Reynolds and Reynolds Sponsors Internet Roundtables to Address Critical Issues in Automotive Retailing Business
DAYTON, Ohio--Dec. 19, 2001--On-line discussions, featuring thought leaders from throughout the
auto industry, explore how dealers, car companies can leverage
technology to manage change, improve profitability
The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced 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 thought leaders 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, 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 7, 2001, 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.