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Industry News and Events
Cadillac CTS to Feature WiFi From Autonet Mobile
Adding to its roster of forward-thinking automaker part- ners who are building WiFi into their premium brands, Autonet Mobile has announced an agreement with Cadillac to equip the CTS Sports Sedan with full inter- net access. Beginning in April, Cadillac will provide WiFi by Autonet Mobile in their vehicles for every pas- senger. Autonet Mobile and Cadillac will be showing the new router together at the New York International Auto Show.
The partnership will deliver the first internet entertain- ment system for Cadillac and one of the first in the luxury auto market. Branded as Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile, the system is based on the company’s latest generation mobile router, a new smaller unit that allows consumers to easily transfer it from car to car via a new docking station. The system is one-third smaller and incorporates an internal WiFi antenna which fits the sleek new Cadillac interiors. Now Cadillac customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere for work during the week to check e-mail, upload files, get directions and traffic updates and make travel plans and then transfer it to the family car for weekend road trips. Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile will be available in the CTS line beginning in April at Cadillac dealer- ships nationwide. Monthly subscription plans start at $29.
“Consumer demand is growing for new features that will enhance a digital lifestyle while on the go. Today, they are frequently searching for WiFi access wherever they may be,” said Mark McNabb, North America Vice President, Cadillac. “Adding WiFi is a natural extension of the tech features already inside the CTS.”
“We have enjoyed working with Cadillac to offer the next generation of in-car entertainment,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. “We’ve found that it’s not just about connectivity anymore – savvy consumers want to access content so they can listen to internet radio, check e-mail and watch YouTube videos while in their cars. We see in-car WiFi access to entertainment and information as an extension of the internet experi- ence for people of all ages.”
Introducing DealerNeeds.com
Digifieds.com, LLC., has
announced it’s newest website, DealerNeeds.com. Now, one website makes it possible for dealerships and vendors to save money in finding or selling assets, recruiting skilled help or posting resumes by using classified ads. DealerNeeds.com is designed to address the traditional high costs of placing classified ads while making it simple to find resources quickly. It also includes industry-specific news, articles
and events. There are no membership fees.
It’s Official: @utoTextTM is “Cool”
@utoTextTM, the new texting tool from @utoRevenue,
was named one of the Top Ten cool technologies at the 2009 NADA Expo in a recent Automotive News article. @utoRevenue is an industry leader in delivering customer contact solutions to auto dealerships and is a division of
Dominion Enterprises.
“@utoRevenue is excited to offer our clients something not only ‘cool’ but downright effective. Forward-looking technologies are what dealers need to differentiate their service experience from the competition. @utoText accomplishes this in a simple, affordable package,” said Brice Englert, General Manager of @utoRevenue.
@utoText gives service departments the ability to text their customers when their vehicle has been repaired. The communication tool also allows the service department to text customers for approval of repair orders, to send status updates and to send appointment reminders. Through a simple hosted portal, dealers have easy access to build a database of opt-in text message subscribers.
Ford Approves the Use of Fluid Rx
Fluid Rx, Inc., the leader in instant lubricant diagnos-
tics, has announced that Ford Motor Company has approved the use of its Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) diagnostic kit and assigned
it a Rotunda part number 199-00071.
After months of rigorous testing by Ford’s engineers, the automaker determined that the unique qualities and accuracy of the Fluid Rx patch test and diagnostics system provide superior on-site analysis of the vital lubricant within Ford transmissions. Over the past 20 years, the number of transmission failures has increased in relation to the number of engine failures. This is largely due to awareness of the benefits of regular engine oil and filter changes. Recently there has been a heightened level of awareness concerning other vital vehicle fluids. In studies by Be Car Care Aware, over 20% of vehicles tested were operating on depleted transmission fluid. “Ford is in the forefront of slowing the aging process of transmissions and reducing component failures. Their use of Fluid Rx diagnostics is educating their customers and service technicians alike by showing them the exact condition of the lubricant that protects and maintains the performance of this complex and expensive component of their car or truck,” remarked Ron McElroy, President of Fluid Rx West Coast Operations.
Fluid Rx is a patented radial planner chromatographic diagnostic tool that provides analyses of a fluids additive package, its dispersant properties and total sludge or debris content. No tools or special knowledge are needed. The easy-to-read results define the fluids condition as “Good”, “Change” or “Bad”. The tests are conducted at the discre- tion of the service manager. However, Ford customers can also request the test be per- formed. Ford Motor Company is the first automaker to make Fluid Rx a part of its pre- ventative maintenance and drive train evaluation process. Fluid Rx Inspection Diagnostics are already in use at selected service facilities.
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April
28-30 / Equipment and Tool Institute's ToolTech
Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas www.etools.org / 248-656-5080
June
16-17 / TLS Automotive Customer Centricity Summit The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, CA www.tlsummits.com/auto2009 415-553-4142
November
3-5 / AAPEX
Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nevada www.aapexshow.com / 301-654-6664
3-6 / SEMA Show
Las Vegas Convention Center www.sema.org / 909-396-0289
4-7 / NACE
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada www.naceexpo.com / 888-529-1641
To have your organization's event listed on Fixed Ops Magazine's calendar, please contact Publisher Nick West at 877-349-3367 or nick@fixedopsmag.com.
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April 2009
Fixed Ops Magazine