SLANTS & TRENDS–NEW PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION

CALL PROSPECTOR'S THREE-MINUTE PLAN

February 12, 2006—Eidoserve's Call Prospector system, being shown at AIMData's convention booth, turns Internet leads into immediate phone ups, the company says. After a consumer enters his or her information anywhere online, the system immediately generates a phone call to the dealership based on location, offering sales staff the customer's name and specific vehicle info. On the salesperson's command (often registered through pressing 1 on the phone), Call Prospector then connects the salesperson to the prospect. (The call is recorded for training purposes.) The company claims that average callback time with Call Prospector is 2.9 minutes, versus the usual hour.

ZEVEZ SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES CREDIT-CARD PAYMENT ACCOUNTING

February 12, 2006—Zevez has introduced RewardWorks Pro software here. The program lets dealers enter payments made with any American Express business credit card directly into their accounting software and offers itemized record-keeping for billing, taxes, and accounting. Dealers earn points that can be used for rewards such as air travel, hotel stays, and computers each time they use their American Express cards. Zevez installs the software, trains dealers, and provides technical support.

STANLEY VIDMAR INTROS MODULAR WORKSTATION FOR FOUR

February 12, 2006—Stanley Vidmar has launched the new Automotive Technician’s Center (ATC). It combines drawer and bulk storage and work benching for up to four techs and their tools. ATC’s freestanding or wall-mounted base unit and wall-mounted overhead cabinets can be custom-configured with any combination of cabinets, drawers, or compartments for hose reels and cords. Drawers extend fully and are available in 200- or 400-lb. capacities. Customers can choose from hardwood, stainless steel, or painted steel work surfaces.

MPI VEHICLE-INSPECTION SYSTEM AIMS TO BUILD DEALER BIZ

February 12, 2006—Mobile Productivity, Inc. (MPi), says dealerships that use ARGIS, its automated vehicle-inspection program, inspected more than 11,000 vehicles in December and sold another $1.2 million in needed parts and labor. The keystone is a customized “vehicle health” report computer-generated for each service customer that itemizes repairs the customer requested, additional needed repairs discovered during the inspection (with explanations, photos, and estimates), and whether the customer accepted or declined the additional repairs. The info is collected on portable tablets and is integrated with the store's dealer management system so management can track which techs and service writers are inspecting and selling. Plus, MPi’s growing vehicle-inspection database quickly relays to techs the exact repair info they need, the company says.