90-day course on Google Analytics to begin at DSES in November

Salt Lake City, UT – October 6 – DrivingSales today announced that Sincro is presenting a Master Certification at the upcoming DrivingSales Executive Summit (DSES). DSES is taking place virtually November 2-6. 

The Sincro Master Certification, Google Analytics Vendor Management Essentials, is a hands-on class where dealers will configure Google Analytics for their stores. Dealers will learn how to set up Google Analytics to measure both paid and organic inbound web traffic. They will also learn how to use data benchmarks to evaluate paid traffic vendors and make decisions based on data. Creating a “source of data truth” for the dealership will reduce reliance on vendor-generated reports and enable dealers to measure vendors side by side in Google Analytics versus sifting through multiple vendor dashboards. 

“These Master Certifications provide dealers with a real opportunity to learn from industry experts.” said Bart Wilson, DrivingSales Director of Operations. “Sincro is a leader in Google Analytics implementation. We’re excited to have them share some of their insight and instruct dealers on best practices at DSES.” 

This Master Certification will take place over a 90-day span, kicking off at the DrivingSales Executive Summit November 2-6. These certifications are designed to help dealership employees implement processes that will help them grow. Certifications will involve training as well as activities. Progress will be measured against industry-specific KPIs and scored monthly. 

“This is the class for dealers who want to commit to learning how to make data-driven marketing decisions,” said co-presenter Colleen Harris, Product Manager for Business Intelligence at Sincro.

The DrivingSales Executive Summit will be held virtually in the first week of November. Content will include progressive workshops and presentations around the challenges and opportunities dealers face today. Master Certifications are designed to help them bridge the gap between education and execution. 

Dealers can register for the DrivingSales Executive Summit and this Master Certification by visiting drivingsales.com/dses. 

For more information about the DrivingSales Master Certifications, go to http://www.drivingsales.com/dses/make-google-analytics-work-for-you/.

About DrivingSales 

Founded in 2008 and dedicated to the dealer community, DrivingSales is a business intelligence and performance improvement company that delivers unbiased*, profit-building information to make automobile dealers more successful through three distinct channels: DrivingSales HCM, DrivingSales University and DrivingSales Media. DrivingSales Data houses the largest database of cross-vendor, dealership performance data in the North American auto industry and provides dealerships with the most statistically accurate performance benchmarks and metrics for their marketing and technology investments. Approximately one in every three dealerships in the United States has a registered member in the DrivingSales community.

About Sincro

Sincro, an Ansira company, provides auto dealers with innovative, simple solutions that facilitate connections with consumers to drive sales, service and customer loyalty. Sincro solves complex marketing problems for retailers through offerings that include a modern digital storefront, coordinated omnichannel marketing campaigns, local search strategies and consulting. For more, visit SincroDigital.com. 

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90-day course on Facebook Advertising to begin at DSES in November

Salt Lake City, UT – Oct 5, 2020 – DrivingSales today announced that Dealers United is presenting a Master Certification at the upcoming DrivingSales Executive Summit (DSES). DSES is taking place virtually November 2 - 6.

The Dealers United Master Certification, Creating Facebook Campaigns that Sell Cars, is a training course designed to help dealership employees become true “Facebook Automotive Ad Specialists”. Participants will learn how to launch ad campaigns that yield leads and drive sales on Facebook.

“These Master Certifications provide dealers with a real opportunity to learn from industry experts,” said Bart Wilson, DrivingSales Director of Operations. “Dealers United is a leader in Facebook Advertising strategies. We’re excited to have them share some of their insight and instruct dealers on best practices at DSES.”

This Master Certification will take place over a 90-day span kicking off at the DrivingSales Executive Summit November 2-6. These certifications are designed to help dealership employees implement processes that will help them grow. Certifications will involve training as well as activities. Progress will be measured against industry-leading KPIs and scored monthly.

“We are thrilled to be presenting this Master Certification at DrivingSales,” said Pete Petersen, CEO at Dealers United. “For a few years now, it has been a necessity for auto dealerships to be on Facebook, but so many are activating campaigns or hiring agencies so they can ‘check the box’ to run ads. With our Master Certification, we want to give dealers the power to unlock the full potential of Facebook and turn it into a true revenue stream for their stores. The course provides a Facebook Automotive Ad Specialist certification for dealers and auto marketers, so they can be equipped with the knowledge and tools that will help them consistently drive success through Facebook.”

The DrivingSales Executive Summit will be held virtually in the first week of November. Content will include progressive workshops and presentations around the challenges and opportunities dealers face today. Master Certifications are designed to help them bridge the gap between education and execution.

Dealers can register for the DrivingSales Executive Summit and this Master Certification by visiting drivingsales.com/dses

For more information about the DrivingSales Master Certifications, go to drivingsales.com/dses/become-a-facebook-automotive-ad-specialist/ .

About DrivingSales

Founded in 2008 and dedicated to the dealer community, DrivingSales is a business intelligence and performance improvement company that delivers unbiased*, profit-building information to make automobile dealers more successful through three distinct channels: DrivingSales HCM, DrivingSales University and DrivingSales Media. DrivingSales Data houses the largest database of cross-vendor, dealership performance data in the North American auto industry and provides dealerships with the most statistically accurate performance benchmarks and metrics for their marketing and technology investments. Approximately one in every three dealerships in the United States has a registered member in the DrivingSales community.

About Dealers United

Dealers United is the Facebook and Instagram advertising solution for the automotive industry, providing award-winning social advertising solutions to auto dealers, OEMs, and auto agencies. For more information, visit dealersunited.com.

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), has teamed up with luxury automaker Audi to provide preferred pricing and exclusive incentives to verified TrueCar Military car shoppers on new Audi cars and SUVs.

The TrueCar Military Auto Member Offer is available from now until January 4, 2021 through TrueCar Military. Verified TrueCar Military members can receive a $750 - $1,000 additional incentive (bonus cash) on select new 2020 & 2021 models. This offer is valid at any Audi dealership nationwide.

“TrueCar’s private targeted incentive program is an efficient and brand positive way for automakers to reach specific audience segments with a targeted value proposition. We’re very excited to partner with Audi to offer special pricing and exclusive incentives to U.S. military members and their families through TrueCar Military,” said Valeri Tompkins, Senior Vice President at TrueCar. “This a great way for the U.S. military audience to discover the Audi brand while taking advantage of special prices across their premium lineup and enrich our current TrueCar Military benefits to deliver further added value.”

To activate this offer, an Audi 8-digit alpha-numeric authorization number is needed that must be generated by the eligible shopper for purchase under the eligible shopper's name. The authorization number is not transferrable. Only one (1) VIN per Audi authorization number. * Shoppers will need to bring a physical copy of the Offer Form and a Driver’s License to redeem this offer at an Audi dealership. **

“Audi USA is proud to support our U.S. military by offering preferred pricing and exclusive offers via the TrueCar Military program. Whether it is their first time in an Audi or if they are already part of the Audi family, we are thrilled to make this offer available to U.S. military members and their families,” said Thiemo Rusch, Senior Vice President, Audi of America.

TrueCar launched TrueCar Military in May as 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 Military is available to all validated U.S. active duty service members, veterans and their families. Current TrueCar Military benefits include:

• Up to $4,000 in Military Incentives on Select Makes and Models

• Dealer Discounts on New and Used Vehicles

• Up to $4,000 Worth of Benefits for Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursement

• Dedicated Military Customer Service Hotline

• Receive a limited time offer $200 Sam’s Club Gift Card through October 13, 2020

For more information on TrueCar Military, please visit: http://www.truecar.com/military.

* *This offer can be used with financing/lenders outside of Audi Financial Services (AFS) and AFS Special/Standard rates.  The program is not compatible with Dealer Employee Purchase Program, Audi Live Prospect Offer, any Corporate Sales Program or Employee Benefits Selector Program.  See dealer for details.

** Name on the Offer Form must match name on driver’s license.

Strong partnership enables one of the largest CDK installations across eight states

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – September 23, 2020 – CDK Global, Inc., (Nasdaq: CDK), a leading retail automotive technology company, today announced that it completed one of its largest installations of CDK Drive, its core dealership management system (DMS) solution, for all Greenway Automotive Group (Greenway) dealerships. Despite safety and travel regulations brought on by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the multi-site and multi-state DMS installation was seamlessly completed for 46 dealerships across eight states.

“The decision to change DMS providers is substantial for any automotive dealership, and one they should not enter into lightly,” said Brian Krzanich, president and chief executive officer, CDK Global. “By developing a solid partnership, rooted in listening and better understanding Greenway’s needs, we provided a tailored, unique experience that met the distinct challenges Greenway was facing, all while navigating the unprecedented circumstances of a global pandemic. The Greenway installation not only illustrates our capabilities, but also demonstrates our agility, and continued focus on being the best partner for our customers.”

Amid the global pandemic, CDK pivoted its installation process to better meet customers’ needs. What began as a standard onsite installation experience quickly evolved into one that required an equal commitment to partnership and teamwork from both CDK and Greenway. The result was an installation that continued without delays or data loss.

“When we began our search for a new DMS partner, we were apprehensive about making such a significant change,” said Carl Atkinson, president, Greenway Automotive Group. “CDK put us at ease, focused on process over product, and made sure we could build out the ‘Greenway Way’ for our employees and customers. The partnership developed through the installation process helped us work together through the challenges that emerged from COVID-19. This collaboration has provided a solid foundation for Greenway and CDK that we will continue to grow and strengthen as we look toward the future.”

Greenway Automotive Group serves customers in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

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.

Contacts:
Media Contact:
Roxanne Pipitone
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
847.485.4423
Roxanne.pipitone@cdk.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Julie Schlueter
Director, Investor Relations
847.485.4643
Julie.Schlueter@cdk.com

Sales now available to clients at Manheim sites in Tennessee, Florida and Pennsylvania

ATLANTA, Ga. – (Sept 14, 2020) – Driven by a commitment to deliver a safer auction experience while providing clients with more options to conduct business, Manheim expanded its Digital Block™ sales this week, adding seven more locations. Digital Block sales offer in-lane bidding with a live auctioneer; however, vehicles are only displayed on screens and never travel down physical lanes. The sites are Manheim Nashville and Manheim Central Florida and Manheim Fort Myers, Manheim Pensacola, Manheim Daytona Beach, Manheim Jacksonville and Manheim Lakeland in Florida. They join last week’s addition of four sites in Pennsylvania and two sites in Houston, bringing the total number of Digital Block sale locations to more than 50 nationwide.

“Digital Block sales offer our clients another way to do business safely and on their own terms,” said Alan Lang, Manheim division vice president. “Dealers using Digital Block sales tell us they are saving time by viewing and bidding on cars on the same day. And, consistent with our re-opening plans, we follow strict safety protocols, including adhering to state and local guidelines such as following the 250-person capacity per sale rule at our Pennsylvania-based locations.”

Year to date through August, Manheim saw over two million digital transactions, which is more than 40% higher than the same period last year. In addition, nearly 100,000 dealers are attending Manheim sales each week – whether bidding onsite via Digital Block sales or participating digitally via Simulcast. Last month, the company announced that it will continue to waive Simulcast Success Fees through the end of the year.

Since the pandemic, Manheim’s actions to re-open its operations have included:

• Allowing clients onsite to view inventory beginning May 1.
• Providing Manheim’s Lot Vision vehicle tracking system to help clients efficiently locate vehicles, currently in place at 19 locations.  For more information on Lot Vision, go to www.mymanheim.com/lotvision
• Enabling sellers to rep vehicles on the block starting on June 8. While some sellers took advantage of this option, many others chose to use Manheim’s Remote Seller Tool.
• Piloting in-lane bidding (Digital Block sales) beginning the week of June 22 with five locations. For a full list of locations offering Digital Block sales, go to https://www.mymanheim.com/covid-19/locations/

“Manheim has done a great job adjusting to current challenging times with excellent overall results in our use of Manheim Digital Block sales,” said Frank Enriquez, representative, Nick Alexander BMW Mini in Los Angeles.

As Manheim celebrates 75 years of industry innovation and leadership in 2020, the company is moving forward with a Digital First marketplace strategy to transition its auction marketplace into a single client experience maximized for digital interactions and supported by efficient and flexible physical operations. This includes unifying Manheim’s digital platforms, such as Manheim.com and Simulcast, with its physical assets to give clients an enhanced experience no matter how they choose to conduct business.

Another effort underway is Manheim’s investment in the next generation of vehicle information. This initiative is designed to give clients even more information digitally – more images, higher quality visuals and more mechanical and safety data – to help remove subjectivity and drive greater buyer and seller confidence. 

About Manheim
Manheim, the nation’s leading provider of end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions, is celebrating 75 years as an industry innovator, driving success for clients, the company, its employees and the industry. The dream of five men who auctioned off a handful of cars in 1945 from a single-lane location in Manheim, Pennsylvania launched a company that today offers 7 million used vehicles annually and facilitates transactions representing nearly $67 billion in value with the grit and determination of our team members. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for decisioning, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. Operating the largest vehicle wholesale marketplace, Manheim enables clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com

NEW YORK (September 10, 2020) automotiveMastermind®, a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation solutions for dealerships and manufacturers, has integrated its Market EyeQ sales platform with CARFAX History-Based Value (CHBV), allowing dealers to choose CHBV as their preferred valuation tool when evaluating a trade-in vehicle.

Mastermind and CARFAX are part of IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO), bolstering both organizations’ products by highlighting the advantage of high-quality data partnerships. This integration aligns with Mastermind’s goal of consistently enhancing Market EyeQ to enable its dealer partners to sell more cars with high returns.

CARFAX has more than 24 billion vehicle records. CHBV is the only VIN-specific valuation tool available in the market today that is powered by unique CARFAX vehicle history data. It weighs several factors including driver’s home location, the VIN-specific history of that vehicle, and current market conditions.  By accounting for vehicle history, no two vehicles can be priced the same when using CHBV, which provides full transparency to both sides of the vehicle transaction.

CHBV provides dealers partnered with Mastermind the retail, wholesale and certified prices of vehicles with model years of 2000 or newer. CHBV also takes into consideration a vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, location and condition, as well as current market conditions, allowing dealers to better acquire inventory their customers want. Market EyeQ uses CHBV wholesale vehicle valuations to calculate the trade-in value of vehicles, fueling personalized, predictive marketing campaigns and calculated deals designed to drive ROI.

This integration comes at a time when dealers are increasingly using trade-in vehicles to supplement inventory shortages and rising wholesale prices. Similarly, dealers are seeing rising interest from consumers in purchasing pre-owned vehicles. The availability of CHBV into Market EyeQ will give dealers better insight into a vehicle’s history to more accurately calculate trade valuations and reconditioning costs, as well as support market-based inventory pricing. 

“Thanks to the unrivaled automotive information in the IHS Markit portfolio, combining forces with CARFAX will enable us to provide an accurate picture of a customer’s trade and vehicle’s lifecycle for our mutual dealer partners,” said Mastermind Co-Founder and CEO Marco Schnabl. “We pride ourselves on empowering dealers to take a data-driven approach to build lasting relationships with their customers and ultimately sell more cars. This integration not only aligns with those goals but also comes at a time when we’re especially focused on helping dealers grow their pre-owned vehicle sales in response to increased consumer demand.”

“It’s important to not just look at year, make and model for valuation,” said Bill Eager, CARFAX Vice President of the Dealer Business Unit. “CARFAX is uniquely positioned to provide the vehicle specific value based on characteristics like 1-owner or a clean title. Dealers have long relied on CARFAX vehicle history as a key factor when evaluating and pricing used cars for their inventory. This partnership will give our dealers a new avenue on Market EyeQ to better understand the value of a specific vehicle and make sure they’re getting the best return on their investment.”

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About automotiveMastermind

Founded in 2012, automotiveMastermind is a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation solutions for the automotive industry. Market EyeQ by Mastermind is the single sales platform to identify, communicate with and close every buyer in a local market. Mastermind is headquartered in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit automotivemastermind.com.

About CARFAX

CARFAX helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides exclusive services like CARFAX Used Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world’s largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post and Glassdoor.com. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the CARFAX™.

automotiveMastermind and CARFAX are part of IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO), a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions based in London.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., September 10, 2020 – TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the most efficient and transparent online destination to find a car, today announced a new affinity partnership with Military AutoSource, the only vehicle buying program exclusively for the U.S. military community serving overseas for close to 60 years.

Military AutoSource has strong connections to the military community with an established and experienced on-base presence that will help TrueCar and its dealer partners reach more service members in need of a new vehicle while extending Military AutoSource’s strong overseas footprint to the United States.

“We’re proud to partner with Military AutoSource to extend TrueCar’s best-in-class car buying experience and suite of military exclusive benefits to their customers and their families who primarily live on and around military bases here in the U.S.,” said Mike Darrow President & CEO of TrueCar. “Our shared commitment to the U.S. Military and to providing them with unique value and first-rate customer service serves as the foundation for a great partnership, and one with extraordinary potential,” added Darrow. 

TrueCar has over thirteen years of experience servicing the men and women of the military through affinity car buying partnerships with leading military service organizations. It recently 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’s Military Appreciation Package will now be extended to validated members of the U.S. military and their families using the new TrueCar powered Military AutoSource Car Buying Service which is expected to launch in the next few months. Benefits include:

·   Get $500-$4,000 Bonus Cash from Select Manufacturers

·   Up to $4,000 Worth of Benefits for Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursement*

·   Dedicated Military Customer Service Hotline

·   Dealer Discounts on New and Used Vehicles

All of this is in addition to TrueCar’s standard benefits including:

·   Savings: Over $3,500 average savings off MSRP**

·   Price Context: See what others paid for a similar vehicle in your local area

·   Real Pricing: Get an upfront, personalized price on a specific vehicle from a dealer online, including manufacturer incentives and discounts. 

“We’re thrilled to be working with TrueCar to expand our program and provide the stateside military community with a premier car buying service that aligns with the Military AutoSource mission and heritage,” said David Goldring, Chairman & CEO of Overseas Military Sales Corp. (dba Military AutoSource). “After six decades spent serving our armed forces around the globe, we have a deep appreciation and respect for the military community.  TrueCar shares our passion and commitment to providing them with the service and value they deserve,” added Goldring.

Military AutoSource will also work with its military and OEM partners to deliver the kind of member support and unique event experiences it has developed overseas to bases and surrounding communities in the U.S. to bring awareness of the new program.

*Only available when you report your new or used purchase from a Certified Dealer within 45 days. Some benefits are not available in New York or New Hampshire. For more information please visit https://www.truecar.com/report-purchase/

**Between 1/1/19 and 12/31/19, 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 $3,533.  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 Military AutoSource

Military AutoSource (a dba of Overseas Military Sales Corp.) is headquartered in Woodbury, New York with operational offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, Korea and Dubai. For close to 60 years, Military AutoSource has been serving the military community by providing U.S. specification cars, motorcycles and off-road vehicles to active duty military, civilian, DOD employees and the diplomatic community stationed on U.S. installations outside the United States. The on-base division of Military AutoSource is authorized by The Exchange (AAFES) and Navy Exchange (NEXCOM) and maintains operations in close to 70 locations in over 20 countries, with an additional 15 locations off base in Europe and a global e-commerce team to support eligible service members deployed to inaccessible areas overseas.

Cross-sector of more than 40 public and private companies and organizations commit to improve Black representation in corporate boardrooms

The Board Challenge today announced the launch of a pledge for U.S. corporate boards of directors to add a Black director within the next year. Founded by Altimeter Capital, Valence and theBoardlist, signed by 17 Founding Pledge Partners, and supported by 27 Charter Pledge Partners that already have at least one Black director, the initiative seeks to accelerate action to improve the diversity of corporate boards starting with the representation of Black leaders on the boards of U.S. companies. Every U.S. company is encouraged to take the pledge at theboardchallenge.org, and companies that have at least one Black director are asked to sign on to express their support and use their resources to drive change.

The Board Challenge launches with the support of companies and individuals representing a wide-array of industries and sectors including corporate, non-profit and training and education. These supporters include organizations such as the Executive Leadership Council, the NAACP and National Urban League who commit to supporting the mission and using their platforms to drive awareness and participation in the movement.

Founding Pledge Partners commit to adding at least one Black director to their respective boards in the next 12 months. Participants include: Accolade, Altimeter Growth Corp, Amperity, Bolster, Gusto, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., Heritage Environmental Services, HopSkipDrive, Kin, M.M.LaFleur, Nextdoor, PagerDuty, RealSelf, Ripple, Senreve, Vinyl Me, Please, and Zillow. The Board Challenge co-founders will check in with Founding Pledge Partners within six months and at 12 months to evaluate their progress in adding a Black director.

Charter Pledge Partners are organizations that already have at least one Black director and will continue to use their resources to accelerate change. Charter Pledge Partners play a critical role in driving visibility around the importance and value of increasing diversity at the boardroom level. Participants include: Avnet, Broadridge Financial Solutions, CDK Global, Cockroach Labs, Corning Incorporated, Elovee, Executive Leadership Council, Impact Capital Managers, Lightspeed, Lyft, Merck, Nasdaq, Nordstrom, Okta, Ranpak, Redfin, Ro, Sonos, Southern California Public Radio, SurveyMonkey, The New York Stock Exchange, The RealReal, Uber, United Airlines, Upstart, Verizon, and WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

Black leaders are underrepresented in America's public and private boardrooms. Approximately 66% of Fortune 500 company board members are white men and 18% of members are white women, while only 9% of members are Black men and women, according to a report by the Alliance for Board Diversity and Deloitte. And while many companies tout their commitment to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, progress at the boardroom level is limited. According to Black Enterprise, 187 S&P 500 companies, or about 37%, did not have any Black directors in 2019 – only a two percentage point improvement since 2018.

"America has been reminded again in tragic fashion that we must redouble our efforts to build a more inclusive society. Business leaders can't let this moment pass us by without playing our part and taking this tangible step to build a more diverse boardroom," said Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital and co-founder of The Board Challenge. "As a next step, we are encouraging companies to take the pledge and add a Black director in the next 12 months. The Board Challenge is a movement to accelerate these changes and help companies tap into the energy and talents of all underrepresented groups."

True and full racial representation at the board level is in the best interest of companies, employees, customers and communities and helps to advance and support a more equitable society.

• Diverse boards of directors are 43% more likely than non-diverse boards to achieve financial performance above the national industry median for companies in the top quartile versus bottom quartile, according to McKinsey & Company's Delivering Through Diversity 2018 report.
• More than nine in 10 directors (94%) agree that board diversity brings unique perspectives to the boardroom, according to PwC's 2019 Annual Corporate Directors Survey. Additionally, 87% said board diversity enhances board performance and 76% said it enhances company performance.
• More than half (53%) of investors say board diversity should be a top focus, according to a 2019 report from the EY Center for Board Matters.

As part of taking the pledge, partners commit to progress reports along the way, including six-month and one-year reporting on results with participants. The Board Challenge co-founders will provide partners with access to qualified talent to help in their search and recruitment of Black director candidates, while supporters will offer resources and training.

"One objection we hear is whether companies can find the kind of diverse board talent they are looking for. It is 2020 – it is not a pipeline problem, it is a perspective problem," said Guy Primus, CEO of Valence and co-founder of The Board Challenge. "Valence alone is connected to hundreds of board-ready leaders from every position imaginable."

"Another objection is that the focus on diverse candidates is too narrow. We know focus yields results and this is the start of a much bigger movement," said Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, founder and chairman of theBoardlist and co-founder of The Board Challenge. "theBoardlist has been focused on diversifying boards since 2015 and we know that making the commitment to look outside one's network and dedicating the effort to be inclusive is ultimately what works."

Find more information about pledge participants and supporters, take the pledge and offer support at theboardchallenge.org.

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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ATLANTA – September 2, 2020 – With wholesale remaining largely digital, it’s never been more important for dealers to buy and sell online with ease. That’s why Manheim has released three new enhancements to its digital marketplace designed to benefit buyers and sellers: significantly more images on vehicles checked in at a physical location, the opportunity to more easily transact at below-floor prices and an additional sale format. These new additions come as Manheim’s audience has grown substantially, with sales attendance surpassing pre-COVID levels nearly 19%.

“While wholesale remains mostly digital, the Manheim Marketplace is more active than ever,” said Zach Hallowell, vice president of Manheim Digital. “As our teams work to instill greater buyer confidence when doing business digitally, these new enhancements are the first of several that we will be rolling out to improve the auction experience.”

To help dealers better understand a vehicle’s condition—and enable sellers to better showcase their inventory—vehicles that are brought to a Manheim location for sale will have a standard set of at least 15 images; this is up from seven images captured previously. Additionally, the new OVE Review Window benefits both sides of the transaction by enabling sellers to move more inventory and helping buyers acquire vehicles at prices they’re willing to pay. And finally, new Flash Sales offer buyers and sellers a quick bidding environment and special promotions, bringing them additional excitement, exposure and deals. More details follow:

More Images = More Information on Vehicle Condition

Manheim is investing in helping dealers make more confident digital purchases, with a strong focus on expanding available condition information. All vehicles checked in at a Manheim location will have at least 15 images, and potentially up to 18, depending on vehicle features. This is more than double the number of images included in the previous standard image package. Best of all, clients who already use Manheim’s imaging or condition report services will get this expanded set at no additional charge, and new clients will pay only the previous 7 image price. This expanded package will begin rolling out in September, with all Manheim locations offering it by the end of the year.

More images can provide a clearer picture of the vehicle’s cosmetic condition, a key factor dealers consider when deciding to bid or buy. Below is the list of images dealers will begin seeing on vehicles listed from a Manheim location:

• Interior: trunk, odometer, manufacturer tag, left front interior (driver’s side), right front interior (passenger’s side) center dashboard, engine and driver door panel with controls
• Exterior: front, back, left front corner, right front corner, right back corner and left back corner
• Additional Images (if applicable): backseat, sunroof and 3rd row

This is the first of several imaging enhancements Manheim plans to release, including undercarriage imaging, which Manheim is currently piloting in Texas.

New OVE Review Window

Today’s high wholesale prices have made it challenging for some dealers to find the right inventory at the right price. However, dealers who turn to Manheim’s OVE platform will now have additional opportunities to win vehicles at below-floor prices with the new OVE Review Window. If a vehicle has bids below the floor price, a two-hour window will open at the end of the sale, enabling sellers to review the highest bid and decide whether to close the deal. The OVE Review Window allows sellers to list vehicles on OVE with bids below the floor price. In an ever-changing market, by providing this capability, the Review Window helps sellers fully access market values, allowing them to move inventory on their terms.

New Sale Format: Flash Sales

Manheim clients now have an additional option for buying and selling vehicles digitally: Flash Sales. An alternative to the daily listing schedule, these sales will feature rotating sellers and appealing promotional offers for just two hours. Participating sellers receive featured marketing on OVE, targeted marketing support and more, while buyers benefit from rotating promotions. Recent promotions have included a complimentary DealShield Purchase Protection Guarantee on all purchases, as well as inventory priced under $10,000.

These enhancements come on the heels of two recent digital integrations between vAuto and Manheim. First, a new feature in vAuto’s Provision enables clients to request a Manheim Express Concierge specialist, so they can more quickly and effortlessly get their inventory listed right from their lots. Second, vAuto’s Stocking Grade and Strategy Action now appears within the recommended vehicles carousel on Manheim.com, which helps enable dealers to quickly see how suggested vehicles fit with their current business plans.

About Manheim

Manheim®, the nation’s leading provider of end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions, is celebrating 75 years as an industry innovator, driving success for clients, the company, its team members and the industry. The dream of five men who auctioned off a handful of cars in 1945 from a single-lane location in Manheim, Pennsylvania launched a company that today offers 7 million used vehicles annually and facilitates transactions representing nearly $67 billion in value with the grit and determination of our team members. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for decisioning, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. Operating the largest vehicle wholesale marketplace, Manheim enables clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.