Gunn Automotive Enhances Present-Day Technology

14 February 2000

Information Technology in the Palm of Their Hands; Gunn Automotive Enhances Present-Day Technology, Revolutionizes Customer Service With a `Hands On' Philosophy

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas--Feb. 14, 2000--Next time car buyers inquire on a specific car or truck at a Gunn Automotive dealership, their sales representative will have a nifty gadget in hand that will perform above its conventional capabilities in holding phone numbers and addresses.
    That's because technicians at Gunn have refined modern-day technology and supplied Gunn sales representatives with an improved version of the Palm Pilot(R), equipping them with unparalleled and expedient customer service capabilities.
    Specifically, Gunn technicians have adapted the Palm Pilot(R) so that Gunn sales representatives can have access to a complete database of Gunn Automotive's inventory in the palm of their hands at all times.
    The technology enables Gunn sales representatives to download inventory information by inserting their Palm Pilot(R) into a cradle connected to a PC. Once the inventory is downloaded, sales representatives can view it at any time or pass along the information to each other by pointing the palm pilot's infra-red beam at another Palm Pilot(R).
    "For example," explains Curtis C. Gunn Jr., chairman and CEO of Gunn Automotive, "if a customer is browsing for a new vehicle at Gunn Acura and decides that they are interested in a white, 1998 Dodge pickup, their Gunn Acura sales representative can offer Gunn Dodge's entire inventory of trucks in minutes."
    Quite a feature considering Gunn Automotive is comprised of nine car dealerships spanning the city.
    "Car buyers are very particular when investing in a new or used vehicle, and rightfully so. It's a major investment," says Gunn. "We understand that car buyers do not have a generic taste in cars and may inquire on different models and what we have in our inventory all at the same time.
    "This technology subtracts hours off the car-buying process and allows for consumers to have a variety of options, rather than feeling limited because of logistics," he adds.
    Gunn says the revised version of the Palm Pilot(R) is a revolution in customer service and convenience, while saving potential car buyers time and trips across the city.
    "It's just another new way of letting our customers know that we want their car-buying experience to be as smooth and swift as possible," says Chris Karcher, Gunn Automotive vice president of consumer strategy. "Consumers develop a certain comfort when they are informed of what options they have, and with this new technology, they are definitely informed."
    Gunn Automotive was the first automotive group in San Antonio to offer "one-price selling," a national trend in automotive sales which focuses on the customer's specific driving needs and offers sales representatives salaries versus commission. Gunn Automotive dealerships include Gunn Acura, Gunn Chevrolet, Gunn Daewoo, Gunn Dodge, Gunn Honda, Gunn Infiniti, Gunn Land Rover, Gunn Nissan and Gunn Pontiac/GMC. Vehicle and purchase information can be found at the Gunn Automotive Web site, www.gunnauto.com.