What’s New?
Learn more about the latest products and services to reach the automotive retail and finance marketplace.


Cloud-Based Payment Data
SwervePay Auto is a new, cloud-based solution designed to allow dealers to reduce service department operating costs and increase profitability. After creating a customer profile with each initial transaction, the system can initiate automated text or email messages for future visits. By helping to secure additional business and providing customers an easy way to authorize repairs, the new service can boost fixed ops revenue and enhance the customer experience, according to the provider. www.swervepay.com/auto

Dynamic Dealer Web Platform
Haystak Digital Marketing has launched a new web platform designed to deliver easy access to dealer websites by car buyers whether they connect by smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. The new platform, which was officially unveiled at the 2014 NADA Convention, also includes integrated search engine optimization and advanced reporting, comprehensive dashboard analytics and more, according to the company.
www.haystak.com
Cobalt Surveys Inventory Browsers
A new ebook published by Cobalt, div. ADP Dealer Services Inc., was designed to tackle dealers’ perceptions of how customers browse their inventories. “The 2014 Inventory Shopping Experience Study” includes the results of a survey of real, in-market car buyers as well as advice for dealers who wish to maximize their Internet sales leads. The book can be downloaded free of charge by clicking the “Industry Insights” tab at the company’s website. www.cobalt.com
Standard Grades for Auction Units
Auto Auction Services Corp. (AASC) has announced the launch of AutoGrade, a system developed in partnership with Manheim. The solution was designed to help dealers maintain a consistent grading system for auction units while keeping certain vehicle data confidential. The system is currently available only to AASC members but will not incur any additional charges, according to the company. www.autoims.com
Turnkey Digital Marketing
Cactus Sky Digital has announced the launch of a new, turnkey digital marketing solution designed exclusively for auto dealers. “Pot of Gold” was designed to scan dealers’ CRMs for dormant prospects, scrub the data, prepare customized emails and coupon pages and display the information on a reporting dashboard. New customers can enjoy one month of free service with a three-month commitment until Feb. 15, 2014, according to the provider. www.cactussky.com

Standard Grades For Auction Units
Auto Auction Services Corp. (AASC) has announced the launch of AutoGrade, a system developed in partnership with Manheim. The solution was designed to help dealers maintain a consistent grading system for auction units while keeping certain vehicle data confidential. The system is currently available only to AASC members but will not incur any additional charges, according to the company. www.autoims.com
More Dealer Ops

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How Defection Data is Bridging the Dealership Conversion Gap
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Dealer Debrief: Where are you losing customers?
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence discusses the hidden leaks in dealerships where you might be losing customers without even realizing it.
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Dealer Debrief: Improving Your Inventory Management
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a new survey that shows what service technicians really want and two launches that could help improve your inventory and vehicle life cycle management.
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Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is a Dealership: Why the Fundamentals Still Decide Who Wins
A teaching moment by a legendary football coach happens to apply perfectly in the auto retail space. Learn what it is and how to use it to your store’s advantage.
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What Market Timing Mistakes Mean for Your Reinsurance Program
When volatility hits, dealer-owned reinsurance programs face a familiar temptation: pull back and wait for calmer waters. New data from BOK Financial shows why that instinct can quietly cost you years of surplus growth.
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Dealer Ads and the FTC
The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.
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Used Autos Supply Dwindles
The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.
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Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times
The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.
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