YOKOHAMA, Japan -

Aimed at boosting all facets of a store’s operation, Nissan Motor Co. recently formed a strategic relationship with Microsoft Corp. to collaborate and create a next-generation dealer management system based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Using the powerful foundation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the industry expertise of Nissan, officials believe the two companies will blend dealer and customer relationship management and social collaboration tools into a solution that will help Nissan develop a stronger relationship with its customers, drive dealer sales and increase market share on a global scale.

The OEM explained the solution will then utilize the Windows Azure platform, taking advantage of the economies of scale and flexibility offered by Microsoft’s public cloud offerings.

The new dealer management system will initially be rolled out to Nissan’s dealership networks in Japan and other strategic regions across the globe.

Officials also noted the system will have the flexibility to be customized for the needs of a specific country, region or automotive manufacturer, with broader availability to be explored in the future.

Nissan also intends to explore how Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Windows Azure can work together as a platform to deploy applications across the company’s global network and to standardize its information architecture on the cloud.

“Customer loyalty and retention are essential to the success of any business. Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps businesses better understand and build deeper relationships with their customers and partners,” explained Kirill Tatarinov, president of Microsoft Business Solutions.

“We look forward to working with Nissan to deliver a solution that effectively connects with their customers and to win in today’s business environment while also helping organizations such as Nissan meet the specific needs of the automotive industry,” Tatarinov continued.

Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer added, “Nissan delivers some of the most innovative vehicles in the automotive industry, and we bring that same innovation and passion to ensure customer and partner satisfaction.

“We are delighted to be working with Microsoft to deliver the next-generation dealer management system,” Palmer went on to say. “Nissan is seeking a solution that will help meet our business needs, especially to better understand our customers and dealers. This will enhance our sales and brand power as we enter a new growth phase under our mid-term business plan, Nissan Power 88.”

Nissan Appoints Former Audi, GM Exec to Senior Communications Role

In other company news, Nissan tapped Jeff Kuhlman to be divisional general manager and head of global communications.

The company said Kuhlman will report to Simon Sproule, corporate vice president of global marketing communications and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.

Nissan explained Kuhlman will lead the global communications team which spans activities including corporate communications, product communications and internal communications. He joins the Nissan Global Marketing Communications team formed in April that covers the company’s marketing, communications, brand management, corporate social responsibility and motorsport activities.

The OEM highlighted Kuhlman brings more than 20 years of automotive communication experience to Nissan. He joins Nissan from Audi of America, where he was the chief communications officer since 2006.

Previously Kuhlman held a number of key communications positions at General Motors, including heading up communications for GM’s North America marketing operations. He has extensive experience leading communications activities in brand development, product launch, energy and environmental, internal and speechwriting.

Kuhlman began his career at GM’s Toledo, Ohio, powertrain division plant.