In one of two announcements coming from DealerSocket on Friday, RevenueRadar — which is powered by DealerSocket — now is officially certified and a featured partner for General Motors' new Equity-Mining Initiative.
Officials highlighted that GM announced to its entire field organization and all 4,300 franchised dealers about the opportunity to use powerful equity-mining tools like DealerSocket's RevenueRadar. GM dealers are given incentive bonuses for those who participate in their Equity-Mining Initiative by Dec. 31.
“DealerSocket is excited to expand our partnership with General Motors through the Dealer Technology Assistance Program (DTAP) and their new Equity-Mining Initiative,” said Matt Redden who oversees sales and marketing at DealerSocket.
“We look forward to improving dealerships' ability to uncover opportunities hiding within their DMS and increase their customer loyalty with our robust automated revenue-generating solution,” Redden continued.
RevenueRadar, a stand-alone equity-mining solution, can give dealerships a new way to discover and handle new leads.
Once RevenueRadar is turned on, it immediately starts discovering “hot, new” opportunities for sales and service departments to pursue. DealerSocket insisted many dealerships saw more than 30 additional deals per month when using RevenueRadar, a solution that can identify opportunities such as equity, service history, and lower payment.
“This allows dealerships to discover, browse, and communicate directly to customers that have a certain year, make, or model,” officials said. “RevenueRadar continues to consistently demonstrate why dealerships have seen 73 percent close rate on RevenueRadar appointments set.”
To learn more about DealerSocket's RevenueRadar or General Motors DTAP partnership with DealerSocket, visit http://dealersocket.com/gmequitymining or call (877) 740-5880.
DealerSocket, Century Interactive Finish Service Setter Integration
In other company news, DealerSocket recently completed an enhanced integration with Century Interactive to include Service Setter, a move officials explained is meant to increase efficiency and profits within dealership service departments.
The companies explained Service Setter is a comprehensive dashboard that can put all of a service department’s call tracking needs into one easy, accessible place.
With Service Setter, service departments can track and record all of their inbound and outbound calls. All of those calls are then immediately filtered, categorized, evaluated and scored.
Within this dashboard, service managers have access to service performance reports, which display marketing efforts are delivering the best service leads and highlight the performance the service staff.
Officials said the need for such a platform has become apparent after National Automobile Dealers Association revealed that service departments are responsible for 60 percent of net profits at dealerships.
“It’s essentially a dealership’s gold mine,” they said.
“Service Setter empowers service departments to step up and value the phone,” they continued. “It does this by delivering the most important service opportunities to the right person at the right time. This way, managers and staff can step in and salvage the opportunity calls that need more attention.”
The companies went on to highlight that one of the most valuable features of Service Setter is that it can provide individual phone skills feedback and coaching to the staff members who need it most.
“With proper guidance service staff are able to convert the calls they’re receiving, ultimately booking more appointments at no additional marketing expense,” officials said.
Reports speculating on the potential for a Tesla battery factory in Nevada started surfacing recently after Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval took to Twitter to hint at a major announcement in the state’s economic development.
And the news was confirmed by the automaker on Thursday: the Tesla “Gigafactory” is headed for the Silver State.
When the state and automaker confirmed the news last week, Gov. Sandoval said, “This is great news for Nevada. Tesla will build the world’s largest and most advanced battery factory in Nevada, which means nearly one hundred billion dollars in economic impact to the Silver State over the next twenty years.
"I am grateful that Elon Musk and Tesla saw the promise in Nevada. These 21st century pioneers, fueled with innovation and desire, are emboldened by the promise of Nevada to change the world. Nevada is ready to lead,” he continued.
Though Nevada is a state not known for its automotive manufacturing industry, the move will position the Tesla battery factory close to its Fremont, Calif., assembly plant.
Many are speculating whether a large incentives package was also involved to lure the electric vehicle company to the state.
According to a Forbes report, the overall package the state offered Tesla is estimated at $1.25 billion over the next 20 years.
“I would like to recognize the leadership of Gov. Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for partnering with Tesla to bring the Gigafactory to the state. The Gigafactory is an important step in advancing the cause of sustainable transportation and will enable the mass production of compelling electric vehicles for decades to come. Together with Panasonic and other partners, we look forward to realizing the full potential of this project,” said Musk when the company confirmed the news.
Tesla currently has a deal with Panasonic Corp. — the company that produces the batteries for the Model S — to underwrite some of the bill and to help run operations at the new battery factory.
The Gigafactory is expected to cost up to $5 billion to build. And the company better get started, if it wants the project completed by the time it’s cheaper model rolls out.
The company plans to launch its third vehicle — the Model III — by 2017 with a starting price tag of $35,000.
And the move has the support of the Nevada State Assembly, as well.
“On behalf of the State of Nevada, I would like to acknowledge this monumental day and provide my initial support. This is a significant opportunity to make a major stride to improve our statewide economy,” said the Democratic Speaker of the Nevada State Assembly Marilyn Kirkpatrick. “I look forward to receiving the necessary information so the Legislature can meet and take necessary action to support this major industry coming to Nevada.”
This year has been wrought with lawsuits stemming from franchised dealers’ concern over Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model.
And though the company has suffered a few setbacks legally, with constructions of its new battery factory on the horizon, it seems as if Tesla is here to stay.
Manheim and Ready Auto Transport announced recently their collaboration to launch a new electronic gate pass process at all Manheim locations nationwide.
The delivery time-improving eGate Passes are electronically delivered for all customer vehicles directly to members to streamline the auction pick-up process.
John Blobner, the vice president and general manager for Ready Auto Transport, believes the new process will enhance the experience between his company, its carriers and Manheim buyers.
“We are pleased to help our carriers alleviate some of the obstacles they may have at the auction such as arriving after hours when a gate pass is not available,” Blobner said. “When Manheim buyers choose Ready Auto Transport for transportation, we verify the vehicle is ready and issue the eGate Pass directly to the carrier, eliminating dry runs because they’ll know the vehicle is ready and can avoid the wait.”
Ready Auto Transport and Manheim piloted the process and successfully released more than 3,000 vehicles without any issues at locations at Manheim Ohio, Manheim Detroit, Manheim Pittsburgh and Manheim Statesville.
For more information about Ready Auto Transport and the eGate Pass, visit the site here.
The American Recovery Association recently reached a partnership with Harding Brooks Insurance and Northern Star Management to offer new benefits exclusively to all ARA members.
Through this partnership, members will have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of unique offerings, including performance-based dividend returns, interest-free payments and voluntary employee benefits such as life, disability and accident insurance.
Harding Brooks Insurance and North Star Management also will utilize ARA's Compliance Monitoring System, which is geared to save members both time and money to ensure their company meets ARA's minimum compliance standards.
"It is very important for our members to get a return on their investment in education, training and compliance," ARA vice president Jerry Wilson said. “Our new partnership with Harding Brooks Insurance and North Star Management will offer special insurance services that will meet our standards of being the most compliant network in the industry.”
Harding Brooks Insurance is one of the largest insurance agencies focused on the repossession industry with more than 50 years of experience in providing high-quality insurance products and customer service.
Northern Star Management is an underwriting management company and wholesale producer that provides creative insurance solutions for targeted industry segments.
"We have worked closely with Harding Brooks Insurance to recognize the value of compliance while maintaining an extraordinary level of professionalism,” said Renee Low of Northern Star Management. “ARA’s new compliance monitoring platform is a useful underwriting tool, and we are pleased that ARA and its members take compliance and training seriously.”
Mike Peplinski with Harding Brooks Insurance and Northern Star Management has been working diligently with the ARA board to make this program possible.
ARA members can take advantage of this new member benefit and get a free quote by contacting Peplinski at (315) 214-5822 or [email protected] during your insurance renewal period. Agents also can visit ARA’s member resource page members.repo.org.
To learn more about becoming an ARA member, visit repo.org.
DealersLink recently partnered with Fox Rent A Car to offer direct access to off-lease inventory, meaning members of DealersLink can now tap straight into to Fox’s pre-auction inventory streams.
Executives also highlighted DealersLink members can receive preferred pricing from Fox Rent A Car. Members also can obtain the most current nationwide inventory list — which is updated hourly — and can submit buy bids directly to Fox through the DealersLink marketplace.
Fox Rent A Car vice president of fleet Jerame Jackson said that the company’s inventory often requires less than $500 on average for reconditioning cost, increasing speed to the front line and decreasing acquisition cost.
Jackson believes the partnership between Fox and DealersLink caters to progressive, online-oriented automotive dealers.
“I am very excited about our relationship with DealersLink and our ability to sell direct to DealersLink members,” Jackson said. “I’ve had nothing but positive experiences dealing with the top notch dealer base on DealersLink.”
DealersLink vice president of sales Travis Wise explained what the latest company move means for dealers.
“We’re constantly finding ways to add inventory to the DealersLink marketplace that is available nowhere else, and help our dealer members increase their retail profits and reduce their wholesale losses,” Wise said.
“We’re excited that this partnership will give another strategic advantage to Fox, DealersLink and most importantly all of our dealer members,” he went on to say.
As Chrysler announced two recalls covering more than 800,000 units, General Motors made six additional recalls on Wednesday, raising its total for the year to 60 campaigns connected with more than 28 million vehicles worldwide.
The newest GM campaigns cover 717,950 recent model vehicles in the U.S. Here is a breakdown of units included in the latest development from the automaker:
— 414,333 units including the Chevrolet Camaro from the 2011 and 2012 model years, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from the 2010 through 2012 model years, the Buick Regal and LaCrosse from the 2011 and 2012 model years and the Cadillac SRX from the 2010 and 2012 model years. All of the units in this campaign are equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures.
GM explained the bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator may become loose or fall out.
“If the bolt falls out, the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached at the height adjuster,” OEM officials said. “The vehicles are safe to drive, but customers should not use the power height adjustable feature until dealers can replace the height adjuster bolt.”
GM acknowledged that it is aware of one crash and three injuries but no fatalities related to this condition.
— 124,008 units including the 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, the 2014 Chevrolet SS, the Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD from the 2014 and 2015 model years, the Cadillac ATS from the 2013 and 2014 model years, the 2014 Cadillac CTS, the 2014 Cadillac ELR, the Buick Encore from the 2013 and 2014 model years, and the GMC Sierra LD and HD from the 2014 and 2015 model years.
The automaker indicated this recall stems from certain vehicles possibly having an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly.
“A loss of power to a laser welding machine may have resulted in an incomplete weld, according to data collected from the machine between July 2013 and January 2014,” officials said.
GM said franchised dealers will inspect the weld. If it is sufficient, no further action is necessary. If it is insufficient, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no charge.
Officials projected that less than 1 percent of welds are expected to require seat track replacement. GM added that it’s unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of this issue.
— 120,426 units including the Buick Regal from the 2011 through 2013 model years and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The units associated with this recall are equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal.
“While the driver would get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster if both bulbs in one turn signal were burned out; if only one bulb on either side burns out, there would be no signal to the driver,” the automaker said.
GM indicated dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the condition. The OEM insisted it knows of no crashes, injuries or complaints related to this issue.
— 57,242 units including the 2014 Chevrolet Impala equipped with belt-drive electric power steering.
On certain vehicles, GM explained customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving due to a poor electrical ground connection to the power steering control module.
“If power steering is lost, a warning message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds,” GM said. “Steering control can be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode, but would require greater driver effort particularly at low vehicle speeds.”
The automaker contends that paint may have seeped behind the nut on the power steering control module ground stud. GM has told dealers to inspect and clean paint from behind the ground nut, re-torque the nut and update the power steering control module software at no charge.
GM acknowledged that it’s aware of one crash but no injuries or fatalities related to this condition.
— 1,919: including the Chevrolet Spark from the 2014 and 2015 model years that were imported from Korea.
The OEM noted these vehicles were assembled with a lower control arm bolt not fastened to specification.
“The condition could result in noise from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving resulting in loss of steering control,” officials said.
The OEM said dealers will inspect the left and right hand lower control arm attaching bolts to assure they are tightened to specification. The automaker knows of no crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.
— 22: Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali from the 2015 model year.
In these vehicles, GM indicated the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, resulting in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy.
The automaker determined eight of these vehicles currently are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold.
After sharing details of all this recalls, GM vice president of global vehicle safety Jeff Boyer said, “These recalls signify how we’ve enhanced our approach to safety.
“We are bringing greater rigor and discipline to our analysis and decision making. If we identify an issue — large or small — that might affect the safety of our customers, we will act decisively,” Boyer went on to say.
Two Newest Chrysler Recalls
Chrysler Group officials said this week they will recall an undetermined number of older-model SUVs in connection with an investigation of ignition-switch performance.
The OEM said the precise number of affected vehicles will be determined by the investigation.
Approximately 792,300 are implicated — 649,900 in the U.S.; 28,800 in Canada; 12,800 in Mexico and 100,800 outside of the NAFTA region.
“Engineers are working to develop a remedy, and Chrysler is committing now to conduct a recall out of an abundance of caution,” officials said.
Chrysler is unaware of any related injuries. The company is aware of a single reported accident and a relatively small number of complaints involving 0.015 percent of the subject vehicle population.
Officials explained that the preliminary investigation suggests an outside force — usually attributed to contact with the driver’s knee — may move ignition keys from the “on” position in certain Jeep Commander vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicle from the 2005 through 2007 model years.
“Such an occurrence may cause engine stall, reducing braking power and making steering more difficult. Safety features such as frontal airbags may also be disabled,” Chrysler said.
The automaker expects to identify affected customers and advise them by mid-September when they may schedule service, the cost of which will be borne by Chrysler.
“This timing complies with regulations governing recalls and owner notification,” officials said.
Chrysler pointed out the Commander is no longer in production, and the Grand Cherokee has since been completely redesigned so newer models are not subject to the recall.
The automaker recommended that owners of vehicles associated with this campaign are advised to assure there is clearance between their knees and the keys.
“As a further precaution, they are advised to remove all items from their key rings, leaving only their ignition keys,” the OEM said.
On a much smaller scale, Chrysler also is recalling an estimated 21,000 vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the shocks and/or struts.
Chrysler explained that it’s staging the campaign to identify vehicles that may have been assembled using a shipment of shocks and struts that do not meet the company’s quality standards.
“Accordingly, the components may break free from their mounts, which could potentially lead to reduced shock damping and possible loss of vehicle control,” the automaker said.
Chrysler added that the issue was identified by a supplier and the OEM is unaware of any related injuries, accidents or complaints.
Affected are certain 2014 Ram 1500 pickups, 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs and 2015 Chrysler 200 sedans assembled within a 16-day period ending June 6.
An estimated 14,300 vehicles are in the U.S.; 5,300 are in Canada; 160 are in the Mexico and 2,000 are outside the NAFTA region.
Chrysler said it will contact affected customers and advise them when service is available. All costs related to the campaign will be borne by the company.
If vehicle owners have questions about either campaign, they can call Chrysler’s Customer Information Center at (800) 853-1403.
Experian Automotive announced this week that it will be working with American Honda Motor Co. to provide vehicle history reports for both Honda’s and Acura’s certified pre-owned programs.
In order to be certified, pre-owned Hondas and Acuras will be further evaluated using Experian Automotive’s AutoCheck vehicle history reports, as part of the agreement between the two companies. Dealers will also have the ability to prolong the Experian Automotive buyback protection program for certain “AutoCheck Assured” qualified vehicles. AutoCheck also allows customers to view the vehicle’s history and compare it to others to make an informed decision.
Brian Butts, the national manager of auto remarketing for American Honda Motor Co., feels that AutoCheck’s inclusion into the Honda CPO process will further increase his company’s reputation for quality.
“We take great pride in our national certified pre-owned portfolio, and only those vehicles that meet our premier program standards are awarded Honda and Acura certified status,” Butts said. “The inclusion of AutoCheck vehicle history reports further enhances the Honda and Acura certified programs and gives our customers an additional level of assurance that they’re purchasing the right vehicle.”
Dave Nemtuda, the senior vice president of Experian Automotive, believes the history reports help ease the minds of customers who find themselves in the normally perceived stressful situation of used-car buying.
“In order for used-car buyers to feel completely satisfied with their purchase, they need to know that the vehicle they’re driving off the lot is dependable,” Nemtuda said. “The detailed information included in AutoCheck vehicle history reports, combined with our buyback protection program, provides customers with peace of mind that the vehicle they’re purchasing meets their expectations.”
Ready Auto Transport has announced it will be one of the lead sponsors for the Ride 430 Challenge. The fundraising occasion is a four-day, 430-mile biking event aimed at raising money for injured military personnel and their families.
The challenge, which had its first iteration in 2008, has raised more than $1.8 million for military and service families, with the average charitable bike ride raising $12,000 a year. Ready Auto Transport plans to raise $100,000.
Jerry Tassone, president of Ready Auto Transport, says the company’s sponsorship of the event will show its employees’ commitment to the military’s sacrifice.
“We know the need for assistance and support of injured service people and their families will continue long after our troops have come home,” Tassone said. “America’s brave military men, women and families are in it for the long haul, and Ready Auto Transport is proud to support them as they travel the road to recovery.”
For more information about the Ride 430 Challenge, click here.
Brake fluid diagnostic purveyor Phoenix Systems announced a new partnership last week to offer the company’s Project Stop Safe system to members of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
The goal of the program, which facilitates Phoenix System’s brake fluid safety inspection, is to give NIADA members the opportunity to equip their dealerships with the materials to advertise and use the company’s brake fluid diagnostic products while increasing the dealer’s revenue and potentially benefit their reputation for caring about safety. The initial step of the project, which offers complimentary brake fluid testing, is designed to drive new and return customers to the dealerships.
According to Phoenix Systems, dealers will receive advertising samples, coupons, brake fluid report cards, email campaigns, word tracks for service advisers, press releases, posters and other required materials, such as the brake fluid test strips themselves, to help aid the process.
Scott Lilja, the senior vice president of member services at the NIADA, believes the Project Stop Safe program is a good compliment to the other benefits the association offers to its members.
“Our partnership with Phoenix Systems aligns very nicely with our member’s focus on community service and customer safety,” Lilja said. “We are very pleased to offer our auto dealer members this outstanding vehicle safety and service program that, for a very small investment, allows them to test and ensure customer vehicle braking systems safety.”
Ben Martinsen, the vice president of marketing and operations at Phoenix Systems, thinks independent dealers will increase profitability and community engagement with his company’s program.
“We saw a need and chose to work with independent car dealers because they already have the necessary equipment if a repair is needed,” Martinsen said. “We have found that most dealers are very community focused and want to do their part in giving back.”
To learn more about Project Stop Safe, click here.
Two names familiar to used-car managers are staying aligned, as IHS Automotive announced Tuesday the company has renewed its long-standing relationship with NADA Used Car Guide.
IHS Automotive, which acquired R. L. Polk & Co. last year, leverages Polk’s comprehensive set of vehicle details including make, model and series data for vehicles registered throughout the United States and Canada.
“With the integration of our complete vehicle census into NADA products and services, IHS is helping to create additional value for dealers, lenders and others in the automotive market with a thorough set of vehicle values,” said Mark Sandora, vice president of North American sales at IHS Automotive.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with NADA and look forward to working with the NADA team in developing additional solutions for the industry,” Sandora continued.
NADA Used Car Guide chief operating officer and vice president Mike Stanton added, “IHS Automotive data is part of the foundation that goes into NADA’s VIN decoding process. This enables us to provide the industry with our most comprehensive decoder and continue to produce industry-leading products and services.”
