BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -

With smartphones becoming more and more prevalent and technology moving forward on a daily basis, it will only be a matter of time before most of the consumer base becomes familiar with utilizing tools like mobile apps and QR codes. 

“Not everyone knows what a QR code is now, but everyone who doesn’t have a smartphone will most likely get one when their current phone breaks,” said Chuck Redden, president and chief executive officer of Autotec, parent company of AuctionACCESS.

“This will make things like mobile apps and QR codes almost universal, just like the Internet and social media have already become,” he told Auto Remarketing.

 

Moreover, mobile applications continue to gain steam and popularity among OEMs, as well as independent and franchised dealers.

With the emergence of these software applications that aim to aid people in accomplishing tasks faster and more efficiently, the business opportunities involved continue to increase.

How can these apps streamline a dealership?

For example, eCarlist’s application — True Target Mobile — can help dealers accurately appraise and value their vehicles via mobile access to pricing data from multiple books, as well as current data from eBay, AutoTrader and Cars.com.

Dealers can also use apps such as this one to filter and organize information, perform a VIN scan and integrate vehicle history reports from Carfax.

Also, with market information companies, such as Kelley Blue Book, launching mobile apps, gone are the days when dealers had to lug around multiple books, such as KBB, Black Book, NADA Used Car Guide, and more; the information is now all available through smartphones.

OEMs are even using apps to increase efficiency and as a way to make  bulky user manuals a thing of the past.

As an alternative to stuffing a manual in the glove box, nameplates such as Chrysler have launched smartphone vehicle information applications that allow consumers to browse functional categories and view detailed topics of interest relative to a specific vehicle.

Looking at additional perks to mobile apps for dealers, they can also help dealerships acquire the information needed to stock their lots with the vehicles customers want and need.

Also, a dealer need not wait to get back to their desk to find out vehicle information such as previous damage, maintenance history and price. Tools like Carfax Vehicle History Reports are available through mobile applications, proving especially helpful when dealers are checking out auction inventory.

Overall, mobile applications allow dealers to access business and vehicle information while on the go, providing the potential for a higher level of efficiency.

“Mobile apps allow businesses to enjoy a sense of freedom and flexibility because everything is always at your fingertips,” Redden explained.

David Kain, founder and president of Internet sales and marketing training services company Kain Automotive, also offered his take on mobile applications’ effectiveness: “We absolutely love them (mobile apps), we encourage all of our clients to have them.

“From a personal standpoint, they have changed everything I do on the Web, and we are seeing huge traffic coming from customers to our clients via smartphone. The more we can benefit from a consumer carrying their phone in their pocket or purse the better. That connectivity for service applications and selling cars will be fabulous,” he concluded.