Chrome Systems Corp., provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, on Dec. 3 announced the release of Chrome Inventory Everywhere(TM) 4.0, an inventory editing and posting tool that combines DMS inventory records with Chrome's New Vehicle Data which to give dealers the most vehicle-specific information available, anywhere, according to Chrome.

By supplementing the traditional VIN information that comes from a dealer management system (DMS) with Chrome's New Vehicle Data, all inventory records are enhanced with standard equipment and factory option descriptions, Chrome said. The result, according to Chrome, is vehicle inventory data normalized around Chrome's accurate descriptions and logic, enabling unprecedented research, comparison and search capabilities across a dealer's online inventory.

Chrome said its Inventory Everywhere provides an easy-to-use application which enables dealers to add or delete optional, standard, and dealer-installed equipment as needed.

Once the vehicle descriptions are complete and accurate, dealers can add photos, apply individual messages and offers to the listing, run reports and even identify the amount of time a vehicle has been on the lot by color-coding their inventory list, according to Chrome. The company said import and export functions are one-step actions and transmit inventory instantly to pre-selected Internet service providers. All steps of the process take place on one screen, part of the new design unveiled with 4.0.

"CIE 4.0 gives you more detail per vehicle than any other inventory system on the market today," said David Mingle, president of Chrome Systems.

Dealers report Internet sales up 30 percent and prospect calls up 50 percent after installing CIE in their dealerships and time-savings of more than 14 hours using the new system.

"Dealers who aren't using CIE are missing the boat," says Jerry Thurman, Internet Sales Manager, Scarff Motors. "Chrome Inventory Everywhere paid for itself the very first day."

CIE 4.0 is available immediately, according to Chrome.

About Chrome

With more than 13,500 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides vehicle content, vehicle ordering and inventory management tools, configuration technology and professional services to deliver complete enterprise solutions to all segments of the retail automotive industry.

These segments include manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers, Internet sites, supply chain providers, and financial institutions.

Chrome says it pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for more than 16 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers.

Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers.

Chrome says it serves 9 of the 10 largest fleet leasing companies.