26, September, 2024
At BestCRMSoftware.com, we prioritize transparency and honesty in all our content. In order to maintain the quality of our reviews and to keep providing valuable information to our audience at no cost, We earn commissions through clicks and affiliate purchases from select links in our articles.
Our commitment to unbiased content remains unwavering, despite our use of affiliate links. These links do not influence the opinions or recommendations provided by our editorial team. We prioritize integrity and objectivity in every piece of content we produce, ensuring that our readers receive unbiased and reliable information to inform their decisions effectively.
Best CRM Software for Auto Dealerships
Biography
Roger leverages his two decades of experience in construction company management, specifically mid-sized firms in Santa Clara County, CA. His expertise lies in streamlining office processes and navigating complex paperwork like bids, contracts and permits. Committed to sharing his practical knowledge, Roger contributes to this blog with a focus on how CRMs can optimize construction operations.
View Author Profile
Latest Update:
Sep 16, 2024, 8:45 am
In a Nuthshell
There are several CRM software for auto dealerships that companies in this industry can consider. During my evaluation, I came across quite a few of them and was pleasantly surprised at their offerings. Overall, LivePerson Automotive came out on top due to its extensive features. However, there were other options that really stood out in certain areas.
10 Best CRM Software for the Automotive Industry
CRM software for auto dealerships is an important tool in the automotive industry to enhance customer relationships, streamline sales processes, and drive business growth. Here are my top ten picks of the best automotive CRM for 2024.
- LivePerson Automotive: Best automotive CRM overall
- DealerSocket: Best for car salesman software
- Dominion Dealer Solutions: Best for dealership management system (DMS)
- Selly Automotive: Best for independent dealerships
- ProMax: Best for automotive sales reps
- VinSolutions: Best for automotive contact management
- Datacar CRM: Best for dealership marketing and sales
- AutoRaptor: Best CRM for used car dealers
- Izmocars: Best mobile CRM for dealerships
- AutoXplorer: Best social media CRM for dealerships
Why Car Dealerships Need CRM Software
Automotive CRM is reshaping how car dealerships conduct business. These tools help to enhance customer engagement by providing a single platform to store all of your contact details and other important information related to your customers.
Not only that, but industry-specific CRMs can also streamline the sales process by defining workflows that suit your business. Having assigned workflows and processes makes it easier for your teams to stay on track without missing a sale. It keeps your business processes organized and running smoothly.
CRM also provides detailed analytics and reporting. This is essential to evaluate how well your sales team is doing, where you need to make improvements, and it can even give you insights into target marketing strategies.
Some of the benefits of using CRM software for auto dealerships include the following:
- Central platform for storing all client information, interaction, and buying history
- Personalizing the sales experience
- Getting a deeper understanding of the customer
- Identifying missed deals
- Collecting client feedback
- Automating manual tasks
Essential Features of CRM Software for Auto Dealerships
When choosing industry-specific CRM software, there are comprehensive solutions available. Here are a few essential features you should look for when choosing CRM software for auto dealerships.
Financing Features
Buying a car is an expensive investment. Aside from this, other special considerations, such as credit checks, lease terms, and financing plans, complicate the transaction. Make sure that the CRM you choose has features to help with these financial aspects and includes tools to calculate trade-ins and upgrades.
Reports and Analytics
Having access to important data, such as sales statistics, market trends, and more, is important to help drive your dealership’s growth. Choose a CRM with specialized or customizable reporting features to easily access the data you need to make informed business decisions.
Mobile App
A mobile app is another great consideration for automobile CRM software. You’ll often find that the best automotive CRM often includes a responsive app for mobile devices and tablets. These apps can be used as a personal organizer for your sales reps as well as an address book. It can also double as a virtual showroom for customers to browse what’s available.
Contact and Sales Management
CRMs are incredibly valuable to help your sales reps understand their leads and customers. With a CRM, you can create a profile for each customer with vital information. Not only does this profile include contact information, but it also maintains a unified timeline of all customer interactions.
Email Integration
Email integration is an important feature for most businesses, including car dealerships. Email is the primary form of communication between clients and customers. It’s also an important marketing tool with high ROI when done right. A CRM with email integration is essential as it allows you to store and manage all your communications through a single platform.
Top 10 Best Automotive CRM Solutions for Car Dealers
During my testing, I found that a few tools surpassed the rest for their features and simple user interface. Here are the top ten CRM software for auto dealerships.
Free Plan: No
Why I Like It
I like that the tool offers advanced messaging capabilities. Communicating with the client in their preferred way is essential in fostering good relationships and nurturing leads. Messaging is one of these communication platforms that are essential to automotive CRMs.
LivePerson CRM also leverages AI to further improve communication across various channels. The tool also offers real-time inventory visibility and mobile service scheduling. These features greatly improve customer engagement during the buying process and even after-sales.
While I do consider LivePerson Automotive to be one of the best automotive CRM tools, it should be noted that the tool can have a steep learning curve for individuals not familiar with these types of software.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of LivePerson Automotive for the automotive industry include:
- Multiple forms of communication, including SMS, Email, and social media
- Conversational AI
- Various automation features
- Inventory management
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Omnichannel communication
- AI features
- Integrations with Facebook Marketplace as a virtual showroom
- Robust sales funnel
Cons
- Learning curve
- Few marketing tools
Free Plan: No
DealerSocket is a CRM that focuses on features that enhance customers’ sales and service experience.
Why I Like It
I found DealerSockets inventory management features particularly useful. This feature aligns with customers’ online activities so that you’re always in the loop. From here, you can send targeted follow-ups or marketing information more effectively.
DealerSocket also offers inventory and finance integration that’s especially useful for transaction management. The built-in financial solution simplifies the buying process. Additionally, DealerSocket also has robust analytics to help you make data-driven decisions for your business.
I must admit that initially it was a little challenging to find the right packages among all of the solutions they offer.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of DealerSocket for the automotive industry include:
- Robust inventory management
- Built-in financial solutions
- Basic real-time messaging features
- Basic marketing features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Finance and inventory management features
- Excels in lead management and streamlining sales processes
- Decent selection of reports and analytics
Cons
- The number of packages is overwhelming
- Slight learning curve
Free Plan: No
Dominion Dealer Solutions is a great CRM software for auto dealerships because of its comprehensive suite of tools.
Why I Like It
Dominion Dealer Solutions offers features that are explicitly tailored to the automotive industry. The tools address both front-end sales and back-end services. It also has a unique feature called MarketActivator. This marketing tool uses predictive analytics so you can pinpoint likely buyers in your market. With this feature, you can create targeted and personalized marketing campaigns.
The software also has a built-in DMS (Dealer Management System), which streamlines operations by automatically updating inventory, service, and customer information across all your platforms.
While testing the tool, I did find the user interface to be a little less user-friendly than I’d like.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of Dominion Dealer Solutions for the automotive industry include:
- Inventory management
- MarketActivator for personalized marketing
- DMS management solution
- Lot management features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Advanced marketing solutions
- Inventory management features
- Lot and showroom management
Cons
- Not very user-friendly
- Customer support is limited/lacking
Free Plan: No
Selly Automotive has established itself as one of the top contenders, especially when it comes to independent car dealerships.
Why I Like It
One of the best things about Selly Automotive is the CRM and ILMS (Internet Lead Management System) mobile app. The app allows sales reps to manage leads and customer interactions while out of the office.
The text messaging, call recording, and central communications hub was also great for staying in touch with leads. The tool comes with a decent AI intelligence called A.I. Emma. This assistant can give valuable insights on demand to help personalize customer interactions and optimize sales.
I did find that Selly Automotive is best used for small and medium car dealerships as there aren’t a lot of scaling opportunities available.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of Selly Automotive for the automotive industry include:
- CRM and ILMS mobile app
- Omnichannel communication
- Call recording
- AI assistant
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Includes internet lead management solutions
- Automated scheduling features for appointments, reminders, and follow-ups
- Automated messaging features
- Call recording and text messaging management
Cons
- Limited scaling options for larger companies
Free Plan: No
ProMax is a great option for car dealerships as it focuses on the industry’s nuanced sales process.
Why I Like It
I loved the fact that ProMax included a built-in desking tool. This feature helps maximize customer satisfaction and profitability in your business structure deals. The tool also has great credit application and reporting features. When you combine these features, you’re left with a powerful solution that streamlines the financing phase of your process.
ProMax also offers valuable lead-scoring capabilities alongside a powerful marketing platform that benefits from automated follow-up reminders. This makes it easy for users to engage prospects and convert leads more efficiently.
It should be noted that the tool has many different features that can be used. Unfortunately, this means it also has a very steep learning curve.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of ProMax for the automotive industry include:
- Built-in desking tool
- Tools for financing, credit, and inventory management
- Lead scoring abilities
- Marketing tools
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The desking tool is great for front-end sales
- Specialized project management and reporting
- Tools for financing and inventory management
- Powerful lead generation and scoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- UI has a dated feel
Free Plan: No
Why I Like It
I love the large number of industry-specific tools offered by VinSolutions. One of the features I appreciated was the ability to consolidate data across multiple sources and departments. This means that your team has a unified view of customer interactions across sales and other services.
VinSolutions also has impressive analytic capabilities thanks to the Connect Automotive Intelligence feature. This function enhances your analytics even more by giving information like the likelihood of a purchase based on the customer’s behavior.
I did find VinSolutions to be a little difficult to use in the beginning. It seems that most of the focus went into developing the tool rather than focusing on an intuitive interface.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of VinSolutions for the automotive industry include:
- Unified overview of customer interactions
- Robust contact management
- Connect Automotive Intelligence to enhance analytics
- Lead management
- Tracks sold logs, desk logs, offers, and more
- Great support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Omnichannel communication
- Mobile app
- Full Document Management System (DMS)
- Robust marketing tools
Cons
- Not suited for small dealerships
Free Plan: No
Datacar CRM has established itself as a great CRM that focuses on marketing and sales for the automotive sector.
Why I Like It
I like Datacar CRM because of its robust document management system. This feature gives you the ability to streamline operations by merging sales, service and inventory management from one platform.
The software also has geo-marketing features, which I find very beneficial if you have multiple dealerships in different locations. This marketing feature allows you to run precision-based marketing campaigns for specific geographic locations. This makes marketing outreach much simpler.
I did find their website very dated and a little difficult to navigate.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of Datacar CRM for the automotive industry include:
- Robust DMS
- Geo-marketing functions
- Inventory management services
- Fleet and operation management
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Robust marketing features
- Feature to assist with sales
- Great for managing teams across multiple locations
Cons
- Most certification standards are based in the EU
Free Plan: No
AutoRaptor is a great automotive CRM that specializes in independent and BHPH (buy here, pay here) dealerships. This makes it one of the best CRMs for used car dealers.
Why I Like It
One of the reasons why I like AutoRaptor is its lead management system. The software is able to capture and score leads. At the same time, the leads interface makes it easy to navigate for communication or to set follow-up reminders.
AutoRaptor also includes a useful VIN scanning and decoding tool. This is particularly beneficial to car dealerships as it saves time and quickly populates vehicle information into your CRM based on the VIN. This feature helps to reduce manual entry errors that may occur.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of AutoRaptor for the automotive industry include:
- Lead management system
- Automatic reminders for communication or follow-ups
- Additional automation tools
- VIN scanning and decoding
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Omnichannel communication
- Robust lead management and scoring
- Mobile app
- Workflows and task management
Cons
- Marketing tools are limited
Free Plan: No
The izmocars CRM is a great automotive customer relationship management tool for dealerships that are often on the move and rely on mobile social media.
Why I Like It
One of the things I love about izmocars is the amount of additional add-on tools. For example, you can integrate your CRM with izmoweb to create a website that’s optimized for conversion. Having your website directly linked to your CRM also helps to enhance your online presence and improves your effectiveness at attracting potential buyers.
I also like the interactive online showroom and feel it’s an essential feature for car dealerships. The virtual showroom allows customers to view vehicles. Another feature that I really enjoyed about izmocars is their robust marketing tool.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of izmocars for the automotive industry include:
- Virtual Showroom
- Many valuable add-ons
- Robust marketing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Many packages to choose from
- Can connect multiple OEMs
- Great marketing strategies for social media management
- Robust customer experience management
Cons
- Lacks inventory management
Free Plan: No
AutoXplorer is another great option for car dealerships, featuring many useful tools, such as social media marketing solutions.
Why I Like It
I like AutoXplorer’s solid inventory management tools. Included is an auto-populating VIN decoder, which makes it easy to add vehicle data and makes the entry more accurate. I found this feature makes it much easier to refine your sales strategy and boost performance based on what’s happening in the market.
I also liked the fact that auto dealerships have the option to create responsive and SEO-ready websites that are hosted through AutoXplorer. In addition, the tool has marketing tools that integrate with some of the top car platforms, such as AutoTrader, Cars.com, and many more.
While the interface is easy to use and navigate, it is dated and may be off-putting to some people.
Most Important Automotive Features
The key features of AutoXplorer for the automotive industry include:
- Robust social media marketing tool
- Inventory management
- Many industry-specific integrations are available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Many useful features like inventory management and marketing
- Easy to use
- Good support
- Financial and sales tools available on higher tiers or add-ons
Cons
- Features like credit checks are only available in higher tiers
- Interface is dated
Considerations for Small Dealerships Vs. Large Car Dealers
Budget is one of the first differences in the considerations between a small dealership and a large car dealer. Small or startup businesses typically have a limited budget to invest in software. As such, they want to choose an option that gives them the most value for their investment. This might mean sacrificing some specialized features.
Scalability is another important consideration. Smaller companies will probably look for a tool that fits their budget but can scale as their business grows. You’ll want to look for features you’d like to have, even if they’re available on higher tiers, so you can work towards them as your business grows. Larger companies have more demanding needs and the bottom tier won’t suffice.
Finally, customization becomes increasingly important as your business grows. Business growth often adds additional processes, people, and sometimes even services to the mix. In this case, you’ll want a tool that you can customize to meet these needs. Customization is often more important in bigger dealerships.
Conclusion
CRM software for auto dealerships provides industry-specific solutions for customer relationship management. These tools often include features that you won’t find in general CRMs. When choosing the best automotive CRM for your dealership, look for features like inventory management, financial tools, mobile apps, and other useful functions related to the industry.
Recommended Articles
