VW UK sign DMS agreement
Volkswagen Group UK and CDK Global, the world’s largest provider of integrated IT and digital marketing to the automotive retail industry, have signed the largest ever DMS (dealer management system) dealer-supplier agreement ever seen in the UK. Placing Volkswagen Group retailers at the forefront of dealer operations technology.
Pilot sites will run the new CDK system from the end of this year to mid-2016, and following a successful pilot the rollout will then start to the Group’s 700-plus UK dealerships. The landmark partnership will see Volkswagen Group UK recommend CORE Drive, CDK Global’s fully integrated DMS, to every dealership across its Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi, SEAT and SKODA dealer networks.
The long-term collaborative agreement comes after Volkswagen Group UK reviewed its DMS provision and identified the need for greater flexibility within a universal software solution. The adaptability of CDK’s DMS allows bespoke customer intelligence to be utilised as required by individual brands across dealer networks, improving customer relations and enhancing longer-term loyalty.
Commenting on the collaboration, Trevor Metcalfe, group network development director at Volkswagen Group UK said: ‘We undertook a full strategic review to determine what our retail network requires in today’s dynamic retail environment by involving expertise from eight of our major retailer partner/investors. The scale, adaptability and proven track record of CDK Global in improving dealership efficiency is central to our decision. ‘
‘Happy and loyal customers are at the core of all our UK brands. We are confident that CORE Drive will provide dealers with the insights and solutions they require to deliver a seamless customer experience, from both a sales and aftersales perspective.’
Neil Packham, vice president and managing director for CDK Global’s UK region, added, ‘UK dealerships trust CDK Global to help them understand the unique requirements of every potential car buyer. Dealers are keen to collaborate with us as they know our innovative solutions fit and move with current industry needs.’
‘By working collaboratively with the Volkswagen Group and its dealer network, CDK Global will help individual brands build on their distinct approach, ensuring that every customer interaction is managed consistently and coherently. This is vitally important when you consider that many retail partners are also multi-franchise operations.’
