The Cobalt Group Named Recommended E-Business Provider by Hyundai Motor America; Hyundai Selects Cobalt Nitra E-Business Tools
SEATTLE--Feb. 3, 2003--Hyundai Motor America has selected The Cobalt Group, the leading provider of e-business software and services to the automotive retail market, as the recommended e-business provider for its dealers.Hyundai's more than 600 dealers nationwide will have access to Cobalt's powerful Nitra(TM) e-business tools to manage their online retailing business.
"The partnership between Hyundai Motor America and Cobalt will deliver powerful e-business solutions to Hyundai dealerships with state of the art products and programs that provide the flexibility and control they need to compete and succeed," said Terry Smail, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of The Cobalt Group's Global Client Services. "Cobalt's Nitra e-business program for Hyundai offers the most comprehensive site management, publishing, storage and administration capabilities in the industry."
"Dealers have been telling us about the great results they're getting with Cobalt," said James Fabin, Hyundai Motor America's Internet Marketing Manager. "Now these Cobalt Website packages will make it easy for every Hyundai dealer to get the professional solution they need to increase their sales online."
Hyundai dealers can choose from a variety of e-business packages specifically designed for, and unique to, Hyundai dealers. Key components include:
| -- | Compelling look and feel: Cobalt created Hyundai specific designs with built-in flexibility for the dealer to change the Website appearance and content, plus immediate access to Hyundai advertising images. |
| -- | Online inventory: Each package offers a component to add and regularly update new and used online inventory vehicle listings. |
| -- | Lead management: Cobalt's Lead Manager provides a comprehensive online contact management tool for dealers to manage customer contact through all sales channels (online, telephone and in-store). This enables the dealer to streamline the sales process and help turn sales leads into vehicles purchased. |
Cobalt Nitra is the first J2EE-based enterprise software platform developed specifically for the automotive retailing industry. It enables manufacturers and dealers to easily manage and maintain their online retailing programs from anywhere at anytime and gives them increased flexibility in branding their dealerships online through convenient access to manufacturer-provided images and text. Nitra's flagship applications include Cobalt Website Manager for Nitra, Cobalt Marketing Manager Library Manager for Nitra and Nitra User Administration.
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; and dealership e-business best practices training, consulting, and process compliance analysis.
Cobalt operates a dealer network larger than any other technology provider in the automotive retail industry including 12,000 franchised dealers and more than 72 of the 100 largest dealer groups. Cobalt is the only software technology provider ever endorsed by 17 manufacturers and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
With headquarters in Seattle, Wash., Cobalt has offices in several major 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.
About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 600 dealers nationwide. Hyundai stands behind the quality and performance of its vehicles 100 percent and backs them with America's Best Warranty.