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TrueCar and AAA Announce Extension of 13-Year Auto Buying Program
AAA members will continue to have access to the TrueCar powered Auto Buying Program
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the most efficient and transparent online destination to find a car, announces the extension of their current AAA Auto Buying Program*, powered by TrueCar.
This year marks the 13th year of the program with TrueCar as a AAA Preferred Supplier. With the extension, more than 41 million AAA members in select areas will have access to the TrueCar powered Auto Buying Program through the end of 2023.
"AAA is one of the best known and most trusted brands for car owners. Being a trusted resource and empowering hundreds of thousands of AAA members as they make one of their biggest financial decisions is something that we are extremely proud to continue through the AAA Auto Buying Program," said Mike Darrow, CEO & President at TrueCar.
AAA Auto Buying Program Key Benefits:
- Price Context. See what others paid for your new vehicle of interest in a local area and view price ratings on used vehicles
- Savings. Save on average over $3,000 off MSRP** on new vehicles and receive discounts on used vehicles**
- Real Price Offers. Receive real transactable price offers on actual inventory on the dealer's lot
- Trade-In or Sell. Get a value on your existing vehicle and receive a real cash offer in minutes
- Build your Deal Online. Build a comprehensive deal online and save time at the dealership
- Buy from Home. Identify TrueCar Certified Dealers that offer remote paperwork, vehicle delivery and vehicle sanitization
- Extensive Dealer Network. Access TrueCar's Certified Dealer Network, which includes dealers nationwide
"TrueCar has continued to enhance and evolve its offering over the years to provide AAA members with best-in-class digital car buying tools," said Bob Huffman, director of automotive preferred suppliers for AAA. "AAA is proud to have TrueCar continue to power the AAA Auto Buying Program and provide our valued members with peace of mind during their car buying experience."
For more information, visit AAA.com/AutoBuying
* TrueCar powered auto buying services available only in participating AAA club territories: Auto Club Enterprise (excluding Southern CA and HI), The Auto Club Group (excluding NC, SC and CO), Auto Club Alliance, AAA Mountain West Group (excluding AK, AZ, MT, WY), AAA Northeast, AAA Western & Central NY, AAA Ohio Auto Club, AAA Hoosier Motor Club (IN), AAA Northampton County (PA), AAA Minneapolis, AAA South Jersey, AAA Southern Pennsylvania, AAA Hudson Valley (NY) and AAA Shelby Auto Club (OH).
**Between 1/1/20 and 12/31/20, the average savings off MSRP experienced by consumers who connected with a TrueCar Certified Dealer through the AAA Auto Buying Program and who were identified as buying a new vehicle from that Certified Dealer was $3,197. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors, including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle-specific manufacturer incentives, which are subject to change. The MSRP is determined by the manufacturer and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area, as many vehicles are sold below MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing.
***Used car discounts not available in all states.
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TrueCar Makes Donation to DAV and Announces Dealership Winners of $21K Challenge From NADA
Four winning dealerships receive $2,500 donation to nonprofit organizations of choice, plus TrueCar donates $11,000 to DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the most efficient and transparent online destination to find a car, announces a donation to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the four nonprofit organizations of choice from the winning dealerships of the $21K Challenge.
In support of TrueCar's ongoing commitment to the military community, TrueCar pledged to donate $100, up to $11,000, to DAV for every meeting set during NADA. Additionally, four dealerships were picked at random to win a $2,500 donation for a nonprofit organization of their choice. TrueCar is committed to donating $11,000 to DAV and $2,500 four nonprofit organizations, for a total donation of $21,000.
"TrueCar has a shared value with our dealer partners to positively impact the communities in which we do business," said Mike Darrow, CEO & President at TrueCar. "This giveaway is extremely meaningful to our organization, and we are honored to support our dealers and military community through this momentous opportunity with our long-time partner, DAV."
TrueCar Dealership Winners and Nonprofit of Choice
- AutoNation Ford Scottsdale (Scottsdale, AZ) - Phoenix Children's Hospital
- Nalley Nissan of Cumming (Cumming, GA) - Humane Society of Forsyth County
- Sterling McCall Toyota (Houston, TX) – Kids Meals
- Trophy Nissan (Mesquite, TX) - Sharing Life
Additionally, Trophy Nissan in Mesquite, Texas plans to match the $2,500 donation from TrueCar to Sharing Life, making a total donation of $5,000 to the Texas-based, non-profit organization.
"DAV has found a faithful and committed partner in TrueCar, a company that, time and again, proves its dedication to our nation's heroes," said DAV National Adjutant and CEO Marc Burgess. "This generous donation will help ensure DAV continues to provide the best service to America's veterans by funding programs that directly impact the wellbeing of disabled veterans, their families and survivors."
Cory Remsburg and DAV joined TrueCar on TrueCar's Industry Insider Facebook Live show to announce the winners on Friday, February 12. To watch a recording of the event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/TrueCarDealers/. For more information on the NADA 2021 giveaway, please visit: https://dealerportal.truecar.com/dealer/nada2021.
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Manheim Investing Nearly $100 Million in 2021 to a More Connected Client Experience
Yearlong Rollout of Enhancements Will Further Align, Improve Processes Across Manheim’s Extensive Digital and Physical Network to Meet the Needs of Clients Wherever They Choose to Do Business
ATLANTA, Ga. (Mar 11, 2021) – Similar to connecting the pieces of a puzzle, Manheim is investing nearly $100 million in 2021 to continue integrating its extensive network of digital and physical offerings, connecting them in such a way that they better align with the varied needs of its clients. A continuation of its auction redesign effort several years ago that introduced digital tools to create simpler dealer transactions and helped eliminate excessive paperwork, this year’s investment aims to connect all of Manheim’s auction processes for greater consistency and efficiencies, while positioning Manheim’s teams and services to work better for all client segments.
“Our continued focus on process improvements will further drive Manheim’s commitment to make it easier for our clients to do business with us,” said Grace Huang, president of Manheim. “While our investments in this area began prior to the pandemic, it’s been fulfilling to see the benefits they provide to enhancing our clients’ experience.”
Among the initiatives already in place to create a more connected client experience in 2021 are:
- Vehicle Arbitration: Designed to help resolve vehicle purchase disputes, Manheim recognizes the importance of having consistent processes, policy interpretations and timely resolutions across its entire auction network. To deliver on this need, Manheim has invested in a more streamlined solution that combines enhanced technology and digital tools to keep team members connected to each other and to clients. Started prior to COVID-19 and fully implemented in 2020, it supports vehicles purchased at both physical locations and through digital channels.
- Client Response Center (CRC): The frustration that comes with trying to find the right person to resolve an issue is universal. Investments in cloud technology are now making it possible for Manheim to route calls quickly and seamlessly to the right expert who can best resolve an issue, regardless of where it originated. As a result, the CRC team fielded 1.5 million calls in 2020 with a 95% answer rate of 35 seconds. Not only does this process improvement save time for dealers, it also strengthens relationships and drives increased satisfaction.
- Virtual Block Specialists: Originally created to address the rise in offsite auction sales, this solution became critical during COVID-19. When the CDC’s strict safety protocols disrupted Manheim’s long-standing tradition of live, in-person auctions, the company’s 76 locations nationwide switched to all-digital sales nearly overnight and its virtual block specialists went into high gear to continue serving clients. Today, this flexible and vital workforce is nearly 200 strong, supporting multiple Simulcast-only sales to keep clients connected and able to continue moving their businesses forward.
- Market Centers: Introduced in 2019 to collaboratively share resources and support functions across field locations, Manheim’s 24 Market Centers focus on providing maximum flexibility and efficiencies to deliver the services clients need to achieve their business goals. The results include a more seamless delivery of team member expertise, improved service consistency and greater time savings.
- “Throughout this year, we’ll be introducing even more initiatives that will offer added value to our clients, regardless of how they choose to do business,” added Huang.
In addition, Manheim has further invested in its client experience through the recent acquisition of Fyusion, a computer vision company, expansion of its Lot Vision tracking system, land development growth at targeted auction sites and product enhancements such as its Digital Buyer Protection Program, Manheim Dashboard, Manheim Express Inspection Guarantee and more.
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Ziebart Listed in Hottest Franchise Categories of 2021 by Entrepreneur Magazine
TROY, Mich. (February 25, 2021) – As it gears up for another successful franchise-development year, Ziebart – the global leader in car appearance and protection services for over 60 years – is garnering high praise from Entrepreneur magazine to start 2021. The magazine recently published its yearly “Hottest Franchise Categories,” and Ziebart was listed in the “Automotive Services” category.
Despite the tough economic climate the COVID-19 pandemic brought, Ziebart experienced a strong 2020. This included continuing to grow brand awareness through various outreach efforts, like supporting local first responders, and launching relevant product innovations and messaging to meet the new needs of customers.
What drove last year’s growth, and what will continue to have a positive impact on Ziebart’s development in 2021 and beyond, is today’s drivers – more and more of whom are hanging onto and trying to extend the lifespan of their vehicles. Given the unparalleled cleaning, enhancement and protection services the company is world renowned for, Ziebart is in an advantageous position to better serve drivers both now and in the years to come.
“Our franchise opportunity has always been an attractive one because of the best-in-class services we offer, but given the current climate and purchasing decisions of drivers today who view us as an essential business, we are in a prime position to take off,” said President and CEO Thomas E. Wolfe. “We are honored by the inclusion in Entrepreneur’s ‘Hottest Franchises’ lists. The continued strength of the automotive services category will allow us to keep building our franchise system with qualified entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about our customers’ vehicles as they are.”
At the start of every year, Entrepreneur magazine looks to predict the franchise categories positioned for the most success over the next 365 days. Automotive services, the category in which Ziebart was included in, made its first appearance on this list in years because of the category’s essential services – which were especially important in 2020 and will continue to be a major focus in 2021.
As the No. 1 option for vehicle-appearance enhancement, Ziebart is the local expert for all-things automotive cleaning, enhancement and protection. From rust protection to detailing, paint protection to window tinting, Ziebart cleans and protects vehicles to prevent future costly repairs.
Backed with more than 60 years of experience in automotive franchising, marketing, finance and more, Ziebart is actively seeking qualified franchise prospects to join its team.
For more information about Ziebart and its rewarding, best-in-class investment opportunity, please visit www.ownaziebart.com.
ABOUT ZIEBART
Founded in 1959, Ziebart is the worldwide leader in detailing, films and structural protection services, providing complete car care solutions. Ziebart International Corporation operates over 400 locations, with 1,200 service centers, in 37 countries. As an established automotive enthusiast brand, Ziebart has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 500 Franchisor as well as a Top 200 Global Franchise. Ziebart is continuing to grow through franchising, offering a best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. For more information about owning a Ziebart franchise, please visit www.ownaziebart.com.
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TrueCar and GovX Partner to Launch New Auto Buying Program Powered by TrueCar Military
Military, First Responders and Law Enforcement will have access to cost-savings, upfront VIN-based pricing, and a modern digital deal building experience
SANTA MONICA., February 23, 2021 — TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the most efficient and transparent online destination to find a car, today announced a new affinity partnership with GovX, Inc., the largest e-commerce website for verified active and veteran U.S. military along with police, fire, emergency rescue and medical technicians and those from related government agencies.
The GovX Auto Buying Program, powered by TrueCar Military, will give GovX members the ability to see what others paid for the same vehicle of interest, receive upfront transactable price offers on new and used vehicle inventory, and use TrueCar’s leading digital deal building capabilities.
“TrueCar is the gold standard when it comes to ease and transparency in the car buying experience, as well as customer service and support. These are extremely meaningful value propositions for us and our members who have the responsibility and honor of protecting and serving our great country,” said Chris Bohnert, Senior Vice President at GovX, Inc. “TrueCar shares our same deep commitment to providing service members with the value and benefits they deserve. We are excited for our members to experience this new and improved way to buy a car.”
Last year, TrueCar launched, TrueCar Military, a dedicated vehicle purchase program that provides exclusive Military incentives and exclusive benefits, on top of TrueCar’s existing benefits, to those who have served our country’s armed forces and their families. TrueCar has dedicated more than fourteen years to servicing the men and women of the military through affinity car buying partnerships with leading military service organizations.
“We are thrilled to partner with GovX to provide a more transparent and more efficient way for our servicemembers, first responders and law enforcement to purchase a vehicle,” said Mike Darrow, President & CEO of TrueCar. “Through our partnership, GovX members will receive a first-class car buying experience and competitive pricing that they can trust.”
GovX Auto Buying Program Key Benefits:
- Price Context. See what others paid for your new vehicle of interest in a local area and view price ratings on used vehicles
- Savings. Save on average over $3,500 off MSRP** on new vehicles and receive discounts on used vehicles*
- Real Price Offers. Receive real transactable price offers on actual inventory on the dealer’s lot
- Trade-In or Sell. Get a value on your existing vehicle and receive a real cash offer in minutes
- Build your Deal Online. Build a comprehensive deal online, inclusive of trade-in value and preferred terms and save time at the dealership
- Buy from Home. Identify TrueCar Certified Dealers that offer remote paperwork, vehicle delivery and vehicle sanitization
- Extensive Dealer Network. Access TrueCar’s Certified Dealer Network, which includes dealers nationwide
*Used car discounts not available in all states.
*Between 1/1/20 and 12/31/20, the average savings off MSRP experienced by consumers who connected with a TrueCar Certified Dealer through a TrueCar-powered Auto Buying Program and who were identified as buying a new vehicle from that Certified Dealer was $3,552. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors, including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle-specific manufacturer incentives, which are subject to change. The MSRP is determined by the manufacturer and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area, as many vehicles are sold below MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing.
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About TrueCar
TrueCar is a leading automotive digital marketplace that enables car buyers to connect to our nationwide network of Certified Dealers. We are building the industry's most personalized and efficient car buying experience as we seek to bring more of the purchasing process online. Consumers who visit our marketplace will find a suite of vehicle discovery tools, price ratings, and market context on new and used cars -- all with a clear view of what's a great deal. When they are ready, TrueCar will enable them to connect with a local Certified Dealer who shares in our belief that truth, transparency, and fairness are the foundation of a great car buying experience. As part of our marketplace, TrueCar powers car-buying programs for over 250 leading brands, including AARP, Sam’s Club, and American Express. Nearly half of all new-car buyers engage with TrueCar powered sites, where they buy smarter and drive happier. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with offices in Austin, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts.
For more information, please visit www.truecar.com, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter. TrueCar media line: +1-844-469-8442 (US toll-free) | Email: pr@truecar.com
About GovX
GovX.com is for men and women of service. A members-only online destination for military and first responders, the site offers thousands of products from hundreds of brands at exclusive, below-retail pricing. Members include active and veteran U.S. military, firefighters, law enforcement officers, federal agents, healthcare workers and personnel from related government agencies. For more information, visit www.govx.com.
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CDK GLOBAL OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR FIFTH ANNUAL NAMAD SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP OFFERS
Fueling Careers Scholarship Program Celebrates Academics, Leadership and
Civic Involvement for College-Bound Ethnic Minority Students
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Feb. 17, 2021 — CDK Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDK), a leading retail automotive technology company, together with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), today announced the opening of the application process for the fifth annual Fueling Careers Scholarship Program. The program is designed to help build a strong pipeline of minority talent for the automotive industry and is part of a three-year pledge that includes $150,000 in scholarship funding.
In recognition of the integral role inclusion and diversity plays in inspiring meaningful connections with CDK customers and their surrounding communities, scholarship recipients will also receive offers to join the CDK Global Summer Internship Program for the first time in the program’s history.
"It is important that today’s students find their passion and learn skills that will help them impact our industry and their communities in the years to come," said Kathy Gilbert, senior director, Minority Dealer and Women Retail, CDK Global. "Through this scholarship program, we continue to invest in tomorrow's minority leaders by providing them an avenue to receive needed funding toward their education and an opportunity to get real-world work experience with a summer internship."
The Fueling Careers Scholarship Program was established in 2017 with CDK funding to support ethnic minority high school children of dealership employees who demonstrate financial need in their pursuit of a college education. The program will award up to five $10,000 scholarships per year to high school seniors entering an accredited college or university.
"Education is a vital part of what each community needs to thrive, and the Fueling Careers Scholarship Program will provide students the support and access they need to further their learning experience," said Damon Lester, president, NAMAD. "NAMAD and CDK Global have a shared commitment to developing future generations of leaders across our minority dealers."
The scholarship application and award process is managed by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). Dealership employees of a NAMAD member with high school students will need to complete an online application and satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Candidates can submit applications through Thursday, May 6, 2021, and recipients will be announced at the NAMAD Annual Meeting in November. Internship offers will then be extended to eligible candidates for the 2022 CDK Global Summer Internship Program.
Application process details are available on the Fueling Careers Scholarship Program website.
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About CDK Global, Inc.
CDK Global (NASDAQ: CDK) is a leading provider of integrated data and technology solutions to the automotive, heavy truck, recreation, and heavy equipment industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end, omnichannel retail commerce through open, agnostic technology, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers and original equipment manufacturers, serving nearly 15,000 retail locations in North America. CDK solutions connect people with technology by automating and integrating 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.
Media Contacts:
Tony Macrito
847.485.4420
Tony.Macrito@cdk.com
Roxanne Pipitone
847.485.4423
Roxanne.Pipitone@cdk.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Julie Schlueter
847.485.4643
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Outsell Launches First of Its Kind Automotive Marketing OmniHub for Dealer Groups
Dealer Group OmniHub Solves the Common Customer Retention Pain Points for Leading Dealer Groups using AI, Data and Machine Learning.
Minneapolis, Minn., February 8, 2021 – Outsell, which offers the only Virtual Customer Engagement platform for the automotive industry, has announced today the launch of their innovative new Dealer Group OmniHub. With Dealer Group OmniHub, Outsell finally gives dealer groups the unique ability to approach customer retention and loyalty as a unified brand, leveraging the combined brand and selection power of the whole group, rather than just individual stores.
“No one else is doing this,” said Gary Marcotte, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement Innovation at Outsell. “We listened to 30 plus dealer groups and solved their common pain points. Our solution liberates dealer groups from being trapped in store silos.”
This first of its kind product uses Outsell’s powerful artificial intelligence and industry-leading data to help dealer groups connect with customers personally, continually and automatically. By combining store databases into a Group Customer Database, Outsell gives groups customer insights across their whole enterprise. By creating unique and proprietary business rules, dealer groups who partner with Outsell now have the ability to unwind the frustrating, often conflicting, messages and offers that afflict customers in multiple databases. Also, Outsell’s unique new group content enables dealer groups to communicate directly with consumers and unlock brand and inventory choices that today’s customers demand.
“Customers have more choices than ever and different ways to buy – and dealers need to adapt,” explained Valerie Vallancourt, Vice President of Marketing at Outsell. “Countless customers are moving through the marketplace aimlessly, without loyalty to a brand or dealership.”
Research has found that half of repurchasers change OEM brands. Unfortunately, these brand defectors do not always choose the same dealer group for their next purchase. Store or OEM only communications, siloed data and siloed stores limit retention and loyalty opportunities and lead to irrelevant communications to customers who could otherwise be retained.
Outsell’s Dealership Group OmniHub leverages the power of the whole dealer group. It provides an improved customer experience, increases staff productivity, choice and ultimately sales and profits. More than that, this solution allows innovative dealer groups to tell their story directly to customers, offering tangible reasons to stay within the group brand.
Outsell AI delivers measurable results. Validated by third parties RXA and Experian, brands that use Outsell AI to manage their lifecycle customer marketing experience:
·31 percent increase in service visits
·23 percent higher repurchase rates
·$427 in greater customer value
“We put our money where our mouth is and provide transparent reporting, so dealers understand exactly where virtual customer engagement impacts the business,” said Marcotte. “Dealer Group OmniHub includes tiered reporting that shows results centrally, across stores, within stores and even shows the movement between stores.”
Outsell’s Dealer Group OmniHub is the key to unlocking the power of the brand innovative dealer groups have been trying to build for years. As we say at Outsell, is your brand ready for AI?
Learn more about Outsell’s Dealer Group OmniHub in this video overview. To learn more about all offerings from Outsell, visit outsell.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
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Digital Air Strike Acquires LotVantage to Expand Inventory Marketing, Engagement, and Targeting
The newest acquisition continues to add value for automotive, RV, marine, and powersports dealers by maximizing efficient online merchandising.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., - (February 10, 2021) Digital Air Strike, the leading consumer engagement technology company, has acquired the assets of LotVantage, a digital inventory marketing SaaS company that enables auto, RV, marine, and powersports dealerships to effectively merchandise their inventory through advanced targeting and data analytics. Coupled with Digital Air Strike’s awareness, engagement, and loyalty software and services, the acquisition supports the company’s strategy of leveraging technology to improve the online consumer retail experience while helping retailers gain efficiencies and greater return on investment.
Through the acquisition, Digital Air Strike will expand upon its offering to enable the hyper-local and targeted syndication of inventory through marketplaces such as eBay, YouTube, and Craigslist. These platforms are in addition to Digital Air Strike’s current marketplace partners, including Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon OTT streaming on 85+ platforms pairing Digital Air Strike’s dynamic inventory integration with Amazon’s local targeting.
“The acquisition of LotVantage’s inventory technology solutions supports our strategy of giving our clients extremely efficient and highly-targeted online marketing solutions that leverage our technology to pair specific inventory with data-driven platforms,” said Alexi Venneri, co-founder and CEO, Digital Air Strike. “When you combine this proven inventory distribution technology with our ability to showcase and nurture leads in real-time, leveraging the Amazon network on top streaming shows and live sports, as well as on popular shopping sites, our clients get a real advantage over their competitors.”
“After more than a dozen years of pioneering affordable classified and digital solutions for dealers, I am excited that LotVantage is now part of the Digital Air Strike family of companies,” said Matthew Brown, CEO and founder, LotVantage. “LotVantage’s focus on industry partnerships and innovative inventory distribution is a logical fit for Digital Air Strike’s existing offerings. The combining of solutions will offer dealers even more opportunity to increase awareness and drive more sales for their dealerships.”
The acquisition will double the size of Digital Air Strike’s reseller and channel network while expanding the company’s technology, business development, and account management teams. In addition, Digital Air Strike’s software and services now include a full portfolio of 18 different technology offerings that can be leveraged by retailers, media companies, resellers, agencies, and partners to not only increase leads but also nurture them so they convert at a much higher closing ratio. The LotVantage acquisition is among several acquisitions by Digital Air Strike, which includes a merger with ResponseLogix Inc. to obtain patented lead response technology, the asset acquisition of the ad tech company Target Media Partners Interactive, acquiring the leasing and finance software assets of Libra Systems, and acquiring the privately-held AI chat technology business of Eldercare Technology.
The acquisition is being announced to coincide with the National Automobile Dealers Association’s 2021 virtual conference where Digital Air Strike is exhibiting. Registered attendees and media can find more information by clicking on the All-Exhibitors link in the online NADA Show event.
About Digital Air Strike
Digital Air Strike is the leading social media, intelligent lead response, and consumer engagement technology company helping over 7,000 businesses increase consumer response and conversions in digital and social media environments while generating measurable ROI. A pioneer in digital response, social media marketing and online reputation management solutions, Digital Air Strike deploys industry-specific mobile apps, software, intelligent messaging, and managed service platforms to monitor, engage, improve, and manage consumer interactions for thousands of businesses in the United States, Canada, and 33 additional countries, including working with seven of the largest automotive manufacturers. More information on the company is available at www.digitalairstrike.com and www.facebook.com/digitalairstrike.
About LotVantage
LotVantage is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions delivered via its award-winning SaaS technology platform. LotVantage focuses on “high-traffic” consumer-driven web and social destinations, which are typically difficult and expensive for businesses to leverage and navigate. LotVantage serves the Automotive, Motorcycles, Powersports, Recreational Vehicles, Trailer, Commercial Trucks, Outdoor Power Equipment, and Golf Cart industries. LotVantage focuses on high ROI for businesses wishing to engage, monitor, and increase sales opportunities through the full cycle of the customer journey from online research to purchase. LotVantage provides dealerships and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with a consistent local, national, and social presence utilizing a diverse team of technologists and client service specialists.
Media Contact:
Hayley Ringle
(480) 421-5959 – direct
(602) 499-0352 – cell
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DealersGear Appoints Hunter Swift as Its New CEO to Oversee New CRM Development
Irvine, CA, February 2, 2021 - DealersGear, a rapidly growing SaaS provider to the automotive industry, announced today that it has appointed automotive industry leader Hunter Swift as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Swift’s tenure with DealersGear officially began at the beginning of January.
Swift, a 17-year automotive industry veteran, brings to DealersGear a wealth of automotive experience and a proven track record of increasing revenue and market share, and will be instrumental in driving the company’s growth and innovations in the automotive technology space. Swift has worked with some of the nation's top dealers, dealership groups, vendors and OEMs. He is a recognized industry thought leader and is a frequent contributor at industry conferences, in addition to articles, interviews, webinars and other industry dedicated media.
Swift most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales for Dealer World, and previously served in various leadership roles during his 13 years with DealerSocket, includes Director of Strategy & Sales Development and Director of Sales Training & Demand Generation. Prior to that Swift gained his automotive retail experience working at dealerships in Southern California. Swift also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School.
“Hunter is a legend when it comes to automotive technology and implementing cutting edge tech solutions to help dealerships,” said DealersGear Chief Technology Officer and Founder Jamil Ashkar. “He has a reputation as an innovator, and a process master. We’re all excited to see where he brings us and the industry.”
DealersGear, which currently provides an all-in-one marketing platform that includes dealership websites, inventory syndication/posting tools, and advertising automation tools, is currently developing a new automotive CRM for dealers called DealersGear CRM. Swift is considered a CRM expert and under his direction plans to change how dealers use CRM.
“Dealers are currently seeing more frustration than value from their CRMs,” said Swift. “CRM companies have gotten too outdated and too confusing. Innovation has dried up; customer service has disappeared, and CRM companies have become more focused on profits than results. DealersGear CRM will be a truly intuitive, user friendly CRM that helps salespeople and managers sell more. We’re designing it as a response to existing frustrations, and we’re fully utilizing the latest innovations and technologies.
“I am excited to lead this amazing company through this next stage of strategic growth,” said Swift. “I am ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of scaling the business and providing dealers with the best, most advanced platforms to help them succeed.
About DealersGear:
Based in Southern California, DealersGear is an all-in-one, marketing solution that was built by dealers for dealers. DealersGear softwares enables dealers to manage their digital presence, manage their inventory, and manage their websites from one integrated platform. DealersGear’s software platform and services include multimedia management, inventory management, intelligent auto dealership websites, inventory syndication tool that posts directly to Craigslist, Facebook, and Google My Business, Automated Ad Management, and CRM. For more information visit DealersGear.com
Herve Austin
COO
DealersGear
Put Your Dealer On The Highest Gear
949-923-0190
hcomeau@dealersgear.com
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CDK GLOBAL INTRODUCES BIG DATA PLATFORM TO TRANSFORM AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DATA
Neuron Reflects the Latest Fortellis Innovation Built to Fuel Automotive Commerce
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Jan. 27, 2021 – CDK Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDK), a leading retail automotive technology company, today introduced Neuron, an open, intelligent data platform connected to the Fortellis Automotive Commerce Exchange™. Neuron is designed to turn high volumes of industry information into easy-to-understand, actionable insights for dealers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party software developers.
The new platform uses an analytics engine powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning to create real-time and predictive insights. It will empower dealers and OEMs to sell and service more vehicles by helping them create more personalized and differentiated customer experiences.
“Between dealerships, OEMs and vehicles themselves, the automotive industry has more data than ever before. Until now, there hasn’t been a platform to connect it all in a meaningful way to improve the experience consumers have with their vehicles,” said Mahesh Shah, chief product and technology officer, CDK Global. “Neuron is built to analyze billions of data transactions that flow through our products annually alongside other industry data. It will then turn that data into simple, human insights and deliver them directly to the right decision makers at the right time.”
Neuron will harness the power of data and integrations through Fortellis to accelerate the creation of new products in the industry. It will also continuously enhance the user experience and value of existing CDK Global products, such as the CDK Drive dealer management system (DMS), CDK Service, and Elead CRM.
“The introduction of Neuron is another important milestone in our efforts to help dealers and OEMs support customer demands in an increasingly connected automotive landscape,” said Shah. “We look forward to making even more exciting announcements later this year as we continue to create new ways to further connect software developers, dealers, and OEMs into a next-generation automotive ecosystem.”
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About Fortellis Automotive Commerce Exchange™ Platform
Fortellis is a technology platform that enables the automotive industry to leverage, build, innovate and integrate solutions and workflows to transform business. The Fortellis platform—with its Developer Network and Marketplace—connects software developers, OEMs and dealers so they can create new and unique experiences efficiently and seamlessly. Visit fortellis.io to learn more.
About CDK Global, Inc.
CDK Global (NASDAQ:CDK) is a leading provider of integrated data and technology solutions to the automotive, heavy truck, recreation and heavy equipment industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end, omnichannel retail commerce through open, agnostic technology, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers and original equipment manufacturers, serving nearly 17,000 retail locations in North America. CDK solutions connect people with technology by automating and integrating all parts of the dealership and buying process, including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles. Visit cdkglobal.com.
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