RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION, N.C. — Marketing technology provider Netsertive announced it has been named an approved partner of the Volkswagen Dealer Digital Program (VWDDP). Volkswagen is using Netsertive’s digital marketing intelligence technology to arm its dealer network with brand compliant, performance-based digital marketing campaigns built to boost its local market sales, according to the announcement.

Executives cited internal and external research showing fewer dealership visits and increased mobile-device usage among car buyers in announcing Netsertive’s partnership with VWDDP. The program was designed to assist dealers in creating and executing a digital strategy by providing them with a selection of proven partners that help increase sales through streamlined programs, end-to-end execution, and an “innovation roadmap.”

Dealers who work with Netsertive will be able to implement various digital advertising strategies. Additionally, they will review key performance indicators in a web-based reporting suite and evaluate their results against dealer averages at various national, zone, and district levels, all according to the announcement.

“The automotive market is extremely competitive, so we needed a partner that could help us drive customers to our dealership,” said Mike Zavell, internet director at Gunther Volkswagen in Coconut Creek, Fla. “Since partnering with Netsertive 18 months ago, we’ve seen our leads convert at five times the industry rate. Their superior customer service has been an integral part of our continued success and current position as the No. 1 Volkswagen dealer in the country.”

VWDDP participants will leverage Netsertive’s StreetWise digital marketing solution for local campaign execution, including search, display, local landing pages, digital video, and social media advertising, according to the company’s co-founder and CEO, Brendan Morrissey.

“Volkswagen understands that today’s customers are starting their research online and it’s crucial to engage and convert these buyers early,” Morrissey said. “Being selected as a preferred vendor for this program further validates our team’s extensive experience with large-scale OEM programs and commitment to keeping dealerships competitive in today’s challenging automotive market.”