Sales in Motion Showroom Selling Tools’ tablet-based sales application now has a new offering that can help salespeople cut down on the time it takes to close a deal as well as foster confidence in their customers.
The company has added Carfax Vehicle History Reports to its app's capabilities.
Now, dealers using the tablet-based application can instantly access Carfax vehicle history reports for used vehicles on the lot directly from their mobile device.
This capability helps build customer confidence immediately and eliminates the need to leave the customer's side during their visit, the company pointed out.
"We firmly believe this collaboration with Carfax will transform the vehicle transaction process for both buyer and seller," says Dan Boisvert, president of Sales in Motion. "During the very first stages of development, we knew it was essential for our customers to access the best vehicle history information. SIM-SST lets dealers bring the buying experience to the lot while still providing what the customer needs, especially Carfax Reports, to make a faster buying decision."
The SIM-SST application also provides users with features such as client identification by scanning a driver's license, CRM and inventory management, vehicle specs, pricing and a payment calculator.
"Carfax Reports are a vital part of our dealer customers' acquisition and retail process," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Carfax and Sales in Motion are helping dealers better evaluate vehicles they consider taking on trade and sell more cars faster to confident buyers."
After announcing earlier this month plans to launch its new online marketplace InstantAuction this month, XLane Holdings Inc. revealed this week it has chosen a shipping partner for the new tool.
Online transport marketplace uShip has been chosen, and dealers can now book shipping directly from the XLane mobile app using uShip’s technology.
“uShip is the obvious partner for us, because we both share the same goals about bringing efficiency and transparency to our respected industries,” said XLane’s chief executive officer and founder Tave Della Porta.
Della Porta shared that the new integration helps XLane buyers better determine vehicle shipping cost estimates. Dealers will now by able to find the shipping estimator on the bidding tab and vehicle profiles.
“Knowing vehicle shipping cost — and therefore total purchase price — is critical for vehicle buyers,” said Phil Strohl, vice president for business development at uShip. “We look forward to working with XLane and helping its buyers make smart buying decisions."
uShip is also linked into the XLane arbitration center, and as soon as vehicles are delivered to the buyer, the XLane system is notified.
As a result, arbitration officers will know if the vehicle has been delivered within the allowed timeframe.
The auction platform is set to launch this month, and XLane is signing up its current dealer base in the program already. The company anticipates over 100 vehicles to be available on the new site in its first week alone.
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association issued support of the Joint Forward Plan released by the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) last week.
The plan, the next step in cooperation between the two countries set in motion by the 2011 Joint Action Plan, continues the implementation of groundwork to collaborate and streamline joint efforts involving departments and agencies with responsibilities for agriculture and food, transportation, health and personal care products, workplace chemicals, and the environment.
Mark Nantais, CVMA’s president, backed the regulatory moves made by the RCC in a statement to the press last week.
“The RCC is to be commended for its success in developing the Joint Forward Plan,” Nantais said. “By institutionalizing the regulatory cooperation between regulatory agencies, the much needed process and mechanism for joint cooperation and alignment of future new regulations and policies will minimize the creation of regulatory misalignments and provide greater predictability for industry.”
So how exactly have the Joint Action and Joint Forward Plans affected the automotive industry, and how will they expand upon joint regulation? Here’s a breakdown of some key issues:
- Vehicle Engine Emissions: Environment Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will continue collaborating via the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Committee to align vehicle and engine emission regulations and their implementation.
- Connected Vehicles: Transport Canada and the U.S. Department of Transportation will work together on Vehicle to Vehicle and Vehicle to Infrastructure communications technology for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Transport Canada and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will align vehicle safety standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Existing Vehicles: TC and the NHTSA have aligned safety standards for tires and frontal impact occupant protection. The two organizations are currently collaborating on lighting requirements, controls and displays, vehicle theft prevention and under-ride guards.
- New Vehicles: TC and the NHTSA have begun planning joint research regarding alternative fuel vehicle safety and clean technologies, including low-rolling-resistance tiers, following their collaborative projects they have completed, including quieter vehicles and child restraints.
More information on the plan can be found on the Whitehouse website.
Ackroo, purveyor of gift cards and other loyalty programs for companies in North America, announced a partnership with Dealer Rewards Inc. this week. Via their agreement, Ackroo and Dealer Rewards will share their products with their other automotive partners, including Ackroo’s DealerCard and “Ackroo Anywhere” programs.
According to Steve Levely, Ackroo’s chief executive officer, the partnership will benefit his company in key ways: providing a U.S. presence, adding features like DMS integration, and lead generation for non-automotive dealers.
“We have been in discussions with Dealer Rewards for some time as we have looked to leverage each other’s platforms, customers, and expertise to grow our businesses,” Levely said.
Tim Doyle, the president of Dealer Rewards, believes the agreement will foster a symbiotic and mutually beneficial partnership.
“Dealer Rewards is very excited to partner with Ackroo,” Doyle said. “This partnership will allow us to concentrate on our core competencies in the automotive industry while adding potential new revenue sources outside of the automotive industry. We have made significant investment into our platform to offer dealers additional features like DMS integration, customer notifications via e-mail, postal services, and social media, and providing detailed reporting and lost soul campaigns to take their Rewards Program to the next level.”
Ackroo also announced the resignation of Greg Feller from its board of directors. Feller will maintain an advisory role.
TradeRev and Apex Inspection Solutions have partnered for a deal that will provide vehicle inspection services to TradeRev buyers throughout Canada.
This strategic partnership lets buyers on the online wholesale platform order accurate post-sale inspections directly from their desktop computers, helping to drive confidence among buyers, who can now ensure that every car they purchase via TradeRev is accurately described and fully disclosed.
Apex’s coverage is nationwide, and the company will provide inspection results within 24 hours of when they are requested online by TradeRev customers.
Available on desktop computers now, users will soon be able to access this new feature via iOS and Android devices.
“Partnering with Apex adds yet another value-added service that helps ensure our buyers receive as much vehicle information as possible. We strongly encourage our buyers to take advantage of this service and realize the benefits of Apex’s national coverage, quick response times and detailed accurate inspections,” said Brad Hart, TradeRev’s chief operating officer.
Craig Martin, director of Canadian operations for Apex Inspection Solutions added: “We have long admired TradeRev’s online and mobile auction process for its ability to give users an accurate and quick market value assessment of vehicles.
“With the addition of Apex’s services, TradeRev users will now have the added ability to quickly request a comprehensive and detailed condition report on purchased vehicles, prior to incurring any additional transportation and delivery costs,” Martin continued. “We look forward to working with TradeRev and their dealers, while providing the highest service level in a long-term partnership.”
The companies went on to emphasize the importance of inspection services to buyers who are making purchases outside of their own province. These inspections are done before the transportation expenses are incurred. They let also let an out-of-province buyer assess the condition of the vehicle he or she has bought prior to it arriving on the dealership lot.
This is just the latest of TradeRev’s expanding services brought on as the company grows its footprint across Canada. The company also recently made it possible for users to order transportation and arrange payments via TradeRev.
Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. announced a new partnership this week with Safe-Guard Canada that will give dealers another warranty and protection program to offer new customers.
Protection plans administered by Safe-Guard Canada will be available to Nissan and Infiniti buyers and lessees in 219 dealer showrooms across Canada beginning in the third quarter of this year, the company said.
"We're pleased to partner with Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. to build and offer this new level of customer care for Nissan and Infiniti buyers," said David Pryor, chief marketing officer of Safe-Guard. "Safe-Guard's products add safety, security, and peace of mind in the event their vehicles become damaged. And beyond superior coverage and protection for customers, we will help drive long-term customer retention and build Nissan and Infiniti brand advocates."
Products and Services offered will include:
- Tire and rim protection: Covers the cost of tire repair or replacement in the event of damage due to a road hazard and wheel replacement when damage to the wheel prevents a seal between the tire and rim. Cosmetic coverage takes the worry out of minor scrapes when parking.
- Lease-end protection: Enhances the lease experience by providing financial protection for common excess wear and use charges.
- GAP: Protects the customer in the event of a total loss of the vehicle by waiving the difference in the customer's actual cash value and the balance of the finance agreement.
- Paintless dent removal: Permanently removes dings and dents from vertical and horizontal surfaces of the vehicle without harming the factory finish.
- Windshield Protection: Repair of front windshield due to cracks or chips caused by rocks or road debris.
- Appearance protection (exterior and interior): Exterior protection to ensure the vehicles finish remains beautiful for years to come. Interior protection covers damage from everyday use and spills.
- Key replacement protection: Covers the replacement of the primary vehicle key up to $800, plus $250 for replacement of additional keys on secondary key ring as well as lock-out assistance.
Safe-Guard Canada’s field team will support the existing vehicle service contract and pre-paid maintenance products offered by NCESI, as well.
"The partnership between Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. and Safe Guard Canada will strengthen our position in the Canadian market as an innovate brand. Offering cutting edge products designed to protect our most valuable asset, our customers, demonstrates our commitment to drive a leading brand competence by enhancing the ownership experience,” said Geraud Lecerf, director of Nissan Finance and president of Nissan Canada Extended Services. "We are excited to get these new products launched to our Dealer network and make them available for our customers to enjoy the peace of mind and protection they offer."
DrivingSales University announced it has furthered its expansion into the Canadian market through a new alliance with the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia (NCDA).
Through the agreement, DSU’s Web-based dealership training program is now available at a discounted rate to the more than 350 NCDA member dealerships.
The program includes more than 300 training sessions that focus on automotive digital marketing and one-on-one performance coaching. The program also includes reporting so training progress is easily tracked.
“Our member dealers are critically important to our economy, generating $10 billion in economic activity annually, and we want to ensure that they have the tools, training and personal performance coaching to keep apace with the rapidly evolving digital, mobile and social media revolution,” said Blair Qualer, president and chief executive officer of NCDA.
“DSU’s terrific training program offers exactly that and is reaping terrific results for dealerships in the U.S. and Canada, which is why we are so pleased to offer it at a special rate to our members.”
DSU is also the official online platform for the National Automobile Dealers Association in the U.S.
The new DSU-NCDA alliance offers members a discount on all DSU training sessions for the first month, as well as a recurring monthly discount on new DSU subscription plans, DSU explained.
"We are very excited to continue our expansion into Canada through this important alliance. The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. is dedicated to furthering the education of its member dealers, improving their skills and, importantly, increasing profitability, and we are pleased to join them in that mission,” said Jared Hamilton, DrivingSales CEO and founder.
“We have found that not only are auto dealers in Canada hungry for digital marketing training and strategies, but when presented with the right digital performance improvement solutions, they soar ahead of the market.”
