Experian Automotive Launches Auto4Customers/Auto Prospect Online Customer Management Tool

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 27 -- Experian Automotive today announced the launch of Auto4Customers(SM) integrated with Auto Prospect Online(SM), an advanced online marketing solution to help dealers cost-effectively select and communicate with highly targeted prospects. Experian Automotive is a division of global information solutions provider Experian. Auto4Customers and Auto Prospect Online offer two unique integrated benefits not available elsewhere. By using the data available in Experian's INSOURCE(SM) demographic database, dealers are able to target new prospects based on current customer information. This integrated product also offers dealers the ability to fully customize mail pieces, either by the online user or with the assistance of Experian's Program Headquarters staff. "Customer relationship management is vital to a dealer's success," said Ken Kauppila, executive vice president of Experian Automotive. "This new product is a one-stop tool for dealers, making it easier and more cost effective for them to build their customer relationships by targeting customers matching key criteria." When dealers use Auto4Customers and Auto Prospect Online, the dealer data is cleansed, removing duplicate and undeliverable names. The information is then appended with INSOURCE demographic and advanced modeling information, providing targeted marketing and prospecting information on individuals similar to a dealership's existing customers. Once dealership customers are segmented into categories based upon frequency of visits to the dealership, a mailing list is generated containing information on existing dealership customers and potential prospects. The final step is for the dealer to select or create a customized mail piece online, projecting the message the dealership wants to convey by using customized graphics such as logos, copy and coupons. The mail piece is then printed and mailed to select customers -- all completed from the dealers' desktop. In addition, the mail piece is tracked to allow dealerships to view the results of the campaign. Experian's INSOURCE database contains information on approximately 215 million consumers in 110 million households in the United States and provides lifestyle and demographic information that enhances marketing information and improves campaign effectiveness. INSOURCE allows Auto4Customers to accurately target existing customers and prospects, reducing the amount of excess mailers being sent, making target marketing efforts more cost effective. Auto4Customers and Auto Prospect Online are two of several key solutions Experian Automotive is highlighting at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention (NADA), all of which enhance customer relationship management (CRM) for dealers with fresh data and online applications.