Clutch Technologies said Monday it has launched a suite of varying subscription-related products that dealers and automakers can use to tailor those services to the individual (and often different) needs of consumers. Clutch, which is a subsidiary of Cox Automotive, said the new Clutch Subscription Platform includes the same technology in its “full-time” single-vehicle and […] [Read More]

A new company is promising to “turn the traditional ridesharing business model on its head,” concentrating on factors such as safety and hospitality, along with passengers’ “in-car experience.” The company, Alto, enters the on-demand rideshare market with $14.5 million from two rounds of funding and has several investment partners, but the new company wants those […] [Read More]

Reviver Auto recently received good news for drivers in the Motor City and elsewhere in the Great Lake State who are interested in using digital license plates. The company noted on Thursday that the Michigan legislature has passed a bill (Public Act 656 of 2018) enabling digital license plate technology in the state.  Reviver Auto […] [Read More]

It’s a potential clash that can lead to frustration for both potential buyers and dealerships — haggling over what a trade might be worth. According to a recent survey conducted by Black Book, consumers believe a vehicle trade-in quote that’s far from expectations remains the second-most likely reason to kill a deal. Editors acknowledged the […] [Read More]

Car buyers are doing more advance research than ever. Because of that, they often know more about the dealership than the dealership knows about them. Connect Automotive Intelligence is a new product that VinSolutions believes will close that gap. VinSolutions notes in a press release that Connect Automotive Intelligence will help dealers better act on […] [Read More]

Digital Air Strike said Thursday it has purchased ad tech lead generation company Target Media Partners Interactive (TMPi) as well as Libra Systems. The latter provides software designed to make leasing and financing easier for auto retailers. Digital Air Strike said this is the most significant expansion in its history. Thursday’s move was also the […] [Read More]

If car-sharing, ride-hailing and car-subscription services were as widely available as traditional car ownership through purchases and leases, consumers would rely “significantly less” on traditional car ownership and new-vehicle retail sales could tumble much as 29 percent. Conversely, fleet sales would increase. So predicts Phase 3 of Cox Automotive’s Evolution of Mobility Study, outlined Sunday […] [Read More]

Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Values are now integrated into the Contact At Once! Automotive messaging platform, CAO! Connect. The integration helps create what CAO says are satisfying connections, and it builds relationships between auto shoppers and dealers by making it easier for consumers to ask questions and get information in the “micro-moments” when they shop […] [Read More]

Gubagoo describes itself as a provider of “conversational commerce” products for automotive dealerships and OEMs. Now, its customers can use Apple Business Chat, which Gubagoo says is a new way for users to communicate directly with businesses using the native Messages app on iPhone and iPad. The company notes the product helps consumers instantly connect […] [Read More]

Elcometer, an inspection equipment design, manufacturing and supply company for the automotive and protective coatings markets, has moved into its new North American headquarters and training facility. Based in Warren, Mich., Elcometer’s new 22,000-square-foot North American headquarters at 6900 Miller Drive provides office space for sales and technical support teams and accommodates its ISO 17025 test […] [Read More]