Internet Roundtables to Address Critical Issues in Automotive Retailing Business.(Brief Article)

The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. said that it is offering automotive retailers and car company management the opportunity to participate in a two-part Internet roundtable to discuss critical issues in the automotive retailing industry. The first roundtable, which was held Dec. 18, was sponsored by Automotive News and moderated by Edward Lapham, the publication's editor; Chris Fletcher from The Aberdeen Group will moderate the second roundtable, which is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2002 from 2-3 PM (EST).

The on-line discussions feature commentary from automotive industry analysts from Forrester Research, Aberdeen, The Privacy Council, Microsoft, The Peppers and Rogers Group, Jim Ellis Automotive Group, Kuni Automotive Group, Reynolds and Reynolds, and others, and address several critical issues including: The Internet readiness of automotive retailers; The role that systems Integration and Openness will play in enabling auto retailers to operate more profitably and efficiently; Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - finding, serving and keeping loyal customers, for life; "In-house" vs. ASP (Application Service Provider) - the pros and cons of system hosting options; and The role that ongoing services and training will play in the success of CRM and technology adoption in the auto retailing industry.

"In today's increasingly competitive auto retailing environment, dealers can greatly benefit by better understanding how to leverage the Internet and other technologies to help them better manage change and improve their profitability," said Dan Knowles, Reynolds' chief marketing officer. "We understand that auto retailers are often time-starved, so we're offering this Internet-based seminar series to enable them to learn how others are addressing those critical issues, right from the comfort of their own offices."

Knowles added that the benefits of these Internet roundtables are substantial for car company management as well. "Today's ultra-competitive market has resulted in car companies contending against each other for customers. These Webinars will provide them insight on how to get the information they so strongly need, including timely consumer information that will help them build the cars people want, how to provide a positive consumer experience, and how to build strong brand loyalty."

In addition to offering industry "thought leader" commentary on critical issues pertaining to the future of the auto retailing industry, each Internet roundtable will also feature an interactive question and answer session, enabling participants to ask questions of Internet roundtable panelists. The on-line discussions will also provide participants with the opportunity to respond to interactive polls regarding the future of their industry.

Registration is required in order to participate in The Reynolds and Reynolds Roundtable Series: "Addressing Critical Issues in the Automotive Retailing Business." The Webinars will be on www.reyrey.com for on-demand viewing for 60 days.

Reynolds and Reynolds is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.

Print Get the Mag Weekly Updates