CDK Global, in partnership with Zipwhip, a cloud-based texting provider, has created the former’s Text Connect solution, allowing dealer employees to send and receive texts from customers. Employees with the system can text their customers via any Internet-enabled device, using existing landlines and toll-free phone numbers. "Nearly half of consumers say they prefer SMS communication with […] [Read More]

Autotrader will be hosting its final Interactive Dealer Summit of 2015 at the beginning of December in Atlanta – if you cannot make it, a free simulcast will be available. The event will be streaming from Atlanta on Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST. Register here. What can you expect to […] [Read More]

In light of the closing of its acquisition of Dealertrack last month, Cox Automotive announced it is making Dealer.com — which joined the Cox family through the recent purchase — its primary website solution for Cox Automotive customers. The company explained current customers of the VinSolutions website product will migrate over to the Dealer.com website solution […] [Read More]

J.D. Power has further thrust its hat into the ring of third-party auto sites by today launching its all-new consumer auto ratings and research website. According to the company, the new site features the following: new car quality ratings new car performance & design ratings used car dependability/reliability ratings new car pricing (MSRP and invoice), fuel […] [Read More]

Liquid Motors today launches a fleet marketing service to assist fleet management companies in the remarketing process. The company also recently announced several enhancements to its One-Click wholesale service. First off, Liquid’s fleet marketing service includes an easy-to-use mobile inspection application for drivers to perform self-inspections on vehicles about to be turned in, as well […] [Read More]

The arm’s race in the direct-to-consumer and peer-to-peer online used-car space has gotten a spark this year, with big investments, geographic expansion and other growth moves. So far, much of the buzz has been centered on what these companies are offering consumers. But one platform, in particular — New York- and Dallas-based Vroom — is […] [Read More]

The vehicle appraisal data for AutoNation Express is being provided by Black Book, the latter announced Tuesday. The platform is the online car shopping and purchasing tool from the AutoNation dealership group. And through this partnership, visitors to AutoNation dealerships will be provided a trade appraisal when they’re shopping for a ride. First, the shopper […] [Read More]

IHS Automotive announced the second-generation iteration of its global aftermarket solution, WorldView 2.0, during the recent Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas. According to IHS, WorldView is the industry’s “most complete resource for analyzing vehicles in operation” as well as both aftermarket and OEM parts intelligence. The update to WorldView headed into the product’s […] [Read More]

Dealers: ever wish the hang tags for your inventory on the lot would update themselves? That’s the aim for eCarTag, a subsidiary of Pearl Technology Holdings, who announced that its digital hang tags have just completed a first test pilot with Sonic Automotive, who plans to install the tags at all of its dealerships next […] [Read More]

The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance has issued an open letter to the industry designed to “advocate for the establishment of a cross bidding multi-platform online remarketing solution,” a position the alliance says 20 of 23 responding IARA consignors supported in a recent survey of its U.S. consignor members. The IARA lists 13 consignor member it says have […] [Read More]