Predictive analytics and marketing automation company automotiveMastermind has partnered with a video communication company to implement a video feature that Mastermind says will help dealership sales teams personalize their communications with consumers. automotiveMastermind, part of IHS Markit, has partnered with Covideo to create a new product feature that helps dealerships connect with customers during coronavirus […] [Read More]

Jasen Rice, founder and chief executive officer for the used-car marketing and inventory analysis company Lotpop, is taking a contrarian position about certified pre-owned sales as the auto industry comes out of its COVID-19 mandated slumber. "CPO is going to be the winner out of this," he said. If, that is, the OEMs sufficiently incentivize […] [Read More]

With Flick Fusion’s new live-streaming video communications application, dealership personnel can connect with vehicle shoppers and current customers, regardless of which operating platform the callers are on. The application is called StreaMe, and Flick Fusion is offering auto dealerships a free, no-obligation 60-day trial for a limited time. The company said it is offering the application […] [Read More]

Autotrader has debuted a new commercial spot highlighting various home services that dealers now offer to bring convenience and comfort to in-market shoppers while also minimizing in-person contact. The ad, titled, “Still Moving,” is meant to alleviate consumers’ car-buying concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Autotrader, sourcing the Cox Automotive COVID-19 Digital Shopping Study, said the […] [Read More]

Asbury Automotive Group has named Patrick (PJ) Guido as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Guido joins the company effective May 11. Since April 2018, Guido has served as chief financial officer for lululemon athletica inc., a NASDAQ-listed multinational designer, distributor, and retailer of healthy lifestyle-inspired athletic apparel and accessories. He previously served as […] [Read More]

Predictive analytics and marketing automation company automotiveMastermind is re-deploying sales and business development managers to prospect on behalf of dealer partners. The company said the move demonstrates its support and commitment to dealerships during the COVID-19 crisis. automotiveMastermind said the virtual business development center program is currently piloting with 215 U.S. stores. The company announced […] [Read More]

Federal Trade Commission senior attorney Lesley Fair compiled a list of seven recommendations for small businesses — which could certainly include dealerships — in an effort to overcome the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. “For small businesses, there’s never been a time when ‘business as usual’ has been so unusual,” Fair wrote on Wednesday […] [Read More]

In its effort to support dealerships and consumers during COVID-19, automotive marketplace CarGurus is implementing new digital safety and convenience features such as allowing shoppers to schedule a virtual vehicle walkaround with a dealership. CarGurus subscribing dealers in the United States, U.K., and Canada now have new methods to inform in-market shoppers about how they […] [Read More]

Auto ad tech company Dealers United is developing tools and resources to guide auto dealers during the COVID-19 crisis, including “Facebook Ad Playbooks” and templates for service and sales strategies for facing crisis challenges. Dealers United, a Facebook and Instagram advertising service for the auto industry, says dealerships and local businesses should have messaging and […] [Read More]

"The way we are streamlining the process, the way that consumers are shopping and that we are training to shop now, really is going to be the gold standard moving forward when we get out of this, hopefully as quickly as possible." Tim Cox of CarNow heard this from an upstate New York car dealer […] [Read More]