The fact that the auto industry is conditioning consumers to do most of their research and purchasing online is uncontested. What is debatable, however, is whether we are making it easy for this new behavior to be adopted. Nearly 100% of dealerships’ or OEMs’ marketing budget and strategy (both traditional and digital) is geared toward […] [Read More]

Consumers visiting dealer websites, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and other sites can use a new product from automotive digital marketing company AutoRevo to start a live text conversation with an actual sales professional. Those consumers can do that instead of having a conversation with a chatbot or someone who “doesn't understand your dealership or your inventory,” AutoRevo […] [Read More]

Another consolidation arrived on Tuesday; this time involving firms creating software and technology aimed at helping dealerships retail vehicles when it’s convenient for potential buyers. Shuffling Madness Ventures (SMV), the parent company of PIN Business Network (PIN) and KelCar Holdings, an automotive software company from Hagerstown, Md., announced that they have come together to form […] [Read More]

Automotive lead management software company AutoRaptor has been a customer relationship management tool for large and small dealerships for 14 years. The company says its web-based software can help solve lead management problems and boost sales opportunities. Recently, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association made a move that it says “further solidifies AutoRaptor’s longstanding affiliation […] [Read More]

The Daytona Coupe is a Factory Five replica of the original 1965 World Championship Daytona Coupe. Automotive lifestyle company Hagerty owns the vehicle and says it “captures the look and feel of the original 200 mph GT cars.” But it says that like all Factory Five designs, the vehicle is “more reliable and comfortable.” Now, […] [Read More]

CARFAX not only wants to help consumers find a vehicle that’s right for them. The vehicle history provider is aiming to be of aid to insurance companies thanks to a sharpened version of its offerings. CARFAX highlighted this week that it now can help insurers more precisely identify a specific vehicle’s trim level and installed […] [Read More]

If you ask Spencer Scott why CarGurus launched its Real-time Performance Marketing suite nationwide, he starts by saying that dealers noticed how CarGurus had grown its own audience. “And they were turning to us to ask us how they could do that for their own website,” said Scott, who is the company's senior vice president of […] [Read More]

Saying the new company serves a list of clients that includes 90% of the world’s automotive and global customer experience sector companies, InMoment and MaritzCX said they have agreed to combine the two companies. “This industry needs a new and disruptive approach if we truly wish to transform the way businesses look to improve experiences and results,” […] [Read More]

One of the companies scheduled to appear again during the upcoming Automotive Intelligence Summit is broadening its physical footprint in the cradle of so many other fintech firms and startups. Spiffy, an on-demand car care, technology and services company, announced the opening of a new office in the San Francisco Bay area. Leadership explained on […] [Read More]

Online used-car marketplace Shift has added a few new wrinkles to its offering, including digitally scheduled service and repairs and an avenue where customers throughout the country can buy vehicles directly online.  Shift, which in a news release Tuesday also announced new facilities in California, has launched a new direct online car-buying option, a pre-qualification […] [Read More]