7:03 am, October 13, 2008
FIAT dealers’ approved used offer is to be enhanced, as the brand introduces a new eBusiness tool.
Manheim’s ‘Portfolio’ is a web-based showroom tool, that allows dealers to load, manage and market used cars online.
It offers the familiar (and convenient) option of loading information via registration number, thanks to a link with the DVLA database. Add in the mileage, price and a selection of images, and the listing is complete.
Portfolio also offers a professional photography service.
The system has been introduced to enhance used car capitalisation for dealers. The company admits that many more customers are ‘being forced to buy used’, so sees its introduction as timely.
Dealers familiar with the old system will notice improvements including a stock locator, more attractive presentation and a more accurate search facility. It’s also faster-loading and more stable.
In-dealer regional account managers are to be fully trained on the new system, to provide on-the-ground support. Portfolio also offers online and telephone back-up.
‘Portfolio’s marketing services were selected on the basis of product, support and price, plus the fact that the whole solution, along with the eBusiness Centre software, is designed specifically for vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks,’ said Simon Wheeler, Fiat’s used vehicle remarketing manager.
‘The system ticked all of the right boxes in terms of elements required, plus our research, conducted on all major motor manufacturers’ used car web sites, consistently showed that those managed by Portfolio were the most highly rated for quality and functionality.’
Portfolio’s ability to create a bespoke look was also highly rated by Wheeler. ‘We were closely involved in the design of the vehicle selection pages, creating what we believe to be the most user friendly, functional and visually pleasing stock locator available from any manufacturer.’
And significantly, this is one of many new developments Fiat’s rolling out for the marketing of used cars during October and November. There’s plenty more to come – helping, says the brand, to present stock ‘in a professional manner and consistent format throughout the network’.
