FordDirect rolls out a new dealership ecommerce platform

FordDirect, a joint venture the vehicle maker has with its dealers for marketing and technology initiatives, is rolling out a new ecommerce system.

Called The Shops, the ecommerce platform will provide Ford and Lincoln dealers and resellers with tools and features that enable them to link to pre-approved service vendors. Vendors can then help with tasks such as customer lead generation, warranty authorization and credit pre-approval, among others.

Specific vendors on FordDirect’s ecommerce platform include:

• Better Car People, a comprehensive business development platform.
• ComplyAuto, a dealership compliance software platform for privacy, security, safety/human resources, and finance and insurance.
• OfferLogix, a credit pre-qualification service.
• Velocity Automotive, reconditioning management software.
• Volie, automotive call center software.
• WarrCloud, a warranty processing technology platform.
• Work Truck Solutions, commercial truck and van digital marketing and inventory merchandising tools.

According to FordDirect CEO Dean Stoneley, dealerships face an increasing demand for day-to-day resources, including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology, and planning sales events. The auto industry in all its parts and aspects now transforms through technology, which makes dealers more challenged than ever to stay current while meeting their business goals. The Shops is now open to help Ford dealers and Lincoln retailers find the best vendors in the market for all of their needs.