FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Company, has launched a new e-commerce platform for dealer solutions.

The Shop, powered by FordDirect, is a “curated online shopping experience” designed for dealers to “meet the challenges of operating in the evolving retail automotive business landscape” with products and services in addition to what FordDirect already provides for them.

The Shop gives dealers access to vetted vendors with pre-negotiated prices for products and services for dealerships. The idea, FordDirect said, is to help dealers spend less time searching for vendors and negotiating rates and give them a way to learn about and acquire new solutions for their stores.

The vendors currently available on the platform include:

— Better Car People, a BDC engagement platform
— ComplyAuto, a dealership compliance software platform for privacy, security, safety/HR, F&I and more.
— OfferLogix, a soft-pull credit pre-qualification service.
— STELLA Automotive AI, an AI system that offers a unified experience across all dealership channels.
— Velocity Automotive, which offers reconditioning management software and automated digital vehicle portfolios.
— Volie, an automotive call center software for BDCs.
— WarrCloud, a warranty processing technology platform.
— Work Truck Solutions, offering commercial truck and van digital marketing and inventory merchandising tools.

“Because we already trust and rely on FordDirect for our digital needs that help us run our business, we look forward to The Shop becoming a place to find additional solutions outside of what’s currently provided,” said Pat Milliken Ford president Brian Godfrey, chairman of FordDirect’s board, in a news release. “FordDirect continues to provide innovation that makes a difference to our operation.”

FordDirect said The Shop will continue to add vendors “that keep dealers ahead of the technological curve” as well as offering dealership employees support and becoming a source for everyday supplies at a lower cost.

The company said The Shop is designed to create more efficiencies and cost savings so dealerships can focus on core activities, as dealerships face increasing demand for day-to-day resources, including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology and planning sales events.

“As every facet of the auto industry transforms through technology, dealers tell us they are more challenged than ever to stay current while meeting their business goals,” FordDirect CEO Dean Stoneley said. “We didn’t just listen – we acted to provide a solution that meets their needs.

“The Shop is now open to help Ford dealers and Lincoln retailers spend more time doing what they do best, while also supporting FordDirect’s mission as a trusted partner and resource to find the best vendors in the market for all of their needs.”