For dealers who use CDK Global technology in their service drives, a new integration finalized on Tuesday could help speed up their businesses.
UVeye inspection technology has been integrated with the Fortellis Automotive Commerce Exchange platform used by more than 15,000 dealerships in the United States.
High-speed UVeye vehicle-inspection systems now can help write repair orders and speed customer service for dealers equipped with CDK Drive’s dealer management system (DMS) from CDK Global.
The UVeye application available in Fortellis Marketplace can allow dealers to create repair orders automatically based on high-speed scans of vehicle tires, underbody components and exteriors.
“The integration of automated vehicle-inspection data on the Fortellis platform will help dealers save time, increase profits and improve customer satisfaction,” UVeye founder and chief executive officer Amir Hever said in a news release.
Hever added that UVeye plans to make its service department technology available to other franchised and independent dealers through several other major automotive retail-management systems this year.
UVeye has facilities in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, including offices in Israel, Japan, Germany and the United States. The company has raised more than $90 million since it was founded in 2016.
Volvo Cars, Hyundai Motors, Toyota Tsusho, W.R. Berkley Corporation, F.I.T. Ventures and CarMax are all members of the company’s investor group. It also has strategic partnerships with numerous dealership groups, auto auctions and vehicle fleets.
“We’re pleased to offer UVeye’s CDK Drive integration on Fortellis to continue delivering extraordinary innovation to dealers,” said Sandy Orlando, senior vice president of data and Fortellis at CDK Global.
“Leveraging the power of the Fortellis marketplace allows UVeye to be part of a growing number of companies creating products that are shaping the future of automotive retail,” Orlando went on to say.
Here comes more potential financial assistance for aspiring automotive technicians.
Garage Gurus, the training and support platform from Tenneco’s DRiV group, said it will again award up to $30,000 in scholarships to future automotive technicians who are accepted or currently enrolled in accredited, U.S.-based automotive technical schools, colleges and universities, or enrolled full-time at a U.S. high school.
Applications are now available on the Garage Gurus website for the opportunity to receive one of 12 Garage Gurus automotive technician scholarships worth $2,500 for the 2022-2023 school year.
All materials must be submitted by May 31. Winners will be announced on or about July 1, according to a news release.
This year, Garage Gurus is again partnering with Autel US to provide all 12 winners with an Autel MaxiSYS MS906TS diagnostic tablet. This premium tool offers TPMS, maintenance services, diagnostic reports, ADAS module identifications and FCA Secure Gateway Access.
In addition to the application, students are also required to submit two letters of recommendation from non-family members as well as a typed essay or video introducing themselves and indicating, “Why I Want to Be a Top Technician.”
Applicants must be legal residents of the United States, in the United States on a valid student visa, or possess resident alien status.
All applications and related materials will be reviewed and winners selected by Garage Gurus’ team of ASE Master-certified technicians, as well as other team members.
“We are thrilled to be able to once again assist and encourage those students interested in pursuing careers in the automotive repair industry,” Garage Gurus director Dennis Sheran said in a news release. “Every year, we see the impact that technician shortages have on the automotive aftermarket sector, and as such, Garage Gurus remains committed to helping address skills gaps and technician shortages through our full training classes and through this scholarship program.”
Offering onsite, online and on-demand instruction, Garage Gurus is a national training platform designed to help front-line automotive service professionals keep pace with the latest vehicle technologies. Garage Gurus technical education centers operate in 11 U.S. markets, including:
—Atlanta
—Baltimore
—Boston
—Chicago
—Dallas/Fort Worth
—Detroit
—New Hyde Park, N.Y.
—Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
—South Florida
—St. Louis
—Van Nuys, Calif.
“We are proud to be a sponsor of Garage Gurus 2022-2023 Scholarship program and its continuing efforts to encourage and support the next generation of technicians,” Autel marketing director Daniel Beimiss said. “The MaxiSYS MS906TS has been one of Autel’s most popular tablets since its release, and as many of our users refer to the MS906TS as their go-to tool, it seemed only natural that these scholarship recipients should have one of their own as they continue their journey toward professional technician.
“We wish them well and are confident that with our tablet in hand, these aspiring technicians will be ready to meet the challenge,” Beimiss went on to say
To learn more about the automotive technician scholarship program, to apply and to read the full set of rules and eligibility requirements, visit www.garagegurus.tech.
Beginning Cherokee Media Group’s collection of episodes recorded in Las Vegas, Experian senior director of dealer intelligence Amy Hughes returned to the Auto Remarketing Podcast.
Hughes shared details of her presentation at NADA Show 2022 about how Gen Z vehicle buyers behave and what this youngest demographic of consumers wants from the ownership experience.
To listen to this episode, click on the link available below, or visit the Auto Remarketing Podcast page.
Download and subscribe to the Auto Remarketing Podcast on iTunes or on Google Play.
Here’s some good news for BMW dealerships looking for more personnel to man their service bays.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has launched the first session of its new BMW FastTrack technician training programs at its Orlando, Fla., campus, the second location to begin offering the 12-week advanced training program.
A collaboration between the German automaker and UTI, officials highlighted the BMW FastTrack provides state-of-the-industry training on the latest models in production, utilizing the tools, technology and procedures that are specific and proprietary to BMW vehicles.
The BMW FastTrack program also launched at UTI’s Avondale, Ariz., campus. The program is slated to begin in California at UTI-Long Beach in April with additional campuses planned for later in the year.
According to a news release, any student who completes UTI’s core automotive program is eligible to apply for the additional BMW-specific training, which includes four technologies:
— Workshop
— Electrical
— Chassis
— Drivetrain
Once the BMW FastTrack curriculum is complete, students can earn seven BMW factory credentials and a BMW Associate Level Certification — after passing BMW-specific ASE testing and assessments.
The school mentioned graduates may also apply for additional, advanced training in the BMW STEP program, which is offered at BMW locations.
“We are thrilled to be starting one of the first classes of students entering the BMW FastTrack training on UTI campuses,” UTI-Orlando campus president Timothy Dauber said in a news release. “Students will be learning from top instructors in their respective fields. This program makes our graduates even more prepared to enter the automotive workforce as BMW technicians immediately upon graduation.
“Graduates who go to work at a BMW dealership may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement and other incentives, so it’s a great opportunity for our students to increase their knowledge and prepare for a rewarding, lifelong career,” Dauber continued.
“There is a need for more highly skilled BMW technicians across our dealer network, so our alliance with Universal Technical Institute is critical to ensuring our dealers have the staff they need, and our customers receive the exemplary service they’ve come to expect,” said Gary Uyematsu, national technical training manager for BMW of North America.
“Upon completion of the UTI program, technicians arrive at our dealers fully equipped to make an immediate contribution as maintenance level technicians,” Uyematsu went on to say.
Investment money is working its way into the automotive space, and not just through acquisitions of auctions and dealerships or software building.
On Tuesday, Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, announced the facilitation of a “significant equity investment” by KT Capital Partners into Dealer Solutions & Design, which plans fixed operations facilities.
According to a news release, the transaction closed on Sept. 30.
Established in 2005, Dealer Solutions & Design (DSD) was one of the first companies to create what investors called the “concept to completion” approach to designing and outfitting fixed operations facilities with shop equipment for new and renovated dealerships.
DSD has now been involved in more than 700 facility projects. DSD is headquartered in Duluth, Ga., and was wholly owned by chief executive officer Alan Terry, president Micheal Bolden and executive vice president Clayton Terry.
KT Capital Partners is a leading private investment firm that invests in “stable, established and growing” companies. The firm works closely with its partner companies and provide capital, operating and strategic expertise, as well as a network of strategic industry contacts.
The partners at KT Capital have extensive backgrounds in oversight of portfolio companies. Collectively, the partners at KT Capital have participated in all capacities from purchase to management to sale of more than 130 companies during their careers.
Jim Tapp and Peter Kacer are the managing directors that led this transaction for KT Capital.
“KT Capital is the perfect fit for DSD. We have significant growth plans so Jim and Peter’s experience in executing an add-on acquisition strategy across the country is critical to that success,” Alan Terry said in the news release.
Kacer added, “We are excited to partner with the DSD executive team on their growth strategy for the coming years. Their unique value-added product and services offering is highly valued by their dealership customers, and their ability to work throughout the U.S. provides significant growth opportunities going forward.”
Generational Equity managing director Don Ho was the lead dealmaker who successfully closed the transaction.
“We are very excited to be a part of the transaction between Dealer Solutions & Design and KT Capital. We are very honored to have helped Alan Terry, Micheal Bolden, and Clayton Terry achieve their goal of partnering with the right team that will help them to continue to grow the business and enhance the company’s offering and services to its customers,” Ho said.
“This transaction will allow Dealer Solutions and Design to be an even more dominant player in the automotive industry, while providing more resources and opportunities for its employees,” Ho continued. “The synergies from this transaction will expand DSD’s penetration into new geographic and customer markets, as well as provide the ability to cross pollinate with KT Capital’s portfolio companies to improve operational efficiencies and the entire customer experience. We are excited about the potential and future of Dealer Solutions & Design.”
The investment in automotive will be the central theme of the inaugural National Auto Venture & Investors Conference (NAVIcon), which takes place Nov. 18 at Red Rock in Las Vegas as part of the Used Car Week conference series. More information is avaiable here.
For Mazda dealerships in need of qualified technicians for their service drive or reconditioning center, help appears to be on the way.
On Wednesday, Lincoln Educational Services Corp. introduced Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) at its Union, N.J., campus.
School officials said through a news release that students who are enrolled in automotive technology training can add this option to their program and build career skills specific to Mazda technologies.
The launch of MAST was celebrated at the campus last week when representatives from Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) joined Lincoln Tech faculty, staff and administrators to officially introduce the training opportunity.
According to the announcement, the new program includes a number of benefits for accepted students such as career placement opportunities with a living wage at participating local Mazda dealerships, one-on-one mentorships with Mazda master or senior certified techs, discounts on tool kits and Mazda vehicles and up to $15,000 in student tuition reimbursements.
“MNAO has been a valued partner of our Queens, N.Y., campus since 2019 and recently expanded their presence to our Columbia, Md., campus. We’re grateful and excited to now call them a partner in Union, N.J., as well,” Lincoln Tech president and chief executive officer Scott Shaw said in the news release.
“The benefits to both our graduates and the region’s Mazda dealers make this a win-win that we expect will pay dividends for years to come,” Shaw went on to say.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation is projected to have 617,000 openings for automotive technicians by 2028, with New Jersey and New York expected to have more than 55,000 openings.
Now the service department advisor or repair technician literally can use new technology and say to your dealership customers, “Here, let me show you!”
On Monday, CDK Global introduced CDK ServiceView, a video and communications tool powered by TruVideo, for dealership service departments using CDK Service and Elead Service.
The company highlighted that this tool is designed to empower service technicians to record and send videos of vehicle inspections and communicate directly with customers regarding recommended maintenance and repairs on their vehicles.
According to a company news release, 2020 study conducted by the CDK found that 55% of customers who bought a vehicle from a dealership said they don’t trust dealers due to frequent upselling of unrequired services and not keeping them informed of updates during the service process.
CDK ServiceView can help dealers directly address these concerns and can help build back trust with the 74% of customers who said they would consider returning to dealerships for service in the future.
“CDK ServiceView is a great example of our continued investments in research and technology focused on helping dealers stay ahead of important retail trends,” CDK Global senior vice president Scott Thompson said. “Our research shows that building trust is key to retaining customers and growing service business.
“Through our collaboration with a pioneer and industry leader in service video technology like TruVideo, we will improve the quality and frequency of communications between service departments and their customers and empower dealers to provide frictionless experiences that build trust through transparency,” Thompson continued.
Features of CDK ServiceView for dealers include:
— High-definition videos created via smartphone that can be sent by text message directly to customers to view at their convenience
— Two-way texting between the service department and their customers to discuss video evaluations and approve or decline proposed vehicle service
— Internal chat function for dealership personnel to ensure fast and frequent communications between departments
— Real-time analytics on tool utilization, customer sentiment and engagement
— Compliance with increasing manufacturer requirements that dealers include video as part of the consumer experience
“In today’s digital age, we see how impactful video is as a way to improve connections between people,” said Dewayne Sanders, who is the service director at North Park Lexus of San Antonio and user of the TruVideo technology.
“Through this tool, we are taking the mystery out of vehicle service for our customers and better engaging them in the process,” Sanders continued in the CDK news release. “This increase in transparency has already shown improvements with our customer relationships and increased our service business by 26%.”
For Toyota and Lexus dealerships in southern California with overwhelmed service drives and recon shops, help literally is on the way.
On Friday, Universal Technical Institute announced the first local cohort of students have begun their accelerated 12-week training to complete eight Toyota and five Lexus class credentials preparing them to join one of the largest dealer networks in California.
Officials highlighted the Toyota Professional Automotive Technician (TPAT) program delivers specialized training on both Toyota equipment and vehicles and helps students prepare to complete certification testing by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Students receive hands-on technical training, explore high-demand career opportunities, and achieve Certified Technician status for a vast Southern California Toyota and Lexus dealer network.
“Trained auto technicians are in great demand and are the key to any successful dealership,” said Joseph Myers, technician development manager for the TPAT program at Toyota Motor North America.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with UTI to fulfill the pipeline of new talent while providing stable jobs and career security that aims to give vehicle owners the most satisfying service experience possible,” Myers continued in a news release.
Dan Johnson is senior vice president of fixed operations for Larry H. Miller Dealerships, which owns Toyota of Corona.
“We are thrilled to have the Toyota Professional Automotive Technician program at UTI in the Inland Empire,” Johnson said in the news release. “We have our dealership 30 minutes away from the campus and another in the San Diego area.
“Business is booming and we need more technicians to take care of our customers. We look forward to hiring UTI graduates and the career opportunity we offer to those joining our winning team,” Johnson went on to say.
The grand opening of the TPAT program on Friday was attended by local elected officials from the city of Rancho Cucamonga and former Congresswoman Loretta L. Sanchez, now serving as an independent director of the board at UTI.
“For those of us who call Southern California home, it’s no surprise that skilled automotive technicians are valued and in high demand,” Sanchez said. “It’s inspiring to see students so focused on their trade and learning from among the best instructors — all at a campus with advanced technology, resources, and equipment to create a real-life learning environment. These students will serve as an inspiration to many Californians seeking this type of education.”
UTI partners with students to help them navigate the competitive job market. Students who complete the TPAT program can explore career opportunities, receive hands-on training on the latest technologies from Toyota and Lexus, and learn from other UTI graduates and local employers about the high need and earning potential for trained technicians.
“These students are receiving training in automotive technology that takes dealership technicians years to finish and the job market is eager to welcome new talent,” said Migdalia “Mig” Vazquez, who is the campus president. “This is especially true in southern California where we have one of the most active transportation and logistics corridors in the United States.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2029, total employment for automotive, diesel and collision repair technicians will exceed 1 million. To help reach that total, officials said the transportation industry needs to fill nearly 100,000 technician job openings on average annually during this period.
The Toyota TPAT program will accept applications at the Rancho Cucamonga campus throughout the year.
For more information or to enroll, students should visit www.uti.edu/toyota.
Volkswagen dealerships have another option when working with their service-drive customers who encounter repair costs higher than they expected and cannot pay with available cash.
As a result, participating stores collectively already are seeing millions in additional service revenue.
On Wednesday, Sunbit, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) technology for everyday needs and services, announced it has been selected by Volkswagen of America as the preferred partner of the OEM’s eConnect Flexible Payment Program.
After evaluating several financing providers throughout last year, the company said Volkswagen endorsed Sunbit as its preferred partner in offering access to flexible payment plans to its service and maintenance customers.
Sunbit said one in four of the 636 Volkswagen dealerships were already using this technology. The company highlighted how much the solution can benefit both dealerships and their customers.
In 2020, 96% of Volkswagen customers who applied for a payment plan through Sunbit were approved, resulting in $3.3 million in revenue for Volkswagen dealerships.
“After testing Sunbit against other financial solutions last year, they were the clear winner,” said Jon Meredith, who is a part of dealer business development at Volkswagen of America. “Not only were dealers tremendously satisfied with their performance, but the approval of 96% of Volkswagen customers ultimately drove higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
“That’s why we’re working to get Sunbit technology into more dealerships to serve more customers,” Meredith continued in the news release.
As part of this partnership, Volkswagen is offering dealerships using Sunbit’s technology benefits like subsidizing a three-month no-interest program from July until the end of September. This program will enable qualified Volkswagen customers to spread their payments for service or maintenance across three months interest-free, without early pay-off penalties, or added fees.
In collaboration with Sunbit’s field operations team, Volkswagen also will promote training and competitions for its service advisors to offer Sunbit technology to customers who visit their service center.
“We are honored to be chosen as Volkswagen’s preferred partner,” said Chad Beasley, Sunbit’s head of automotive OEM. “We’re proud to count Volkswagen among the OEMs endorsing our services. We are happy to see that our technology solutions helped more drivers stay on the road safely and securely.
“Unexpected expenses like servicing your car can be stressful. Volkswagen’s eConnect program with Sunbit can help alleviate that for nearly everyone who applies, while contributing to the dealership’s bottom-line,” Beasley went on to say.
Here comes what might be some welcome help for independent dealerships with service departments, or franchised stores that have a vehicle come through their service drive that’s outside of their direct factory purview.
LKQ’s diagnostic services business — now branded Elitek Vehicle Services — is expanding its services beyond on-site mobile diagnostics and repair to also include remote automotive diagnostics and remote programming.
According to a news release, repair facilities can now call one company, Elitek, to service all their diagnostic service needs.
With the addition of remote diagnostics, Elitek can provide shops with a seamless, end-to-end process and value proposition, including:
— Remote diagnostics: Shop technicians can plug-in an OBDII device that remotely connects the vehicle to Elitek’s call center. The technician, with support from a centralized Elitek diagnostician, can conduct the diagnostic scans, produce a scan report, enable remote programming where applicable and invoice for the service.
— Mobile diagnostics: If additional onsite services are required, including ADAS calibration or mechanical, Elitek’s mobile service can be deployed to complete the repair, using an array of OEM software, tools, and certified technicians.
Increasing vehicle technology leads to more complex repairs, and the company highlighted Elitek is uniquely positioned to partner with the repair community to diagnose, repair and calibrate vehicle electronics, including ADAS systems.
LKQ said the combination of remote and mobile diagnostic services offerings puts Elitek a step ahead of the competition to serve customers better than ever with mechanical, AC service 1234YF, module programming, electrical repairs and an array of diagnostic services.
LKQ went on to mention that owning a full range of OEM diagnostic tools, and offering these numerous services to automotive repair facilities, can help improve a shop’s cycle times, reduce rental terms, and enhance the customer service experience — for both the repair shop and the vehicle owner.
“With the formation of Elitek, LKQ now provides the most comprehensive diagnostic services in the repair industry,” said Terry Fortner, LKQ’s North America vice president of sales and marketing.
“Elitek is the premier provider of both remote and mobile diagnostic services. This expanded offering allows us to be more responsive to our customers, including those outside of our current mobile servicing locations,” Fortner continued in the news release.
Don Smith, director of Elitek’s Remote Division, added, “Our goal is to continue to provide superior customer service. With the addition of remote services, we can be more responsive to a broader range of customers. And with LKQ’s promise of calibration, customers have the additional peace of mind in knowing that Elitek will stand behind the work performed.”
For more information on Elitek’s remote capabilities or to pre-order a remote scanning device, contact Smith at [email protected], visit elitekauto.com or call 888-8-ELITEK.
