Auction Edge has announced significant upgrades to its Edge Simulcast platform — and the newly upgraded platform has a familiar name, with a familiar partner.
Edge Simulcast — powered by Velocicast — is the result of decades of collaboration between Auction Edge and Auction Frontier, the original architects of the Edge Pipeline system.
“I am excited to continue the partnership between Auction Edge and the designers of Velocicast,” said Dan Diedrich, president of Auction Edge. “The teams at Auction Frontier and Auction Edge have a long history of working together. This relationship only solidifies that history, benefitting buyers, sellers and the industry as a whole.”
The existing Edge Simulcast platform is scheduled to be phased out within 12 months, according to Auction Edge. “We have carefully planned the execution of upgrades across the entire 230-plus Auction Edge locations,” said Seth Corrigan, lead pipeline support and installation coordinator. “The new system should roll out very smoothly.”
“After battle hardening the Velocicast system at several of the leading auctions in the West, it made sense to find a partner with the footprint, reputation, and solid support infrastructure of Auction Edge”, said Scott Suchomel, president of Auction Frontier. “The fact that we have been working closely with Auction Edge on other initiatives for the last 10 years makes this a natural fit.”
A number of independent auctions have participated in a limited rollout of Edge Simulcast — Powered by Velocicast. Trent Long, co-owner of Airport AA in Alcoa, Tenn., recently switched to Velocicast from another simulcast vendor.
“The functionality and ease of use of Velocicast has been a welcomed change to our auction. It has significantly improved the user experience for each of our employees that help manage and administer our simulcasts,” he said.
Auction Edge offers a suite of products and services for auction management and an online marketplace representing more than 230 independent auctions.
Auction Management Solutions continued to add to its roster of clients as the firm announced it has partnered with Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho, in Nampa, Idaho, for business development consulting.
Adding this location brings the group to 12 total clients, who also include:
—Columbus Fair Auto Auction
—Greater Quad City Auto Auction
—Rochester Syracuse Auto Auction
—Greater Erie Auto Auction
—DAA Chattanooga
—DAA Murfreesboro
—DAA Memphis
—DAA Huntsville
—DAA Mobile
—Southeastern Auto Auction
—166 Auto Auction
“We have been experiencing a lot of growth over the last 12 months in our dealer consignment business, and working with a firm like AMS will help us continue to grow our national account business as well," Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho owner Russ Smith said.
“We recently added an additional seven acres to our facility, as well as broke ground on a new reconditioning shop,” Smith continued. “We expect the new reconditioning shop to be completed by the end of 2016.
“Tom (Stewart) and Richard (Curtis) will work closely with Britney Smith-Egbert, our fleet lease manager, and Alex Bunn, our assistant fleet lease manager, to identify new business opportunities as well as continuing to solidify existing relationships with our current consignors,” Smith went on to say.
Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho started back in 2001, hosting five auction lanes on over 40 acres of land offering more than 500 units weekly. The facility is located just outside of Boise. Major accounts include Westlake Financial, Lobel Financial, Mike Albert Leasing, Go Financial, ARI, GSA, SRG, LeasePlan, U-Haul, United Auto Credit plus many more.
“We are very excited to be working with Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho,” said Stewart, who along with Curtis formed AMS this summer. “Russ and his team have built a very strong auction in the Northwest.
“Now with less independent auction options for consignors in that part of the country, there is real opportunity for them to become a real powerhouse in that market,” Stewart continued. “One of our goals here at AMS is to focus on providing our customers with the best service we can, while working through a proven sales strategy to help them grow their business.”
AiM and Manheim have completed the North American roll-out of AiM software to 79 Manheim locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
The roll-out marks the first Manheim-wide deliverable of efforts between AiM and Manheim that started in May 2015.
The main technology component of the roll-out is AiM Inspect Capture, a smartphone app running on Android devices. It includes enhanced vehicle description, images and intelligent data recall, and provides a basis for further evolution of inspections products at wholesale auction locations.
“The inspection software we’re providing Manheim is a great example of our expanded capabilities and reach,” said Jim Yates, AiM’s chief executive officer. “These products and services will be made available to other clients who place a high value in a standardized and efficient inspection process and the vast condition history in our Data Store.
"The software demonstrates the continued evolution of AiM’s technology capabilities and our deep commitment to meeting the needs of our alliance partners, clients and the industry," he continued.
“We are thrilled with the performance of this technology,” said Grace Huang, senior vice president, inventory solutions for Manheim. “We are glad to be working together on the continued evolution of high quality, consistent inspections and vehicle information. The roll-out of this software is part of our ongoing focus on improved experiences for our buyers and sellers.”
“We worked closely with Manheim to reach this milestone,” said Mark Phillips, AiM chief enterprise architect. “We are grateful for the trails they've blazed and appreciate their trust. This roll-out marks the next generation evolution of our inspection and remarketing technology capabilities. We look forward to delivering ongoing innovations to our partners, clients and the industry.”
TrueCar has partnered with Hearst Autos to launch a new vehicle buying service through the latter's Car and Driver website.
Visitors to CarandDriver.com looking for research, reviews, road tests and more will now have access to TrueCar’s new vehicle pricing information and nationwide network of more than 12,000 certified dealers.
Car and Driver consumers can access the car buying service through multiple entry points on CarandDriver.com, including the make and model, review and article pages. They can also access the service directly by going to carbuying.caranddriver.com from any device.
“Car and Driver is an integral part of the car shopping process. In-market shoppers and enthusiasts already turn to us for in-depth reviews and long-standing expertise,” said Hearst Autos president Nick Matarazzo.
“Now they can complete their shopping process by having the ability to access fair, transparent pricing and TrueCar’s Certified Dealer Network. With this new car buying service, we’re closing the loop. Shoppers will now have the final tool they need to purchase a vehicle.”
“More than 12 million monthly visitors trust the Car and Driver brand for its expert reviews, vehicle test drives and advice,” said Bernie Brenner, TrueCar’s chief strategy officer. “Providing this in-market audience of car shoppers with the means to connect with our comprehensive new car pricing data and network of TrueCar Certified Dealers is a natural fit.”
Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced this week that its dealership management system now is fully integrated with Singlethread, a service department text-message platform.
Auto/Mate’s dealer customers now have the option to implement Singlethread’s messaging tool to communicate with service customers and have all records saved in each contact in the DMS.
“Many customers prefer to communicate via text so when a dealership makes that effort it has a tremendous impact on customer satisfaction,” Auto/Mate president and chief executive officer Mike Esposito said.
“Additionally Singlethread speeds up the process for approving estimated repairs and even has a system to measure customer satisfaction,” Esposito continued.
Singlethread can help dealers communicate the way their customers prefer, eliminating phone calls and voice mail tag that lead to frustrated customers. Singlethread's multi-media messaging platform can allow service advisors to text MPIs, photos and videos to customers, increasing transparency and boosting RO approval rates.
Singlethread is fully compliant with text messaging regulations and enables secure mobile payments.
“Integrating with Auto/Mate's Fixed Ops Suite was quick and inexpensive, which we really appreciate as keeping integration costs low allows us to keep our costs low for dealers,” Singlethread co-founder Patrick Southward said.
According to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, 37 percent of Gen X, 38 percent of Gen Y and 22 percent of Baby Boomers prefer to receive service updates via text message or email. Yet only 2 percent of all dealership customers currently receive service updates via text message or email.
Auto/Mate's Fixed Ops Suite is a full-featured solution that can offer the following benefits to dealership service departments:
• One-screen access allows all service merchandising functions to be accessed within one screen via user-friendly pull-down menus and buttons
• Automated dispatch and electronic RO capabilities enable hands-free, customized and flexible dispatching
• Graphics-rich calendar allows service managers to view color-coded appointments on a daily, weekly or monthly basis at a glance
• Instant merge feature that merges duplicate customer information with a single click of a button
• OEM button to access manufacturers’ online information at any time within Auto/Mate's DMS
Auto/Mate offers low-cost, seamless integration for third-party vendors with its Open/Mate program. Auto/Mate is an advocate of open standards integration as a way to increase competition, lower prices and improve the quality of products offered by all vendors.
For more information visit www.automate.com or call (877) 340-2677.
The Costco Auto Program has again partnered with General Motors to bring back the Holiday Sales Event for members. During the holiday promotion last year, officials highlighted nearly 58,000 vehicles were sold — a 34 percent increase above the 2014 total.
Officials explained this year’s event features a selection of popular models from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, as well as a few vehicles never before offered during the Holiday Sales Event such the Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck, Buick Cascada convertible, Cadillac XT5 crossover and versatile GMC Canyon midsize pickup truck.
Costco members who register for the Holiday Sales Event at CostcoAuto.com/GM, then purchase and take delivery of a qualifying vehicle between now and Jan. 3 will receive GM Supplier Pricing, as well as most currently available GM incentives.
In addition, executive members will receive a $700 Costco Cash Card and Gold Star and Business Members will receive a $300 Costco Cash Card for purchasing a qualifying model and completing all eligibility requirements.
A complete list of eligible vehicles is available at CostcoAuto.com/GM.
“General Motors is excited to partner with Costco Auto Program to bring this valuable offer to Costco members,” GM spokesperson Jim Cain said. “Seeing the continued success of the Holiday Sales Event with each year, GM is pleased to offer the largest selection of vehicles to date for Costco members that will make the event just as popular, if not more so, than last year’s event.”
Costco Auto Program is the auto-buying service exclusively for Costco members. The program can deliver a streamlined buying experience to Costco members year-round through its network of more than 3,000 specially selected dealerships nationwide.
Authorized dealer contacts at these stores are trained and certified to deliver superior customer service. The program also can provide Costco members online tools to research and compare vehicles, as well as locate a participating dealer to make a purchase at a low, prearranged price.
To further enhance the auto-buying experience, member advocates are available to support Costco members throughout their vehicle purchase process.
In addition to a wide selection of new vehicles, Costco Auto Program offers Costco member savings on select pre-owned vehicles, RVs, motorcycles and powersports.
The program also provides a solution for members who want to maintain their current vehicles by offering 15 percent off parts, service and accessories at participating automotive service centers (up to a maximum of $500), and powersports dealerships (up to a maximum of $200). Some exclusions apply. Members can also use the discount toward apparel at participating powersports dealerships.
Auto/Mate Dealership Systems has integrated its dealership management system with myCarfax Service Shop tools to help dealer customers increase the success of their fixed operations.
The companies explained this enhancement makes it easier for dealers using Auto/Mate software to join the myCarfax Service Shop program and take advantage of the program’s benefits. Auto/Mate subscribers that are also myCarfax Service Shops have access to the newly integrated tools, which include Carfax Service History Check.
Carfax Service History Check can show a vehicle’s reported maintenance history which, when combined with other myCarfax benefits like Carfax QuickVIN, helps service technicians make the best service recommendations to their customers, avoid parts-ordering errors and, ultimately, increase revenue.
“Having the myCarfax tools fully integrated into our DMS helps our dealers improve the speed, efficiency and accuracy of servicing their customers’ vehicles,” said Mike Esposito, president and chief executive officer of Auto/Mate.
“It’s part of our commitment to providing the very best solutions we can that give dealers the best chance for success and customer satisfaction,” Esposito continued.
In addition, dealers now can enroll customers in myCarfax.com with one click from the Auto/Mate DMS. A free desktop and mobile app service, myCarfax.com can help vehicle owners stay informed about maintenance and recalls on their vehicles, and sends reminders when it’s time to bring their vehicle back for the next recommended service.
“Successful dealers are using the power of Carfax information to gain competitive advantage in the automotive service industry,” said Vern Poyner, general manager at Carfax.
“Auto/Mate’s enhanced system is helping meet the needs of dealers around the country that are part of the myCarfax Service Shop program,” Poyner went on to say.
Dealers interested in using Auto/Mate solutions integrated with the myCarfax Service Shop tools in their fixed operations can visit www.automate.com.
Auction Management Solutions (AMS) finalized partnerships with two more independent operations for business development consulting on Wednesday.
AMS, which was started in early July by industry veterans Tom Stewart and Richard Curtis, now has relationships with Rochester Syracuse Auto Auction in Waterloo, N.Y., and Greater Quad City Auto Auction in Milan, Ill.
Adding these two clients bring the firm’s collection to 10 total locations, including:
—Greater Erie Auto Auction
—DAA Chattanooga
—DAA Murfreesboro
—DAA Memphis
—DAA Huntsville
—DAA Mobile
—Southeastern Auto Auction
—166 Auto Auction
Rochester Syracuse Auto Auction currently offers more than 400 units every week across four auction lanes. Current consignors include Credit Acceptance/VRS, Element Fleet, Wheels, Union Leasing and several local banks and finance institutions.
“We are very excited to be a part of this growing group of independent auctions," Rochester Syracuse Auto Auction co-owner Scott Prankie said. “We worked with Tom and Richard before in the past, and once we knew that they were back working with independent auctions, we were happy to be a part of the team.”
Curtis added, “We have known Scott and Mik (Panavas) for quite a long time. RSAA services a very important part of the country in the Northeast, and when they contacted us about working together, we knew it was a great fit for our firm and our group of auctions.”
Greater Quad City Auto Auction offers two sales weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The operation has six lanes, a full reconditioning center and on-site transportation. Current clients include GSA, ARI, U-Haul, Enterprise and many other local banks and finance institutions.
“We feel that being a part of the group of auctions that Tom and Richard have assembled will be a very large asset to the growth and development of our auction location,” said Greater Quad City Auto Auction general manager and owner Larry Anderson. “Brad Anderson, our national sales and fleet lease manager, will work closely with AMS on the business development side of the business.”
Stewart mentioned, “The part of the country that QCAA services offers a lot of great opportunities for them, being in the heart of the Midwest. They can service a lot of territory, covering all of Iowa and Illinois and parts of Wisconsin.”
Recall Masters, a provider of automotive recall news, data, training and communications, finalized an integration on Tuesday with Auto Rental Systems (ARS), a cloud-based loaner vehicle management system, in an effort to help dealers manage their loaner and rental fleets.
The companies explained the ARS Recall module can perform a nightly scan of all fleet units in the system and alert dealers to any new and outstanding recalls. The new add-in module is designed to eliminate the need for dealers to manually check on recalls for their inventory of vehicles.
Here’s how the process is geared to operate:
When a new recall is found, the recall data is downloaded to the system and linked to the vehicle by VIN. The dealership is then alerted via a summary email report and the vehicle is flagged in the system. When the required recall work is completed, the repairs can be logged and the vehicle can be placed back in service.
Just as the system maintains the rental history of all vehicles, it also maintains the history of all recall and warranty work performed by the dealer.
“Our customers’ needs continually change and we know we have to listen and respond. Recalls are coming like a tidal wave and our dealers just do not have the time to address this increased volume efficiently,” said Laura Tierney, sales manager for ARS.
“We have partnered with Recall Masters, the best in the industry, and with the ARS Recall module we take on the recall management work for them which allow our dealers the freedom to do what they do best: service customers,” Tierney continued.
At every touch point from vehicle sales to loaner cars and inventory management, automotive repair scheduling and service lane visits to auto rental and corporate fleets, Recall Masters insisted it now places actionable information at the fingertips of automotive sales and service centers, as well as consumers, nationwide.
“We are continually evolving our systems and database to provide the most relevant information possible to consumers and their automotive service providers,” Recall Masters chief executive officer Christopher Miller said. “One big key to keeping customer satisfaction high while servicing a vehicle is the overall convenience factor.
“To address this, most manufacturers offer service loaner vehicles for customers to drive while they perform the required repairs,” Miller continued. “As these recall customers can arrive already upset about the state of their vehicle, and can be rather emotional, it is vital to ensure a great customer experience.
“Our integration with the leading loaner car management system is just one more step in the right direction to ensure consumer safety and to mitigate risk of automotive-related injuries,” he went on to say. “Greater recall awareness and proactive management helps automakers protect their brand and build trusting relationships between dealers, rental car agencies, auto auctions and consumers alike.”
To learn more about Recall Masters complete beginning-to-end solution, schedule a demo or receive a free trial call (888) 651-4480, email [email protected] or visit www.recallmasters.com.
To learn more about ARS’ cloud-based loaner vehicle management system, get additional information of get a free trail, call (513) 334-1040, email: [email protected] or visit www.ARSloaner.com/RM/
Auction Management Solutions (AMS) continued to add to its client roster on Monday as the firm now has partnered with Greater Erie Auto Auction in Erie, Pa., for business development consulting.
Started in early July by industry veterans Tom Stewart and Richard Curtis, AMS now has eight auction partners, including DAA Chattanooga, DAA Murfreesboro, DAA Memphis, DAA Huntsville, DAA Mobile, Southeastern Auto Auction and 166 Auto Auction.
“We are very excited to be working with AMS and feel that they can give us the competitive edge we have been looking for,” Greater Erie Auto Auction owner Todd Briggs said. “Our national remarketing manager, Chrissy Briggs, will be working closely with Tom and Richard to achieve our goals.”
Greater Erie Auto Auction offers more than 400 units every week across four auction lanes. Current consignors include Credit Acceptance/VRS, Element Fleet, Fleet Lease Disposal and several local banks and finance companies.
“It is our intent to keep our clients on the forefront of the automotive industry by maintaining a comprehensive and competitive mapped-out plan, which includes keeping our clients in front of the national consignors, which we believe will aid in their growth,” Stewart said.
