BHPH dealers nationwide.

In 1999, Shilson founded NABD, the largest interest group specifically for the BHPH industry. He is a prolific author and speaker on BHPH issues.

"Ken's contributions to the automotive industry are immeasurable in that he has given voice to the often misunderstood Buy Here-Pay Here dealers and operators," Jordan said. "By leading the way in creating the legal framework for related finance companies, he helped establish meaningful tax benefits for our BHPH dealers, who serve the most at-risk financial customers.

"He is to be congratulated and recognized for his wide sweeping efforts."