HUMMER endorses Nitra Technology for H2 Launch
SEATTLE--May 1, 2002--As part of the launch of the 2003 HUMMER H2 in the United States this summer, General Motors' HUMMER division has endorsed The Cobalt Group as its preferred e-business technology partner to develop the first integrated HUMMER dealer Internet marketing program.Cobalt will provide sophisticated e-business tools, integrated dealer Web sites, customer relationship management applications and expert training and service to HUMMER's 150 North American dealers. The new program begins launching to active HUMMER dealers today.
"HUMMER understands the power of the Internet in driving sales and deepening customer relationships and we are pleased to endorse Cobalt's industry-leading technology solutions for all of our North American dealers," said Lance Elson, HUMMER Interactive Manager. "HUMMER is launching this new integrated program with our dealers at a critical time when we are debuting the new H2. We are confident that this program will help HUMMER successfully launch the H2, reach more customers, and profitably build the HUMMER brand experience."
"We are very pleased to extend our industry-leading Nitra technology, deep automotive industry knowledge and unmatched training and support to help HUMMER launch its integrated dealer Internet marketing program," said David Potts, vice president of global client services for The Cobalt Group. "Cobalt is committed to helping HUMMER and its dealers adopt e-business technology to not only launch the new H2, but to provide HUMMER dealers with a cost-effective Internet marketing solution that enables them to exceed their customers' expectations."
The HUMMER dealer Web sites will be integrated with the HUMMER corporate Web site (www.hummer.com) providing customers with convenient online access to HUMMER dealers and up-to-date inventory information, including detailed vehicle descriptions, photos and pricing. Cobalt will provide ongoing metrics reporting to HUMMER and its dealers so they can analyze Web site traffic patterns, performance, dealer participation and return on their investment.
Best-In-Class Dealer Solutions
Cobalt is providing its J2EE-based Nitra technology to HUMMER dealers through four customized e-business packages featuring best-in-class products.
-- | HUMMER Entry Level Nitra Package provides dealers with the essentials of automotive Internet marketing. This package provides comprehensive dealer Web site development and hosting, new and used inventory management and display, and OEM integrated brand management capabilities. |
-- | HUMMER Basic Nitra Package includes all of the capabilities of the HUMMER Entry Level Nitra package plus Cobalt Lead Manager, AdWizard Plus, and more. |
-- | HUMMER Advanced Nitra Package includes all the capabilities of the HUMMER Basic Nitra package plus PartsVoice parts locator, Make & Match(TM) vehicle configurator, and best practices e-business training at Cobalt's eDealer Academy. |
-- | HUMMER Nitra Marketing Value Pack can be purchased as an add-on to the HUMMER Basic Nitra Package and the HUMMER Advanced Nitra Package. This solution provides dealers with advanced marketing and customer relationship management applications such as Cobalt myCarTools vehicle owner management system, an accessories marketing page, and new model spotlight page. |
Program Launch, Training and Support
As part of its unique approach to manufacturer-to-dealer e-business program launches, Cobalt will provide HUMMER and its dealers with multiple training and support channels. With more than 80 total field personnel dedicated to serving dealers nationwide, Cobalt will visit every HUMMER franchisee during the initial launch period. In addition, Cobalt will provide best practices training and industry-leading eCare customer support to ensure dealer program compliance and success. Cobalt has executed more than 20 national program rollouts for manufacturers and their dealer networks during the past six years.
ABOUT HUMMER
The HUMMER Division of General Motors was created through GM's purchase of the rights to the HUMMER brand name and trademarks from AM General Corp. in December 1999. The H2, arriving in dealerships this July, is the first product of cooperation by GM and AM General. The H2 was designed and engineered by GM and is being built by AM General at a new 630,000 square foot plant in Mishawaka, Ind.
The H2 joins the original civilian HUMMER, now called the H1, as the ultimate in off-road sport-utility vehicles. The H2 embodies many of the creature comforts of more traditional SUVs while coming in second to only the H1 in off-road capability.
ABOUT THE COBALT GROUP
The Cobalt Group works exclusively in the automotive retail market to help manufacturers and dealers develop integrated e-business programs by leveraging its industry-leading technology, broad range of services and deep domain knowledge. As the automotive e-business leader, Cobalt is uniquely positioned to help its customers maximize their overall operating efficiencies and profits.
Cobalt offers a broad range of products and services developed specifically for the automotive marketplace including enterprise software for manufacturers and dealers; customer relationship management (CRM) software applications; online automotive commerce applications; the industry's largest OEM parts locating and marketing service; dealership e-business best practices training, consulting, and process compliance analysis; and wholesale used vehicle remarketing services.
Cobalt operates a dealer network larger than any other technology provider in the automotive retail industry including 12,000 franchised dealers and 70 of the 100 largest dealer groups. Cobalt is the only software technology provider ever endorsed by 15 manufacturers and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
With headquarters in Seattle, Wash., Cobalt has offices in five U.S. cities and a field sales and services force in 30 states, including all major U.S. metropolitan sales areas (MSAs).
For more information, please visit www.cobaltgroup.com or call 800/909-8244.