In a move that integrated information technology company CDK Global’s executive vice president, North American sales says helps position it better to meet “the independent automotive dealer market segment’s unique needs and requirements,” CDK Global has become the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association’s newest gold-level national corporate partner.

NIADA said in a news release the move improves “the relationship between CDK and independent auto dealers.”

CDK executive vice president, North America sales Scott Herbers said bringing technology and innovative products to market is the company’s goal, and he said that makes the dealer more productive and able to provide a better customer experience.

NIADA said its partnerships result in a portfolio of services that help its members’ businesses grow, and the partnerships also help members protect their assets and make more profits.

CDK products focus on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, according to NIADA. The products also automate and integrate the various aspects of the dealership and buying process, according to the association. Those aspects include targeted digital advertising and marketing campaigns along with the sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles.

NIADA highlighted one of those products, Drive Flex, describing it as a cloud-based DMS, and users can access it on an Internet-connected device “anywhere, anytime,” according to the association. DriveFlex’s streamlined workflows increase efficiency, and the intuitiveness of the product makes it easier for users to “become more productive faster,” the association said.

Noting that the partnership with CDK is a result of its commitment to independent dealers, NIADA senior vice president of member services Scott Lilja described CDK as a longtime dealership market leader.

Lilja said CDK’s cloud-based DMS product offers “best-in-class innovation and technology.”

“This new platform represents a tremendous opportunity for our independent dealer members to elevate their business management capabilities while enhancing margins and corresponding cash flow,” Lilja said.

CDK is demonstrating its cloud-based technology, featuring Drive Flex, through Thursday at the NIADA Convention and Expo at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

NIADA officials reported some 2,000 independent dealers and exhibitors had registered to attend, exceeding the pace set a year ago when the first combined NIADA/NABD Mega-Conference drew a record 2,128 attendees.

The association noted that was third consecutive year of record attendance for convention and the sixth consecutive year-over-year increase.