DEARBORN, Mich. -

FordDirect revealed Tuesday the addition of two new tools for dealers, provided by Black Book Online.

Now, on all DealerConnection websites, a trade-in appraisal tool and credit extimator will be available for consumer use.

And any leads generated from the online appraisal and credit estimator forms will be sent directly to the dealer's lead management system.

"In today's competitive market, anything dealers can do to streamline the car buying process for customers is going to help turn leads into sales," said Valerie Fuller, chief operating officer of FordDirect. "As a result of adding these tools, 500 additional leads are being generated daily. This new service helps dealers meet consumer demand for instant access to information without asking the consumer to share information they are not comfortable providing."

So, how do these new offerings work?

The online appraisal tool allows the consumer to enter information regarding the condition of the vehicle they want to trade. Then, the consumer is asked to give their contact information so an estimated trade-in value can then be sent.

“In addition, dealers with DealerConnection Elite mobile websites have the ability to include a mobile-enhanced version of the trade appraisal tool on their site,” officials added.

FordDirect explained that the online credit estimator provides consumers a way to acquire an approximation of their credit score “without pulling an actual credit report, or providing any personal information such as social security number or credit card numbers.

“The estimated credit score is formulated by taking into account consumers' answers to a short series of questions prompted by the tool,” officials continued.

Showing enthusiasm for the new tools, Black Book Online president Mike McFall said, "Our research has shown that about 40 percent of the consumers who complete these tools purchase a vehicle in their market in 30 days or less.”

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