Syncrony, the South African developer of leading-edge, user-managed Web content technology, has released a motor industry specific version of the software called CarPort.
CarPort enables motor dealers to administer their own Web sites as a business tool - assisting them to generate and manage quality leads. A dealer's Web site would initially be designed and built by Syncrony, or an existing site could be imported. (Syncrony retains a number of certified Syncrony Developers who are available to build or import sites). Thereafter the user-friendly CarPort software is handed to the client enabling them to administer the content of their site, including daily stock updates and comprehensive CRM features.
This is a major step forward, bringing customers and prospects closer to the dealer by opening a more immediate channel of communication between them. Out-of-date stock listings are an inevitable consequence of when a Web company manages motor-dealer Web sites. In contrast, a CarPort dealer's stock appears on his site in real-time and the dealer himself manages leads that come in, thus avoiding the all too familiar tale of prospects disappointed to find that vehicles they were interested in have long since been sold.
User-managed content
A dealer using CarPort can keep his vehicle stock on the Web updated in Real-time by synchronising his Web stock with the stock in his dealer management system. CarPort is compatible with a variety of business systems, including motor industry specific systems from companies like Kerridge and AutoMate.
No specialist IT knowledge is required to run the CarPort software. It also incorporates powerful workgroup features, making it an invaluable tool for managing dealership leads, stock and CRM activities. Dealership staff can produce news feeds, post adverts and specials onto their Web site without incurring additional costs by continually having to refer back to a Web design house for site updates.
Dealership mail
A further benefit of the CarPort system is that it allows a dealership to set up multiple e-mail accounts for all staff, thereby dramatically decreasing response time to leads. "The beauty of our CarPort system is that it's simple to use," says Howard Rybko, Syncrony CEO. "We've been developing the software for the past two years and it's poised to make an impact on the manner in which car dealers generate business."
Current users of the CarPort system includes select dealers in the Super Group, Eagle Ford (www.eagleford.co.za), Reeds Delta (www.reeds.co.za), ForzaWEB & Investment Cars (www.investmentcars.co.za), as well as independents such as Executive Cars (www.executives.co.za).
With many dealers focusing on traditional print media advertising, the Internet in South Africa is regarded as 'open territory' and just waiting to be exploited. CarPort offers the ideal opportunity for dealers to break away from overtraded conventional forms of advertising and sales.
Peter Smart, Used Vehicle Manager of Eagle Ford, had this to say about CarPort: "The feedback that we are getting from our clients and shoppers that have visited our site has had a positive impact on our sales volumes. The quality of enquiries from our Web site are far better than those from our print advertising campaigns."
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