Just like some managers want their rows of cars on the dealership blacktop precise and uniform, the Standards for Technology in Automotive Retail (STAR) is continuing to make headway toward interoperability across the industry.

On Thursday, the automotive IT standards organization announced the public release of the STAR XML Version 6.2.4 schema repository. Officials said this release contains 36 newly refactored business object documents (BOD) in the areas of:

—Retail delivery report
—Standard codes
—Vehicle invoice
—Vehicle order
—Vehicle price list
—Vehicle shipment
—Vehicle specifications
—Dealer support case

Comprised of dealers, manufacturers, technology providers and the National Automobile Dealers Association, STAR said it is uniquely positioned as the most effective way for the industry to collaborate. Its members spend significant time and focus on data security, artificial intelligence, compliance and regulations, alongside its foundational XML work for dealership sales, service and parts.

Similar to other STAR standards, officials said this launch is the result of collaborative efforts and best practices across members.

“With these latest additions to STAR6, STAR continues the modernization of its XML standard, which makes up the backbone of the retail integration offering of many leading OEMs and DSPs,” said JP Garvey, chairman of STAR and dealer principal for Garvey Auto Group.

“We expect these improved and easier-to-use BODs will enable members to further reduce lead time in new service development and make the maintenance of retail integration service offerings more effective in both finance and telematics,” Garvey continued in a news release.

The latest version of the STAR6 XML is now available for download to businesses worldwide.

To learn more, visit starstandard.org.