We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with eBay Motors.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.

CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LotLinx, the leading digital marketing solution for car dealers, today announced the appointment of Eric Brown as President, Chief Product Officer. Brown will continue to oversee LotLinx Media Holdings as well as a new LotLinx Enterprise group, which will develop the company's cloud-based digital technology platform for strategic partners across the automotive industry.

Brown is best known for founding Dataium in 2009, which quickly became the leader in behavioral data collection and analysis in the automotive vertical. Since joining LotLinx in September, Brown has had a major impact, bringing new partners and product technology to the award-winning LotLinx product suite.

"Given the talent and accomplishments of the LotLinx team, it is an honor to be asked to serve such an exceptional group," said Brown. "Today's automotive industry continues to evolve as new market dynamics and opportunities emerge. It is truly exciting to be in a leadership position with such an exceptional company as LotLinx during this time."

"Thanks to our strong growth over the past year, we're continuing to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of the marketplace," added Len Short, founder of LotLinx. "Dealers across the country are already well versed in the benefits of the LotLinx solution when it comes to actually moving inventory, and our VIN-specific marketing solutions are a huge benefit to everyone who touches the automotive industry."

This announcement marks another significant milestone for LotLinx. This past January, the company launched the LotLinx TURN platform, that creates omni-channel, VIN-specific marketing campaigns. Now, the company will deliver VIN-specific marketing capabilities to many partners who already have established relationships with dealers. As a result, more dealers will benefit from the powerful ability to focus digital marketing initiatives on specific inventory, rather than relying on "trickle-down" efforts.

About LotLinx:
LotLinx is an award-winning digital retailing technology company, developed specifically to advantage automotive dealers and the agencies that work with them. The LotLinx platform can transform dealer results, dramatically increasing online engagement and net-new shoppers while eliminating digital advertising waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, LotLinx works with thousands of dealers around the country to reach over 63 million unique car shoppers per month across more than 500 digital properties. For more information, visit www.lotlinx.com.

Press Contact:
Kevin Blomberg
Clarity PR for LotLinx
147376@email4pr.com  
646-934-6924

SOURCE LotLinx

Related Links

https://www.lotlinx.com

Norfolk, VA –February 21, 2017- Dominion Dealer Solutions announced today that Dominion Inventory Manager, industry leader in high-quality automotive inventory merchandising, has strategically partnered with AIS Rebates, a part of Cox Automotive, to provide incentive data to dealers nationwide. Dominion Inventory Manager will now have 90-95 percent incentive availability for new vehicles, giving automotive dealers greater access to more new car incentives and price vehicles in their local markets.

This best-in-class software offers a streamlined process for dealers to both identify and apply new car incentives to their new vehicle inventory. Dealers using Dominion Inventory Manager’s New Car Incentives will experience increased OEM package mapping success rates, allowing for more efficient management and application of incentive data across their inventory. The consolidated new car incentives process is coupled with Dominion’s exclusive rules engine within Inventory Manager, offering dealers greater efficiency in locating incentives and applying them automatically to all matching inventory.

“Managing the application of pertinent incentives to new car inventory has been a longstanding pain-point for dealers across the country,” said Shane Marcum, general manager of Inventory Solutions at Dominion Dealer Solutions. “In forming this strategic partnership with AIS Rebates, Dominion Dealer Solutions resolves this issue for dealers by making incentive data available within our applications, delivering it in an easily accessible interface, and providing an intuitive way for users to quickly apply those incentives to their new car inventory.”

Through Dominion’s New Car Incentives, dealers will be able to more accurately price inventory based on market analytics as well as incentive availability. Dealers updating vehicle information within Dominion’s Inventory Manager will recognize that the consolidated workflow ties all new car incentives data and tasks together, letting them apply necessary incentives when applicable with minimal effort.

“Cox Automotive is committed to transforming the automotive retail experience by providing transparent pricing information wherever online consumers choose to shop,” said Brad Korner, general manager for Cox Automotive Rates & Incentives.  “We are pleased to provide our AIS Rebates incentive information to Dominion Dealer Solutions to deliver the most current incentives for dealers to instantly apply to their inventory, simplifying the sales process and increasing customer satisfaction.”

For more information on the benefits of Dominion Inventory Manager’s improved New Car Incentives application for your automotive dealership, please call 877-421-1040.

About Dominion Dealer Solutions

Dominion Dealer Solutions improves dealers' lives by developing advanced technologies including: reputation and social media management, responsive websites, digital advertising, SEO, SEM, multichannel marketing, and custom market reports. Coupled with award-winning lead management, inventory merchandising, equity mining, customer relationship (CRM) and dealer management (DMS) solutions, Dominion redefines automotive retail by delivering first-class customer experiences for today's automotive dealerships. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, every OEM and more than 10,000 U.S. dealers depend on Dominion's foundation of innovation, integrity, excellence and teamwork to provide them with results at every turn. For more information, visit our website, like us on Facebook, Pinterest or YouTube, or follow us on Twitter.

About Dominion Enterprises

Dominion Enterprises is a leading online marketing and software services company offering client solutions across multiple targeted business verticals.  Our widely recognized B2C web and mobile portals, including ForRent.com, Homes.com, andCycleTrader.com, generate nearly 30 million unique visits monthly. Our B2B cloud SaaS solutions directly support clients in establishing their online and mobile brands, generating leads, and managing customer relationships.  Dominion Enterprises has more than 40 businesses and 3,000 employees in our Norfolk, Va. home office, across the U.S., and internationally.

 

Media Contact:

Dominion Dealer Solutions

Peyton Hoffman

Director of Public Relations and Event Management

757.351.7271

Peyton.hoffman@drivedominion.com

We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with Dominion Dealer Solutions.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.
 

We’ve discussed the 7 topics that we believe are going to be affecting automotive retail for the next 3-5 years. These hot topics will be the primary discussions at Presidents Club, where you can give your input as well as hear from other dealers what they think the best options are. It will be the perfect event to shoot around ideas, and come up with a specific plan for your unique store so you know how best to move forward. You can register for Presidents Club here.

Along with our previous article, we conducted a survey about what your dealership is doing to start tackling these challenges. The results are in, and it’s clear that not all dealerships are looking at these topics the same way, but it’s obvious that many understand that there are hurdles ahead and the best way to be prepared is to start facing these challenges now.

Used Vehicle Strategy

We asked dealers what their used car strategy looks like currently to evaluate what the majority of dealerships are finding effective. Here’s the breakdown:

What really surprised me is that putting new cars first, as well as focusing on used cars first were both in the top 3 responses. To me, these seem like polar opposites. The question now is, which one of these strategies is more effective for the bottom line? I personally think that depends on the type of dealership, but perhaps time will tell. I think it’s also really valuable to recognize that marketing trade-in opportunities are a very popular option, and for many it’s the most important option.

Fixed-Ops Marketing

We asked dealers what strategies they have added to improve their fixed-ops marketing. Here’s the breakdown:

Again, the responses here really surprised me. Overwhelmingly dealers said they are turning to social media to work on their fixed-ops marketing. What I find interesting is that while dealers are looking to social media to get the word out, they may not realize that the same customers that find them on social media won’t hesitate to return to social media if they have a less than fantastic experience. I think it’s also valuable to note that quick lube bays are a popular addition for many dealers, and likely will continue to be well into the future.

Retail Threats

We asked dealers which competitor they thought posed the biggest threat to the traditional dealer model. Here’s the breakdown:

What I found surprising about this answer is that third-party online retailers, and big online retailers both took the stage. Dealers are finding that these online retailers, whether Amazon or other 3rd party sites, are their biggest competition. Is this always the case? I believe that direct from OEM and non-traditional car ownership pose additional huge threats, but because those technologies aren’t as prevalent today as online retailers, perhaps that’s why dealers view them as less threatening.

Millennial Buyers

We asked dealers what they think is different about millennial buyers. Here’s the breakdown:

Overwhelmingly dealers agreed that millennials have done more research when they get to the store, which I completely agree with. I also think though, that it’s not just millennials who have done their research when they get to the store. With the easy access to reviews and social media online, people of all ages are taking advantage of research opportunities. Dealers also largely agree that millennials want a more fluid sales process, which I also agree with entirely. Millennials are used to purchasing things in a couple of clicks online, they can do all their research and make a decision in a short period of time. Car buying can be dragged out and far more complicated than most buying processes, and they’re looking to cut that time and energy down.

Mobile First

We asked dealers what they were doing to their website to account for the fact that more people are visiting dealer sites on mobile, rather than on desktops. Here are the keywords that many dealers mentioned in their explanations:

• Cleaner design
• Calls to action
• More buttons
• Fewer clicks
• Responsive design
• Mobile and desktop compatible web provider
• Exposure

These words tell me that dealers understand that many people are visiting their sites, and they recognize the kinds of elements webpages need to succeed on mobile. It also appears that dealers are looking for website providers that can help them accomplish the mobile design they’re wanting, along with a different and successful desktop.

Customer Experience

We asked dealers what investments they’ve made to improve customer experience. Here are the keywords that many dealers mentioned:

• Service
• Processes
• Sales
• Hiring and retention
• Advertising
• Customer Store

These keywords make it apparent that dealers are trying a variety of different things to improve their customer experiences. It appears that dealers all have a different area of weakness that they are working to strengthen, and no matter what kind of dealership you have; customer experience can always be improved. Processes and hiring are huge in my mind, as these  are more permanent elements that will help improve other areas of your dealership and customer experience.

Motivation And Hiring

We asked dealers what adjustments they’ve made to improve salesperson motivation and hiring. Here are the keywords that many dealers mentioned:

• Process
• Salary
• Bonuses
• Competition
• Coaching
• Certification

I think it’s valuable to note that many dealers recognize that salary and bonuses can be a huge motivation, but it’s not the only motivations. Finding good processes, giving good coaching techniques and getting salespeople certified are all ways to work on motivating and retaining salespeople. These elements are vital in keeping the best kind of employees around.

These seven topics are ones that we at DrivingSales view as incredibly valuable for dealers now, and in the years to come. So what else can your dealership to do work on these? 

We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with Jazel.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.
 

We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with AutoLoop.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.

We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with Roadster.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.

Men are More Than Twice as Likely as Women to Purchase Cars Online; Women are More Likely to Purchase Cars at a Dealership

Brisbane, Calif., Feb. 16, 2017 – eBay Advertising today released results from its two-part consumer automotive shopping journey survey, revealing that technology is causing consumers to research and purchase cars online more than ever before and is shifting the automotive purchase journey. The survey reveals that a majority of consumers (63%) are extremely likely/ likely to purchase a car online in the future. Additionally, twice as many men as women have purchased cars online citing reasons such as convenience, low prices, variety and having access to more options. The survey results also showed that when it comes to features, men prioritize the availability of an alternative fuel source, the type of engine and the exterior features, while women care the most about price, reliability and safety.

The Influence of Technology

According to the survey, 87% of respondents are using the internet to research a vehicle prior to purchase, including reviewing price comparisons, ratings and current reviews. This communicates the importance of the shopper journey and ensuring the consumer is receiving the right information at the right time. According to eBay Advertising’s motors survey, 76% of respondents who are looking to buy a car would prefer to buy online through eBay Motors. Additionally, 71% of respondents who did not purchase their vehicles on eBay Motors bought parts and accessories on eBay in the last six months. However, for those who prefer to purchase vehicles in person, male survey respondents say it’s because they want to be able to take a test drive, while female survey respondents want to be able to check out the condition of the car.

“Technology continues to evolve the automotive shopping journey,” said Josh Wetzel, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at eBay Advertising. “Consumers are already executing pre-purchase activities related to online research with increased interest in online automotive experiences. As more consumers continue to embrace automotive ecommerce for vehicles; enhanced experiences and technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence will continue to drive a larger shift to online purchasing.”

Under the Hood: Research, Men vs. Women and Face-to-Face Sharing Beats Social Media

Survey responses showed an evolution in the way people buy and communicate the good news about their auto purchases. Key findings include:

• eBay Motors buyers rely more on customer and professional reviews versus. informational dealership visits
• The average length of the purchase journey is two months, which consists of researching, reading reviews, etc. 
• Women are more likely than men to plan to keep their vehicle until it dies
• 71% of respondents said they prefer to share the news of a new vehicle purchase with their friends and family in person, rather than via the phone, text, and social media
• Sedans and SUV/ Crossovers were the most popular vehicles purchased
• Men are more likely than women to purchase both convertibles and collecticle cars

On-and-Off Road Insurance: Reality and Fantasy

Insurance proved to be an important part of the automotive purchase journey. The survey results show that two in three consumers research insurance providers during the automotive purchase process, with the majority conducting their research online. When respondents were asked what they would be willing to do to reduce their insurance costs, the top three responses were:

1. Drive more carefully (72%)
2. Drive a more conservative car (59%)
3. Upgrade my security system (57%)

When they were given the option to insure anything in the personal lives aside from their homes, cars, etc., the top three responses were:

1. My personal identity
2. My relationship with my significant other
3. My career

However, men and women didn’t have the same priorities when it came to insuring their personal lives. More men said they would rather insure their physical appearance than women did. Additionally, those with incomes of more than $70K were more likely to insure their appearance while those earning less than $70K said they would insure their relationships. 1

Science Behind the Survey

eBay Advertising executed a two-party survey consisting of a general consumer survey1 and eBay Motors advertising data.2 eBay Advertising surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. consumers between the ages of 18 and 65 who had purchased a vehicle in the last six months. The company also analyzed eBay Motors data based on approximately 1,000 consumers who had either made purchases from the ‘cars & trucks’ category on eBay Motors, or who had browsed through eBay Motors in 2016.

About eBay Motors

eBay Motors (www.ebay.com/motors), a part of eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY), is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces for buying and selling all things automotive that couples both vehicles and parts and accessories. eBay Motors’ vibrant marketplace connects millions of buyers and sellers through great value and unique selection. All consumers, from everyday drivers to enthusiasts, can discover and purchase virtually any vehicle they want, from new and used inventory, including collector cars, motorcycles and parts and accessories that they need to modify, repair, and personalize their rides.

About eBay Advertising

eBay Advertising (http://cc.ebay.com/whatsnew/) is a division of eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY), the global commerce leader. eBay Advertising is the only commerce partner that drives consideration for brands and sellers by providing unique data that delivers the deepest insights and influence throughout the consumer shopping journey. eBay Advertising works with the world’s top brands to deliver advanced advertising solutions that drive market growth, with a rich consumer experience.

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Media Contact:

Cameron Smead

Karbo Communications for eBay Advertising

925.785.7872

cameron@karbocom.com

We interviewed many vendors during NADA 2017 to hear what they think is ahead for the auto industry. Check out our interview with PERQ.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed by interviewees do not reflect the opinions of DrivingSales. These interviews are purely editorial content and are not sponsored by any party.