Hummer and The Cobalt Group Launch Hummer Dealer e-Business Program
General Motors' Hummer division has announced that it has endorsed The Cobalt Group as its preferred
e-business technology partner to develop the first integrated Hummer
dealer Internet marketing program. As part of the launch of
the 2003 Hummer H2 in the United States this summer, Cobalt says it will provide e-business tools,
dealer Web sites, customer relationship management applications and
training and service to Hummer's 150 North American dealers.
The new program begins launching to active Hummer dealers May 1.
"Hummer understands the power of the Internet in driving sales and
deepening customer relationships and we are pleased to endorse
Cobalt's industry-leading technology solutions for all of our North
American dealers," said Lance Elson, Hummer interactive manager.
"Hummer is launching this new integrated program with our dealers at a
critical time when we are debuting the new H2. We are confident that
this program will help Hummer successfully launch the H2, reach more
customers, and profitably build the Hummer brand experience."
"We are very pleased to extend our industry-leading Nitra
technology, deep automotive industry knowledge and unmatched training
and support to help Hummer launch its integrated dealer Internet
marketing program," said David Potts, vice president of global client
services for The Cobalt Group. "Cobalt is committed to helping Hummer
and its dealers adopt e-business technology to not only launch the new
H2, but to provide Hummer dealers with a cost-effective Internet
marketing solution that enables them to exceed their customers'
expectations."
According to the companies, the Hummer dealer Web sites will be integrated with the Hummer
corporate Web site (www.hummer.com) providing customers with online access to Hummer dealers and up-to-date inventory
information, including detailed vehicle descriptions, photos and
pricing. Cobalt says it will provide ongoing metrics reporting to Hummer and
its dealers so they can analyze Web site traffic patterns,
performance, dealer participation and return on their investment.
Cobalt claims it is providing its J2EE-based Nitra technology to Hummer
dealers through four customized e-business packages.
Hummer Entry Level Nitra Package provides dealers with the
essentials of automotive Internet marketing. This package
provides dealer Web site development and
hosting, new and used inventory management and display, and
OEM integrated brand management capabilities.
Hummer Basic Nitra Package includes all of the capabilities of
the Hummer Entry Level Nitra package plus Cobalt Lead Manager,
AdWizard Plus, and more.
Hummer Advanced Nitra Package includes all the capabilities of
the Hummer Basic Nitra package plus PartsVoice parts locator,
Make & Match vehicle configurator, and best practices
e-business training at Cobalt's eDealer Academy.
Hummer Nitra Marketing Value Pack can be purchased as an
add-on to the Hummer Basic Nitra Package and the Hummer
Advanced Nitra Package. This solution provides dealers with
marketing and customer relationship management
applications such as Cobalt myCarTools vehicle owner
management system, an accessories marketing page, and new
model spotlight page.
As part of its approach to manufacturer-to-dealer
e-business program launches, Cobalt says it will provide Hummer and its
dealers with multiple training and support channels. With more than 80
total field personnel nationwide, Cobalt claims it
will visit every Hummer franchise during the initial launch period.
In addition, Cobalt will provide best practices training and eCare customer support.
ABOUT HUMMER
The Hummer Division of General Motors was created through GM's
purchase of the rights to the Hummer brand name and trademarks from AM
General Corp. in December 1999. The H2, arriving in dealerships this
July, is the first product of cooperation by GM and AM General. The H2
was designed and engineered by GM and is being built by AM General at
a new 630,000 square foot plant in Mishawaka, Ind.
ABOUT THE COBALT GROUP
The Cobalt Group says it works in the automotive retail market
to help manufacturers and dealers develop integrated e-business
programs by leveraging its technology, broad range of
services and domain knowledge. Cobalt offers products and services developed
specifically for the automotive marketplace including enterprise
software for manufacturers and dealers; customer relationship
management (CRM) software applications; online automotive commerce
applications; an OEM parts locating and marketing
service; dealership e-business best practices training, consulting,
and process compliance analysis; and wholesale used vehicle
remarketing services.
Cobalt operates a dealer network including 12,000 franchised
dealers and 70 dealer groups. Cobalt also says it is endorsed by 15 manufacturers and the
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
With headquarters in Seattle, Wash., Cobalt has offices in five
U.S. cities and a field sales and services force in 30 states,
including all major U.S. metropolitan sales areas (MSAs).
More F&I
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →