[swf file=”audio/Dale-Pollak.mp3″] vAuto has incorporated the data tools of both AutoTrader.com and Manheim in rolling out a new used-car inventory management tool that can give dealers a more comprehensive way to find the right used cars to stock at the right price. [Read More]

After Consumer Reports ranked Ford 20th in its overall reliability rankings last week, marking a 10-spot decline for the brand, problems were sited involving the nameplate’s MyFord Touch and SYNC technology by the publication and dealers alike. Interestingly, just days after the results were out, Ford announced it is revamping these very same technologies. Listening to dealers […] [Read More]

AutoTrader.com announced Wednesday it is using IBM technology as part of its electronic sales order system to simplify and accelerate the experience for dealer and manufacturer customers. Officials explained IBM’s Smarter Commerce initiative can help companies bring new levels of automation to marketing, sales and fulfillment to support a customer-centered approach to commerce.  The company […] [Read More]

J.D. Power and Associates has struck a deal with a provider of national audience measurement services to help shed some light on what buyers of specific car brands or segments are watching when they flip on the TV. By partnering with Kantar Media, J.D. Power is aiming to help auto advertisers better understand the relationship […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, Enterprise Holdings began rolling out a QR code campaign across its vehicle fleet to get customers thinking about their next vehicle purchase. The first vehicle brand to get the QR codes is Mazda, but the company confirmed that other automakers, including Toyota (for the Avalon) and Nissan (for the LEAF and NV), will […] [Read More]

After releasing the Foursquare Quick-Start Guide for auctions this past May and receiving considerable interest in the tutorial, AutoTec revealed this week a version for dealers, designed to take an in-depth look at how rooftops can use the social networking site to their advantage. "Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we got from auctions, we knew […] [Read More]

In an effort to better reach the growing Latino population, Yahoo and the Ram Truck brand have teamed up to launch "La Banda Ram," a dedicated Mexican regional music channel. The channel can be accessed through  Yahoo en Español’s omg site, and offers programming, music news and "lifestyle-relevant Ram Truck brand integration," officials explained. [Read More]

In yesterday’s car, a driver might have cassettes and CDs in cases littered throughout the vehicle, a state map folded eight times in the glove compartment and coupons to fast-food joints stashed away beneath the visor. Today, all these amenities — music, navigation and coupons — can be accessed with a digital swipe of the […] [Read More]

General Motors employees might be using Google more than they do already according to a reported technology development between the companies. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Google has signed a deal to provide email and online-collaboration software to more than 100,000 employees at GM. The Journal’s findings are based on accounts from […] [Read More]

According to results of a test conducted with AutoTrader.com, dealers who use vAuto’s RealDeal generate additional online vehicle shopper interest and leads — as much as 24 percent more than dealerships not using the tool. Officials explained their test conducted in late spring of this year measured online shopper response to vehicle listings that include […] [Read More]