Fact Checking 36 Automotive Digital Retailing Products

Dealership managers are invited to assign an Automotive Level (AL) to any of the 36 Digital Retailing platforms listed on this page that their store(s) have tested or are currently using. Executives from one of the 36 companies listed are also invited to share the Automation Level that your platform offers dealers. Be honest to what is in production today and do not submit ratings based on upcoming enhancements.

The goal is to create a master list and chart to include in my upcoming book on Automotive Digital Retailing called "Frictionless." The book will be released, along with results from the largest automotive industry poll (Digital Retailing Survey) at the 2018 Automotive Analytics & Attribution Summit in Palm Beach.

Share Your Automation Levels in the Comments

In your comments on this article you can list the product name and the Automation Level (0-6). For example, CDK Connected Store might be assigned AL4 or AL5. Daniel Yuabov, the founder of Carvoy, emailed me that their platform would be rated AL4.

Here are the definitions for each level:

AL0 - Old school, no competitive pricing online, only "Call for Price" or MSRP with no factory rebates or incentives.

AL1 – Competitive pricing on all New and Used Inventory. Discounted pricing with accurate OEM rebates and incentives to present a firm price online.

AL2 – Online trade appraisal offered.  The dealership has the tools, ability, and willingness to make a firm trade offer without seeing the vehicle in person. The firm offer is supported by the vehicle's condition submitted by the consumer.

AL3 – Ability to apply for financing online.  Secure Credit application and a willingness to make a firm offer of credit, from a named lender, without a showroom visit. 

AL4 – Presents a firm payment quote online.  Includes all F&I products, aftermarket options, banking information, rate, terms, fees, “drive out” with the same level of accuracy as if the deal was done in the showroom. Consumer can come back and resume their deal online, as many times as needed, to complete the deal.

AL5 – Ability to sign all the documents electronically online, but still working with an individual at the store.  Most customers today will pick up their car at the store.  A small percentage may have it delivered, but there is still human interaction with someone at the dealership.

AL6 – Amazon Prime experience. Entire new car purchase transaction can be done online without human contact and vehicle delivered to the consumer. 

Thirty Four Digital Retailing Companies And Counting

I would invite executives for all 37 companies to send me an email today so that I can forward them a questionnaire for my upcoming book which will allow me to add, at no charge, their product info in the Appendix.

Here are the companies I need to match with accurate Automotive Levels (AL0-AL6):

1. Accelerate by Cox Automotive
2. Auto Gravity
3. AutoFi
4. BuyNow from CarNow
5. Car-ED
6. Canvas
7. Carvoy (AL4)
8. Clutch
9. Connected Store by CDK Global
10. Darwin Auto
11. Deal Builder by ELEAD1ONE
12. Deal Maker by Intice
13. Dealer Science
14. Drive (formerly Drive Motors)
15. Drive Auto
16. DriveItNow
17. eLend
18. Fair
19. Fastlane
20. Ford: Ready-Shop-Go
21. GM: Shop-Click-Drive
22. Gogocar (AL6)
23. Honcker
24. Marketscan
25. Max Allowance by Chromacars (AL2)
26. MotoCommerce by MotoInsight
27. Online Shopper by DealerInspire
28. PERQ
29. Precise Price by DealerSocket
30. Prodigy
31. Roadster
32. MaximTrak by Route One
33. SARA by Dealer eProcess (AL3)
34. Tagrail
35. The Appraisal Lane (AL2)
36. WebBuy.com

I appreciate all the participation from industry colleagues that I know will be coming since our industry needs to create clarity around the term Digital Retailing.