Optimus Warranty and RepairPal have announced a partnership aimed at revolutionizing car ownership. Optimus' comprehensive coverage now includes access to RepairPal's reputable repair facilities nationwide. This collaboration delivers expert care, fair prices, and peace of mind to Optimus Warranty customers by connecting them with the 3500+ RepairPal certified repair shops when they are unable to return to their selling dealership. Learn more at optimuswarrantygroup.com and RepairPal.com.

Recently launched online marketplace, Fleetstore offers curated and competitively priced fleet management solutions! This Bosch initiative includes many solutions to help commercial fleets of all sizes address operating costs, productivity, safety, and regulatory compliance. The one-stop shop helps fleet operators save time and money by using an intuitive marketplace to compare and purchase solutions. Check out the latest promotions at https://www.fleetstore.com/

Topmarq is an AI-powered software tool for dealers to instantly build their own scalable private party acquisition pipeline. Unique insights, automated searches, and buying suggestions mean less time searching for vehicles and more time speaking with potential sellers. Buy cheaper consumer inventory through our unique, auction-like format. Our innovative seller pipeline management means even less time wasted on lead chasing, all resulting in more vehicles on the lot. http://www.topmarq.com

OUR ROOTS ARE FIRMLY ON THE FACTORY FLOOR AND IN THE CLASSROOM - that's why ENCONA is trusted by over 500 companies in more than 40 countries. We are a leading provider of certified professional training and are a proud accredited license partner of the VDA QMC. Our premium courses are delivered by industry expert instructors, in-person or online. Our consultants provide dedicated project management, management system auditing, supplier development, problem-solving, and i4.0 technology integration services. Our services are all designed to drive growth for our clients, particularly in the automotive and component manufacturing industries. HOW CAN WE HELP YOU CLOSE GAPS AND ACHIEVE YOUR BUSINESS GOALS? www.encona.org | [email protected]

Space Auto is reimagining the car-buying journey by streamlining automotive retail tech and elevating the customer experience. From first click to close, Space Auto gives dealerships the tools to connect with customers, drive sales, and grow business – all in one space. We’ve simplified the sales funnel into one flexible platform, including websites, digital ads, SEO and CRM. Space Auto serves independent and OEM dealerships, including BMW, Nissan, Kia, Honda, GMC, and more. www.space.auto

Seraph, a global supply chain, operations and manufacturing consultancy, announces the launch of the 2023 Operational Excellence Awards. The Awards will recognize automotive manufacturing facilities in North America at the top of their game in five categories. Nominations are open until March 17, followed by a June 15 event celebrating the finalists, at Chroma in Detroit. Winners will be honored by industry luminaries. High-performing suppliers are invited to apply at https://seraphawards.com/.

Seraph, a global supply chain, operations and manufacturing consultancy, announces the launch of the 2023 Operational Excellence Awards. The Awards will recognize automotive manufacturing facilities in North America at the top of their game in five categories. Nominations are open until March 17, followed by a June 15 event celebrating the finalists, at Chroma in Detroit. Winners will be honored by industry luminaries. High-performing suppliers are invited to apply at https://seraphawards.com/.

Gale, a leading provider of educational technology, recently migrated ChiltonLibrary, the most trusted digital resource for automotive repair and maintenance information, to a new cloud-based platform along with an array of new features and enhancements to improve user experience and accessibility including: new vehicle identification number (VIN) tool to decode VINs to reveal original parts, new video library tab that houses more than 2,500 automotive repair videos and animations, and a labor estimate tool. With streamlined navigation in a more user-friendly environment, users can more easily access and find the information they need to safely service their vehicle and prepare for the upcoming winter months. Learn more at: http://bit.ly/3EkyKpc.

NuVinAir, which offers an innovative suite of proprietary products that safely and effectively create clean and healthy vehicle interiors, recently announced its partnership with Go Rentals, the only car rental company specializing in the private-jet industry and servicing fine hotels and resorts. The collaboration will provide NuVinAir's proprietary and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to 66 of Go Rentals' locations.

SaleSleeve, an industry leading weatherproof label protection company recently received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for SaleSleeve Elite, a ground-breaking solution for the automotive industry. SaleSleeve Elite is an adhesive-free exterior label available in the market that can be printed at a dealership directly from a laser or inkjet printer or handwritten on with an ink pen or marker. SaleSleeve’s label features adhesive free printable paper, used to prominently display equipment lists, sales documents and Buyer’s Guides on the exterior of auto and recreational vehicles; ensuring dealerships meet Federal Trade Commission (FTC) compliance regulations. Read more in the recent press release: https://www.salesleeve.com/news

Automotive Marketing Gurus® (AMG), led by owner and CEO, Jonathan Thompson, continues to make a name for itself in the automotive marketing industry, since November 2020. AMG has grown to a team of ten professionals, secured 50 clients across the nation and built relationships with over 50 vendors who trust the process. They are motivating and collaborating with marketing teams and vendor partners to be the best they can be in all things automotive marketing through their MOJO platform, technology and process. AMG is here to help dealers save time and money on marketing, so they can focus more on their people, process and profits. 2021 was a year of growth for AMG and they have some revolutionary technology in the works for 2022 (MOJO).

Ford Motor Company has awarded Fortech Products Q1 certification for the quality performance of its production facility.
The Q1 award recognizes a select group of suppliers for excellence in a variety of areas, including manufacturing processes, continuous improvement, on-time delivery, service and overall customer satisfaction.
Fortech develops and manufactures corrosion-resistant coatings, metalforming lubricants and metalworking fluids for the automotive, aerospace and related industries.

DDST, besides providing recruiting and training services for salespeople and service techs, advisors, ETC. has now implemented VIDEO COMMUNICATION for social media, Internet sales, and service. This all-new platform is providing dealers with a 98% open rate and an 80% sale rate. This new way to communicate with your customers is taking the industry by storm. "This is the wave of the future of communicating with your customer that builds confidence and trust" - Don Diamond

To better align with plans for future growth, Purdy Mobility is excited to announce that going forward in North America, they will be known as Purdy Group. “As we look at our plans for future growth and how the automotive and mobility space is evolving, we felt that the Purdy Group name better encapsulates our vision for the future”, said North American COO Harold Hurst. Founded in 1957 in Costa Rica, Grupo Purdy is focused on the automotive industry and the ancillary services that go with it. From the very beginning the corporation has focused on implementing innovative and technological processes and services. “As always, our success is due to our employees and our focus will continue to be on their development and training”, added Hurst.

Leading Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers Myotek (https://myotek.com) and Sea Link, along with affiliates Amptech and Hicks Plastics, have named automotive lighting industry veteran Stephane Vedie as Chief Executive Officer. The companies specialize in design and production of innovative lighting solutions for the automotive industry. “I am excited to work with such a diverse group of companies to provide premium engineering and manufacturing services to our global automotive partners,” Vedie said.

LightGuide, Inc., the leading projected augmented reality (AR) software platform that transforms manual assembly and manufacturing processes for companies worldwide, today announced that it has raised a $15M Series B financing led by G2 Venture Partners, with continued participation from Capital Midwest Fund and Michigan Capital Advisors.

LightGuide’s patented Industry 4.0 technology dramatically standardizes and improves any manual process by projecting virtual step-by-step instructions onto an employee's work surface. This visual and intuitive light guidance provides immersive, "No Faults Forward" process control through defect prevention and traceable analytics.

Full press release: https://bit.ly/2Vm5ZFX

Waukesha Metal Products proudly celebrates 50 years supplying the automotive industry. From humble beginnings as a two man tool and die shop in Waukesha, WI, Waukesha Metal Products is an international full service metal forming manufacturer. A foundation of innovation, process excellence, validation, and continuous improvement enables the highest quality and best performing products that are Engineered for Durability and Strength™. Waukesha Metal Products looks forward to the next 50 years.

Global aftersales technology leader Infomedia Ltd has acquired SimplePart, a leading global provider of B2B and B2C aftersales e-commerce solutions to OEMs and dealers for parts, accessories and service.

Together, Infomedia and SimplePart will leverage global resources and OEM relationships to innovate, grow and develop aftersales e-commerce programs for OEMs and dealers both internationally and domestically. Founder Cole Getzler and President Michael Oki will continue to lead SimplePart.

Collectively, Infomedia and SimplePart serve 220,000 dealership professionals across 50 OEM brands in 186 countries with Microcat EPC, Superservice quoting, Infodrive data insights and e-commerce solutions. Visit simplepart.com or infomedia.com.au today.

Triton Automotive Group Board elected Josh Gallion as Chief Financial Officer effective June 1, 2021.

Since Triton’s inception Gallion has been Controller overseeing the financial accounting and dealer reporting while supporting the expansion of Triton’s business model to include Automotive Financial Services and Dealer Services, including healthcare.

To date the Triton Automotive Group includes 13 US dealership groups, in 18 states, representing 36 franchise nameplates that sell in excess of 240,000 new and used vehicles annually.  Triton’s vision is to develop strategic partnerships to bring a broad range of products and services to our dealer shareholders. Interested Dealers can learn more at tritonautomotivegroup.com

Freedom Solar is the leading turnkey solar installer with the nation’s largest coast-to-coast franchised dealership solar program. The company has helped auto dealers from Mazda to Maserati leverage the benefits of solar arrays and carports to generate cash flow and revenue.

Join our NADA webinar on May 12th and learn how to ‘Electrify’ your dealership with a phased approach adding Solar and EV Charging Infrastructure. The webinar is led by Freedom Solar’s Ryan Ferrero, past domestic/import Dealer Principal, who is uniquely qualified to address the needs, motivations, and financial returns with your electrification. Register at https://bit.ly/3n2xBJW or learn more at https://freedomsolarpower.com/auto

Following the acquisition of Affinity Apparel in October 2020, the Mi Hub management team is delighted to announce the relaunch of the Affinity brand, with a completely fresh look and a new HQ, manufacturing and distribution center in Indiana.

Affinity specializes in implementing domestic and global full-service, custom apparel programs for partners within the uniform sector. Our team works to understand each client’s culture and needs and create a model that works for each one independently.

Morrie’s Auto Group announced the strategic acquisition of Brenengen Auto Group, which is a leading automotive retail group with 6 dealership locations in western Wisconsin. This acquisition is a natural complement to how Morrie's serves their communities, and well aligned with Morrie’s strategy to acquire and partner with strong dealer groups in the Upper Midwest. Including this deal, Morrie’s has acquired 10 additional locations since 2016 through 5 transactions and proudly represents 23 brands in Minnesota and Wisconsin today; including Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, RAM, Subaru & Volkswagen.

Goree, a leader of automotive facility design, is excited to announce the acquisition of Whitfield Associates, Inc., a full-service automotive architectural and design firm located in Dana Point, California. The acquisition creates a new entity, Goree Whitfield, Inc., which will continue to focus on providing exceptional design services. The purchase will better serve the needs of Goree’s west coast automotive customers and create a satellite office as Goree expands its offerings and reach.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced Nifco KTW America Corporation with the 2020 Automotive Supplier of the Year GEAR Award (200+ people). The GEAR (Georgia Emerging Automotive Recognition) Awards are designed to recognize forward movement in the state’s automotive and mobility industry through innovation & emerging technologies.
Nifco KTW America Corporation specializes in production of interior & exterior plastic products as well as hi-gloss interior painted décor trim.

EpicVin is the first vehicle history report that was built with blockchain technology. Launched in 2012, EpicVIN is an NMVTIS-approved data provider. The company provides the customer with everything that they want to know about the history of the vehicle. This includes photos, if the car has a salvage title, if the car was involved in major weather events and natural disasters, etc. Thanks to EpicVIn, Copart.com users were able to check information about the sales history of vehicles before buying. www.EpicVin.com

SmartCo Services LLC is excited to welcome Hyundai Motor America (HMA) as a client for our Retail Parts Inventory Management product PartsEye™.

PartsEye™ technology manages retailer daily parts ordering using predictive data analysis ensuring best in industry parts & accessory availability resulting in:

• Increased part number availability
• Improved "off the shelf" availability
• Significant time savings for parts staff
• Improved retail order fill rates
• Reduction in "lost sales"

PartsEye is the Retail Inventory Management solutions leader in the transportation sector with over 5,000 retailer implementations across the globe.

[email protected] – 877.880.0816
www.partseye.net / www.smartcoservices.com

A&B Creations, LLC is a company with new technology designed to prevent high speed police chases in seconds and much more. We can and will save lives and protect property. We have a utility patent pending and would be honored to share this new technology with the right car manufacturer executive or CEO. We are making history, so let’s make it together. Please contact attorney W. Thomas “Tom” Timmons at [email protected]

CornerStone United, a leading F&I product administrator for 45+ years in the USA & Canada, is expanding its product offering!

The ultimate in combined ancillary coverage - CornerStone Choice allows the customer to choose between single or multiple coverage options including tire & wheel, tire & wheel with cosmetic coverage, windshield repair & replacement, paintless dent repair, key replacement & roadside assistance all on a single form.

• Current + 14 model year eligibility
• Terms up to 84 months
• Standard $0 deductible
• PDR coverage for hail
• No aggregate tire & wheel claim limits
• Claims administration is in-house
• Claims can be submitted online
• No agent chargeback options

[email protected] - 866.912.2770 option 4

Electronic parts ordering is up 20X over 4 years according to CCC Information Services. The software company for the automotive, collision repair, and insurance industries also reports auto dealers in its CCC Parts Network has grown 50% YOY and a majority of OEMs now use its promotional parts pricing offering. The toolset offers real-time parts quoting, upfront promotional pricing, parts ordering, invoice/rebate processing and analytics all in a single continuous workflow. Andreas Hecht, GM & SVP, CCC: “By integrating and automating parts marketing and sales processes, users see fewer parts returned, shorter cycle times, increased sales.” The network includes OE, aftermarket and recycled parts suppliers. Visit www.cccis.com/parts-network.

TruFollowUp is a unique warranty solution that will add F&I, Parts and Service Revenue to your bottom line. TruFollowUp gives your Dealership the ability to market warranties to anyone. With your white-labeled URL, your customers can purchase a warranty from the comfort of their own home, without talking to anyone. Everyone is approved with a 0% Payment Plan! There is no remitting, just collect your profit margin.

Visit us at servicechex.com/trufollowup. We are a Full-Service Finance, Insurance & Marketing Company.

Fueled by demand for contactless sales as a result of the Covid19 pandemic, 360 AUTO, a Louisiana-based Inc. 500 company, is among the top MarTech companies that are flourishing during this ever-changing time.

This month, 360 AUTO entered the Digital Retailing Business with their best-in-class digital retailing technology for automotive consumers.

“By adding digital retailing to our 360 CXM technology, 360 now seamlessly allows consumers to complete a car buying transaction without ever entering a dealership,” says Frankie Russo, 360 AUTO CEO.

360 AUTO’s new Digital Retailing technology empowers the everyday dealership to deliver an experience that, to date, only Carvana and Tesla have.

www.360.auto

California-based Hydra Design Labs announced a partnership with Lordstown Motors to develop the EV company’s new electric pickup truck. A prototype of the Lordstown Endurance was unveiled on June 25 at the company’s facility, a former GM assembly plant in Ohio. Lordstown sought a U.S. design firm that would strengthen its commitment to American auto manufacturing, selecting Hydra for the interior and exterior design, CAD surfacing, scale modeling and prototyping of the Endurance. As a full-service automotive design studio with over 30 years of OEM experience, Hydra is equipped with the expertise and world-class facilities to take a vehicle concept from ‘ideation to fabrication’ and solve any OEM design challenge.

Functioning as a digital safety belt, !important is a mobile app that communicates the user's location to nearby connected vehicles. The technology can immediately alert drivers and even trigger vehicles' brakes automatically to prevent a collision with an approaching person, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. While existing vehicle-based sensors such as cameras, radars, sonars, and lidars may prevent up to 35% of pedestrian fatalities (INRETS Report No. 256), the remaining 65% are left unsolved by current technologies. !important is the first pedestrian-based technology that works in all contexts. It could save a million lives over the next decade. The !important app is currently available for free on the iPhone and Android App stores.

Automotive News has formed a partnership with Market Scan Information Systems Inc., an industry-leading automotive data and solutions provider, to help subscribers gain deeper insight into retail financing and rebate data trends. "We are thrilled to be forming a partnership with Market Scan and look forward to expanding our array of options to our Data Center clients with a 'Powered by Market Scan' philosophy and market strategy," said Automotive News Publisher Jason Stein.
 

As part of the agreement, Market Scan will provide access to its mDrive and mRebates tools to help the Automotive News editorial team unearth new financing and rebate trends and add data-driven insights to stories. Some Market Scan data will also be hosted in the Automotive News Data Center.
 

Visit autonews.com/datacenter to explore our incentives data, now powered by Market Scan.