Reynolds and Reynolds' Automark Group Selected as Web-Technology Partner by Southeast Toyota Distributors
DAYTON, Ohio--July 18, 2001--Automark's proven results lead to best-in-class assessment by largest
Toyota distributor in the world
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) today signed a letter of intent (LOI) with The Reynolds and Reynolds Company and its Automark division whereby Automark will serve as the core recommended Internet technology partner to Toyota dealerships in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North and South Carolina, providing world-class service and Web-based technology. The LOI specifies a two-year agreement.
"After an extensive amount of research, we selected Automark because they have the ability to construct the unique tools we require to build an Internet solution that is truly best-in-class," said Elton Pride, manager of e-commerce for SET. "We believe our dealers will be equally excited to begin using this one-of-a-kind Web site technology. This advanced Internet initiative will help Toyota dealers increase leads and better serve their customers."
According to Greg Collins, senior vice president of Reynolds Transformation Solutions, this new technology enables consumers to research and complete a vehicle purchase from the dealers' Web sites. By integrating Automark's Web technology into the dealers' existing operations, Reynolds can provide a total solution package to help SET dealers more effectively benefit in an e-business environment.
"The beauty of our Web-based applications is the ability to continually measure the results," said Collins. "By designing the SET dealer sites to help increase leads, increase response times and provide advanced reporting, Automark is able to arm SET dealers with the most advanced and detailed Web statistics and reporting in the industry." Collins noted that on average, dealerships using Automark's technology sell 50 percent more vehicles on-line than they did prior to utilizing Automark's services.
Craig Boice, leader of the Automark technical team said, "With the tremendous effort put forth by our team, SET felt Automark was the clear choice as their core Internet technology partner. Our technology offers SET exactly what they are looking for - customization with dealer control that is rich in content and highly transaction-oriented. We have and will continue to provide the superior customer service SET expects and deserves."
Automark's exclusive Dealer Content Management System (DCMS) allows SET dealers to have tremendous control over their Web site content and enables them to customize the look and feel of the site. Automark's DCMS gives the dealers the ability to conduct e-business with customers from every dealership department.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (www.buyatoyota.com) is the largest independent distributor of Toyotas in the world. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Southeast Toyota is owned and operated by JM Family Enterprises, Inc., (www.jmfamily.com) a $7.1 billion diversified automotive company.
Automark is part of Reynolds Transformation Solutions, and formerly a business unit of the HAC Group, LLC, the world's leading provider of learning, customer relationship management and Web services to automotive retailers and manufacturers. The Reynolds and Reynolds Company acquired HAC in April 2000. For more information about Automark, go to www.automark.net or call 1-800-877-1840.
Reynolds and Reynolds, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is the leading provider of integrated information management solutions to the automotive retailing marketplace. The company's services include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems, networking and support, e-business applications, Web services, learning and consulting services, customer relationship management solutions, document management and leasing services. To find out more about the company, its vision, products and services, visit www.reyrey.com.
Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections of future company or industry performance based on management's judgment, beliefs, current trends and market conditions. Forward-looking statements made or to be made by or on behalf of the company may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, forecasted or implied in the forward-looking statements. See also the discussion of factors that may affect future results contained in the company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 11, 2000, which we incorporate herein by reference. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.