Paris, France and Kfar Netter, Israel, January 3, 2019 –Valeo and Autotalks, a world leader in V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication solutions, will display global V2X capabilities integrated in Telematics platform at the upcoming CES® 2019.

V2X technology will significantly increase safety by extending the perception of the car for better anticipation of the potential road dangers. By enabling constant exchange of information between vehicles and with the infrastructure, V2X is one of the key technologies in the move towards cooperative driving and to globally optimize Smart City traffic flow and services.

"e are excited to have our chipset inside Valeo’s Telematics platform, after a quick and straightforward integration with the NAD and the platform’s software,” said Hagai Zyss, CEO of Autotalks. “Autotalks is proud to collaborate with Valeo on a truly secure mass-market global V2X system.”

 “The objective of our collaboration with Autotalks is to propose to our customers a worldwide solution based on a single hardware platform and a single V2X software stack that can be configured for DSRC/ITS*-G5 or C-V2X(PC5) and switch from one mode to the other”, said Laurent Zimmermann, Vice President Connected Car Product Group at Valeo. “This future-proof V2X solution, combined with the ADAS portfolio of Valeo, will be a solid foundation towards the path of the autonomous car and safer transportation.”

* DSRC/ITS: Dedicated Short Range Communications/Intelligent Transportation Systems

More technical Information:

The live demonstration shows a Valeo telematics platform capable of switching between DSRC and C-V2X for global deployments. The platform includes a Cellular NAD (Network Access Device), Multi-core Application Processor and a commercial module with Autotalks second generation SECTON/PLUTON chipset capable of both DSRC and C-V2X direct communications (PC5 protocol).

Autotalks’ deployment-ready, 2nd generation V2X chipset is the world's first available solution which supports both DSRC based on 802.11p/ITS-G5 standards and C-V2X based on 3GPP specifications. The chipset allows customers to easily toggle between DSRC and C-V2X communications – a capability which will also be shown in the live demonstration. The new chipset isolates V2X from the cellular Network Access Device (NAD), thus providing domain separation & security, scalability and potential cost-optimizations of Telematic Control Unit (TCU) deployments. The separation of V2X from in-vehicle infotainment ensures that the safety related purpose of the V2X system is not compromised. Furthermore, V2X isolation combined with Autotalks’ recognized cyber security leadership enables a truly secure platform. Autotalks’ global V2X chipset is currently available for customer and partner C-V2X demonstrations.

With these innovations, Valeo is once again demonstrating its capacity to imagine, design and develop technologies conducive to new forms of mobility that are widely accessible yet adapted to individual needs.

About Autotalks

Autotalks (www.auto-talks.com), which was founded in 2008, is a V2X chipset market pioneer and leader, providing customers worldwide with state-of-the-art V2X solutions. Autotalks helps reduce collisions on roadways and improve mobility with its automotive qualified chipsets. The chipsets offer the most advanced, truly secure and highest performing global V2X communication solution designed for autonomous vehicles. Autotalks’ advanced technology, to be mass deployed in the coming years, complements the information coming from other sensors, specifically in non-line-of-sight scenarios, rough weather or poor lighting conditions. It significantly improves overall road safety, effectively coordinating vehicles, self-driving cars, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

For further information or to schedule interviews:

Alon Mlievski, Tel. +972-50-4438778

Meirovitch PR, PR agency for Autotalks, Tel. +972-77-2129988

Recent GoldStar enhancements create unmatched value for consumers, dealers, and lenders

 IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2019—Spireon, the vehicle intelligence company, has been recognized by the 2019 IoT Breakthrough Awards for its GoldStar™ GPS solution, which was named Connected Car Product of the Year. As the premier solution for risk management in the vehicle finance industry—including subprime auto dealers, lenders and auto rental agencies—GoldStar was honored for new features that dramatically increase the value of GPS for customers, including a pre-built, nationwide impound lot database, and a consumer-facing mobile application called GoldStar Connect.

“Our latest advancements to GoldStar are having a big impact on dealers and lenders in two ways: first by dramatically reducing the costs associated with impounded vehicles, and second by using the power of mobile apps to stay connected to consumers, changing GPS from an expense to a revenue-generator that increases customer engagement and loyalty,” said Brian Deeley, director of product management at Spireon. “We’re honored to be recognized for the unique value we are delivering in the vehicle finance industry with GoldStar.”

The GoldStar Impound Lots feature includes automated reports and alerts to notify lien-holders when vehicles enter any of more than 10,000 impound lots across the nation. Impound fees cost the auto industry an estimated $1.1B per year, according to a Spireon industry report, the first of its kind to focus on the impound problem using actual vehicle data. With nearly 4 million vehicles connected to its award-winning NSpire IoT platform, Spireon is uniquely capable of gathering impound-related insights on a massive scale for the automotive industry.

Additionally, GoldStar creates new opportunities for Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers and lenders to increase customer loyalty and profitability through the GoldStar Connect mobile app. Dealers can now offer customers access to modern connected car benefits like location monitoring, battery alerts and stolen vehicle recovery assistance, regardless of the vehicle make, model or year. These features increase the safety and convenience of vehicles and create an engagement channel with consumers that extends beyond the vehicle sale.

“Previously, only a small segment of the population could afford to buy the latest connected cars that came off the factory floor preloaded with technology,” said Reggie Ponsford, senior vice president of sales at Spireon. “Now anyone can transform their car into a ‘smart car’ with GPS-enabled features like geo-fencing, trip history, speeding and battery usage alerts, and much more.  This is a game-changer for dealers who can now increase profitability and provide more value with their vehicles, while also reducing risk with GoldStar.”

The IoT Breakthrough Awards aim to recognize the world’s best IoT companies, products and people. To see the full list of winners, please visit: https://iotbreakthrough.com/winners/.

To learn more about Spireon’s GoldStar solution, please visit https://www.spireon.com/goldstar-gps-vehicle-tracking.

 About Spireon

Spireon, Inc. is North America’s leading connected vehicle intelligence company, providing businesses and consumers with powerful insights to track, manage and protect their most valuable mobile assets. The award-winning Spireon NSpire platform supports nearly 4 million active subscribers across the company’s growing suite of products for new and used car dealers, lenders and financial institutions, rental car agencies, commercial and local fleet operators, and consumers. Learn more at www.spireon.com.  

Paul Daly discusses the importance of allocating time to build and reinforce a strong dealership brand.

How are you working to define and communicate your dealership brand?

Customer Experience is the ultimate competitive advantage.  Period.  More than location, franchise, market.  Think about it.  Customers can buy a [Make you sell] anywhere.  Why should they buy from you? In an environment of too many choices, you need a customer experience that people talk about.

The problem is, Customer Experience is a huge topic.  How do you determine what to focus on? What will have the biggest impact?

DrivingSales conducted a research project around Customer Experience, and we got to the bottom of the key components your customers are looking for in their vehicle purchase.  Focusing on these components can help you prioritize your efforts, and training on these components can set your dealership up for success.

What are the components that make up a customer-centric experience?

Total transparency

Is anyone surprised this is number one? The industry has been talking about transparency for years.  But it’s more than just price. Think about the different parts of your sales process where transparency can improve the customer experience.

How transparent is your trade process? Do you get the customer involved and explain how the vehicle value is calculated? Does your Used Car Manager meet the customer? Do you provide any validation to the customer on how the number was determined? Think of how you can tweak your process to improve trade transparency.

F&I is another area where transparency can definitely be improved. Too often the Finance Manager meets the customer late in the sales process.  Customers know it’s coming, and they don’t like it. How can you get your F&I department involved earlier in the deal?

These are just two steps of the sales process that can be improved. Audit your process and eliminate any transparency gaps. Transparency = trust.

Flexibility in Process Steps

The traditional sales process is linear. A linear process is easier to manage and control. And customers don’t like it.

Think about how you shop online. There is a wealth of information available, and you have the ability to control how you consume it. You may read reviews first, or possibly you watch videos of the product. The point is, you are in control of your buying process.

Customers want a process like that. They want to determine the order of the steps. They may want to drive the car first, or they could want to know what their car is worth before committing to a test drive.

This one requires more training and refinement, but how can you give your customers more control of the sales process? By giving up control you can get closer to a deal.

Consistent Communication

Regardless of how a customer is communicating with your dealership, you must be consistent.

This means a consistent online and offline process. You should provide the same information to a consumer in your store that you would online.

In addition, customers don’t want to repeat steps. For example, if I fill out a trade form online, I don’t want to repeat the process in the dealership. In my mind, I already completed that step.

Another part of consistent communication is empowerment. Your salespeople need to be trained to provide information for the customer when they need it. Customers don’t want a sales rep that goes to the desk every time a question is asked. This is part transparency and part salesperson knowledge.

At the end of our research, we asked customers if they would buy more vehicles if the process wasn’t so difficult, and 56% said they would. Now, I understand there are economic factors such as negative equity. An upside-down customer isn’t going to be able to trade more frequently. The point is, we can create some market demand if we improve the process for our customers and provide a better experience. Customer Experience has economic value.

What steps are you taking to improve the customer experience in your store? How much time do you dedicate to training on experience?

We chat with Solera | Autopoint's Tim Hardin about the customer experience and how it relates to customer loyalty.

How are you working to improve your customer experience?

Daren Shaw, Keynote at 2018 DSES, reviews the fundamentals of local search.

How about your dealership? How are you doing on the basics? 

ATLANTA, December 11, 2018 – Advancements in car technology are making vehicles safer and easier to drive, and with automakers introducing so many new features, it can be challenging for consumers to know which options matter most. To help car buyers choose the right tech for their next new car, the editors at Autotrader have put together their list of the Best New Automotive Technology for 2019. Safety enhancements and smartphone integrations top this year’s list of tech options car shoppers should consider.

“From surround-view cameras to steering avoidance, new technology features can give drivers a better look at what’s around them or extra help to prevent collisions,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. “Car buyers can find many of these technology options in every segment, from sub-compact cars to full-size SUVs, making it worth checking closely to see what’s available across different models and brands.”

With the latest technology moving into more vehicles every year, car buyers may be surprised at what they find in the recently released 2019 models. The expert editors at Autotrader have highlighted some of their top technology picks that should land on every car buyer’s check-list.

Autotrader's Best New Automotive Technology for 2019

 High Resolution, Multi-Angle Surround View Cameras

Surround view cameras are moving from luxury vehicles into mainstream sedans and family SUVs, including vehicles from Chevrolet and Nissan. These cameras can improve visibility outside of the vehicle to minimize blind spots and assist with parking. They also can be used inside the vehicle to keep an eye on back-seat passengers. Traditionally low-res feeds also are now being replaced with crisp, clean, high-res imagery.

 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Many automakers are now offering a better way to connect your smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment screen, allowing you to take advantage of your apps, contacts and music. Chief among the benefits is the ability to use smartphone navigation apps. A few automakers, such as BMW, also are offering the connection wirelessly.

Wireless Charging

Tired of keeping track of those charging cords? New smartphones from Google, Apple and Samsung offer wireless charging capability. Automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, Ford and Toyota, have taken note and now offer a standard or optional feature to wirelessly charge your devices through charging pads, typically in the center console. 

 Vehicle Control Via an App

Taking even greater advantage of your smartphone, automakers are increasingly allowing you to interact with your vehicles remotely using a mobile app. Honk the horn, flash the lights, start the car or monitor the area around your vehicle – all from the app. Tesla is a leader in this segment, while Buick, Chevrolet, BMW, Lincoln, Volvo and others offer their own solutions. Most are free or require a small monthly subscription fee.

 Steering Avoidance

As we move closer to a fully-automated future, new features inch closer to that reality. Vehicles from Volvo, Lexus and others can be had with steering avoidance systems able to automatically swerve to miss objects in the road ahead or keep your car centered in the lane.

Digital Gauges

Digital gauges in some models are replacing static, physical gauges to create a dynamic screen for sharing more relevant and customizable information. Audi's Virtual Cockpit system is one of the leading designs in the industry, but more mainstream automakers, including Ford and Mazda, have adopted their own variations of the digital gauge cluster as well. These gauges can provide a better view of vehicle behavior and performance, such as fuel efficiency, and also can incorporate navigation directions.

 Road Scanning

A more advanced feature found in luxury lines, road scanning uses cameras to search the road ahead for imperfections and automatically adjust the vehicle’s suspension to account for them. Mercedes-Benz’s Magic Body Control is among the leaders in this area. While not widely available yet, road scanning systems can deliver a smoother, quieter ride and should be considered for high-end vehicles.

Semi-Autonomous Driving

While we're still years from a vehicle that can drive itself without any human input, semi-autonomous driving features that compensate for human error are becoming more commonplace. The most noteworthy development in this area is Cadillac's Super Cruise system, which can pilot the vehicle at speeds of zero to 85 miles per hour, allowing the driver to take their hands off the wheel. Tesla and other automakers have their own versions of this technology, and more automakers are expected to introduce their own versions in the very near future.

For more news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com), and get updates at Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+Autotrader.

 About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

 About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

 Here's a quick tip you can use in your walkaround that can increase your sales performance TODAY. Your sales process doesn't need wholesale changes. Often its little tweaks like this one that can help you improve your walkaround.

Unbounce co-founder and 2018 DSES keynote Oli Gardner discusses the importance of look and feel to your website's credibility. And it's not black and white. He mentions words like "feel" and "trust".

How does your website feel? Do you have items on your homepage that build trust?

It's no secret that customers are wary of the Finance department. Jason explains a simple tip that can help you build trust and set you up for F&I success.

How are you introducing Finance into your process? What do you find works the best?