The Reynolds and Reynolds Company announced that the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) has partnered with the company as the recommended provider of Internet and Web services to its 500-member retailer body. These services will be provided by Reynolds Automark® Web Services.

"NAMAD understands that successful retailing in today's automotive environment means having a comprehensive Internet strategy," said Sheila Vaden-Williams, president of NAMAD. "Partnering with Reynolds provides our members with industry-leading technology, enabling them to quickly respond to Internet leads, update site content, or completely change the design of their sites.

"We strive to provide our members with the best business solutions. Our relationship with Reynolds is a great member benefit," added Vaden-Williams.

According to H. Steve Harrell, Sr., NAMAD chairman, enhancing member benefits is the primary goal of the association.

"Our members and the success of their dealerships are at the apex of NAMAD's priorities. We strive to assist our members and their businesses in every way we can - this agreement with Reynolds is the first step of many that the association plans to take in order to achieve this," he said.

According to the company, Reynolds Automark Web Services provides a broad range of functionality to NAMAD members in order for them to build and implement a successful Internet strategy. One such function is the PitStop solution.

PitStop is a Web-based administrative tool used by retailers to review Web site statistics, customize and make changes to their Web site in real-time, review and maintain leads, and manage security. The company says this enhancement, which is the first real-time content management tool available to automotive retailers, allows dealerships to manage on-line inventory, specials and promotions, financing programs, and dealership information.

According to Greg Collins, senior vice president of Reynolds Transformation Services, "The functionality of PitStop gives NAMAD members the ability to take immediate advantage of local market opportunities, car company promotions, and consumer buying trends. It also allows them to give their customers the most current and most accurate information available. This ability to keep their dealership Web sites fresh and up-to-date results in greater customer satisfaction and a better bottom-line."

"Our Automark Web Services are at the forefront of on-line automotive retailing," said Collins. "By providing first-in-class technology with industry-leading training, Automark Web Services have become the recognized leader in driving results for today's retailers. We are very pleased to provide our integrated, e-business solutions that will enable NAMAD members to meet the needs of their Internet customers."

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers is a 500-member, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. Founded in 1980, NAMAD is committed to increasing viable opportunities for ethnic minorities in all aspects of the automotive industry. NAMAD says it seeks to ensure the presence of a meaningful, representative number of minority entrepreneurs and employees in the retail sales, supplier and service sectors, and the manufacturing ranks. For more information on NAMAD, visit www.NAMAD.org.

Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com) is a provider of integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. The company's software, service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems; networking and support; e-business applications; Web services; learning and consulting services; CRM solutions, document and data management and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers comprising 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all car companies in North America. It conducts CRM consulting services on five continents.