Press Release

Company: DrivingSales

Press Release Blog
Total Posts: 1068    

Jeremy Lipps

ResponseLogix

Sep 9, 2010

Volkswagen and Audi dealers can now send buyers Fast, Multi-Vehicle Price Quotes

Sunnyvale, CA – ResponseLogix, Inc., the leading provider of automotive digital response management software for internet leads, today announced that Volkswagen Group of America has certified its software solution suite. Volkswagen and Audi dealerships can now deliver a complete, relevant, personalized quote response within 10 minutes of internet lead receipt.
“We have seen an increase in sales from our Volkswagen internet and phone traffic because of the SmartQuote® quick quote responses,” said Josh Johnston, internet director at Volkswagen of Port Charlotte. “The quotes save me time that I don’t have and I can predetermine prices using my own pricing rules.”
Volkswagen dealers in geographic markets throughout the country are using the ResponseLogix suite of software products to dramatically improve the speed and quality of their response to internet leads. From Florida to California, these dealers execute multi-vehicle price quotes within 10 minutes in response to their customers’ requests.
“We’re delighted that Volkswagen and Audi dealers can now fully utilize our solution to engage their customers early in the car buying process and more effectively propel them toward purchase,” said Tom Mohr, CEO of ResponseLogix. “And if the customer doesn’t buy right away, we can now continue to nurture the prospect with best practice email marketing follow-up so as to bring old leads back to life.”
A pioneer in the emerging DRM category, ResponseLogix leads the industry with a marketing solution suite that enables dealers to maximize sales from internet leads. ResponseLogix helps dealers solve the top three challenges facing their internet sales departments: the speed and quality of the initial response to internet leads, the impact and consistency of ongoing follow-up, and the effectiveness of the internet team’s live communications with the customer. No other solution provides dealers with a proven, robust marketing solution that delivers such significant increases in the conversion of internet leads to sales.
www.responselogix.com

Jeremy Lipps

ResponseLogix

Social Media Coordinator

586

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

DrivingSales Announces 2010 Innovation Cup Awards

DrivingSales Announces Innovation Cup Awards

Recognizing Most Innovative Dealer Strategies and Vendor Solutions of 2010

 Award winners selected exclusively by dealers; awards presented at DrivingSales Executive Summit; applications available at www.drivingsales.com/innovationcup

 

Salt Lake City, Utah – September 9, 2010 – DrivingSales.com (www.drivingsales.com), the auto industry’s largest car dealer social network, today announced the first annual DrivingSales Innovation Cup Awards, which recognize the most innovative vendor solutions and dealership strategies for 2010. The winners will be determined exclusively by auto dealers, and awards will be presented at the DrivingSales Executive Summit presented with WardsAuto.com (DSES), scheduled for October 18th through October 20th 2010 at the Encore Wynn Las Vegas.  Dealership Strategy Award contestants are eligible for $10,000 in prizes. Applications are now open and available at www.drivingsales.com/innovationcup.

“We believe that dealers know best when it comes to the most innovative strategies and vendor solutions, which is why we have developed this unique approach to recognizing the practices and technologies that will do the most to advance the profitability of dealerships,” said DrivingSales Founder and CEO Jared Hamilton. “This is not about the vendor with the most advertising dollars to promote a product, or the dealership who has the best PR.  It is about the forward-thinking strategies and products that have the real world benefits to help dealerships thrive in the rebounding auto market.”

Innovation Cup:  Most Innovative Dealership Strategy Award of 2010

 

The DrivingSales Innovation Cup for dealers is designed to uncover The Most Innovative Dealership Strategy of 2010.   Forward-thinking dealership employees are encouraged to participate and submit a best practice that has proven to increase results.  A panel of judges will select five finalists, who will then have the opportunity to present their strategies to dealer attendees at the DSES and compete for $10,000 in prizes. The finalist whose strategy receives the most votes from dealership attendees will win the DrivingSales award for the Most Innovative Dealership Strategy of 2010.

For more information about the Dealership Strategy Award and to submit an online application, go to www.drivingsales.com/innovationcup.  There is no charge to apply.  Only dealership employees are eligible.

Innovation Cup:  Most Innovative Dealership Solution of 2010

The Innovation Cup Award for vendors is designed to uncover the Most Innovative Dealership Solution of 2010. The award recognizes solutions introduced in 2010 whose innovative approaches have produced significant results for dealership customers.  Five finalists will be selected from the online applicants by a panel of dealer judges, and the finalists will earn the opportunity to compete onstage at the DrivingSales Executive Summit.  A panel of dealer judges will score each solution, and the highest scorer will win the Innovation Cup for Most Innovative Dealership Solution of 2010.

For more information about the Innovation Cup Awards and to submit an application, go to www.drivingsales.com/innovationcup. There is no charge to apply. 

Application deadline for all Innovation Cup Awards is midnight PST, September 24th, 2010.

 

DrivingSales Executive Summit 2010 presented with WardsAuto.com

A uniquely collaborative event modeled after the best practices and information-sharing among dealers and auto industry professionals on DrivingSales.com, the DrivingSales Executive Summit (DSES) brings together the most successful and innovative dealers in the country, along with world-renowned speakers, all focused on dealership innovations and profitability. All dealership vendors and dealership employees can apply for the awards, which will be voted on and presented for the first time at the 2010 DSES.

Unlike other automotive industry events, the DrivingSales Executive Summit is 100% dealer driven and designed specifically for the most progressive dealer principals and dealership executives in the industry.   For more information, visit DrivingSalesExecutiveSummit.com or contact dses@drivingsales.com.  Follow conference news as it develops on www.twitter.com/drivingsales.

 

About DrivingSales.com

DrivingSales.com is the largest car dealer social network where thousands of dealership professionals collaborate and share best practices in a 20-group style setting. The site is the industry’s largest source of free dealership best practices information.

At DrivingSales, members create profiles, network with each other and share best practices. Dealership managers are allowed to rate and review their dealership vendors (http://www.drivingsales.com/ratings) in a verified setting. DrivingSales hosts the largest retail focused community of automotive blogs (http://www.drivingsales.com/blogs/), videos, interviews, social automotive news feeds and more.

DrivingSales was created and built from the ground up in 2003 by Jared Hamilton, a third generation auto dealer, as a private automotive business community to network his NADA Dealer Candidate Academy class. The site opened nationally in 2008 and is the industry’s leading automotive social media custom platform. DrivingSales was named one of ten social media gambits for 2009 by Automotive News and one of the Top 10 Companies to Watch by Auto Success Magazine.

DrivingSales Executive Summit Media Relations:

Melanie Webber (Melanie@mwebbcom.com), mWEBB Communications 424.603.4340

Angela Jacobson (angela@mwebbcom.com) mWEBB Communications, 714.454.8776

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

505

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

VAUTO ACHIEVES TWO MAJOR MILESTONES

 

OAK BROOK, IL (August 27, 2010) – vAuto announces today the achievement of two company milestones. First, vAuto has surpassed the 3,000 dealer customer mark. Second, vAuto has been named on the 2010 Inc. 500 list as one of the nation’s fastest-growing, privately held companies in America.  
 
At the end of its recently completed second quarter in 2010, vAuto’s unique dealership rooftop count totaled 3,093. These dealerships are successfully executing the Velocity Method of Management to maximize profits and grow their used vehicle operations and include many of the nation’s largest dealer groups and single point locations. 
 
Further, vAuto ranked 10th in the software category and 125th overall on the 2010 Inc. 500 list with a three-year sales growth of 2,044%. This is the second consecutive year vAuto’s performance has been acknowledged on this prestigious list. 
 
“We are proud to have achieved these important company milestones,” says Keith Jezek, vAuto’s President and CEO. “Surpassing the 3,000 customer mark is a tribute to our state-of-the-art inventory management solution. In addition, only 17% of participants received the distinction of being on the Inc. 500 list for both 2009 and 2010. I would like to congratulate the entire vAuto team on their passion and commitment to excellence. This is a very exciting time for our company.”
 
“Fast growth at any time is a big achievement; fast growth during the past few years is just short of miraculous,” said Inc. editor Jane Berentson. “The Inc. 500 consists of these just-short-of miraculous companies, the ones that through ingenuity and ambition have increased revenue, hired employees, and grown fast in difficult economic times.”
 
The Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in the United States was introduced in 1982. The list provides a comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy - America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. The 2010 Inc. 500 offers a glimpse of the future of the U.S. economy. The health sector saw aggregate revenue of $1.1 billion. More than 25 percent of companies in the energy sector focus on solar and other alternative sources. Fewer than a third of retailers have even a single brick-and-mortar store. Complete results of the Inc. 500, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at Inc.com/500.
 
About vAuto
Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, IL, vAuto also maintains a research and development center in Austin, TX. vAuto’s innovative “Live Market View” technology allows dealers to manage their used-vehicle inventories based on actual supply-and-demand for their specific market. Today, more than 3,000 dealerships across the country use vAuto’s pricing, appraisal, stocking and merchandising systems. Dale Pollak, vAuto’s Founder and Chairman, is the author of two books featuring best practices and strategies for the used car department, Velocity: From the Front Line to the Bottom Line and Velocity 2.0: Paint, Pixels & Profitability. Additional information about vAuto is available at www.vauto.com.
 
Inc. 500 Methodology
The 2010 Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent - not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies - as of December 31, 2009. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2006 is $80,000; the minimum for 2009 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. The companies of the Inc. 500 represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.
 
About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,647, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.
 

Media Contacts:

Barbara Reitz
vAuto
Phone: +1.630.590.2023
 

 

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

724

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

AUTO/MATE EBOOK GUIDES AUTO DEALERS THROUGH “10 STEPS” FOR A SUCCESSFUL DMS DATA CONVERSION

  Clifton Park, N.Y., September 7, 2010 — Auto/Mate, provider of the highest ranked DMS in the 2009 NADA Annual Survey of Dealership Satisfaction, has announced the release of a new eBook titled “The Auto Dealer’s 10-Step Guide for a Successful DMS Data conversion.” The guide is designed to help retail automotive dealers set up internal processes that will reduce complications associated with data conversions, regardless of which DMS vendor the dealer is switching to or from.

“Most dealers have heard a horror story or two about DMS conversions, and they mistakenly think it’s an inevitable part of the process – or that success is solely the responsibility of the DMS vendor,” says Mike Esposito, CEO of Auto/Mate. “Yet with adequate planning there are concrete steps a dealer can take to protect their data and make the transition to a new system relatively smooth.”

            Top industry experts contribute tips and anecdotes based on consulting experiences with hundreds of dealership clients that have switched DMS vendors. The eBook benefits dealers who have already chosen a new DMS provider, as well as dealers who are considering a change but are hesitant due to fears of losing data, loss of productivity, employee resistance, and other factors often associated with data conversions.

“It’s important to realize that data is not only one of the most valuable assets that a dealership has, but is irreplaceable once lost or destroyed,” says Esposito. “This guide will help dealers identify and successfully convert all the critical data and processes necessary for uninterrupted operations.”

The release of the eBook comes approximately four months after Auto/Mate’s first eBook, “The Dealer’s 10-Step Guide to Changing Your DMS,” which helped dealers through the selection process for a new DMS vendor. Feedback from the first eBook was overwhelmingly positive with a high volume of downloads on Auto/Mate’s site, indicating a high demand for helpful and impartial information related to DMS systems and data conversions.

The Auto/Mate eBook, “The Auto Dealer’s 10-Step Guide for a Successful DMS Data Conversion,” is available for free downloads at the Auto/Mate Web site: http://www.automate.com/downloads/ConversionGuide.pdf.

 About Auto/Mate: Auto/Mate is a leading dealer management system provider that offers its AMPS system to franchised dealerships. The company has received top satisfaction rankings from customer in NADA’s 2009 Dealership Management System survey and boasts more than 300 years of collective automotive experience among its key executives and employees—the foundation of its “designed by car people for car people slogan.” For more information, visit www.automate.com or call 877-340-AMPS (2677).

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

625

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

Autobytel’s What’s Hot Now Report Reveals Strong Consumer Interest in Purchase of Green Cars

Economic Over Environmental Concerns Key Factor in Consumer Decisions

09.07.2010 – Irvine, CA – Environmental responsibility versus economic stability. In the case of new car purchases, Autobytel’s most recent What’s Hot Now report released today reveals that consumers are concerned with both and believe they can find it in the purchase of a green car. In the wake of the Gulf Oil spill and concerns about the environment and the economy, consumers are interested in vehicles that can contribute to a greener earth as well as lessen the impact on their pocketbook.
 

57% of those surveyed revealed an interest in purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle in the next 12-months. Although economics was a leading factor in the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle with over 50% reporting ‘Economics, better gas mileage’ as the reason for purchasing a green car, being ‘environmentally responsible’ and ‘reducing dependence on foreign oil’ combined was the reason cited by 39% of the respondents.

The report reveals strong green vehicle purchasing trends – and more susceptibility to environmental concerns - in the next generation of car buyers: one out of four under 25 years of age report they are definitely considering purchasing an alternative fuel or high MPG vehicle in the next twelve months – and over half said that environmental factors impacted their likelihood to buy a green vehicle.

“Consumers are interested in being fiscally and environmentally responsible when considering their next vehicle purchase,” said Jeff Coats, president and CEO, Autobytel. “Our latest What’s Hot Now report reveals good news for the makers of alternative energy and high mpg vehicles.”

Autobytel’s What’s Hot Now in Green snapshot survey was conducted on Autobytel’s network of consumer automotive sites, including autobytel.com, in July 2010. Over 2,000 consumers responded to the survey. Key results of the study reveal (see charts and highlights below):

• Green Potential High in Next 12 Months
• Stronger Still in 2-5 Years
• Economy Impacts Buying Choices
• Gas pump prices affect likelihood to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle.
• Under 25s: Generation Green
• Hybrid still Tops

Autobytel’s What’s Hot Now Key Results


Green Potential High in Next 12 Months
• 57% are likely to consider purchasing a green (electric, hybrid, high mpg) vehicle in the next twelve months with 9% ‘definitely’ considering, 17% ‘seriously’ considering and 31% saying ‘maybe’.

Stronger Still in Two to Five Years
• 75% either ‘intend’ (19%) or ‘might consider’ (56%) purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle, in two to five years.

Economy Impacts Buying Choices
• ‘Economics, better gas mileage’ is the # 1 reason cited by respondents for purchasing a green vehicle (51%).

• Gas prices impact vehicle purchase choices for 80% of the respondents.

• $3.50 a gallon is the gas pump price point at which most respondents (34%) would be more likely to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle.

Under 25s: Generation Green
• 73% are actively considering a green vehicle purchase within the next twelve months (versus 56% for those over 25).

• Environmental factors (such as pollution levels and global warming) impact their likelihood to purchase a green vehicle (53%) versus 44% for over 25.

• Over 80% ‘intend to purchase’ or ‘might consider buying’ a green vehicle in the next two to five years versus 75% over 25.

Hybrid still Tops
• Gas/electric hybrid is the fuel-efficient technology most likely to be considered (38%); small, high MPG gas vehicles are second (14%). Electric plug-ins and fuel cells come in at 11% and 9% respectively.

For more in-depth information go to:
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_int/8771


Autobytel’s What’s Hot Now reports regularly measure and analyze consumer trends, opinions and attitudes about the automotive experience, in real time, by polling automotive consumers who visit autobytel.com and its affiliated websites. For more information on Autobytel’s What’s Hot Now reports, or to speak to an Autobytel expert, contact: Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, 424.603.4340 (melanie@mwebbcom.com) or Jim Helberg, Autobytel Inc., 949.862.1395 (jimh@autobytel.com)

About Autobytel Inc. (www.autobytel.com)
Autobytel Inc. (NASDAQ: ABTL) is a leader in providing consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and car dealers and manufacturers with online consumer leads and marketing resources. Autobytel pioneered the automotive Internet when it launched autobytel.com in 1995. Today, the company is continuing to offer innovative products and services to help consumers research, buy and maintain their vehicles and auto dealers and manufacturers sell more new and used cars. Autobytel has helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online. Through its flagship website Autobytel.com®, its network of automotive sites including Autoweb.com®, AutoSite.com®, Car.comsm, CarSmart.com®, CarTV.com®, and MyRide.com®, and its respected online partners, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry’s highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with one of the industry’s most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs.

Contact:
Jim Helberg, Media relations
949.862.1395, jimh@autobytel.com

Crystal Hartwell, Investor and media relations
949.437.4755, crystalh@autobytel.com

Melanie Webber, Media relations
mWEBB Communications
424.603.4340, melanie@mwebbcom.com

PondelWilkinson Inc., Investor relations
Roger Pondel/Laurie Berman
310.279.5980, investor@pondel.com

 

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

451

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

AutoUSA Achieves Unprecedented Growth in 2010, Dealers’ Return to Diversified Lead Mix

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – September 7, 2010AutoUSA (www.autousadealers.com), the industry’s best source of online customers and the highest quality Internet leads to auto dealers nationwide, today announced a drastic increase in dealer participation in its online lead generation programs and services. In the period from June, 2009 through June, 2010, AutoUSA experienced a 110 percent growth rate in the number of dealers participating in used vehicle lead generation services, along with a 14 percent increase in dealers taking part in the Edmunds.com Premier Dealer Program (PDP).

“In recent years many dealers have experimented with online marketing strategies such as SEO or SEM in order to attract consumers to their own web sites, but in 2010 we have seen a return to a diversification strategy,” said Phil DuPree, President of AutoUSA. “More dealers have realized that adding an independent lead provider to the mix is a cost effective way to increase their marketing exposure while generating a high volume of quality leads.”

Another significant finding is that 72 percent of AutoUSA’s dealer customers take advantage of more than one program or service offered. In the past year, AutoUSA has launched or expanded several programs to help dealers increase inventory exposure on the web and to generate both new and used vehicle leads. Dealers who partner with AutoUSA to post their new vehicle inventory listings routinely enjoy exposure on more than 100 of the top automotive web sites.

AutoUSA programs include:

Edmunds Premier Dealer Program (PDP) (www.edmunds.com): Dealers who participate in the PDP program are presented in more than 100 targeted “lower funnel” ad units that generate a significant volume of consumers calls and clicks directly to that dealer’s web site. PDP dealers are also guaranteed top placement in their exclusive territory in Edmunds’ popular Dealer Locator, along with high-conversion VIN-based leads.

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) LeadDriver™: This program seamlessly integrates with Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Values on the dealer’s web site while simultaneously capturing lead information. In addition to the car buyer’s contact information, LeadDriver provides details on the trade-in vehicle and its value, as well as the buyer’s vehicle of interest. According to research by Kelley Blue Book, 73 percent of in-market vehicle shoppers are more likely to purchase a vehicle from dealerships that display Kelley Blue Book Values on their web site.

POWER ListingsTM:  Powered by Cargigi, this AutoUSA program allows dealers to market and advertise their used-car inventory on the most popular free classified websites, resulting in targeted, high quality phone and Internet leads.  A Live Market Monitor allows dealers to track the interest each vehicle is generating in real time and just-in-time ad placement technology ensures listings are posted during peak customer traffic times.

Used Car Inventory Pay-Per-Lead: This used car program enables dealers to post their used vehicle inventory at top automotive sites such as kbb.com, Vehix, AOL Autos, CarPerks.com, Overstock.com, AutoMedia.com, CarDomain.com and AutoUSA’s used car Web site, AutoUSAused.com. Where allowed by law, the program offers a pay-per-lead pricing plan, which is a cost-effective alternative to high monthly subscription rates offered by some other companies. AutoUSA’s phone lead service allows consumers to immediately contact dealers by phone when viewing a classified vehicle listing. Unique phone numbers are provided for each dealership, and dealers are only charged for the call if the consumer hasn’t phoned the dealership within the last 30 days and if the call is longer than 65 seconds.

New Vehicle Lead Program featuring Carperks Mobile: AutoUSA’s innovative new vehicle lead program gives dealers exposure on over 100 of the top automotive sites and exclusive access to the industry’s most cutting-edge applications.  AutoUSA’s mobile leads program uses an iPhone/iPod Touch application, developed by Carperks, to generate new- and used-vehicle leads. The Carperks car buying discount iPhone app allows mobile car shoppers to access, search and view car inventory from dealer participants in AutoUSA’s Carperks program. It highlights those dealers within the shopper’s local market area that are available to provide price quotes and allows customers to immediately generate digitally formatted discount certificates valued at $100 for the new vehicle of their choice, where allowed by law.

 

All Internet leads generated from AutoUSA are scrubbed and validated before delivery to dealership customers.

 

About AutoUSA (www.AutoUSA.com)
AutoUSA, Inc., is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a subsidiary of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), the largest retail automotive company in the United States. AutoUSA is an independent provider of leads and services to thousands of dealerships. The company has built its success on a combination of advanced web-based technology and a network that includes the country's most well respected online automotive resources, including Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, MSN Autos, Yahoo! Autos, America Online, NADA Analytical Services Group, AutoVantage.com, AutoNation.com and AutoUSA.com. The vast majority of Ward's Top 100 eDealers use AutoUSA. More information is available online at
http://www.AutoUSAdealers.com

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

566

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Sep 9, 2010

Dominion Dealer Solutions announces General Motors recertification of Autobase and AVV as Certified Lead Management Providers (CLMP)

Norfolk, VA., August 26, 2010 – Dominion Dealer Solutions, a division of Dominion Enterprises, today announced that General Motors (GM) has approved recertification for both Autobase and AVV as Certified Lead Management Providers (CLMP). Autobase and AVV are premier CRM and ILM providers for auto dealers nationwide.
 
As part of this program, GM requires each of its US dealerships to use a certified lead management provider for receiving and responding to OEM-generated Internet leads. Based on criteria listed in GM’s Statement of Certification Requirements, over 70 technology standards were required for the recertification. These standards ranged from changes in performance reporting to lead processing, and training updates to lead handling.
 
Ed Braunbeck, general manager of AVV, noted, “AVV and GM together invested a significant amount of time working on these requirements. AVV is committed to providing GM dealers with a comprehensive lead management tool, and we’re pleased that our efforts have met GM’s rigorous standards.”
 
Some of the new performance reporting includes:
Total GM Internet Leads
GM Dealer Website Leads
Total Leads Responded To
Average Dealer Response Time (Current)
Average Dealer Response Time (Prior Week/Month)
Number of Leads Responded To On Time
Percentage of Leads Responded To On Time
Prior Week/Month Percentage of Leads Responded To On Time
Number of Leads Not Responded To (Current)
Percentage of Leads Not Responded To (Current)
Prior Week/Month Percentage of Leads Not Responded To
 
Additional SLA qualifications were adhered to, including:
Lead Handling - End to End Processing
Lead Processing Lead Accuracy Rate
Application Availability - Lead Processing
Availability Of Supplier System
Real Time Lead Status Updates
Percentage of Real-Time Leads Sent On Time (30 minutes or less)
New Lead Types (Accept, Generate, & Implement)
 
Bryan Anderson, founder and general manager of Autobase, commented, “We are appreciative of GM’s continued recognition of Autobase CRM as a premier solution for their dealers.  The hard work involved in this process proves just how dedicated both Autobase and GM are to the success of the GM auto dealers using our automotive CRM.”
 
Autobase has been certified with General Motors since November 2006, AVV since September 2007. The recertification process began December 2009 and concluded on August 2, 2010.
 
 
About Autobase, Inc.
Autobase® has specialized in providing the automotive retail market with premier Marketing and Sales CRM Solutions since 1988. More experienced than any other CRM provider in the industry, Autobase offers a growing suite of cutting-edge marketing solutions and time-tested sales processes that drive and close significantly more business in the showroom and service drive. Nearly 40,000 auto professionals use Autobase every day to recession-proof their business by finding, selling, and retaining more customers. Autobase is a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions. For more information, visit www.autobase.net.  
 
About AVV
AVV, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions, is a leading provider of independent lead management tools including Web Control, AutoManager and WebResponse. AVV is a certified OEM provider to more than 15 manufacturers including: Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo and Volkswagon. AVV’s performance reporting has enabled thousands of dealers nationwide to manage the entire car buying process—from online browsing to the showroom sale to post-sale service since 1999. It’s Simple. Reliable. Powerful. For more information, visit www.avv.com.
 
About Dominion Dealer Solutions
Dominion Dealer Solutions helps car dealers attract, retain, and service customers for life.  Dominion Dealer Solutions products include: lead generation through IFMG; customer relationship management tools through AVV, Autobase, and @utoRevenue; Web sites through Dealerskins and XIGroup; and specialized data aggregation, management, and reporting services through Dealer Specialties, Cross-Sell, The DataCube, and DataOne Software.  These businesses serve more than 60 percent of auto dealers nationwide.  Dominion Dealer Solutions is a division of Dominion Enterprises. Learn more at http://www.DominionDealerSolutions.com.  Dominion Enterprises is a leading marketing services company serving the automotive, enthusiast and commercial vehicle, real estate, apartment rental, and employment industries. Visit http://www.DominionEnterprises.com.

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

542

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Aug 8, 2010

VinSolutions Named 33rd on Inc. Magazine's Exclusive Inc 500 List of America's Fastest-Growing Companies

VinSolutions makes Inc. 500 as the 33rd fastest growing software company with three-year revenue growth of 672%

Overland Park, KS  Aug. 27  Inc. Magazine ranked VinSolutions as the 33rd fastest growing software company in the US on its prestigious Inc. 500 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies.
 
VinSolutions grew by 672% in the three year period and was ranked #447 overall. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy - America's entrepreneurs. As an Inc. 5000 honoree, VinSolutions shares a prestigious pedigree with such notable alumni as Microsoft, Intuit, Zappos, Under Armor, Jamba Juice, Timberland, Visa, Cliff Bar, Patagonia, Oracle, and scores of other powerhouses. Other Automotive technology companies that were recognized on the Inc 5000 list were vAuto at #125 with 2044% growth, Dealer.com at #1056 with 286% growth and Dealer Socket at #1829 with 150% growth.
 
"The leaders of the companies on this year's Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression," said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “This year’s list is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and tenacity of America’s top entrepreneurs,” said Jane Berentson, Editor of Inc. Magazine
 
We are honored to make the Inc 500 list and we are proud of our dealers who have fought through these difficult times by using state of the art technology to improve their business," said Mike Dullea, CEO of VinSolutions. “I am glad there were so many automotive companies on the list and I am proud of our employees who work so hard around the clock to serve our customers.”
 
VinSolutions dealership marketing system contributed to over 2.8 billion dollars in automotive sales and helped their dealer partners save an estimated $33 million in expenses during a difficult 2009. VinSolutions dealership marketing system integrates all of the tools a dealership needs to run their business and their system makes it easier for consumers to shop, buy and maintain their vehicle on the internet or through their mobile phone. “I was spending too much with 15 different companies that did not integrate and now I pay 75% less for one system that does it all and more,” said Todd Crossley, owner of #1 retailer in Kansas City.  “VinSolutions has revolutionized the automotive market the way Apple revolutionized the consumer market - by creating a completely integrated system that is easy to use and that helps me manage my business from my iPhone.”
 
Despite the fact that most of this year's measuring period of 2006-2009 took place during the latest recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $321.6 billion, up more than 50 percent from last year. The effects of the recession are seen, however, in the median three-year growth rate, which dropped to 96 percent from last year's 126 percent. This year's Inc. 5000 employ a record 1.4 million people, up from one million on last year's list. With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, policymakers and business leaders will do well to look to the Inc. 5000 companies for fresh ideas on achieving growth and creating jobs.
 
About VinSolutions (www.vinsolutions.com)
VinSolutions has the leading “Dealership Marketing System” that helps retailers attract, sell and retain more customers profitably. Their “all-in-one” sales and service marketing system includes digital marketing, search marketing, online advertising, social media marketing tools, mobile marketing, websites, internet lead management, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Sales force automation, Sales Management and Desking, Appraisal, Finance, Used Vehicle Marketing and Market Pricing, Inventory Management and Distribution, Hand held inventory marketing tools, window stickers, automated video tours, Loyalty Management and Targeted marketing with email, text, direct mail and telemarketing services. The “Dealership Marketing System” has complete mobile integration and is accessible from any mobile phone that has access to the internet including blackberry, Google DROID and iPhone. VinSolutions Dealership Marketing System is installed by their strategic consulting team who specializes in retail strategy and process training for large dealer groups and individual dealerships. VinSolutions is certified by Honda, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Subaru, Nissan and Audi and integrates with ADP, R&R, AutoSoft and Arkona. Vin also has alliances and integrations with Kelley Blue Book, CarFax, Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack. For more information visit www.VinSolutions.com
 
About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,647, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.
 
Inc 500 List Methodology
The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 list is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2009. Revenue in 2006 must have been at least $80,000, and revenue in 2009 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 29th year.
 
Media Contact:
Jessie Tappel
786-9721351

Write your post here

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

684

No Comments

Press Release

DrivingSales

Aug 8, 2010

Cars.com Extends License Agreement with Contact At Once!, Launches New Mobile Chat Application

 

Leading automotive website instantly connects car dealers with buyers using chat.

ATLANTA, GA – August 27, 2010 – Contact At Once!, a leading provider of live chat software for car dealerships, today announced that Cars.com has extended their license of the ContactAtOnce! live chat software including a mobile chat application.  ContactAtOnce! has been powering the chat service available to all franchise and independent dealers advertising on Cars.com since January 2009.  The new mobile chat application will make it possible for dealers to answer chat leads from “smart phone” mobile devices, helping to convert more prospects into sales.

“Mobile chat allows salespeople to be more responsive to shoppers' inquiries, even if they've stepped away from their desk," said Michael Page, Cars.com vice president of advertising products. "Dealers can respond at shoppers' convenience, giving them the information they need to take the next step toward a purchase. With the popularity of smartphones in the store, dealers can use this capability to enhance their customer service and sell more cars."

Data collected by Cars.com has shown that online car shoppers are more likely to contact a car dealership from advertisements that include presence-aware chat.  As well, in its 2009 Dealer Chat Consumer Survey, Cars.com found that 67% of online shoppers who initiated a chat conversation with a dealer planned to purchase a vehicle within 30 days.

“Dealers appreciate the benefits of live chat because it magnifies the value they receive from their advertising dollars,” said John Hanger, CEO of Contact At Once!.  “Consumers like live chat too because it is a convenient and immediate means of contacting a dealership to ask questions and set appointments.  Cars.com was quick to appreciate these dynamics and we’re honored that they’ve chosen to extend and expand our partnership.”

Cars.com dealers interested in adding live chat software to their listings or taking advantage of the new mobile chat application should contact their Cars.com sales representative.

About Cars.com
Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.
Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

About Live Chat Software for Car Dealerships Provider Contact At Once!, LLC:
Contact At Once! is the leading provider of industry-specific live chat software and presence-aware networks for the automotive, apartment, and real estate industries with over 10,000 active users.  Adding ContactAtOnce! live chat software to a website typically improves the conversion of website lookers into conversations and appointments by at least 25%.  The presence-aware networks powered by ContactAtOnce! connect businesses to the media websites on which they advertise, increasing the effectiveness of online ads while providing consumers with a better online experience.  Contact At Once! is headquartered in Atlanta and more information can be found at contactatonce.com.

Press Release

DrivingSales

Industry Press Releases

574

No Comments

sara callahan

Carter West Public Relations

Aug 8, 2010

MPi World Class Inspection™ System Launches Special Program with Dealer Incentives for BMW Auto Dealers

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information contact:

Sara Callahan                                                 Susan Lovett

Carter-West Public Relations                         Mobile Productivity, Inc.

Phone:727-288-2159                                      Phone: (800) 997-1674 x2010

E-mail: scallahan@carterwestpr.com                        slovett@mpifix.com

 

MPi World Class Inspection™ System
Launches Special Program with Dealer Incentives for Premium Automaker

Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 2010 Mobile Productivity, Inc., (MPi) (www.mpifix.com) a leading provider of profitability tools for auto dealer service departments, announced today that BMW of North America will support the MPi World Class Inspection™ (WCI) system for BMW centers in the U.S. and has launched a special program subsidy for any BMW center electing to enroll with MPi-EDGE/World Class Inspections™. While BMW center participation is voluntary, BMW is encouraging its dealers to meet with MPi and see if the program is a fit for their dealership. 

Where the system is in use, BMW centers are performing a better inspection and doing a superior job of explaining needed repairs to the customer, realizing benefits that average between $100 and $125 in additional needed repairs per vehicle inspection, a substantial increase in profit for the service department.

Many BMW centers across the U.S. have been enjoying the benefits of the system for some time. According to Lisa Schomp, owner of Schomp BMW in Highland Ranch, CO, MPi’s World Class Inspection program was a smart investment and has proven to be an asset to her dealership and customers.  MPi EDGE is a product we value as both beneficial to our customers and our business. We’ve seen a very marked increase in service department up-sells this past year and feel we’re still discovering what this tool can do for us. We now see the service department as a great place for sales and growth opportunity. MPi EDGE is the perfect tool to tie our customers to us and build their loyalty and trust,” stated Schomp.

     Commenting on the new relationship, David Boyle, President and COO of MPi said, “We are extremely proud to be recognized by BMW as a tool to help dealers improve service and parts operation.  With current market conditions the key is to promote and sell all legitimately needed parts and service work to existing customers. Dealers using the World Class Inspection system uniformly see significant increases in recommendations per vehicle inspection; which translates to healthy increases in gross profit.”

The WCI system has proven to significantly improve a dealership’s service and parts operation as follows:

Business Growth: WCI increases the sale of legitimately needed service work by implementing a better executed vehicle inspection process

CSI and Customer Handling: WCI implements better customer communication tools that provide a detailed estimate of work needed and involve the customer at a high level in the decision making process

The WCI system focuses on the management of a “customer friendly” process which when performed correctly produces better results.  MPi’s complete and all inclusive vehicle inspection program includes its state of the art software solution, EDGE; customized customer friendly communication tools (Recommended Action Plan™ and Know Your Vehicle™ reports), detailed management reporting and analysis tools, ongoing consulting and training services, and process and performance metrics

WCI pricing is based on dealership size and number of users. A dealership can receive a no-cost price quote and business case by contacting MPI at (888) 335-5736, or visit MPi’s special BMW program website at: www.mpivt.com/bmw. Special meetings are also being scheduled in select metro areas to allow BMW dealers to further explore MPI-EDGE/World Class Inspections™.

About MPi:

For more information visit:

http://www.mpifix.com/AboutUs/Default.aspx

 

sara callahan

Carter West Public Relations

Owner/President

829

No Comments

  Per Page: