CINCINNATI — Dealer Specialties Inc., a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions and a provider of inventory management and distribution services, announced launch of Vehicle Manager, an Internet-based inventory management application that provides auto dealers with everything needed to effectively manage, market and distribute their vehicle inventory online.
"Dealers today realize the importance of having a strong Internet presence," said Brian Page, general manager of dealer data services at Dealer Specialties. "Vehicle Manager is a time saving tool that allows them to gain a competitive edge early in the buying process."
New features in Vehicle Manager include:
Inventory Management:
· Access to Administration Tools — dealers or other designated users can now change prices, modify, add or remove inventory at any time (previously dealers could only change pricing and mark vehicles as 'sold'). Full access keeps dealer inventory current at all times, and each change is automatically updated on all of Dealer Specialties' partner Web sites, including AutoTrader.com, GetAuto.com, Cars.com, eBay and more.
· Automated Inventory Rules — dealers can set up automated 'rules' for managing inventory on a per vehicle basis, i.e. if a car hasn't sold after 90 days (or other preset criteria), a rule can be set up to reduce the price, send the car to ebay to be auctioned, or other options, and the system will automatically implement the changes at the designated time.
· Price Comparison Tool — allows dealers to stay competitive by selecting any vehicle in their inventory, then running a price comparison to show how competitors within a designated radius are pricing that vehicle type.
· Moving Inventory — if a car isn't selling in one location a dealer in a group can post it to a sister location, effectively "moving" the vehicle with a single click of a mouse, as opposed to having to physically transport the vehicle.
· Categorizing and Sorting Inventories — Dealers can easily categorize used, new or certified vehicles, to see where the majority of their inventory lies. Also, sorting inventory by any parameter such as price, color, year, model or make is easy as clicking a button.
Inventory Marketing:
· Vehicle Brochures — allows dealers or salespeople to instantly create a three-page, color brochure for individual vehicles. With a few clicks of the mouse, a salesperson can select a vehicle from the inventory screen, access a template, and the system prints out a professional brochure that highlights vehicle features, including photos, dealer branding, contact information and salesperson photo.
· Vehicle Videos (VeVos) —utilizes the latest in Flash technology to create a "walkaround" video experience on the Internet, including music and voice-over; in effect a 30-60 second content-rich commercial for individual vehicles, designed to attract and influence customers
· Global Vehicle Marketing Text — allows dealer slogans announcing specials or rebates to be posted with every car, increasing dealer branding and awareness.
· Web2Print - allows dealers to export online inventory into one of many templates. Web2Print converts the data into a ready-to-print ad that can be sent to the local newspaper or magazine
Additionally, the new version of Vehicle Manager has a new, user-friendly interface with a streamlined design and improved menu structures, icons and links for ease of navigation. Vehicle Manager is available immediately and is offered in a variety of different package options for every dealer need.
