VinSolutions Company News

MotoSnap Enhancements 11/18

11/18/2008 3:00:00 PM

Continued enhancements to the MotoSnap Inventory & CRM system

MotoSnap Enhancements 11/5

11/5/2008 1:00:00 PM

Continued enhancements to the MotoSnap Inventory & CRM system

VinSolutions Opens eCommerce Consulting Division

10/31/2008 1:00:00 PM

VinSolutions announces the opening of their new eCommerce Consulting Division. The company selected Chris Hanson as Director of eCommerce Consulting because of his proven track record in creating profitable dealership Internet departments.

Overland Park, KS, October 31, 2008 – VinSolutions today announced the opening of their eCommerce Consulting Division. With automotive industry sales down an average of 27 percent, dealers are looking for an edge over their competition. Converting a higher percentage of Internet leads into Internet sales is an area where most dealership Internet departments could improve. “Internet Lead Management (ILM) is a large part of our business,” said Doug Kinney, VinSolutions’ CEO, “and it’s getting bigger every day, because Internet-generated sales are making a greater impact on dealers’ bottom lines.” According to J.D. Power, auto dealers subscribe to an average of 6.8 online lead providers, up from 5.6 in 2006; and 53 percent subscribe to a lead notification system. With continuing bleak sales projections circulating throughout the industry, running a profitable Internet sales department has become critical for success.

For an Internet department to be profitable, it needs good processes and people. VinSolutions’ new eCommerce Consulting Division is designed to provide their clients with both. Consultants develop programs based on dealership needs. Putting proven processes to work in innovative ways, dealers should see their closing ratios improve and revenues increase. Techniques for training salespeople to improve conversion rates from leads to sold customers are also part of the program.

Successful Internet salespersons are able to blend traditional sales techniques with effective written communication skills and computer savvy. “There’s a lot more to it than people first realize,” said Chris Hanson, VinSolutions’ new eCommerce Consulting Director. “The challenge for Internet salespeople is discovering how they can get involved in consumers’ online conversations. Once they accomplish this, they’ll be able to better manage the sales process.”

VinSolutions selected Hanson as eCommerce Consulting Director because of his proven track record in creating profitable dealership Internet departments. “Most of my past clients saw a 50 percent increase in their Internet sales by simply following the process and techniques I gave them,” Hanson said. The program is customized for each client’s needs, but most include training in follow-up and selling processes, templates, video e-mail, blogging, phone scripts, Web site design and vendor recommendations. Intuitive navigation schemes, user-friendly pages with video and interactive demonstrations, suggestions for richer content and more functionality, as well as search optimization techniques are all considerations in the world of eCommerce.

About VinSolutions:

An industry-leading developer of Internet-based customer relations management (CRM) and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and inventory management products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi and Subaru certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as CarFax, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.

MotoSnap Enhancements 10/23

10/23/2008 1:00:00 PM

Continued enhancements to the MotoSnap Inventory & CRM system

VinSolutions Enhances CRM and Inventory Management Products Using Microsoft’s Silverlight v2.0

10/22/2008 7:00:00 PM

VinSolutions’ designers are currently developing portions of the MotoSnap CRM and Inventory Management products in Microsoft's new Silverlight v2.0 platform.

VinSolutions Showcases Its DIY and Inventory Management Module at the Fall 2008 Digital Dealer Conference and Exposition

10/7/2008 1:00:00 PM

Featuring the benefits of the VinCamera, VinSolutions’ personnel attending the 5th Digital Dealer Conference demonstrate how dealers can choose, shoot and upload their own vehicle photos directly into their Inventory Management software. Matching photos and videos to specified stock numbers, dealers can now detail, photograph, upload and display their inventory on their Web sites in hours instead of days.

Grapevine, Texas, October 7, 2008 – VinSolutions, a leading Web-based automotive software provider, is showcasing their Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Inventory Management module at the 5th Digital Dealer Conference and Exposition in Grapevine, Texas. Running from October 6th through 8th, dealers can meet VinSolutions’ upper management, salesmen and trainers for one-on-one demonstrations of the VinCamera, VinBuddy, CRM, ILM, Inventory Management and Web site design products.

“The thing I like best about coming to this conference is the chance it gives us to actually show dealers in person how great our products are,” said Mike Dullea, VinSolutions’ CSO. “Since our software was designed by people who were in the car business for years, we know our products meet the needs of real people working real car deals.”

The DIY market segment is growing. Upgrades in technology have made do-it-yourself activities easier, and as dealers look for ways to cut back on expenditures, taking their own inventory photos makes a lot of sense. VinSolutions has stepped up their efforts to provide dealers with a turn-key DIY product. The VinCamera offers dealers a way to match vehicle stock numbers from their DMS directly with photos they shoot on their lot. Simply plug the camera into the dealership’s computer system and the photos upload automatically in the Inventory Management module.

Right now dealers need to use every advantage they can to cut cost, maximize efficiencies, and convert leads to sales. Selecting and using the right CRM, ILM and Web site design allow dealers to do just that. The down turn in auto sales brought on by the softening of the nation’s economy has many dealers battening down the hatches in an effort to ride out the tough times ahead. Running an efficient operation is key to survival.

“Even though the nation’s economy is soft right now, we’ve just come off of the best third quarter in our company’s history,” said Doug Kinney, VinSolutions’ CEO. “We owe that success to the results our clients get from using our fully-integrated products. Efficiency equals savings.” Using VinSolutions’ suite of products, dealers can handle everything from taking pictures of their inventory to pushing a deal to finance without ever having to sign a long-term contract or chase down contacts from multiple companies to handle their needs. One contact, one company, one commitment. It doesn’t get much more efficient than that.

About VinSolutions (www.vinsoltuions.com):
An industry-leading developer of Internet-based customer relations management (CRM) and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and inventory management products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi and Subaru certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.

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VinSolutions Finalizes Kelley Blue Book InfoDriver™ Integration

9/18/2008 1:00:00 PM

The integration between VinSolutions and Kelley Blue Book’s InfoDriver™ provides dealers with an easy link for comparing KBB vehicle prices with their own dealer-assigned pricing, as well as acting as a valuable tool for calculating trade-in values.

Overland Park, KS, September 18, 2008 – VinSolutions, a leading provider of Web-based automotive software, announced today it has completed an integration with Kelley Blue Book’s InfoDriver™. As a result, VinSolutions’ clientele now have point-and-click access to data supplied by KBB’s expanded and redesigned data syndication solution. Subscribing dealers can access the data from VinSolutions’ MotoSnap CRM or from their inventory management module.

“The newest iteration of Kelley Blue Book’s data syndication products makes acquiring Kelley Blue Book vehicle information easier than ever before,” said Brad Prickett, Kelley Blue Book’s Director of Syndication Product Management. “The real power of this product is the combination of rich content in a flexible format. By incorporating Kelley Blue Book values in VinSolutions products, their customers now have quick access to accurate and timely vehicle values that are widely recognized by car shoppers.”
Incorporating 82 years’ worth of trusted KBB data into their software application, VinSolutions confidently supplies their clients with reliable used car data, vehicle trade-in, private party, wholesale, and suggested retail values. Whether subscribing users click on the Blue Book Valuation box from their MotoSnap CRM, or on the KBB Lookup box in their inventory management system, accurate vehicle valuation information is ready for immediate use.

“The direct link to reliable data that KBB’s InfoDriver™ provides saves our clients time, and we believe the quick access to trade-in values and suggested retail pricing for customer trade-ins gives our subscribing dealers an added advantage,” said Doug Kinney, VinSolutions’ CEO. “We’re pleased we are able to incorporate this powerful tool into our product lineup.” Dealers who choose to add this service to their existing CRM or inventory management solution will be able to print KBB suggested retail pricing on their used vehicle window stickers, and display comparisons between KBB and dealer-assigned prices on their VinSolutions Inventory Gallery or in their vehicle comment sections. For more information visit www.vinsolutions.com.

About VinSolutions (www.vinsolutions.com):
An industry-leading developer of Internet-based customer relations management (CRM) and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and inventory management products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi and Subaru certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.

About Kelley Blue Book:
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information Web site among both new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

VinSolutions and RouteOne Form Integration

9/15/2008 1:00:00 PM

The integration between VinSolutions and RouteOne allows dealers to electronically send credit applications from their MotoSnap CRM desking module directly to the RouteOne credit application management system (CAMS). Dealers can choose from RouteOne’s nearly 270 finance sources throughout North America to submit customer credit applications.
Overland Park, KS, September 15, 2008 – VinSolutions, a leading Web-based automotive software provider, today announced it has completed an integration with the RouteOne CAMS. As a result, VinSolutions’ clientele have access to a point-and-click connection with RouteOne and their affiliated finance sources. An added benefit of this one click connection is the elimination of repetitive data entry.

“Having RouteOne integrated with VinSolutions makes for a much more efficient system. We don’t have to waste time duplicating customer data or re-entering multiple car deal scenarios for F&I,” said Todd Crossley, owner of Gary Crossley Ford. “It makes the managers’ lives so much easier that they actually use it.”

This ease of use is not accidental. RouteOne is committed to providing their dealers with the ability to efficiently submit customer applications to a variety of lenders. “Our integration with best in class providers such as VinSolutions promotes our open integration strategy, which is a key tenet of our dealer support model,” said Mike Jurecki, RouteOne CEO. “The integration between RouteOne and VinSolutions offers dealers the solutions they need to streamline their sales processes and drive efficiencies.”

The process is as simple as entering the customer information and deal specifics at the desk, and then clicking the “Push to RouteOne” tab in VinSolutions’ MotoSnap CRM desking module. The dealer is then connected to the RouteOne platform via a secured HTTP interface free of charge. Using the S.T.A.R. format, created as an automotive industry standard for transferring data, dealers can feel confident that their vehicle and customer information is secure. The efficiency of this data transfer method speeds the sales process along.

“The desire for speed in automotive desking and F&I processing is intensifying,” said Doug Kinney, CEO, VinSolutions. “This integration between VinSolutions and RouteOne addresses that need. Dealers can now assist their customers in making rapid and more informed financing decisions because of the immediate communication between finance sources and the dealership.” Contact VinSolutions for more information about their MotoSnap CRM and the integration with RouteOne.

About VinSolutions (www.vinsoltuions.com):
An industry-leading developer of Internet-based customer relations management (CRM) and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and inventory management products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi and Subaru certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.

About RouteOne:
RouteOne was formed in 2002 by Chrysler Financial, Ford Motor Credit Company, GMAC, and Toyota Financial Services to create a more streamlined credit application for automobile dealers and their customers. Providing access to more than 21,500 dealers in North America, RouteOne’s web-based system allows automotive dealers to submit credit applications to the largest indirect lenders, request credit reports, and increase profitability with RouteOne’s free Dealer Reporting Suite. RouteOne’s open integration business model also allows the dealer to integrate with their choice of a wide variety of best in class providers, including DSPs, CRM systems, F&I modules and menu providers. RouteOne offers dealers a common platform for all their credit application financing needs. More information is available at www.routeone.com.

MotoSnap Enhancements 9/12

9/12/2008 1:01:00 PM

Continued enhancements to the MotoSnap Inventory & CRM system

VinSolutions Releases VinCamera Version 3.0

9/8/2008 1:00:00 PM

VinCamera Version 3.0 Supports Videos and Still Photography
Overland Park, KS, September 8, 2008 – VinSolutions today announced the availability of their VinCamera Version 3.0 to dealers interested in a DIY solution for inventory management. The new version allows dealers to shoot videos in addition to snapping standard still vehicle photos. Working in combination with a specially formatted eight-megapixel, military-grade digital camera, this Windows application enables users to assign dealer specified vehicle stock numbers directly to their videos and photos. Available for immediate use, matched images upload automatically into the dealership’s MotoSnap Inventory Control Module.

Connecting VinCamera via USB port to the dealership’s system, the camera is refreshed daily with the most current inventory list and identifies which vehicles need photos by stock number. As sold vehicles are removed and new vehicles are added to the dealership’s inventory through the DMS, a report of unprocessed vehicles appears online. VinCamera automatically downloads the stock numbers of the new and used vehicles appearing on this list making it easy for users to spot and shoot vehicles needing photos.

“This camera saves dealership personnel so much time, and cuts down on errors,” said Doug Kinney, VinSolutions’ CEO. “We’re always trying to help our clients save time and money. The VinCamera does both.”

Requirements to use the VinCamera Version 3.0 application include: (1) being a MotoSnap Inventory Control Module client, (2) having a VinCamera digital camera, (3) owning an SD memory card, (4) downloading the VinCamera desktop application, and (5) using a Microsoft Windows XP or Vista operating system. Dealers can purchase cameras, complete with SD memory card, directly from VinSolutions. Users download the desktop application directly onto their computers from VinSolutions’ Web site. Once the software is loaded, users format the memory cards and configure the VinCamera software to set log-ins and passwords.

The benefits of using the VinCamera are numerous. No more waiting around for vehicle photos. With VinCamera inventory photos are available for use the same day the vehicle is detailed. Users determine the number of photos and the photo content, and the camera’s stabilization feature ensures photo clarity. With VinCamera’s video capabilities dealers can now provide vehicle walk-arounds for online use, record customers doing a trade-in walk-around or a dealership testimonial. Once uploaded, the videos and photos can be sent directly to Cars.com and You Tube, as well as to any VinSolutions designed dealer Web site. For more information go to http://www.vinsolutions.com/vincamera.aspx.

About VinSolutions:

An industry-leading developer of Internet-based customer relations management (CRM) and Internet lead management (ILM) software, VinSolutions provides 24/7 dealership sales and marketing information to their clients anywhere Internet access is available. In addition to CRM, ILM and inventory management products, VinSolutions builds custom dealership Web sites, uploads inventory photos, offers their clients quality training and consulting services, as well as valuable customer support. VinSolutions is GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi and Subaru certified and has working relationships, alliances and integrations with several automotive software service providers such as CarFax, Kelley Blue Book, AutoSoft, Inc., Autodata, RouteOne and DealerTrack.