HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Aug. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the DieHard brand, Sears is opening two new DieHard Auto Centers – conversions of existing Sears Auto Centers – located in the Detroit suburbs of Troy and Roseville, Michigan. DieHard Auto Center is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of today's driver. The new stores, located at Oakland Mall and Macomb Mall, respectively, open today.

Both DieHard Auto Centers are 17,000 square feet and leverage interactive in-store merchandise displays and advanced diagnostic technology. Each offers a suite of services and amenities, including:

• Digital Tire Journey: A web app that relies on IBM Watson Natural Language Classifier service to help customers identify the appropriate tires to fit their driving preferences. Customers can also use touchscreens in store to access the Digital Tire Journey.
• Free Wi-Fi: Enabling customers to be productive or entertained while their vehicle is serviced.

"The new DieHard Auto Center Driven by Sears is another example of how we are unleashing the power of the DieHard brand," said Jon Otterberg, president of Sears Automotive. “This builds on the success of the DieHard Auto Center that we opened in San Antonio in February. It offers state-of-the-art technology and services in a contemporary, comfortable setting – that, combined with service from our experienced associates, can help today's drivers make the right choices for their vehicle's needs."

"DieHard is America's most trusted automotive battery brand," said Tom Park, president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands. "In 2016, we introduced DieHard tires, which have been well-received by our customers, and we have continued to see positive, strong sales since their introduction. As we have also expanded the brand into automotive consumer electronics accessories, it is a natural evolution to extend the brand to automotive service. Now, when you bring your vehicle to a DieHard Auto Center, you can have the same peace of mind you expect from DieHard products."

Operating hours for the new DieHard Auto Center Driven by Sears are Monday throughSaturday, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about the new Troy and Roseville DieHard Auto Centers Driven by Sears, visit www.searsauto.com.

DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 11, 2017 – MUSA Auto Finance, an auto finance company specializing in new and pre-owned vehicle leasing, announced today the launch of its online portal, where dealers can submit applications, receive decisions and print pre-populated lease contracts. This portal automates a typically complicated process and, for the first time, enables truly effortless leasing.

“In an environment where loan terms continue to escalate, customers are being taken out of the market for far too long. That’s why I believe leasing has drawn so much attention over the past couple of years,” said Jeff Morgan, CEO of MUSA Auto Finance. “The problem is, the standard leasing process is confusing and time-consuming for dealers. It’s so difficult that many dealers don’t even want to consider doing a lease. But our automated leasing program will change that.”

Dealers simply send MUSA the customer and vehicle info, agreed-upon vehicle price, and down payment through DealerTrack, RouteOne, or the MUSA portal. Then MUSA structures the lease. With one click of a button in the proprietary dealer portal, dealers can print the completed lease agreement and other documents needed to finalize the funding package.

President Richard Frunzi shared, “When we started this company, our mission was to modernize auto leasing so dealers no longer need to worry with complicated worksheets, tedious deal structuring, and kicked contracts. Leveraging this kind of automation for leasing is unheard of in the industry today – and especially for both new and used cars.”

MUSA is now doing business in 29 states, with representatives already on the ground in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Washington. The company is also signing up dealers in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.

MUSA recently secured $175 million in funding capacity through a warehouse facility with Goldman Sachs and a capital investment from Crestline Investors, Inc. This funding will enable MUSA to launch its auto leasing program nationwide, as well as implement future enhancements to its online portal.

To learn more about MUSA’s effortless leasing, visit www.musaautofinance.com and click “Dealers.”

About MUSA Auto Finance
MUSA Auto Finance maintains its corporate offices in Dallas, Texas, with a servicing and collections center in Jacksonville, Fla. MUSA originates its leases from franchise and select independent dealers and will soon expand its sales force nationwide. The company expects to have marketing reps in 25 major markets and to be doing business in 48 contiguous states within the next two years. MUSA was founded by Jeff Morgan, who also owns Mortgages USA and Internet Auto Group. Richard Frunzi, President, former co-founder and COO of Exeter Finance Corp., joined Mr. Morgan in 2016 to create MUSA Auto Finance. MUSA’s leadership team also includes Cinde Perales, Chief Compliance Officer; Eric Estes, Chief Operations Officer; and Scott Schondau, Chief Financial Officer. For more information, visit www.musaautofinance.com.

Alexandria, VA (August 2) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released July's sales figures for the international nameplate automobile industry. Brands sold by America's 9,600 international nameplate franchises accounted for 58.6 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States in July, up from 55.4 percent in June.

AutoData Corp. reports that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for July 2017 was 16.73 million, its third consecutive month below the 17 million unit mark. Sales of all brands, unadjusted for business days, were down 7 percent from last July. Industrywide, 1,415,139 light vehicles were sold in July, down from 1,474,360 in June and 1,519,249 a year ago. So far this year, international brands represented by AIADA have fared slightly better than their domestic counterparts, down just 1.2 percent in sales compared to a 4.9 percent drop by the domestics.

Auto sales are now on track for their first decline in volume since the 2008 recession. However, some brands found reason to celebrate in July. Subaru saw a 6.9 percent improvement and Toyota sales were up 3.6 percent. While Honda's sales were down 1.7 percent, its Acura brand improved 3.7 percent. Of international brands, Hyundai saw the greatest dip in July with a 30.1 percent drop in sales, in part due to a decision to cut fleet sales by 77 percent.

"Dealers anticipate customers will be drawn to their stores this fall by attractive new models and incentives," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "We consider a market where consumers are purchasing 16 to 17 million new vehicles a year to be extremely healthy."

International auto sales in the U.S. totaled 828,772 in July, up from 816,332 vehicles in June but down from 848,268 units in May. Asian brands occupied 49.6 percent of July's market, up significantly from 46 percent in June and 47 percent in May, and well ahead of the domestic nameplates' 41.4 percent market share. Overall, Asian nameplate dealers sold 702,615 light vehicles last month, a 2.7 percent drop from a year ago.

European brands sold 126,157 units last month, down from 138,161 units in June and 135,995 units a year ago. Europeans brands occupied 8.9 percent of the U.S. market in July, down from 9.4 percent in June but equal to their market share one year ago. Their July sales were down 7.2 percent from July 2016.

To read AIADA's complete coverage of July's international nameplate auto sales, click here.

About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

Contact: Libby Newman 
NewmanL@aiada.org 
703-519-7800

SAN FRANCISCO (August 2, 2017) -- Drive Motors, which builds ecommerce solutions for the largest car dealerships in the country, officially announced today that it has raised $5.2 million in total funding with the completion of its seed round, led by Bullpen Capital, with participation from existing investors: Y Combinator, Khosla Ventures, Perkins Coie LLP, Emagen Entertainment Group, and others. Drive Motors transforms car-dealership websites and showrooms into ecommerce destinations, and, since completing Y Combinator’s incubator program in 2016, has grown to over 1,000 car orders per month.

"We are excited to back Drive Motors as they have captured the elusive Millennial car buyer for dealers, by selling cars the way Millennials like to buy -- online with full information -- and yet delivering twice the profit to dealers for the convenience," said Duncan Davidson, a general partner of Bullpen Capital, who will join Drive Motors' board as part of his company's investment. "It's a great example of thinking outside the bubble, and leveraging the existing value of brick- and-mortar businesses, rather than being disruptive for the sake of it.”

Since launching online checkout for car dealers in 2016, Drive Motors has surpassed 1,000 car orders per month, and $250 million in annual order volume for its dealership customers. Current customers include top-grossing dealerships from the largest dealership groups in the country, including Atlanta-based Fortune 500 company Asbury Automotive Group, which was one of Drive Motors’ first customers and has since rolled out online checkout across their entire group of stores.

“It’s always seemed odd to me that buying a new car is so incredibly complicated. It seems like something that should just work, once I’ve picked out what I want,” said Aaron Harris, partner at Y Combinator. “Drive Motors is actually making that happen for the first-time ever, and they’re doing it in a way that actually aligns the dealers and the buyers. That’s a big leap forward.”

According to a recent survey from Drive Motors, which regularly analyzes data to inform the industry about car-shopping trends, nearly half of all online orders are placed between 5pm and 10am, and nearly half are placed on mobile phones. Drive Motors has observed that car buyers prefer to visit the dealership showroom as part of their research process, but prefer to make their purchase decision after-hours, from home. The company will use its new funding to expand its dealership network, and develop more features to streamline the car-ownership experience.

"Ecommerce is rapidly becoming essential to top-grossing car dealerships, and this funding will allow Drive Motors to offer dealers of all sizes a full-stack solution that streamlines marketing, financing, contracting, servicing, and more," said Aaron Krane, CEO and founder of Drive Motors. “Frictionless ecommerce is a win-win for buyers and dealerships, alike."

About Drive Motors:

Drive Motors builds ecommerce experiences for auto dealerships. For dealerships, Drive Motors offers an online-checkout experience that integrates effortlessly into their own website and showroom, and transforms their dealership into an ecommerce destination. For buyers, Drive Motors offers a simple, end-to-end checkout experience that removes sales pressure from the showroom, and lets people buy at home in their comfort zone. For more information, visitdrivemotors.com/dealers and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Lisa Hagendorf

Norfolk, VA – Dominion Dealer Solutions, provider of industry-leading automotive responsive websites and equity mining tools, has introduced My Payment for automotive retail dealers nationwide.Dominion’s My Payment is a suite of tools designed to drive more leads from dealership websites by giving shoppers real answers to their payment questions. The application embedded on the dealership’s website moves consumers deeper into the sales funnel and increases leads for automotive retail dealers by 25-40%. The lead generation process from My Payment allows online shoppers to select exactly what they can afford and learn what their monthly payments would be for any specific vehicle.

In today’s automotive market, many car shoppers are more concerned with the price of the vehicle than the vehicle’s specifics or add-ons. My Payment captures the segment of consumers that are most focused on payment rather than a specific make or model. By targeting these car shoppers, the reach of the dealership’s website is broadened to include highly qualified leads, not just browsers. My Payment lets dealers provide easy, informative and engaging methods which shoppers can use to get accurate payment information and secure credit pre-qualification, and to shop based on the consumer-set payment levels. Strong calls to action encourage shoppers to contact the dealer after selecting a payment option by either phone or setting up an appointment online.

“Most website customers never convert because dealers offer so little for that conversion. My Payment helps dealers offer the customer real information. This is why it generates so many leads from the dealership’s website,” noted Nicole Case, general manager for managed services and digital at Dominion Dealer Solutions. “Best of all, these are leads that enter into the buying process and result in higher front end and back end profits for the dealership. It’s the best web and marketing conversion solution available today in the automotive industry.”

My Payment instantly calculates monthly payments for banks, OEM leases or finance programs, based on configurable dealer profit structure including: customizable reserve markups, down payments, pricing options, credit tiered rates, and all applicable rebates and incentives. Dealers using My Payment on their website can pull reports on interested shoppers by income as well as credit score. My Payment includes fully compliant disclosures for all qualifying programs and terms and is updated daily. The proprietary soft pull credit technology does not require a social security number or date of birth from the consumer. It displays monthly payments for every vehicle in stock and is mobile-optimized, providing highly-qualified leads to the dealer. My Payment’s suite of tools equips shoppers to make better decisions about which vehicles fit their budgets, thus creating a relationship of trust with the dealership.

”My Payment is a shining example of a suite of tools that gives shoppers something truly valuable while driving results for the dealer,” added Sean Stansell, product director for DominionWebsites. “It’s the true definition of a win-win.”

About DriveItNow
DriveItNow’s patent pending truPayments® technology offers proven car shopper engagement that generates more sales and profits for dealers. DriveItNow services are available to the automotive industry, including dealers, manufacturers, lenders, website providers, and third-party retailers. A white-labeled version of DriveItNow is offered by AutoByTel, Dominion Dealer Services and GoMoto. More information at www.DriveItNow.com

About Dominion Dealer Solutions
Dominion Dealer Solutions helps car dealers attract, retain, and service customers for life. Dominion’s Progressive Retail Solutions include customer relationship (CRM) and dealer management systems (DMS) with actionable intelligence from the Microsoft Dynamics platform.  Dominion’s Progressive Retail Solutions also feature lead management and equity mining technology, inventory management analytics, social media marketing and reputation management solutions.  Dealers nationwide purchase custom lead generation and digital marketing tools from Dominion including: responsive design websites, SEO, SEM, digital advertising, multi-channel marketing, specialized data aggregation, mobile apps and market reports. OEMs and auto dealers nationwide utilize DominionDealer Solutions’ technologies to solve their marketing challenges.Dominion Dealer Solutions is redefining automotive retail by delivering first-class customer experiences for local car buyers. For more information, visit our website.

###

-Tarry E. Shebesta, President
DriveItNow / truPayments
Past President, National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA)
tarry@driveitnow.com / Mobile: 513.200.5757
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Follow DriveItNow on Twitter

Ranked #1 in Dealer Satisfaction, Customer Scout SEO WINS award in Automotive Search Engine Optimization. Award winning Dealer digital marketing services.

DENVER - Feb. 24, 2016 - PRLog -- Automotive NEWS - Customer Scout INC wins the prestigious automotive award for Search Engine Optimization from DrivingSales for the year of 2015. Customer Scout provides award winning digital marketing services to dealers the country in Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, Detroit, Boston, Charlotte, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and across the country!

CUSTOMER SCOUT RECEIVES “HIGHEST RATED” DRIVINGSALES DEALER SATISFACTION AWARD

Ranked #1 in Dealer Satisfaction, Customer Scout SEO wins award in Search Engine Optimization Category

Denver, Colorado – February 25, 2016 –  Customer Scout SEOhas received the “Highest Rated” Search Engine Optimization Award in the seventh annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards. Customer Scout SEO received the highest dealer satisfaction ranking in the Automotive Search Engine Optimization category, as determined by the thousands of auto dealers who are part of the DrivingSales. com community.

“We congratulate Customer Scout SEO on being recognized as one of the best-of-the-best by the people to whom their services count the most: the dealer community,” said DrivingSales CEO and Founder Jared Hamilton. “For seven years, and through over 25,000 validated reviews, DrivingSales Vendor Ratings has helped dealers make smart, more informed decisions, leading them to outstanding service providers such as Customer Scout SEO.”

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 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 athttp://dealersatisfactionawards.com. Award winners are showcased in the Q1 2016 issue of the DrivingSales DealerExec delivered to more than 2,000 of the top used car dealer in the U.S. For more information on DealerExec, please visit: dealerexecmag.com.

About DrivingSales

DrivingSales is a professional network serving the auto industry with dealer-driven news and information, online training, and performance data, all to enable dealers to make critical business decisions at their dealerships. DrivingSales’ mission is to connect progressive dealership professionals to the people and information they need to maximize their success. Founded by a third-generation car dealer, and opened up to the industry in 2008, today DrivingSales has registered users in over 50% of new car dealerships in the US and is active in several other countries around the globe. To learn more about the DrivingSales community, training or performance analytics visit DrivingSales.com, DrivingSalesUniversity.com and DrivingSalesData.com

Contact Customer Scout INC for your automotive SEO needs.  Win in your backyard and your target markets!

Customer Scout INC

Automotive SEO: 888-545-7660

http://www.customerscout.com

Dealership valuations skyrocket; Van Tuyl, Berkshire Hathaway acquisitions have major impact; new entrants outpace publics by over 4 to 1

Irvine, CA, March 9, 2016 – U.S. dealership buy/sell activity reached record highs in 2015[1], with activity by new entrants outpacing public company acquisitions by over four to one, according to The Blue Sky Report™, a Kerrigan Quarterly, which today released its full year 2015 analysis.  The report from Kerrigan Advisors is the auto industry's most comprehensive and authoritative quarterly report and analysis of dealership buy/sell activity and franchise values.

Laying out the high, average and low multiples for each franchise in the luxury and non-luxury segments for the quarter, the report offers a detailed view of public and private company dealership acquisition activity.  Key findings of the 2015 report include record high valuations, partially driven by attractive acquisition financing and the increased importance – and price – of dealership real estate. And, while the first half of the year was marked by the Van Tuyl transaction – the single largest acquisition in auto retail history - it was the influence of new, non-traditional buyers in the market, paved by Berkshire Hathaway’s entrance in 2015, that led to new entrants outpacing public company acquisitions.

“A number of iconic multi-dealership groups came to market in 2015 and were acquired by both established consolidators and new entrants. Faced with this stiffer competition, the publics found it more difficult to compete for larger group transactions, and represented just 7% of the buy/sell market in 2015. Meanwhile new dealership buyers, including family offices, private equity firms, and public conglomerates, acquired 29% of the franchises sold, a stunning accomplishment,” said Erin Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors. “We believe new entrants will increasingly shape dealership consolidation and meaningfully impact the future of auto retail.”

In addition to offering a comprehensive analysis of 2015 Buy/Sell activity, The Blue Sky Report™ also focuses on four important market trends Kerrigan Advisors believes will shape 2016:

• New entrants continue to seek platform acquisitions
• Return on investment drives valuations, particularly for larger transactions
• Blue sky multiples are firmer, less dependent on profit potential
• Publics' capital allocation is driven by stock price

“In 2015, dealership valuations rose to historically high levels, new entrants made sizable acquisitions, manufacturers approved numerous multi-dealership transactions, and real estate prices returned to pre-recession levels,” continued Kerrigan.  “In summary, it was a year that is hard to beat.  While the 2016 buy/sell market is expected to be as active as 2015, we anticipate the proportion of sellers completing a successful sale could decline as industry growth plateaus and dealership earnings come under pressure.”

The Blue Sky Report™, a Kerrigan Quarterly, is published four times a year and includes Kerrigan Advisor’s signature blue sky charts, multiples and analysis for each franchise in the luxury and non-luxury segments. The multiples are based on Kerrigan Advisors’ view of franchise values in the current buy/sell market and can be applied to adjusted pre-tax dealership earnings to estimate blue sky value. To download the report, click here.

Kerrigan Advisors market analysis will be showcased during Erin Kerrigan’s keynote at the J.D. Power 2016 Auto Summit March 31, 2016 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. 

Erin Kerrigan is Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, and is a recognized industry expert on dealership valuation, real estate and buy/sells. A sought after commentator on automotive retailing topics ranging from consumer auto buying trends to auto retail consolidation to private equity in auto retail, she has keynoted numerous automotive conferences and her analysis has appeared in publications such as Automotive News and the Wall Street Journal.   

About Kerrigan Advisors

Kerrigan Advisors is a national dealership buy/sell advisory firm focused on providing a high level of client service for dealership sellers. Led by a team of veteran advisors who have represented transactions totaling over $2 billion dollars in automotive, private equity and investment banking, Kerrigan Advisors customizes each sale process to maximize the seller’s transaction proceeds. With the most comprehensive buyer database in the industry, Kerrigan Advisors has the industry context and expertise to match each seller with the right buyer.

Each quarter, Kerrigan Advisors publishes The Blue Sky Report™, a Kerrigan Quarterly, which is the auto industry's most comprehensive and authoritative quarterly report and analysis of dealership buy/sell activity and franchise values.  Kerrigan Advisors’ Managing Director Erin Kerrigan, who authors the report, is a recognized industry expert on dealership valuation, real estate and buy/sells, and is a frequent speaker at leading auto retail events and conferences, including NADA, JD Power Automotive Roundtable, AICPA, NADC and Driving Sales’ President’s Club. She has also been a keynote speaker for events hosted by American Honda Motor Company, Audi of America, US Trust, Ohio Automobile Dealer Association, and SunTrust Bank and has led webinars for NADA and Automotive News.  Her expertise is also featured in a monthly column for Dealer Magazine. 

Kerrigan Advisors Media Contact:
Melanie Webber (melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications, 424.603.4340

.

Albany, N.Y. – March 7th, 2016 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today that two of its senior executives will be presenting workshops at the 2016 NADA Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, NV. Mike Esposito, President and CEO, will present Create a Top Workplace to Increase Customer Loyalty, and Dave Druzynski, Director of Human Resources, will present Proceed with Caution! Social Media in Hiring and Firing.

"I feel honored to be chosen out of hundreds of applicants. The fact that both Dave and I were selected tells me there's a real interest in workplace-related topics," said Mike Esposito, President and CEO of Auto/Mate Dealership Systems. "I believe that more dealers are starting to recognize that the happier their employees are, the more successful their business will be."

In the workshop Create a Top Workplace to Increase Customer Loyalty, Esposito will demonstrate:

• The proven correlation between happy employees, loyal customers and higher profits
• Why CSI scores have nothing to do with customer loyalty
• How to create a "great place to work" that will attract and retain the best employees
• What really motivates your employees; it may not be what you think.

Esposito has led Auto/Mate to the number one ranking in the "Top Workplaces" list compiled annually by Workplace Dynamics and the Times-Union. In 2015 he also won a special leadership award based on feedback from the Workplace Dynamics/Times-Union surveys. Additionally, Auto/Mate has been voted a "Best Place to Work" six years running by the Albany Business Review. Esposito is passionate about management and leadership principles and has spoken at many auto dealer association (ADA) and industry conferences.

To watch a video preview of Esposito's presentation: https://youtu.be/m2gIWmuAvXM

Create a Top Workplace to Increase Customer Loyalty is scheduled for the following days and times:

Thursday, March 31st from 12:15pm - 1:30pm in Room N220

Saturday, April 2nd from 8:30am - 9:45am in Room N206

Dave Druzynski, Auto/Mate's Director of HR, will present Proceed with Caution! Social Media in Hiring and Firing. "The use of social media has become pervasive in the workplace, and for some dealerships this has caused big problems with both prospective and current employees," said Druzynski.

In his workshop Druzynski will reveal:

• Laws that impact dealers' use of social media as it relates to hiring new employees and firing current employees
• How courts are interpreting these laws and how they affect dealers' decision-making
• How to create a compliant social media policy that will keep dealers out of legal trouble

As Director of HR for Auto/Mate, Druzynski oversees talent management, employee engagement, leadership development and legal compliance. He has earned the prestigious SPHR certification and is a sought after speaker for topics related to human resources.

To watch a video preview of Druzynski's presentation: https://youtu.be/zqvjO3SFAx4

Proceed with Caution! Social Media in Hiring and Firing is scheduled for the following days and times:

Thursday, March 31st from 3:45pm - 5:00pm in Room N101-102

Saturday, April 2nd from 10:15am - 11:30am in Room N202

For more information, call 877-829-7020. 

About Auto/Mate

Auto/Mate Dealership Systems is a leading provider of dealership management system (DMS) software to retail automotive dealerships, typically saving dealers thousands of dollars per month from their current provider. Our Automotive Management Productivity Suite (AMPS) is a user-friendly, feature-rich DMS in use by more than 1,200 auto dealers nationwide. Auto/Mate has received DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Auto/Mate’s employees have more than 940 years of combined experience working in franchised auto dealerships, the foundation of its “Designed By Car People For Car People^TM” slogan. Auto/Mate is committed to winning its customers’ business each and every month with no long-term contracts and free software upgrades. For more information follow us on Twitter @AutoMateDMS and subscribe to our blog at www.automate.com/blog.

"Genius Stations” Allow Dealerships to Transform Traditional Showrooms

With Seamless “Online to Showroom” Consumer Shopping Experience

Dallas, TX, March 7, 2016 – Pearl Technology Holdings, LLC, www.pearlsolutions.com (Pearl), today announced the addition of 6’4” dynamic touch screen “Genius Stations” to its new Express Retail platform, ShowroomXpress (SRX). The "Genius Stations” allow dealerships to transform traditional showrooms into seamless “online to showroom” consumer shopping experiences. SRX now enables a fully flexible customer journey. The shopper can start online, or in the store, and pick up right where they left off, through use of the SRX application either online or in the store. 

SRX is a “clicks to bricks” Express Retail Platform that allows vehicle shoppers to buy online, or in-store, in a fraction of the normal time. By leveraging Experian’s pre-screen technology, SRX calculates auto loan payments to the dollar in 10 seconds. It is the first platform to pre-qualify customers without a Social Security number and provide instant and exact payment calculations from every U.S auto lender. Once prequalified, a salesperson can scan the VIN and Driver’s license of a customer using a smart device and with the flick of a finger bring the customer’s record up on the “Genius Station,” which shows pre-approved payments down to the dollar on each vehicle for both purchase and lease terms. It displays the three best rates offered by three different lenders, allowing the dealership to be transparent to the consumer. The dealer’s finance profit is preconfigured in the displayed terms. A salesperson or customer can toggle terms, adjust down payment or lease mileage and the payments will change on the fly based on lender programs. 

“SRX is a 360 degree retail platform that will allow dealerships to offer the most efficient and flexible retail buying experience the automotive industry has seen to date,” said Bruce Thompson, Pearl CEO and Founder. “We wanted to help dealers transform their showrooms into the digital age and finally achieve 30-40 minute transaction times. Our new ‘Genius Stations’ are the perfect addition. In fact, they are actually 55” giant ‘smartphone-style’ apps that allow us to centrally syndicate content and media by dealership. They are an optional addition to the platform and can communicate seamlessly with tablets, pads or smartphones,” Thompson added. 

According to Thompson, the “Genius Stations” allow dealerships to offer an unparalleled in-store retail shopping experience.  “Basically, within 10 seconds the system takes the customer to a point in the retail process that would traditionally take 90 minutes. The ‘Genius Stations’ are expandable touch screens that allow either the salesperson, or the customer, to zoom in and see media-rich content, digital brochures and video, on each vehicle.  Allowing the customer to shop by a real pre-qualified payment is a game-changer,” Thompson added.

The SRX platform facilitates a seamless customer shopping experience from online to showroom and is compatible with any smart device. SRX Genius Stations can be fully utilized by either a consumer or a salesperson for every step of the shopping process. A salesperson can walk the lot with a customer and use a tablet or smartphone to click on any vehicle and see their pre-qualified payments. Whether the dealership has a “One-Price” or negotiation process, SRX accommodates.  With a simple push of a button a deal is sent with terms to F&I, or the sales tower. 

The “Genius Stations” also offer media-rich advertising opportunities through their high definition screens. Manufacturer video commercials can be centrally syndicated by make/model from Pearl’s Dallas headquarters, as well as incentives, dealer specific commercials, service ads, and more. When in idle mode the “Genius Station” becomes a media-rich platform that aids in streamlining retail transactions, while also transforming the showroom into a digital environment.

The “Genius Stations” will be officially unveiled at the NADA 2016 Expo and Convention on March 31-April 3, in Las Vegas, NV, at Booth # 2323C.

For more information call: 888.339.1116 or to sign up for a demonstration visit: www.showroomXpress.com.

# # # # #

About Pearl Technology Holdings, LLC

With the formation of American Auto Exchange (AAX) in 2001, auto industry entrepreneur Bruce Thompson became widely known as the creator of the “used car inventory management” space. He went on to start RedBumper, LLC in 2010, which is also primarily focused on “used car inventory management.” RedBumper’s intellectual property was acquired by CDK Global in September 2014. At that time, Thompson formed a new holding company, Pearl Technology Holdings, LLC, created to be an automotive technology incubator. The company’s mission is to create and deliver innovative new tools that have an impact on the industry. Pearl has launched five subsidiaries:  NewCar IQ, LLC; VehicleXchange, LLC; eCarTag, LLC; Pearl Technology Solutions, LLC, Trade-In Concierge, LLC and ShowroomXpress, LLC.

Dealership Can Now Provide On-The-Spot

Automotive Repair Financing to Customers in Need

Boulder, CO – March 7, 2016 — Confident Financial Solutions, (CFS) today announced that Freedom Dodge of Duncanville, TX, enjoys $40,000 per month in previously untapped service revenue by offering their customers CFS’ auto repair financing program.  The dealership has also seen a 20-30% increase in monthly service revenue; an increase in ROs and decrease in Service Declines; and bigger ticket ROs as customers can now get all the repairs done including transmissions, tires, collision, insurance deductible and more. In fact, the dealership has produced over $500,000 in service loans with CFS in just the past 18 months.

“Freedom Dodge is all about people and service which is why CFS is such a good fit,” said Tim Brooks, Freedom Dodge Service Advisor. “Preapproval is quick and painless. I had one lady that needed $800 dollars. She prayed about it, as she did not think she could get approved. It came back approved and she was beside herself. Previously, with all the other companies I have gone with, it would have been a ‘No.’ With CFS, it was a ‘Yes.’ It made a happy customer and we were able to repair her car.”

CFS provides a favorable alternative to credit card financing, resulting in increased credit approvals and immediate access to capital. Customers apply online via a smart phone, tablet or computer and receive a credit decision in less than five minutes. According to Freedom Dodge Service Director, Dave DeRudder, the entire process is integrated into the dealership’s website and customers can view their financing options when scheduling their next service appointment, and get preapproved for financing before even visiting the dealership for service. “If they don’t have funds then and there to fix it, they now have an alternative to get the car repaired and finance it.  Now, the customer gets their repair completed and drives out of here with a quality vehicle. I have been in the marketplace for over thirty years and have never seen any other product that works like this. It is also built into our dealership website and processes, so is seamless for the customer.” DeRudder stated.

Freedom Dodge uses the very latest in service department technology to ensure the best possible customer experience and is well known for excellent customer service. The dealership even won the prestigious Pentastat Award from Chrysler Corporation last year for outstanding sales and satisfaction.

Upon arrival on the service drive, each customer is greeted by an advisor who conducts a vehicle walk around with a mobile tablet. The recommendations can be viewed electronically by the customer, along with their financing options. According to Tim Brooks, if the customer needs a viable financing option, the service advisor can review the finance options right there on the tablet with the customer, then shoot over the CFS app via text or email, which is fully integrated, so all the customer data, VIN, name, address, etc., carries over and prepopulates as soon as the customer clicks on the link. It’s much easier for the customer to review and submit for an instant credit decision. It’s painless with no need fill out a detailed 2-3 page credit application.

The average CFS loan amount the dealership sees is $900-$4,500, and 82% of loans approved are for amounts larger than the repair estimated, leaving room for any additional needed work. “Some customers love the fact that they can finance the loan interest-free for 60-days.  We show they the chart of payment options and they see that it is cheap enough for them to manage. With CFS, more of my customers can afford to get their vehicle repaired as the monthly loan rate is sustainable, even for low income people,” Tim Brooks stated.

Tim Brooks stresses that in-dealership training is important in order to see best results, “It is all about the customer experience and how to present options in a way that will resonate with the customer in front of you. We inform the customer about financing options at each touch point. But it is the approach and how you read the customer’s body language that is key. I strongly believe in ongoing training and am fortunate to have an excellent team here because of that. If you train your people correctly, your service department can expect to see a 20-40% increase in service revenue by offering this finance option to service customers,” Tim Brooks said.

Freedom Dodge also has a strong customer follow-up process and sends customer emails on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, with various service offers, including financing. It also has an outsourced Service BDC, which reaches out to customers for any declined service recommendations and informs them of their financing options. The CFS software integrates with the BDC, so all the customer data, VIN, name, address, etc., prepopulates the screen and the customer can be approved for financing with just a few clicks.

With an average monthly service revenue increase of 20-30%; an average RO close rate of 63%; and with 82% of loans approved for amounts larger than the repair estimated, leaving room for any additional needed work; the new financing program has proven to be a partnership that fuels satisfaction at all levels – the dealership, its staff, the customer and CFS.

Dealers interested in finding out more about CFS’ auto repair financing program for service centers and their customers can visit Booth #5951N at the 2016 NADA Convention and Exposition, March13-April 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, call: 855-808-5861 or visit: http://lift.mycfsapp.com/

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About Confident Financial Solutions:

Confident Financial Solutions is a consumer finance company that offers auto repair financing to service centers and their customers. Its primary goal is to provide a favorable alternative to credit card financing, resulting in increased credit approvals and immediate access to capital. Customers apply online via a smart phone, tablet or computer and receive an instant credit decision. With CFS, strategic partner service centers increase activity on the service drive, increase revenue at the service center and enhance overall customer retention. Based in Boulder, Colorado, CFS is the consumer’s choice for auto repair loans.