Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo franchise dealers now have another option for their Dealer Management System provider.

San Ramon, CA, December 17, 2020 – Tekion, a transformative cloud-native platform currently focused on the automotive retail industry, today announced its newest integration with Original Equipment Manufacturer FCA.

Franchise dealers selling FCA brands can now select Tekion’s Automotive Retail Cloud as their DMS provider. Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC) is the first and fastest cloud-native retail platform including all functionalities of a DMS. ARC modernizes the end-to-end automotive retail journey, improves customer experience and brings the highest efficiencies to retailers by connecting consumers, dealers and OEMs better than ever before through their cutting-edge platform.

“This technology offers dealers a new option as they look for innovative tools to help sell and service vehicles in today’s marketplace and cater to the expectations of the modern-day consumer,” said Phil Langley, Head of Network Development, FCA-North America. 

Some FCA dealers have already taken advantage of converting their DMS provider to Tekion during the manufacturer’s pilot phase. Walt Massey, President of Walt Massey Automotive Group, an eight-store group based in Mississippi, signed up with Tekion in early 2020.

“I had high hopes when I chose Tekion as our DMS partner for the group,” Massey said. “I’m happy to report that the product and support team have far exceeded my expectations. From implementation and training to ongoing support and product innovation, I’ve never been more excited for the future of my business.”

FCA dealers who’d like to learn more about the DMS certification and integration can visit https://tekion.com/fca.

Tekion’s ARC platform has grown rapidly, making traction with dealers all over the United States since onboarding its first dealer partners in Q3 2019. In October 2020, the company announced its Series C fundraising round with Advent International, boosting the company’s valuation to over $1B.

About Tekion

Disrupting a 30-year reliance on aging Dealer Management System platforms, Tekion has challenged the paradigm with the first and fastest cloud-native automotive retail platform, Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC). This transformative dealership software platform uses cutting-edge technology, big data, machine learning, and AI to seamlessly bring together OEMs, retailers/dealers and consumers. With its highly configurable integration and greater customer engagement capabilities, ARC is simplifying the dealer/consumer relationship and journey. Founded in the Silicon Valley, Tekion employs over 450 innovators globally. For more information, visit www.tekion.com.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today launched a public online tool to improve the safety and testing transparency of automated driving systems.  The new online tracking tool provides data on the on-road testing of automated driving systems in 17 cities across the country, expanding the information available to the public about these vehicles, including their on-road testing, and safety performance.

“This tool gives the public online access to data about the on-road testing of automated driving systems so the public can understand more about this new technology,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The tool is part of the Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (AV TEST) Initiative, which was announced in June by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is overseeing the AV TEST Initiative.

Wednesday’s launch event featured remarks by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) and U.S.  Representative Fred Upton (R-Michigan).  In addition, the agency held a panel discussion on “Automated Driving Systems and Rural Safety,” featuring Finch Fulton, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy.  Thursday’s panel, “AV TEST: A Foundational Resource for the First Responder Community,” will include a message from U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois).

The tool is available at www.nhtsa.gov/avtest.

This online, public-facing platform will allow participants to share testing activities related to automated driving systems and other safety-related information with the public.  Online mapping tools may show testing locations at the local, State, and national levels, as well as testing activity data, which may include dates, frequency, vehicle counts, and routes.  Currently, the tool has data on on-road testing activities in 17 cities across the country, including Austin, Columbus (Ohio), Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Ten companies and nine States have already signed on as participants in the voluntary web pilot.

“The more information the public has about the on-road testing of automated driving systems, the more they will understand the development of this promising technology.  Automated driving systems are not yet available for sale to the public, and the AV TEST Initiative will help improve public understanding of the technology’s potential and limitations as it continues to develop,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens. 

“Given the speed with which this technology is evolving, a volunteer partnership with industry and the States has allowed us to get this information to the public quickly and efficiently.  By tapping into the power of the competitive marketplace, non-regulatory tools have proven to be effective in advancing vehicle safety, as evidenced by the success of the Five-Star Safety Ratings program,” he added.

The AV TEST Initiative’s online tracking tool will soon be open to all stakeholders involved in the safe development and testing of automated driving system vehicles.  At the State and local level, participants may include departments of motor vehicles, departments of transportation, highway safety offices, and city governments.  At the automotive industry level, participants may include developers, manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and testers. 

This initiative aligns with the Department’s leadership on automated driving system vehicles, including AV 4.0:  Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies.

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Stay connected with NHTSA: Search for open recalls with NHTSA.gov/Recalls | Receive recall alerts by email | Visit us on Facebook.com/NHTSA | Follow us on Twitter.com/NHTSAgov and Instagram.com/NHTSAgov | Watch 5-Star Safety Ratings crash tests on YouTube.com/user/SaferCarTV | Watch Safety Videos on YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA.

Four $12,500 scholarships awarded to students currently attending or entering an accredited college or university

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., – September 1, 2020 – CDK Global, Inc. (Nasdaq; CDK), a leading retail automotive technology company, together with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), today announced the recipients of its annual Fueling Careers scholarship program. The program awarded four students with $12,500 scholarships, which will help support their continued pursuit of a college degree.

The recipients of the 2020 Fueling Careers scholarships are:

• David A. Toyooka: Attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ.
• Jakeem A. Littles: Attending Life University in Marietta, Ga.
• Sabrina Linares: Attending Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla.
• Sebastian Watler: Attending Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.

"At CDK, we are committed to creating opportunities for quality and inclusive education that promotes lifelong learning," says Brian Krzanich, president and chief executive officer, CDK Global. "Each of the scholarship winners possesses the characteristics CDK and NAMAD have valued since establishing the Fueling Careers scholarship program in 2017. CDK is honored to play a small role in supporting these students as they continue learning the necessary skills to achieve success in their respective future careers." 

Sabrina Linares is the first student to receive the scholarship for four consecutive years. Sabrina is currently attending Florida Atlantic University, where she is studying Accounting and preparing for a potential career in the automotive industry.

"I am extremely fortunate to have been awarded the Fueling Careers scholarship from CDK and NAMAD for four consecutive years," said Ms. Linares. "I hope to use the scholarship as a means to relieve the financial burden of student loans and also to inspire many others in pursuing their dreams of higher education." 

Since its inception, the Fueling Careers scholarship program has provided 17 eligible applicants the opportunity to pursue their education and career-specific goals. This year's winners will also be offered an eight-week paid internship with CDK Global. The application site for next year's scholarships will open on January 3, 2021.

"With the Fueling Careers scholarship program, we are finding young, minority leaders who are setting the example for the next generation by demonstrating educational excellence at every level," said Damon Lester, president, NAMAD. "It will be exciting to watch these students flourish as they take the first steps in realizing their educational and professional dreams." 

Applicants eligible for a Fueling Careers scholarship must be planning to attend or are currently attending an accredited college or university. All applicants must also have a parent employed by a NAMAD dealership and must be sponsored by a current NAMAD member.

The scholarship application and award processes were managed by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). Selection of the final four award recipients was performed by ISTS and approved by the Fueling Careers Scholarship Committee consisting of CDK and NAMAD members. Award recipients were selected based upon both academic merit and financial need.

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About CDK Global, Inc.
With $2 billion in revenues, CDK Global (Nasdaq: CDK) is a leading global provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving approximately 30,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers. CDK solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process, including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. Visit cdkglobal.com.

About The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers' (NAMAD) objective is to pursue the meaningful presence and participation of minority businesses and diverse employees across all aspects of the automotive economic sector, including:

·Increasing the number of minority-owned dealerships in communities across America.

·Advocating workplace and supplier diversity in the automotive manufacturing environment.

·Supporting minority engagement in the automotive retail sales and service sectors.

We are committed to developing strategic relationships and advocating for the advancement of business policies and practices that ensure diversity and economic parity remain a priority in all aspects of the American automotive industry.

NAMAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. For information on National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, visit namad.org.

About International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS)

Founded in 1985, International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. provides comprehensive scholarship, grant, tuition assistance, and tuition reimbursement program management. ISTS is a 100 percent women-owned company, focused on offering cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions to corporations, foundations, associations, unions, and other scholarship-granting organizations worldwide. For more information about ISTS, visit http://www.applyISTS.com.

Contact:

Media Contact: 
Roxanne Pipitone
847.485.4423
Roxanne.pipitone@cdk.com

The Vehicle Intelligence Company Executive Is Recognized for Effective Leadership, Company Growth and Product Innovation

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 26, 2020—Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, today announced  Kevin Weiss, chief executive officer, has been named to The Software Report’s list of Top 50 Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) CEOs of 2020. This year’s awardees represent highly regarded technology executives whose colleagues both internally and externally praise their leadership style. 

“I am grateful to be recognized alongside an outstanding cohort of software industry executives and this honor wouldn’t be possible without my amazing colleagues here at Spireon who strive every day to meet and exceed the expectations of our automotive, finance and commercial fleet customers,” said Weiss, “While 2020 has served up challenges to many industry sectors, I’m incredibly proud of the Spireon team’s continued focus and momentum in delivering connected vehicle technology to increase safety and productivity, boost profits and protect assets.” 

Weiss joined Spireon as chief executive officer in 2016. As a result of his leadership, the company has experienced impressive growth, increased customer satisfaction, continuous technological innovation, substantial executive team expansion and a roster of strategic industry alliances. In 2018, Weiss successfully recruited Greenbriar Equity Group, L.P. as its new equity partner. With over $3.5 billion in capital and investments in the global transportation and logistics industries, Greenbriar became the primary investor in Spireon, and continues in that role today. 

The driving force behind Spireon’s success, Weiss draws on decades of experience leading technology companies, bringing a strategic mindset and practical approach to ensure Spireon reaches its full potential as a recognized leader in connected vehicle intelligence. In the last 12 months alone, Spireon has introduced several new hardware and software solutions including MyDealer 2.0 for Kahu®, the Intelligent Trailer Management (ITM) platform and the FleetLocate IntelliScan® image retrieval technology. A testament to the company’s commitment to white-glove customer service, Spireon has also maintained a 76.76 Net Promotor Score, a critical measure of customer satisfaction and loyalty, exceeding the industry average of 26.8 for B2B technology companies. 

The Software Report is a comprehensive source for market research and insights, business news, investment activity and corporate actions related to the software sector. Executives featured on The Software Report’s Top 50 SaaS CEOs of 2020 were selected based on nominations from colleagues, peers and other software industry participants. Nominees were reviewed across a number of key areas including company performance, workplace culture, product strength and strategic decision-making. 

About Spireon  

Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, is the leading provider of aftermarket telematics solutions in North America. By equipping cars, trucks, trailers and other mobile assets with GPS devices and sensors, Spireon turns any vehicle into a connected vehicle. Award-winning products GoldStar, Kahu and FleetLocate deliver 24x7 asset visibility and actionable insights to auto dealers, lenders, transportation companies, service fleet managers, rental car companies and consumers to increase safety and productivity, boost profits and protect assets. Spireon’s NSpire IoT platform powers all Spireon solutions, supporting nearly 4 million active subscribers and processing more than 1 billion data events each month. Learn more at www.spireon.com.    

Gina Callari currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of EVOX Images®, the industry leader in the automotive imagery market

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2020) - Women in Automotive (WIA), the organization that champions the advancement of women in the automotive community, today announced the addition of its latest board member, Gina Callari. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Gina is the COO of EVOX Images, a company driving innovation with the highest quality vehicle images for commercial use.

"We are honored to have Gina Callari, COO of EVOX Images, join the Women in Automotive board,” said Jody DeVere, Co-Founder of Women in Automotive LLC. “Her automotive industry tenure, experience, and contributions to leading innovation in the digital arena are a valuable contribution, and her enthusiasm to support women in leadership roles is infectious.”

Women in Automotive was founded by six female industry leaders who came together with the same interest in developing women in the auto industry and helped to facilitate the training and hiring of more females in automotive roles.

Callari is uniquely gifted to assist the Women in Automotive to carry out its mission and vision, which is “championing the advancement of women in the automotive community.”

“I am truly honored to join the Women in Automotive board alongside some of the best and brightest in the industry,” said Gina Callari, COO of EVOX Images. “Through this new role, I’m excited to help empower the next generation of female executives by sharing my insights and career experiences.”

For more information on WIA and their upcoming conferences, please visit https://womeninautomotive.com/.

About EVOX IMAGES®  

For over 25 years, EVOX has provided large-scale global image solutions on demand, focusing on automotive VR and 360 images. With an ever-growing database of more than 13,500 vehicles, EVOX delivers the most consistent and high-quality vehicle content. EVOX continues to drive innovation in automotive imagery with a new generation of augmented reality, virtual reality, and CG solutions. With available API and easy-to-implement web player technology, EVOX delivers complete, easy, and powerful speed-to market solutions. For more information on EVOX Images, please visit www.evoximages.com/ or follow EVOX Images on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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CFO JOE TAUTGES WILL ASSUME ROLE UPON APPOINTMENT OF CFO SUCCESSOR
 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – June 15, 2020 – CDK Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDK), a leading retail automotive technology company, today announced  Its intention to create a chief operating officer (COO) role to better align functions and improve the overall effectiveness of the company's North American business. The COO role will bring together the North America Sales and Customer Experience teams, as well as the DMS, CRM, Layered Applications, and Portfolio Business Units, to ensure the accountability and execution of a coordinated and focused plan.

Joe Tautges, executive vice president (EVP) and chief financial officer (CFO), will assume the COO position effective upon appointing a successor to the CFO role.

"Adding this critical role will help us drive further our strategy for growth and continue our commitments to delivering the best support to our customers," said Brian Krzanich, president and chief executive officer, CDK Global. "In his more than three years at CDK, Joe has made tremendous contributions both inside and outside the Finance area, which makes him the ideal leader to assume this position. Joe brings strong financial acumen, in-depth knowledge of both the automotive and technology industries, and a keen ability to drive our top-line growth, as well as manage the bottom line. I am confident in his ability to build on our momentum and carry us forward into the future."

Tautges joined CDK Global in 2017 from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. An internal and external search for a new CFO has already begun.
 

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About CDK Global, Inc.
With $2 billion in revenues, CDK Global (Nasdaq: CDK) is a leading global provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving approximately 30,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers. CDK solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process, including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. Visit cdkglobal.com.

Vehicle Intelligence Company Takes Home Silver in Two Award Categories After Notable Achievements in 2019

IRVINE, Calif., May 28, 2020—Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, today announced it is recognized in the 18th annual American Business Awards with Silver Stevie Awards for Customer Service Department of the Year and Achievement in Product Innovation. The American Business Awards recognize outstanding public, private, for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations. Tested by disruptions in the automotive and transportation industries caused by COVID-19, Spireon continues to deliver uninterrupted services and offer innovative solutions to address the biggest challenges facing its more than 20,000 customers.

"We are thrilled to see the hard work of our customer service and product development teams recognized by this prestigious award program," said Kevin Weiss, CEO of Spireon. "In light of COVID-19's effect on business, responding to customer needs through customer service and innovative technology has become an even bigger focal point, as our clients are relying on Spireon's solutions to ensure the survival of their businesses."

As the leading provider of aftermarket telematics solutions in North America, Spireon's business approach combines a commitment to white-glove service with consistent technological innovation to ensure customer satisfaction and success. As a result, Spireon earned an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 72+ in 2019, far exceeding the industry average of 26.8 for business-to-business technology companies. Spireon credits its high NPS score to comprehensive customer onboarding, timely interaction with customers by multiple company teams and quick response phone support from three U.S. call centers.

In 2019, Spireon released a variety of new offerings to meet customer needs, including MyDealer for Kahu, a consumer mobile application designed to connect dealerships with clients; Intelligent Trailer Management (ITM), an enhanced trailer platform that makes it easy for carriers to gather and use data to reduce cost and increase utilization; and GoldStar Connect in Spanish, the language expansion of a mobile application that helps dealers and lenders recoup the cost of GPS, while also increasing value, convenience and safety for consumers. Building upon its best-in-class offerings, Spireon also launched partnerships with industry leaders Ford and Snowflake to expand attainability of Spireon innovation.

"Despite significant business challenges, the toughest business conditions in memory, American organizations continue to demonstrate their commitment to innovation, creativity, and bottom-line results," said Stevie Awards President Maggie Gallagher. "This year's Stevie-winning nominations are full of inspiring stories of persistence, ingenuity, resourcefulness and compassion. We celebrate all of their stories and look forward to showcasing them during our virtual awards ceremony on August 5."

More than 3,600 organizations submitted applications for the 2020 competition. Details about the American Business Awards and the full list of 2020 Stevie winners can be found at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About Spireon

Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, is the leading provider of aftermarket telematics solutions in North America. By equipping cars, trucks, trailers and other mobile assets with GPS devices and sensors, Spireon turns any vehicle into a connected vehicle. Award-winning products GoldStar, Kahu and FleetLocate deliver 24×7 asset visibility and actionable insights to auto dealers, lenders, transportation companies, service fleet managers, rental car companies and consumers to increase safety and productivity, boost profits and protect assets. Spireon's NSpire IoT platform powers all Spireon solutions, supporting nearly 4 million active subscribers and processing more than 1 billion data events each month. Learn more www.spireon.com.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

8 Billion Data Points from More Than 3 Million Vehicles Analyzed, Revealing Correlation

IRVINE, Calif., April 23, 2020—Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, today revealed an analysis of proprietary consumer driving data that signals a distinct relationship between increased driving that has occurred following stay-at-home orders and increase in COVID-19 cases both at the state and national level. Specifically, Spireon data show that 10-14 days after recent spikes in driving activity, there have been corresponding upticks in the number of reported cases of COVID-19. This timeframe mirrors the incubation period of the virus, with the data serving as another indication that surges in public mobility can lead to an escalation of viral infections.

“As the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping across the nation, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans and causing disruption across industries, analysis of Spireon data shows clearly that having more vehicles on the road has negative implication for the spread of the virus,” stressed Spireon CEO Kevin Weiss. “The correlation between more driving activity and new cases of the virus further substantiates the importance of social distancing. We want these findings to serve as an important public service announcement as we all strategize ways to reopen the economy safely.”

Spireon gathered and analyzed eight billion data points nationwide, studying the driving activity of over three million vehicles starting March 1, to understand the relationship between spikes in driving and growth in the number of COVID-19 cases. Driving activity was measured against baseline reflecting average driving activity before COVID-19.

At the state level, an analysis of 1.1 million vehicles and 2.5 billion data points shows a significant increase in driving occurred immediately following the shelter-in-place orders in states like California and Texas. Subsequently, approximately 10-14 days after the surge in driving, the number of reported COVID-19 cases also rose. The 10-14 day delay in infections matches the duration of the COVID-19 incubation period, as outlined by the World Health Organization. In Florida and Louisiana, spikes in driving during spring break yielded the same result. Nationwide, driving data reveal a significant uptick in driving over Easter weekend, from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, which is already beginning to reflect an increase of COVID-19 infections this week.

“As the largest aftermarket telematics supplier in the country, Spireon’s data analysis team has unique visibility to a large volume of commercial and consumer driving data,” said Prem Hareesh, senior vice president of software engineering at Spireon. “As COVID-19 has rapidly transformed American life, our team continues to analyze how state and federal order, major holidays and more are causing spikes in driving that leads to increase in viral infections.”

Spireon data also shows that reported COVID-19 cases notably dropped following a 40-50% downturn in driving activity at both the state and national level in late March. These findings support public health guidelines enforced during the pandemic and illustrate the strong causal relationship between mobility and increased infections.

About Spireon

Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, is the leading provider of aftermarket telematics solutions in North America. By equipping cars, trucks, trailers and other mobile assets with GPS devices and sensors, Spireon turns any vehicle into a connected vehicle. Award-winning products GoldStar, Kahu and FleetLocate deliver 24×7 asset visibility and actionable insights to auto dealers, lenders, transportation companies, service fleet managers, rental car companies and consumers to increase safety and productivity, boost profits and protect assets. Spireon’s NSpire IoT platform powers all Spireon solutions, supporting nearly 4 million active subscribers and processing more than 1 billion data events each month. Learn more at www.spireon.com.

Vehicle Intelligence Innovator Once Again Recognized for Superior Customer Service

IRVINE, Calif., April 20, 2020—Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, today announced it has been named a winner of the 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award, presented by Business Intelligence Group. For the second year in a row, Spireon has won under the Organization of the Year category, as the company remains true to its commitment to stellar service and support to its 20,000+ customers.

"2019 marked another outstanding year for Spireon as we strive to deliver meticulous, white-glove customer service and value every single day," said Kevin Weiss, CEO of Spireon. "We have always embraced a customer-first philosophy and winning this award two years in a row is a testament to our ability to continuously provide outstanding customer service."

Through the dedicated work of its customer service team, Spireon earned a Net Promotor Score (NPS) of 76.7 in 2019, greatly exceeding the industry average of 26 for business-to-business technology companies. Spireon credits its high NPS score to comprehensive customer onboarding, diligent interaction with customers by multiple company teams and round-the-clock phone support from three U.S. call centers. On average, customer service calls were answered within 42 seconds in 2019, a 28% improvement from 2018's average of 59 seconds.

"Year after year the role of customer service plays a more important role in all of our lives," said Maria Jimenez, chief operating officer of the Business Intelligence Group. "We are thrilled to be honoring Spireon as they are leading by example and making real progress on improving the daily lives of so many."

Organizations from across the globe submitted their customer service and success strategies and platforms for consideration in the BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions. Spireon stood out among its competitors as an industry leader in both customer service and innovation categories with its continued hardware and software releases throughout 2019.

About Spireon
Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, is the leading provider of aftermarket telematics solutions in North America. By equipping cars, trucks, trailers and other mobile assets with GPS devices and sensors, Spireon turns any vehicle into a connected vehicle. Award-winning products GoldStar, Kahu and FleetLocate deliver 24×7 asset visibility and actionable insights to auto dealers, lenders, transportation companies, service fleet managers, rental car companies and consumers to increase safety and productivity, boost profits and protect assets. Spireon's NSpire IoT platform powers all Spireon solutions, supporting nearly 4 million active subscribers and processing more than 1 billion data events each month. Learn more at www.spireon.com. 

About Business Intelligence Group
The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives having experience and knowledge. The organization's proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.

NEW YORK, NY (April 13, 2020) – automotiveMastermind, part of IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) and a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation solutions for dealerships and manufacturers, is re-deploying sales and business development managers to prospect on behalf of dealer partners, demonstrating the company’s support and commitment to dealerships during COVID-19 disruptions. The virtual Business Development Center (BDC) program is currently piloting with 215 stores across the U.S.

So far, the program has generated the following results:

• 339 hours worked on behalf of dealer partners
• 283 sales follow-ups and virtual appointments booked

“Never have we seen the ongoing support from a vendor partner as we are experiencing from automotiveMastermind,” said Robert E. Rombs, Jr., vice president at Tysinger Automotive Family. “The virtual BDC has proven to be an invaluable asset, as we have booked five additional sales appointments in just the first two sessions. We are confident in our ability to be successful and to emerge stronger than ever as a direct result of our partnership with automotiveMastermind.”

The combination of Mastermind’s industry experience and the integrated nature of the company’s Market EyeQ sales platform helped inspire the idea of creating a virtual BDC program. With Market EyeQ, each of Mastermind’s remote team members have access to the same data-driven customer insights as their dealer partners, making the process of prospecting and handoff seamless even from afar. 

“We’re a team of passionate auto industry experts, so the decision to create a virtual BDC for our dealer partners during this particular time was a no-brainer,” said Mastermind Co-Founder and CEO Marco Schnabl. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 challenges, we’ve encouraged our dealer partners to pivot their operations, including remote sales and maximizing their BDCs. We practice what we preach and serving as an extension of our customers’ BDCs is a critical way we can support them.”

In addition to the virtual BDC, Mastermind has developed numerous resources to support dealerships during COVID-19 disruptions, including:

• Mastermind’s Virtual Resource Center – including whitepapers, checklists and videos to help dealerships pivot operations and make sales and service adjustments to accommodate for COVID-19 challenges.
• Free webinars from Mastermind’s thought leaders – topics include maximizing the service drive, creating a virtual dealership and how to kickstart auto leads during and after COVID-19 disruptions.
• Mastermind Gives Back to the CDC Foundation – Mastermind is donating $25 per virtual demo and $100 per deal signed to the CDC Foundation through April 30.

Mastermind is regularly creating new COVID-19 resources for dealerships. To view the full, free resource library, visit www.automotivemastermind.com/covid19.

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About automotiveMastermind

Founded in 2012, automotiveMastermind, part of IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO), is a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation solutions for the automotive industry. Market EyeQ by Mastermind is a single sales platform that identifies, communicates with and closes every buyer in a local market. Mastermind is headquartered in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit automotivemastermind.com. Based in London, IHS Markit is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions.