West Palm Beach, FL– January 27, 2015 – Gubagoo, the fastest growing chat and website engagement provider for dealerships, today announced that it has been selected as a trusted provider in Dealer.com’s Certified Provider Program.  To qualify as a provider in the program, companies and their products must have proven value, security, efficiency, and return on investment, giving customers added assurance that they are choosing high-quality, complementary software and services.

Gubagoo’s ChatSmart is powered by an intelligent platform that identifies website visitors and proactively engages them with relevant, targeted information.

“Gubagoo is a chat solution that proactively engages with site visitors rather than simply interrupting and talking at them. A recent study showed that ChatSmart consistently delivers a 77% chat-to-lead conversion rate,” said Brad Title, CEO of Gubagoo Inc. “We’re thrilled to be selected as a Dealer.com Certified Provider and look forward to providing our solution to their dealer partners.” 

ChatSmart’s high conversion rates can be attributed to its utilization of click activity, frequency of visits and predictive models to improve the consumer experience. It is the first chat platform to match vehicles of interest to website visitors, as well as serving up relevant incentives, offers and inventory in real time.

Gubagoo’s ChatSmart is available immediately through Dealer.com’s Control Center. Dealer.com is a Dealertrack Technologies digital marketing solution.

About Gubagoo

Based in West Palm Beach, Florida and staffed by a team of veteran technologists and innovators in lead conversion, Gubagoo offers revolutionary behavioral engagement and scoring technologies for automotive websites. With a mission to provide a smarter, more cost-effective alternative to the old lead generation model, Gubagoo is the first dealership website solution that successfully makes anonymous traffic identifiable and converts the 95% of dealer site traffic that traditionally defects. Incorporating smart predictive matching and the best chat technology available - and powered by its proprietary behavioral engagement and scoring engine, ‘B.E.A.S.T.’ - Gubagoo engages new and repeat dealer site visitors with unprecedented relevance. Over 1,200 dealerships, including some of the nation’s largest dealer groups, as well as OEM-certified programs, already have adopted Gubagoo-powered websites.

Media Relations:

Melanie Webber (melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 949.307.1723

Company to help Australian dealers improve call-to-conversion ratios with U.S.-patented system that generates an average of $320K+ in additional annual earnings for US dealers; Hyundai Australia first to roll out system to dealer network

San Francisco, Calif. - January 23, 2015 - CallSource, the U.S. leader in call tracking, management and training, announced today at the 2015 National Automobile Dealer Association Convention in San Francisco that it has launched its patented system in Australia. This will give Australian auto dealers access to the same tools US dealerships are using to significantly improve their call-to-conversion rates. Partnering with Australia’s Dealer Solutions, CallSource’s initial rollout is with Hyundai Australia’s dealer network.

Dealers and OEMs spend billions of dollars generating leads – a vast majority of which come in as phone calls. CallSource data shows that a mishandled call results in the customer defecting to another brand more than 50 percent of the time. With calls currently outpacing email leads 4-1[1], both dealers and OEMs are feeling the pain of missed opportunities when these calls are mishandled.

“A mishandled call equals a missed lead which translates into millions of dollars of lost revenue for our industry. With precision tracking and follow up, our solution has helped thousands of dealers increase their call-to-conversion ratios from seven percent to over 25 percent, a result that grosses an additional $320K annually[2], on average,” said Andrew Price, President of CallSource Automotive. “We are pleased to bring this same benefit to Australia’s auto industry.”

CallSource manages and tracks millions of calls for dealers each month, recording and analyzing them and triggering alerts when mishandled. A recent analysis of over 600 dealers using CallSource DealSaver alerts showed that over 39 percent of vehicle sales were associated with alert notifications of mishandled calls and that closing ratios on DealSaver follow-up calls is approximately 25 percent.

“Following an in-depth review process, Hyundai Australia selected Dealer Solutions and CallSource as business partners to provide our dealer network with an integrated and complete online marketing solution,” said John Elsworth, COO, Hyundai Motor Company Australia. “Hyundai's market share in Australia continues to grow and we wanted a holistic solution which would allow us to effectively monitor and measure quality and performance of customer handling whilst also increasing sales by converting more leads to appointments.”

Dealer Solutions is CallSource’s exclusive representative in Australia and New Zealand for its patented inbound tracking and recording system that identifies the advertising source responsible for each call, monitors and improves employee telephone skills and alerts dealers whenever prospect calls are mishandled just in time to save missed sales opportunities.

“Partnering with CallSource Automotive gives our clients greater insights into their lead generation and conversion performance by measuring the one thing that still matters most: the phone call,” said Chris Vening, CEO of Dealer Solutions.

“We chose Dealer Solutions because of their strong focus on delivering auto retailers tools that enable them to maintain operational excellence and a sustainable competitive advantage,” said Allan Cooper, President of Cooper Media Group and Head of Global Strategic Partners at CallSource.

CallSource will be at NADA with guests NFL Superstars Dwight Clark and Everson Walls at their suite at their suite at the Westin St. Francis, 32nd Floor. Dealers who visit the suite can see first hand a demo of CallSource’s leading solution, meet Clark and Everson and have a chance to win Super Bowl tickets.

About CallSource

CallSource has been the industry leader in call tracking and lead management solutions throughout the United States and Canada for more than 20 years. Based in Westlake Village, Calif., CallSource recently launched its patented Sales Profit Management (SPM) system to provide dealerships with call tracking, performance analysis, advisory services, online training and streamlined access to a network of top industry service providers. CallSource serves multiple industries including automotive, home services, media, and healthcare, as well as numerous Franchise businesses. Visit callsource.com.

About Dealer Solutions

Dealer Solutions is one of Australia's leading solutions providers for website and Internet Inventory Management systems for the Retail Motor Trades. Founded in 1992, Dealer Solutions primary goal is to help Australian motor dealers utilize new technology to streamline their day-to-day business. Dealer Solutions provides all dealers with a truly independent alternative to Website Development, Online Inventory and Distribution for advertising on the Internet. Visit dealersolutions.com.au. 

Cooper Media Group 

Cooper Media Group is focused on establishing global strategic partnerships within the automotive digital media landscape. Allan Cooper is a 30-year automotive veteran in the USA. Originally from Australia, Cooper established one of the first Internet sales operations for Chrysler Dealerships, has been recognized by JD Power and Associates as one of the pioneers of automotive e-commerce and was at the forefront of automotive CRM solutions and is a founding partner in OneCommand.

Media Relations: 

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, (949) 307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com 

Cassandra Cavanah, mWEBB Communications, (818) 397-4630, cassandra@mwebbcom.com

DMEautomotive’s groundbreaking mobile app for dealerships wins Automotive Website Award for second year in a row, and is an honoree in the prestigious Digital Edge 25 Awards

San Francisco, Calif. – January 23, 2015 – DMEautomotive (DMEa) today announced that its groundbreaking dealer-branded mobile app, Driver Connect, has received two of the most prestigious honors in the automotive and technology industries: an Automotive Website Award (Automotive Mobile Apps category) and a Digital Edge 25 Award.  This is the second year in a row that Driver Connect has received an AWA and its first as an Honoree in the prestigious Digital Edge 25 Awards, which recognize enterprises that have leveraged digital technologies to transform their business.

Driver Connect was presented with the AWA at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Conference in San Francisco on Thursday, January 22^nd.  The Automotive Website Awards are presented each year by PCG Consulting to recognize the best design, technology and search architecture for automotive website platforms each year.

“DMEa is honored to receive the Automotive Website Award for Driver Connect for the second year in a row. We are also so very proud that Driver Connect has been recognized for its transformative impact on business by Digital Edge 25,” said DMEautomotive CEO Mike Walther. “These awards are confirmation that our mission to bring dealerships the best, most efficient and most relevant technology -- to help them reach and retain more customers, and to drive more sales -- is working. These awards are further inspiration as we continue to raise awareness of the importance of mobile adoption in our industry and develop ever more effective mobile strategies for our customers.”

Driver Connect will be honored with the Digital Edge 25 Award at the AGENDA 15 Conference taking place March 31- April 1, 2015 in Florida. The Digital Edge 25 Awards are produced by IDG Enterprise media brands CIO and Computerworld and the CIO Executive Council.  

"The Digital Edge 25 awards competition was extremely competitive, with many nominations demonstrating enormous business value from mobile, data analytics, and other digital innovations,” said Anne McCrory, vice president of marketing and content strategy for the IDG Enterprise events team and a conference chair. "Those selected by our judges stood apart for executing initiatives, that for example, drove much greater customer engagement, higher sales conversions and even new lines of business.”

Built from the ground up by DMEautomotive, Driver Connect is a dealer-branded, consumer-facing app that keeps dealership customers servicing and spending, with an in-dealership experience available at the tap of a screen.

Leading the charge in mobile app innovation, DMEa recently announced the addition of multiple new features and services to the app, including Tap-to-Pay, geo-fencing, a mobile app-enabled customer loyalty program, among many others.  And according to a recent survey of dealerships across the country, consumers are readily embracing Driver Connect, with 75% saying they would recommend Driver Connect to a friend.

Since 2012, Driver Connect has helped thousands of dealerships keep pace with the “always-on” customer and continues to push the limits of mobile innovation for the automotive industry, implementing emerging mobile channels like the mobile wallet and incorporating geo-fencing, to drive more traffic and deeper customer engagement for dealers. DMEa’s app has been adopted by some of the largest dealer groups across the nation, and has also won the American Business Award and the 2013 BizTech Innovation Award®.

DMEautomotive will be demonstrating Driver Connect at the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo January 23^rd – January 26^h at Booth ##5657W (West Hall of Moscone Center).

About DMEautomotive

DMEautomotive (DMEa) is the industry leader in science-based, results-driven automotive marketing, and provides turnkey marketing to the largest and most innovative automotive organizations, from automobile dealerships to many of the largest aftermarket companies in the U.S. DMEa's uniquely panoramic view of the complete automotive sales and service market, combined with its cutting-edge, science-based marketing programs, increases customer yield, conversion and retention.

DMEa does not take marketing performance on faith, and each product and service is measured by a simple, precise scientific approach: Is it true? Prove it. Will it work? Test it. Does it generate results? Show it! Supported by DMEa’s proprietary, cloud-based Red Rocket Technology Platform, the DMEa product suite includes science-based, data driven, multi-channel customer acquisition and retention marketing programs; best-in-class campaign reporting; data management and analytics; auto-focused Customer Interaction Center solutions, and complete on-site mail and email fulfillment services. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, DMEa also has major operations in Jacksonville, Florida.

Contact Media Relations:

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, (949) 307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com
Crystal Hartwell, mWEBB Communications, (714) 987-1016, crystal@mwebbcom.com

CallSource receives a “Top Rated” Award for Dealer Satisfaction in Call Management Category

San Francisco, CA – January 23, 2015 – CallSource’s CallTrack® is the recipient of a “Top Rated” Call Management award in the sixth annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards, presented at a special event today in conjunction with the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo.

“We are very honored to be acknowledged by dealers as a top-rated call management provider and thrilled to receive this prestigious award for the fifth year in a row,” said Andrew Price, President of CallSource Automotive. “And the biggest reward is the benefit we are delivering to dealers by improving their call-to-conversion ratios and helping them recoup revenue from mishandled calls.”

CallTrack® is the leading call tracking service for automotive retailers. CallTrack captures every caller’s phone number, identifies the advertising source and records calls for review, enabling users to return missed calls and recapture lost leads.

“We congratulate CallSource on being a ‘Top Rated’ Call Management Award recipient and for being recognized by its dealer customers for high levels of excellence and customer satisfaction,” said DrivingSales CEO and Founder Jared Hamilton. “For six years, and through over 21,000 validated reviews, DrivingSales Vendor Ratings has helped dealers make smarter, more informed decisions, leading them to outstanding service providers such as CallSource.

The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards are based on cumulative ratings tallied and verified over the calendar year (January – December) at DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings.  DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings is the industry’s only neutral, comprehensive vendor rating forum featuring real-time peer reviews and honest competitor comparisons, and provides dealerships with important information from actual customers who have hands-on experience using vendor products / solutions in their stores. Each rating is verified as coming from an actual dealership employee.

Full award results are available online at http://dealersatisfactionawards.com/. Award winners are showcased in the Q1 2015 issue of DrivingSales DealerExec which, in addition to being distributed at the 2015 NADA Convention and Expo, is delivered to every new car dealership nationwide, as well as to more than 2,000 of the top used car dealers in the U.S. For more information on DealerExec, please visit: dealerexecmag.com.
 

About CallSource

CallSource has been the industry leader in call tracking and lead management solutions throughout the United States and Canada for more than 20 years. Based in Westlake Village, Calif., CallSource recently launched its patented Sales Profit Management (SPM) system to provide dealerships with call tracking, performance analysis, advisory services, online training and streamlined access to a network of top industry service providers. CallSource serves multiple industries including automotive, home services, media, and healthcare, as well as numerous Franchise businesses. Visit callsource.com.

About DrivingSales  

DrivingSales enables retail automotive dealers to learn, connect, innovate, and prosper in a rapidly changing retail environment. DrivingSales operates three business units geared at delivering actionable insight to dealers:  DrivingSales Media, which comprises the DrivingSales.com dealer community, DrivingSales News, Dealer Executive Magazine, and multiple industry conferences. DrivingSales University, the leading provider of automotive retail education content and certification programs, and DrivingSales Data, the industry’s largest cross-channel data analytics platform.

Founded by a third-generation car dealer in 2008, today DrivingSales is utilized by over 60% of franchised dealerships in North America as a resource to improve their business performance.  To learn more about the DrivingSales community, news, training or performance analytics visit DrivingSales.com, DrivingSalesNews.com, DrivingSalesUniversity.com and DrivingSalesData.com

CallSource Media Relations:
Cassandra Cavanah (cassandra@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 818.397.4630

DrivingSales Media Relations:
Melanie Webber (melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 949.307.1723

Second edition of groundbreaking eBook includes new data on mobile user behavior and multiple best practices - from mobile payment to geo-fencing and beacon technology

Daytona Beach, FL –January 22, 2015 – DMEautomotive (DMEa), the company that has led the thought leadership charge when it comes to mobile strategies and technologies for automotive dealers, today announced the release of The Pocket Innovation, the second edition of the company’s very successful 2013 eBook The Pocket Revolution:  The Complete Guide to a Killer Mobile App. 

Available for download today at DMEautomotive.com, The Pocket Innovation helps auto dealers easily navigate the rapidly evolving mobile marketplace and is chock full of new data on mobile user behavior direct from the marketing scientists in DMEa's Strategy & Analytics department, as well as from respected third party sources. In addition, the book includes multiple best practices for mobile - including the difference between a mobile app and mobile website, how to maximize the customer experience with technologies like mobile payment, and how to leverage cutting-edge tactics such as geo-fencing and beacon technology (the big mobile marketing buzz term for 2015).  

 “The ‘pocket revolution’ has happened: 58% of American adults now carry a smartphone[1]. But, while the third and fourth waves of mobile adoption are thundering ahead across U.S. retail markets, most dealerships are still riding the first one,” said Mike Martinez, CMO of DMEautomotive.  “And with the rapid evolution of mobile, this is of particular concern given that not only are more and more consumers using mobile apps on their smartphones during their vehicle/ownership journey, but those who do are more likely to buy a vehicle, increase their service visits – and spend more money![2] Our new eBook delivers the latest information and best practices to take the mystery out of today’s mobile innovations, and offers simple tips and practices to help ensure that more and more dealers leverage today’s pocket innovations.”

Consider just a few stats from The Pocket Innovation:

• About 41% of mobile car shoppers use automotive apps during the purchase process.
• 59% of automotive consumers researched their purchase on their mobile device before arriving at the dealership.
• 48% of customers are still researching their purchase while they’re physically on the lot.
• Mobile app usage is set to grow by 29.8 percent each year, reaching 4.4 billion app users by the end of 2017.

The Pocket Innovation helps dealerships take advantage of the mobile explosion with key mobile best practices for (among others):

• Bridging the App Gap
• Mobile App versus Mobile Web
• Millennials
• DMS Integration
• Inventory Display
• Service Scheduling
• Loyalty Integration
• Geo-Fencing
• Beacon Technology
• Mobile Wallet
• Compliance
• Measurement

The Pocket Innovation is available today for download, free of charge at: www.dmeautomotive.com.

About DMEautomotive
DMEautomotive (DMEa) is the industry leader in science-based, results-driven automotive marketing, and provides turnkey marketing to the largest and most innovative automotive organizations, from automobile dealers to many of the largest aftermarket companies in the U.S. DMEa's uniquely panoramic view of the complete automotive sales and service market, combined with its cutting-edge, science-based marketing programs, increases customer yield, conversion and retention.

DMEa does not take marketing performance on faith, and each product and service is measured by a simple, precise scientific approach: Is it true? Prove it. Will it work? Test it. Does it generate results? Show it! Supported by DMEa’s proprietary, cloud-based Red Rocket Technology Platform, the DMEa product suite includes science-based, data-driven, multi-channel customer acquisition and retention marketing programs; best-in-class campaign reporting; data management and analytics; auto-focused Customer Interaction Center solutions, and complete on-site mail and email fulfillment services. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, DMEa also has major operations in Jacksonville, Fla.

Media Inquiries
Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, +1-949-307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com
 

Awards recognize dealer satisfaction with products / services in 14 categories; presented at special ceremony in conjunction with the 2015 NADA Convention  

San Francisco, CA – January 22nd, 2015 – The sixth annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards were presented at a special ceremony today in conjunction with the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo in San Francisco. The awards measure dealer satisfaction with products and services provided by vendors in 2014 in 14 categories, including Chat Products, CRM, New Car Leads, Reputation Management, SEO, Used Car Advertising, Websites, SEO and more. Vendors who achieved the highest dealer satisfaction rankings received “Highest Rated” or “Top Rated” awards. The awards are based on DrivingSales Vendor Ratings, which comprise 21,000 validated user reviews.

“This marks the sixth anniversary of the Dealer Satisfaction awards, and we are so impressed with the breadth of service and results our award recipients are providing for their clients, ” said Jared Hamilton, DrivingSales CEO and Founder. “There really is nowhere else apart from Vendor Ratings that dealers can go to find the real bottom line on the multitude of products on the market, and from the people who understand best what works and what doesn’t in the dealership – their fellow dealers. We are so proud to recognize the companies that have consistently ranked at the highest levels with the dealerships that use them, including many who have distinguished themselves in these awards before.    We congratulate the 2014 Dealer Satisfaction Award Recipients for being recognized as the best-of-the-best by the dealer community.”

The 2014 DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Award Recipients* are (by category):
 

 Call Management
o CAR-Research XRM – Highest Rated
o CallSource – Top Rated
o CallRevu – Top Rated

Chat Products
o ContactAtOnce! – Highest Rated
o ActivEngage – Top Rated
o CarChat24 – Top Rated

CRM - Sales Department
o ELEAD1ONE– Highest Rated
o DealerSocket – Top Rated
o  CAR-Research – Top Rated

DMS
o Autosoft, Inc. – Highest Rated
o Auto/Mate Dealership Systems – Top Rated
o Dealertrack Technologies – Top Rated

Fixed Ops Solutions
o ELEAD1ONE  – Highest Rated
o DealerSocket – Top Rated
o CIMA Systems – Top Rated

ILM
o ELEAD1ONE  – Highest Rated
o CAR-Research XRM – Top Rated
o DealerSocket – Top Rated
 

Inventory Pricing
o vAuto – Highest Rated
o VinSolutions – Top Rated

New Car Leads
o Autobytel – Highest Rated
o Dealix – Top Rated

Owner Marketing
o ELEAD1ONE– Highest Rated
o J&L Marketing, Inc  – Top Rated
o CIMA Systems – Top Rated

Reputation Management
o DealerRater – Highest Rated
o eXtéresAUTO– Top Rated
o Slipstream Auto – Top Rated

SEM - PPC
o Local Search Group – Highest Rated
o Dealer e Process – Top Rated
 

SEO
o Customer Scout, Inc. – Highest Rated
o DealerFire – Top Rated

Used Car Advertising
o AutoTrader – Highest Rated
o Dealix – Top Rated
o Cars.com – Top Rated
 

Websites
o Dealer Car Search – Highest Rated
o DealerOn– Top Rated
o Dealer e Process – Top Rated

The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards are based on cumulative ratings tallied and verified over the calendar year (January – December) at DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings.  DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings is the industry’s only neutral, comprehensive vendor rating forum featuring real-time peer reviews and honest competitor comparisons, and provides dealerships with important information from actual customers who have hands-on experience using vendor products / solutions in their stores. Each rating is verified as coming from an actual dealership employee.

Full award results are available online at http://dealersatisfactionawards.com/. Award winners are showcased in the Q1 2015 issue of DrivingSales DealerExec which, in addition to being distributed at the 2015 NADA Convention and Expo, is delivered to every new car dealership nationwide, as well as to more than 2,000 of the top used car dealers in the U.S. For more information on DealerExec, please visit: dealerexecmag.com.

*The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards recognize those solutions with the highest vendor ratings for which there was a sufficient sample size / number of ratings. For each category that had a sufficient sample size / number of ratings, there are a total of up to three possible winners: a “Highest Rated” winner, and up to two “Top Rated” winners.

About DrivingSales
DrivingSales enables retail automotive dealers to learn, connect, innovate, and prosper in a rapidly changing retail environment. DrivingSales operates three business units geared at delivering actionable insight to dealers:  DrivingSales Media, which comprises the DrivingSales.com dealer community, DrivingSales News, Dealer Executive Magazine, and multiple industry conferences. DrivingSales University, the leading provider of automotive retail education content and certification programs, and DrivingSales Data, the industry’s largest cross-channel data analytics platform.

Founded by a third-generation car dealer in 2008, today DrivingSales is utilized by over 60% of franchised dealerships in North America as a resource to improve their business performance.  To learn more about the DrivingSales community, news, training or performance analytics visit DrivingSales.com, DrivingSalesNews.com, DrivingSalesUniversity.com and DrivingSalesData.com

DrivingSales Media Relations:

Melanie Webber (melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 949.307.1723

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 22nd, 2015 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems (www.automate.com) announced today it has received a “Top Rated” Dealership Management System (DMS) award in the sixth annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards, presented at a special event today in conjunction with the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo.

"This is the third year in a row that Auto/Mate has been recognized by dealers for being a leader in customer satisfaction," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems. "We're not satisfied unless our customers are satisfied, so knowing they appreciate us for providing the best software with the best support is a great achievement."

Auto/Mate's Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a full-featured, user-friendly dealership management system in use at more than 1,000 auto retailers nationwide. AMPS provides dealers with robust functionality suitable for large auto groups and equivalent to other leading DMS vendors, for a much lower monthly premium. The system is designed "By Car People For Car People^TM," has an open API for third-party vendor integration and is customizable to a dealership's individual processes.

“We congratulate Auto/Mate on being a DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Award recipient and for being recognized by its dealer customers for high levels of excellence,” said DrivingSales CEO and Founder Jared Hamilton. “For six years, and through over 21,000 validated reviews, DrivingSales Vendor Ratings has helped dealers make smarter, more informed decisions, leading them to outstanding service providers such as Auto/Mate."

The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards are based on cumulative ratings tallied and verified over the calendar year (January – December 2014) at DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings. DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings is the industry’s only neutral, comprehensive vendor rating forum featuring real-time peer reviews and honest competitor comparisons, and provides dealerships with important information from actual customers who have hands-on experience using vendor products / solutions in their stores. Each rating is verified as coming from an actual dealership employee.

Full award results are available online at http://dealersatisfactionawards.com/. Award winners are showcased in the Q1 2015 issue of DrivingSales DealerExec which, in addition to being distributed at the 2015 NADA Convention and Expo, is delivered to every new car dealership nationwide, as well as to more than 2,000 of the top used car dealers in the U.S. For more information on DealerExec, please visit DealeExecMag dot com.

For more information on Auto/Mate's DMS, please visit www.automate.com or visit Booth #3310N at the NADA Convention & Expo, January 24th - 26th.
 

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships. Its Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,000 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate received the “Highest Rated DMS of 2012" and the "Highest Rated DMS of 2013" awards in the annual Driving Sales Dealer Satisfaction Awards.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 850 years of combined experience working in auto dealerships – the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car People^TM” slogan. For more information visit our website, follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS 

About DrivingSales  

DrivingSales enables retail automotive dealers to learn, connect, innovate, and prosper in a rapidly changing retail environment. DrivingSales operates three business units geared at delivering actionable insight to dealers:  DrivingSales Media, which comprises the DrivingSales.com dealer community, DrivingSales News, Dealer Executive Magazine, and multiple industry conferences. DrivingSales University, the leading provider of automotive retail education content and certification programs, and DrivingSales Data, the industry’s largest cross-channel data analytics platform.

Founded by a third-generation car dealer in 2008, today DrivingSales is utilized by over 60% of franchised dealerships in North America as a resource to improve their business performance.  

Auto/Mate Media Relations:
Holly Forsberg ,Carter West Public Relations, 602-680-8960

DrivingSales Media Relations:
Melanie Webber,  mWEBB Communications, 949.307.1723

CarStory Market Reports Help Educate Volkswagen Customers and Streamline Purchase Decisions

Austin, Texas - January 21, 2015 – Today, CarStory announced it was selected by Volkswagen of America to provide free online CarStory Market Reports to authorized Volkswagen dealers nationwide. These Market Reports will introduce WorldAuto® Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles to customers earlier in the buying process and help build consumer confidence through the presentation and analytics of each vehicle’s unique story.

According to a 2014 Auto Trader CPO study, only 45% of used car shoppers are familiar with CPO programs. Yet when asked, they are 38% more likely to consider a CPO vehicle once exposed to program details.[1]

“The key to selling a certified vehicle is to educate the consumer on the program benefits and peace of mind that come with CPO,” said Josh Lever, the General Manager of Platinum Volkswagen (NY). “The detailed dealership inspection, limited warranty, roadside assistance – all of these CPO features, when coupled with the CarStory Market Report, quickly demonstrate the value of a vehicle and the entire CPO program.”

Michael Ashton, Senior Manager of CPO and Used Car Operations at Volkswagen said: “Our mission is to create advantages for our dealer network that drive traffic. The CarStory Market Report does just that by providing the right type of vehicle analytics for consumers to educate themselves on the perfect Volkswagen vehicle earlier in the purchasing process.”

“We are excited to show how CarStory can help Volkswagen build customers for life by enhancing the car buying experience with our unique market insights,” said John Price, CEO of CarStory parent company Vast.  CarStory’s proprietary database of supply and demand insights is the largest in the automotive industry.

CarStory Market Reports, customized for the WorldAuto program, are currently available to Volkswagen dealerships free of charge on all pre-owned, Certified Pre-Owned, and Qualified Pre-Owned vehicles. Volkswagen dealerships that wish to sign up for CarStory can go to bitly.com/vwcarstory.

###

About CarStory

Every car has a story. CarStory uses a massive database and industry-leading big data insights to tell that story. By uncovering the facts, features and competitive differentiators that make each vehicle unique in any given market, CarStory offers dealers and consumers the confidence they need to condense the sales process and walk away happy. Learn more at CarStory.com.

About Vast

Vast is the premier provider of big data solutions for life’s biggest purchases. Vast’s industry-leading big data platform and applications are currently in use at many of the largest automotive, real estate and travel businesses in the world. Vast serves Global 1000 companies such as AOL and Southwest Airlines, and powers more than 300 automotive marketplaces. Learn more at Vast.com.

Media Relations: 

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, (949) 307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com 

Cassandra Cavanah, mWEBB Communications, (818) 397-4630, cassandra@mwebbcom.com

New analysis by DMEautomotive of over 8,500 dealership calls shows that nearly 70% of missed service calls are from ‘Swing Loyalists’ who represent 31% of dealership spend

Daytona Beach, FL – January 21, 2015 – A new analysis by DMEautomotive reveals that dealerships are missing out on calls from customers who represent nearly one third of their total service dollars. The study of 8,537 overflow and afterhours service-related calls across 172 dealerships identified nearly 70% of those callers as ‘swing loyalists.’ These customers, according to DMEa research, represent 31% of all dealership service dollars and have a high propensity to become loyal customers, thereby increasing their value to the dealership even further. The data also showed that one fifth of those potentially missed calls were from dealership ‘loyalists’ who represent a whopping 59% of dealerships service dollars.

“The message of this data could not be clearer: dealers must have effective programs and processes for handling after hours and overflow calls or risk losing a large chunk of service revenue and, critically, valuable loyal customers,” said JoAnn Bedenbaugh, vice president and General Manager of DMEautomotive’s Customer Interaction Center.  “With the explosion of smartphone usage, the phone call has once again become an essential source of leads and communication with customers. In fact, phone leads are growing at a greater pace than Internet leads – and, as our data shows, represent some of a dealership’s highest value service opportunities. Unfortunately, those are the calls most likely to be missed.”

DMEautomotive analysis

According to DMEautomotive’s segmentation studies[1], the highest value dealership service center customers are ‘swing loyalists’ who either give a dealer more of their visits or more of their spend, but not both, and ‘loyalists,’ who give a dealership both. 

And, it is these two groups who make up the highest proportion of a dealership’s after hours and overflow callers - ninety percent.

Considering the proportion of revenue each segment represents – ‘swing loyalists’ 31% / ’loyalists’ 59% - dealerships who are not adequately handling after hours and overflow calls are potentially losing one third of all their service revenue, risking a poor customer service experience and, ultimately, defection from the customers who comprise the majority of their business.

* DMEautomotive analyzed 8,357 calls across 172 dealerships between June 1^st, 2014 and October 31^st, 2014.

About DMEautomotive
DMEautomotive (DMEa) is the industry leader in science-based, results-driven automotive marketing, and provides turnkey marketing to the largest and most innovative automotive organizations, from automobile dealerships to many of the largest aftermarket companies in the U.S. DMEa's uniquely panoramic view of the complete automotive sales and service market, combined with its cutting-edge, science-based marketing programs, increases customer yield, conversion and retention. 

DMEa does not take marketing performance on faith, and each product and service is measured by a simple, precise scientific approach: Is it true? Prove it. Will it work? Test it. Does it generate results? Show it! Supported by DMEa’s proprietary, cloud-based Red Rocket Technology Platform, the DMEa product suite includes science-based, data driven, multi-channel customer acquisition and retention marketing programs; best-in-class campaign reporting; data management and analytics; auto-focused Customer Interaction Center solutions, and complete on-site mail and email fulfillment services. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, DMEa also has major operations in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Media Relations

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, (424) 603-4340, melanie@mwebbcom.com
Crystal Hartwell, mWEBB Communications, (949) 929-4637, crystal@mwebbcom.com

Doubling in size and launching two new businesses in 2014, DrivingSales cemented its position as the leading information services provider in the retail automotive industry delivering valuable insights to dealers through its media properties, university and data & analytics tools

Salt Lake City, Utah – January 21, 2015 – DrivingSales today announced that 2014 marked a banner year of growth for the retail automotive information services provider. In addition, Chris Reed, an automotive digital marketing veteran, has joined the expanding team as President of DrivingSales Media and CMO of DrivingSales LLC. DrivingSales connects progressive dealers to the people and insights they need to optimize their daily business operations through DrivingSales Media, University and Data divisions. 

DrivingSales launched in 2008 as the industry’s first online community for auto dealerships, and the company has grown to become the industry’s leading provider of the most relevant, actionable insights for dealerships across a variety of platforms. With registered users in over 60% of dealerships nationwide, and three times the online user traffic of the next largest community, DrivingSales.com has become the leading network for collaboration, product reviews, and industry trends; and it is the central piece of the DrivingSales media division.  In addition, DrivingSales University and Data divisions deliver actionable insight to dealerships providing skills education, and performance insights as purely dealer-aligned, trusted third party.

In 2014, DrivingSales launched two new businesses that rapidly achieved critical mass. 

• DrivingSales News premiered in August 2014, exclusively reporting on the intersection between retail automotive and technology innovation. DrivingSales News produces over 100 video stories and articles each month and, in less than four months, has grown to deliver news to one-third of US dealerships.
• DrivingSales Data launched in June 2014 and is the industry’s first free cross-channel marketing analytics service, integrated directly with the industry’s major marketing platforms to provide valuable performance benchmarking for dealers.  DrivingSales Data has already been adopted by all North American 20 Group organizations as part of their services and is on track to have nearly 30 percent of US dealerships on its platform.

DrivingSales’ established businesses also continued to prosper in 2014.

• DrivingSales.com dealer network saw a 43% increase in unique user visits, and recognized 38 products for excellence on the basis of over 21,000 validated user reviews.
• DrivingSales Executive Summit and President’s Club continued to be the industry’s leading conferences for business and technology innovators, selling out for the fifth consecutive year.
• DrivingSales University engaged nearly 5,000 dealer learners in 310 courses across all aspects of dealership operations, and pioneered the industry’s first professional marketing certification program

“We are proud that DrivingSales has evolved into the leading information provider for auto dealerships, and one of the industry’s most influential brands, offering benefits to dealers at the critical juncture where retailing and innovation meet,” said DrivingSales CEO and Founder Jared Hamilton.

“Our promise continues to be to offer the most accurate, progressive, and useful insights to help dealerships stay ahead in their rapidly changing ecosystem,” continued Hamilton. 

“The addition of Chris Reed to our leadership team will, without doubt, keep us ahead of that promise. Chris has been a valued advisor to DrivingSales almost since inception. His track record in this industry as an innovator and leader is remarkable, as is his passion to contribute not just to the commercial good of our company, but to also help the people who fuel the auto industry - dealers and OEMs - prosper.”

Reed has over 25 years of experience in marketing, strategy and business management roles, leading marketing and sales efforts that built several businesses valued at over $1B.  Prior to joining DrivingSales, Reed served as CMO of CDK Digital Marketing, formerly Cobalt, where he led the marketing initiatives that supported the company’s five-fold growth, leading with insights on consumer behavior and industry best practices.

Reed holds a BA in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University, an MBA from Harvard University, and has been a graduate researcher on innovation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the protagonist in two case studies taught at the Harvard Business School and at the Kellogg Business School.

“It has been exciting to watch DrivingSales develop from single community site to the ‘go to’ source for trusted insights for automotive retailers, manufacturers and vendors, a company respected for its independence and integrity,” said Reed. “The industry is entering a period of disruptive change that will create winners and losers. I am thrilled to be able to facilitate connections between innovative dealers, vendors and manufacturers to navigate this change with professionalism and profitability.”

About DrivingSales   

DrivingSales enables retail automotive dealers to learn, connect, innovate, and prosper in a rapidly changing retail environment. DrivingSales operates three business units geared at delivering actionable insight to dealers:  DrivingSales Media, which comprises the DrivingSales.com dealer community, DrivingSales News, Dealer Executive Magazine, and multiple industry conferences. DrivingSales University, the leading provider of automotive retail education content and certification programs, and DrivingSales Data, the industry’s largest cross-channel data analytics platform.

Founded by a third-generation car dealer in 2008, today DrivingSales is utilized by over 60% of franchised dealerships in North America as a resource to improve their business performance.  To learn more about the DrivingSales community, news, training or performance analytics visit DrivingSales.com, DrivingSalesNews.com, DrivingSalesUniversity.com and DrivingSalesData.com

DrivingSales Media Relations:
Melanie Webber (melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 424.603.4340
Crystal Hartwell (crystal@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 714.987.1016