Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

June 2009 — cima

LOS ANGELES (June 22, 2009) – Forty-five years after he introduced the original Ford Mustang, launched at a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, auto industry visionary Lee Iacocca today announced a new version of the famous muscle car – the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang – a breathtaking vehicle that utilizes the latest in Ford performance technology with a style and panache that screams, Mustang fastback. Only 45 “2009½” Iacocca Silver Edition Mustangs – all painted a special “Iacocca” chosen silver hue – will be built.

iaccNearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, the world-class coachbuilding and Design Company in Fountain Valley, Calif. The new business venture is called I Legacy, and it will be in concert with Galpin Ford, the exclusive Ford dealership to offer these Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to the public.

In a word, the new Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is stunning. The lines flow organically from front to rear. The hand-crafted piece of rolling art, with its innovations and impact of the fastback design is truly exceptional in every way. With its sunken headlights, slanted grill and low stance, the car gives you “street attitude.”

“Once in a while a car comes along that changes everything, and that was the original Mustang,” said Iacocca.

The Silver Edition Mustang perpetuates the Iacocca mystique.

The car begins life on a 2009 Mustang platform, which is then uniquely modified and coachbuilt. While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. Two power plant options will be offered, a normally-aspirated 4.6-liter Ford V8 rated at 320 horsepower and an optional supercharged version that delivers a head-snapping 400‑horsepower. Both engines are covered by a factory Ford warranty. Drivers will harness the power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

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DealerPro Selects CIMA Systems as Exclusive “Best in Breed” Communication Platform to Integrate with SMART System

March 2009 — cima

Gahanna, OH – DealerPro, the nation’s leading high-performance training group specifically for dealers, announced today they have selected CIMA Systems as the exclusive communications provider to integrate with DealerPro’s SMART System in order to maximize profits in the Service Department.

SMART, short for Scheduled Maintenance at Regular Times, is DealerPro’s proprietary service menu system that helps dealerships and manufacturers maximize profits per customer and service visit. In addition to the SMART system, DealerPro trainers will use their more than 22 years experience to consult and train service departments on the integration of SMART into their current process.

By integrating SMART’s service menus with CIMA System’s product suite, customers will receive scheduled communications from the dealership regarding a needed service or repair. The email will link directly to the dealership’s SMART system, which takes the customers to an online list of manufacturer recommended services. From the menu, the customer selects the services needed and can automatically schedule an appointment, by web or phone. In addition, using SMART, customers can also view dealership labor and parts rates, view videos or listen to audio clips and receive automated appointment reminders 24 hours before an appointment. The integration of CIMA will also help dealerships attract and retain current customers by keeping them informed and up to date via regularly scheduled communications and promotions.

“I’ve been in this business over 37 years, including some time as a dealer, so I had a pretty lengthy wish list when it came time to look for a marketing communication tool to integrate with SMART. When we found CIMA, I was thrilled to find it hit every requirement I had,” said Don Reed, CEO DealerPro Service Solutions. “In my mind it is the optimum system for bringing business into the service department.”

Using DealerPro and CIMA together, dealerships have the ability to increase service revenue by more than 40 percent. In addition to the SMART system, DealerPro will offer unparalleled consulting and training knowledge to ensure staff members are using the system to its full potential. As a part of the partnership, CIMA will recommend DealerPro’s training and consulting program to their clients.

“Don has a tremendous reputation in the industry as a leader in training and consulting services. Between his mastery at bringing out the best in the service staff and the integration of DealerPro and CIMA in SMART, dealerships have all of the ammunition needed to make their service department the powerhouse of the dealership,” said Gary Nixon, President & CEO, CIMA Systems.

The SMART System and dealership training is available from DealerPro immediately. For more information on DealerPro, please visit www.dealerprotraining.com (http://www.dealerprotraining.com/) or call 1.888.553.0100. For more information on CIMA Systems or its products please visit www.cimasystems.net or call (866) 461-CIMA.

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DealerPro selects CIMA platform to integrate with SMART

March 2009 — cima

DealerPro, the training group specifically for dealers, announced today they have selected CIMA Systems as the exclusive communications provider to integrate with DealerPro’s SMART System in order to maximize profits in the Service Department.  

SMART, short for Scheduled Maintenance at Regular Times, is DealerPro’s proprietary service menu system that helps dealerships and manufacturers maximize profits per customer and service visit. In addition to the SMART system, DealerPro trainers will use their more than 22 years experience to consult and train service departments on the integration of SMART into their current process.

By integrating SMART’s service menus with CIMA System’s product suite, customers will receive scheduled communications from the dealership regarding a needed service or repair. The e-mail will link directly to the dealership’s SMART system, which takes the customers to an online list of manufacturer recommended services. From the menu, the customer selects the services needed and can automatically schedule an appointment, by web or phone. In addition, using SMART, customers can also view dealership labor and parts rates, view videos or listen to audio clips and receive automated appointment reminders 24 hours before an appointment. The integration of CIMA will also help dealerships attract and retain current customers by keeping them informed and up to date via regularly scheduled communications and promotions.

Using DealerPro and CIMA together, dealerships can increase service revenue by more than 40 percent, the companies said. In addition to the SMART system, DealerPro will offer consulting and training knowledge to ensure staff members are using the system to its full potential. As a part of the partnership, CIMA will recommend DealerPro’s training and consulting program to their clients.

For more information visit www.dealerprotraining.com

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CIMA Systems introduces Hosted LiveChat

December 2008 — cima

CIMA Systems, a Customer Interactive Management Application (CIMA) that serves as an automated business development center (BDC) for dealerships, introduced CIMA Hosted LiveChat, an innovative new take on the LiveChat feature. Unlike other LiveChat solutions that are placed on a dealer Web site and hosted by dealership personnel, the CIMA Hosted LiveChat proactively engages the customers/prospects visiting a dealer’s Web site and email marketing campaigns.
 
“By embedding CIMA Hosted LiveChat into emails in addition to placing links on the dealership’s Web site, dealers will experience greater LiveChat opportunities resulting in connecting with the prospect/customer sooner and more often” says Gary Nixon, President & CEO of CIMA Systems. “CIMA’s Hosted LiveChat actively engages the recipient in one-on-one interaction pro-actively 18 hours per day, seven days a week,”

The system takes the load off of dealership personnel and is designed to promptly deliver Hot Sales Leads to your dealership so you can put your best sales people on them. Statistics show that 99 percent of people use LiveChat for immediate answers so 99 percent of the time you must follow-up immediately.

“Our customers really enjoy the live interaction with the dealership. CIMA LiveChat has greatly assisted us in consistently driving more sales and service appointments to our dealership,” states Leonard Harrington, Dealer Principal of Turlock Auto Plaza.

Each of CIMA’s highly qualified agents is trained to handle inquiries about your inventory, vehicle price and service requests and turn them into ups and service appointments. In this way, CIMA Hosted LiveChat delivers a more pro-active LiveChat option without the need for dealership personnel. Each CIMA agent has access to a custom Dealer Knowledge Center which is developed for each dealership allowing agents to access the dealership’s products and pertinent information. The system also provides detailed lead information and transcripts immediately following a LiveChat, as well as weekly reporting and analytics to provide dealers with the insight that drives performance.

 

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CIMA announces industry veteran Tom Austin as Sales Exec

October 2008 — cima

CIMA Systems, a Customer Interactive Management Application (CIMA) that serves as an automated business development center (BDC) for dealerships, announced the hiring of Tom Austin as Regional Sales Executive to the Northeast region. In Austin’s new role with CIMA, his primary responsibility will be overseeing sales to all dealerships in the area. Bringing more than thirty years of experience with the Chrysler, LLC, Austin was the Five Star Manager at Chrysler’s Mid-Atlantic Business Center from 2003-2008, where he exceeded Sales Training Revenue targets during each year of his tenure.

Austin’s impressive record at Chrysler included overseeing all aspects of the Five Star Certification Program for the Mid-Atlantic Business Center’s 340-plus Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships. Austin also managed all planning, development, and promotion for new product launches and was directly responsible for administering training campaigns for the entire Mid-Atlantic Business Center management and field staff.

A graduate of Penn State’s Business Management program, Austin has extensive experience within the Chrysler Corporation. Prior to becoming a Five Star Manager he held the positions of Minneapolis Zone Dealer Development Manager and Zone Process and Training Manager, among others.
“I’m very excited to be a part of CIMA Systems,” Austin said. “While I was at Chrysler, we private labeled the CIMA System and I was so impressed I felt the need to get involved. Dealer feedback from the system has been extremely positive.”

“The addition of Tom to our team is a reflection of CIMA’s continued strong growth and expansion,” says Gary Nixon, President & CEO of CIMA Systems. “Tom’s extensive background in sales and management will help us expand CIMA further into the northeast region and we’re very honored to have him join our team.”

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CIMA Systems hires industry veteran Anne Rogers

October 2008 — cima

SOURCE: Dealer Magazine, VOLUME 3 ISSUE 42

CIMA Systems, a Customer Interactive Management Application (CIMA) that serves as an automated business development center (BDC) for dealerships, today announced it hired Anne Rogers to manage and act as the liaison between CIMA and their manufacturer clients. Rogers main responsibility will be managing the relationship between CIMA and all domestic OEM clients, with a primary focus on the new partnership between CIMA and Chrysler, LLC.

Rogers joins CIMA with over 16 years of experience as an expert in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Business Development Center (BDC) operations for automotive dealerships. Most recently Rogers held the position of V.P. – Account Director for Aspen Marketing Services where she developed programs to drive dealership traffic at the retail level. Prior to this position, Rogers worked as V.P. CRM and Integrated Marketing Manager for BBDO where she lead the Chrysler BDC Task Force and implemented Dealer Advertising Association (DAA) strategies and mobile marketing initiatives for Daimler-Chrysler. She began her career at Ross Roy Communications as Account Supervisor/CRM Specialist where she worked with Chrysler to launch a new technology platform to deliver dealership training programs.

“After seeing CIMA in action, I am convinced it is the strongest virtual BDC currently on the market and I’m excited to help manufacturers bring it to their dealers, “said Rogers. “In my experience this is a product that can help dealerships begin recognizing additional revenue the day they implement the system.”

At CIMA, Rogers will be integral to managing the recent partnership with Chrysler LLC, whereby CIMA will provide its automated marketing and communications applications as a “private label” for the manufacturer’s Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships. The CIMA system will help generate revenues and profits for dealerships, while also improving customer satisfaction. Rogers will also be responsible for establishing and managing new partnerships with additional domestic manufacturers.

“Anne’s strong background in Customer Relation Management, Marketing Services as well as her established relationships with manufacturers, makes her an incredible asset to our team,” said Gary Nixon, President & CEO of CIMA Systems. “I am confident that her skills will be invaluable in helping us to serve all of the OEM partnerships generated with CIMA.”

For more information visit: www.cimasystems.net

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CIMA Systems announces growth and new location

July 2008 — cima
PLEASANTON, Calif - CIMA Systems, a Customer Interactive Management Application (CIMA) that serves as an automated business development center (BDC) for dealerships, announced they are experiencing explosive customer growth, necessitating the move to a larger facility.

CIMA’s recent private labeling agreement with Chrysler LLC to provide automated marketing and communications applications to its Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships was a major impetus for the move. Also contributing to the move are multiple opportunities with additional companies to private label the CIMA system. Known for developing and implementing the technology of tomorrow today, CIMA’s move will allow the company to more aggressively pursue new technologies and products, all designed to help dealerships more efficiently and cost-effectively communicate with customers.“

The incredible customer growth we’ve recently experienced with our current business partners and multiple other opportunities necessitated the move to our new building,” said Gary Nixon, president & CEO of CIMA Systems. “As CIMA continues to grow and form new alliances and partnerships with OEMs and dealers, our new facility will allow us to continue to offer the robust, cutting-edge technology and superior customer service that we’re known for.”

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CIMA Systems Hires New CTO

June 2008 — cima

PLEASANTON, Calif. — CIMA Systems, a customer interactive management application serving as an automated business development center for dealerships, has appointed a new chief technology officer.

Named to the post is Christian McCarrick, who was previously vice president of technology at ParkingCarma.

In the new position, McCarrick is responsible for leading technology innovation, application development and working with various clients and CIMA alliances to ensure that CIMA’s system is fully integrated and utilized.

“Christian has an incredible background in technology innovation and development, and we are extremely pleased that he is joining our team,” stated Gary Nixon, president and chief executive officer of CIMA. “As CIMA continues to grow and form new partnerships with OEMs and dealers, Christian will be indispensable in helping to design new solutions and processes to address our clients’ business development needs.”

Prior to his time with ParkingCarma, McCarrick was vice president of technology at EscapeHomes.com and TotalMove.com.

Additionally, McCarrick has led a variety of technology teams, started and sold various start-ups and been honored with several technologically related awards, officials indicated.

For more information, visit www.cimasystems.net.

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Promote Your Entire Dealership

June 2008 — cima

By Gary Nixon for Dealer Marketing Magazine

Embrace a dealership-wide marketing approach that meets your customers’ needs and allows you to reap the maximum profit from every part of your business.  

We all know the current market situation. A decline in consumer confidence, along with high fuel prices, and the worry that the weakened market could turn into a full blown recession has hit the automotive industry hard.

According to Reuters, auto sales dropped 12 percent in March alone and predictions are that they will continue to decline through the second quarter of this year. Experts counsel that a strong focus on promoting your parts and service business is the way to keep your profits up during this down time. I’d like to offer a different perspective to ensure you focus on your entire dealership.

Although individual promotions for parts and services, vehicles sales, or any other aspect of your dealership are an integral part of your marketing plan, sending communications that promote specific departments to the exclusion of others sets you up for a roller coaster ride. For example, a marketing promotion that only touts a $9.99 oil change may make your service business rise briefly, but it may soon go right back down again, leaving you in a constant state of peaks and valleys, scrambling to come up with even better promotions.

Instead, focus on promoting your entire dealership. This approach gives you room to highlight a particular department, for instance your service department, while still tying in all the services and products you offer that meet the full gamut of customer needs. Marketing your dealership as a whole sets you up for a steady stream of revenue, so your business remains strong even during the most difficult economic conditions.

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Chrysler LLC Partners with CIMA Systems for Automation of Dealership Customer Communications

February 2008 — cima

chrys21.jpg 

PLEASANTON, Calif. – Feb. 4, 2008 – CIMA Systems, a Customer Interactive Management Application (CIMA) that serves as an automated business development center (BDC) for dealerships, today announced it has partnered with Chrysler LLC to provide automated marketing and communications applications to its  Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships. Under the new program, Chrysler has privately labeled the new system Chrysler Interactive Management Application (CIMA). It’s available immediately through Chrysler’s “Dealer Connect” Web site. 

After conducting extensive research into communication tools to help generate dealership revenues and profits while improving customer satisfaction, Chrysler chose to partner with CIMA Systems because of its ability to help dealerships conduct proactive and personalized customer communications, generate customer loyalty and drive additional sales.

CIMA automatically captures vehicle, parts and customer data in a dealership’s management system (DMS), and then communicates important dealership marketing and advertising messages for one low flat monthly fee. In addition, CIMA is able to communicate with a dealership customer the way that customer prefers, whether it’s by telephone, e-mail or text message. This type of personalized, automated customer communication helps Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers reach and engage their customers, while also reducing the need for expensive third-party call centers. Chrysler’s CIMA program works in conjunction with its SmartLink and Owner Loyalty Program. 

With the CIMA base system, dealerships will receive CIMA’s patent-pending automated reminder system, automated appointment system (phone or Internet) and advanced reporting tool (CIMAVision).  

“We’re honored to be chosen by Chrysler as a partner in supplying our advanced marketing tools and look forward to a lasting partnership,” said Gary Nixon, President & CEO of CIMA Systems.  “Together, we can help Chrysler dealers generate more revenue and profits while lowering expenses.” For more information on CIMA Systems, or its products, please visit www.cimasystems.net or call (925) 461-4600.  

 

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