Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine is the daily operations publication serving the retail automotive industry. This automotive publication serves dealer principals, officers and general managers with the latest best practices.
Page 37 of 62
industry evolved and our customers' needs changed, we ensured we had the vision and scalability to meet those needs. Training plays a critical role in preparing and empowering our clients to fully utilize the value and features of our digital advertising platform," stated Eliza Kelly, vice president of marketing for Dealer.com. "We are thrilled to win this award for the third year as it emphasizes the importance of not just building a great product, but providing the tools and training to make the product work for each client's needs."
F&I; Trainer
After achieving Double-Platinum status last year, IPS Agency returns to claim it's first-ever Diamond Award in this category. "Like the other Dealers' Choice Awards we've won at IPS agency, we feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with a dealer base that is so satisfied with our per- formance," said Shari Vance, president of IPS Agency. "As wonderful as it is to be nationally recognized as the best F&I; trainers in the business, the real feeling of accomplishment comes from our satisfied dealer clientele."
Finishing only a tenth of a point behind IPS was first-time category winner Reahard & Associates. The well-re- spected industry trainer is the recipient of this year's Platinum Award.
Perennial favorite United Development Systems retained a spot in the top three with the Gold Award. Also scoring above-average was JM&A.;
Desking Software
The Diamond Award once again goes to providers named), this category is constantly in W autodealermonthly.com 35
Awards, with almost 90 compa- nies competing for dealers' busi- ness. With this many providers and scoring all over the board, it's difficult for providers to score above the category group
D
ProMax Unlimited. "Desking has been our forte since we pioneered the con- cept of maximizing profit by discovering the ultimate combination of customer, car and lender 18 years ago," said Shane Born, chief operating officer, ProMax Unlimited. "As a longtime car industry professional, John [Palmer, president and CEO] understands exactly what the software needs to accomplish for our customers in the most intuitive manner possible."
Similarly, DealerTrack became a Double Platinum Winner by earning the company's second consecutive Platinum Award in this category.
Service Contract Provider
CNA National came back to reclaim the Diamond Award for 2012 after last year's Platinum win broke the company's Diamond streak. This makes the eighth year for CNA to win an award in the category, the only provider in the space to accomplish this. "We are truly grateful for this recognition from our dealers," said Joe Becker, president and chief executive officer of CNA National. "We have seen many transitions and trends in the industry during the past three decades, but our commitment to provid- ing the highest quality product and customer service has never wavered."
In this very close race, only six-tenths of
hile the CRM Tool category isn't a large group compared to some (with fewer than 40
irect Mail is one of the most crowded segments of the Dealers' Choice
average. In the eight years of the Awards, only nine companies have been named as winners and only one company – Strategic Marketing – received an award every year.
a point separated the winners. The Platinum Award went to Protective. "Dealers demand quality products, a stable company to administer and provide those products, professional customer service, knowledgeable and forward-thinking field leadership, dealer training programs, and prompt claims service and support. Protective Asset Protection proudly offers all of those important dealership needs," stated Mike Hoffey, vice president of marketing and training, Protective Asset Protection Division.
Service Contract Reinsurance
CNA National clinched the Diamond Award, earning the company Double- Diamond status. "Being voted the top reinsurance provider two years in a row is clear evidence of our commitment to the long-term financial success of our dealers," stated Alan Miller, senior vice president of sales for CNA National. "Our programs include thorough communication, financial stability and transparency supported by a staff who works solely on reinsurance. It is this level of expertise and attention to detail that give dealers confidence in a reinsurance provider." He added, "Winning 12 [total] Dealers' Choice Awards to date is a direct result of the ease of our administration, our amenable claims process and our outstanding network of professional
motion. A whopping 17 companies have ranked above average over the years, and there's been movement among the top companies every year.
