Best Automotive CRM Software: Auto Dealer CRM Systems

Last Updated:Saturday, February 10, 2024
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Quick summary:

In this article, we explore 21 top automotive CRM systems and highlight how they enable dealerships to manage customer relationships effectively, track leads, and analyze performance data, leading to increased sales success and customer loyalty in the competitive automotive industry.

Automotive CRM software is reshaping the car dealership industry by enhancing customer engagement, streamlining sales processes, and providing detailed analytics for targeted marketing strategies.

This article dives into how these innovative systems facilitate better inventory management, enable personalized customer communication, and support efficient lead tracking.

By integrating these functions, automotive CRMs empower dealerships to understand customer needs more profoundly, respond faster to market trends, and ultimately increase sales efficiency and customer satisfaction.

We analyze 21 of the best automotive CRM solutions, detailing their unique features and how they specifically cater to the sector's nuanced demands.

So, let’s get started!

 

Top 10 Automotive CRM Summary

 

 

What is CRM in automotive industry circles & what does it do?

There are many benefits and features for automotive industry CRM systems. Of course, picking the right one means you should know a bit about what is CRM first. Once clear, you are better equipped to test drive some CRM for automotive industry options.

The benefits of using a car dealer CRM software

The benefits of CRM for the automobile industry are similar to those for other industries. CRM software allows dealerships to market their showrooms and capture new leads. It also helps car sales reps nurture those leads down the funnel's lifecycle. CRM software for car dealerships can also help with customer service.

Some features are specific to automobile dealerships. These include inventory management and car maintenance tracking. Desking tools let sales reps and customers streamline auto financing or lease terms. OEM features are for original equipment manufacturing management. They connect manufacturers to third-party dealers. Other dealer management system (DMS) tools include credit checks, document management, and paper document scanners.

Dealerships should use a dedicated CRM. No matter if they are an official dealer of a car brand or a used car dealership. Maybe more than other commodities, car selling relies on trust and repeat customers. Automobile CRM helps dealerships forge long-lasting loyal relationships with customers. 

Personalize Your Sales Experience     

Buying a car is a big commitment. Buyers expect a great customer experience, which begins with personalization. CRMs give dealers customer information, including purchase histories and other engagements. They let dealers send customers personalized marketing content and help with follow-ups after purchase to satisfy the customer.

Get Accurate and deep Customer Understanding. 

Knowing your customers is a big part of car selling. CRMs can help dealers understand trends in the automobile market. It can analyze large amounts of customer data and create valuable segments. Individual customers get rich contact profiles in CRMs. Most CRMs update these profiles with public information from social media.

Identify Missed Deals 

CRMs were first used by sales departments. Automobile CRMs have useful sales lifecycle management tools. These show you all the deals in progress updated in real time. You can see where people drop out and change their minds in the funnel. Pinpointing these areas can let dealers focus their efforts in the right places to miss fewer deals in the future.

Collect Client’s Feedback 

Automobile dealers rely heavily on customer loyalty. It’s essential to ensure customers are satisfied with their dealer experience. Automobile CRMs have many tools to help with this. These can include anonymous survey tools that reveal broader trends. Customers can also use a portal to communicate with dealers. 

Automate Manual Task 

Working as a car salesperson is not easy. There can be a lot of paperwork. Much of that work is simple and repetitive. CRMs include automation tools that can take over these dull tasks. Automation should be easy to set up and run. This allows reps to focus on engaging with customers. Some automated duties include notifications, reminders, and follow-ups.

Online presence

People shopping for cars today will most likely begin their customer journeys online. A study by eBay interviewed 1,000 people who bought a car. 87% said they used the internet to check out cars, prices, and reviews. 

Dealers who use a CRM get the advantage here. They can use CRM’s marketing and sales tools to boost their online presence.

 

Features to expect from good automotive CRM systems

The list of features and tools an automotive CRM system offers is not so extensive. Still, reviewing them again is a good idea when considering which of the best CRM software to buy for your automobile business.

Financing Section 

Cars are expensive. It’s not a simple transaction. There are all sorts of special considerations. These include credit checks, lease terms, and financing plans. It would be best to have tools to calculate trade-ins or upgrades. Automobile dealership CRM has special features for these purposes. It’s a must for sales and accounting departments. 

Reporting & Analytics 

The activity inside a dealership creates valuable data. Then, more data is generated on dealer websites. CRM for automotive captures that data for analytics. It lets you create custom reports that can be automatically updated in real time. These reports include sales and inventory reports. It can also show analytics tying your marketing strategies to ROI.

Mobile App 

Having mobile apps is a crucial feature of automobile CRM software. The best CRMs have responsive apps for mobile and tablets. It can be a sales rep’s personal organizer and address book. It can serve as a virtual showroom for customers to browse. It’s also a great communication tool where leads stay connected to sales as they move down the pipeline.

Contact & Sales Management 

CRMs make it easy for sales reps to understand their leads and customers. Profiles contain important information like emails and addresses. The best CRMs auto-update profiles when contacts change their online information. They also maintain unified timelines of all customer interactions across all channels.  

Email Integration 

Most business communication begins with emails. Great CRMs have email integrations, and the auto dealer platforms are no exception. CRMs import all email contacts and archives, unifying this data with other comms channels. They also let you collaborate on emails. There’s also email marketing, which is useful for agencies running email campaigns for the automobile industry.

 

Auto dealer CRM solutions comparison chart (top 10 highest-rated providers)

First, here’s a quick table with our leading automotive CRM providers. You might notice that most of these names in automotive CRM solutions do not have publicly displayed prices. It’s just not that common for contact management platforms in the automotive dealership world.

Provider

Best for

Pricing starts at

Website

LivePerson Automotive

Best automotive CRM software overall

Contact Vendor

Visit site

DealerSocket

Top car salesman software

Contact Vendor

Visit site

Dominion Dealer Solutions 

Great car dealership CRM software for DMS

$99 per month

Visit site

Selly Automotive

Best independent dealership car sales CRM

Contact Vendor

Visit site

ProMax

Top automotive industry CRM for sales reps

Contact Vendor

Visit site

VinSolutions

Good car dealership management software for contact management

Contact Vendor

Visit site

Datacar CRM 

Great CRM for car dealers for marketing and sales

Contact Vendor

Visit site

AutoRaptor

Top automobile CRM software for lead management

Contact Vendor

Visit site

Izmocars 

Best mobile social media CRM for auto dealers

Contact Vendor

Visit site

AutoXplorer

Best social media CRM for auto dealers

$70 per month

Visit site

 

What is the best automotive CRM software for car dealers? Here’s our top 21 list:

You’ve seen the top ten tools on the market; now get ready for an in-depth review of each one. We bring you the top 21 of the best automotive CRM companies. We’ll check out the various functionalities of each CRM in our quest to determine the very best automotive CRM for car dealers. 

Are you buckled up? Let’s roll.

1. Liveperson Automotive (Best automotive CRM software overall)

liveperson automotive
Liveperson Automotive CRM dashboard showing secure forms feature that can be used in any messaging channel.

Why we chose it:

We decided to crown LivePerson Automotive as a top CRM choice for car dealers due to its advanced messaging capabilities, which align perfectly with the modern car buyer’s preference for digital communication.

LivePerson Automotive excels as an automotive CRM for car dealers by leveraging AI to enhance real-time communication across multiple channels. This vital feature resonates with the digital-savvy car buyer.

It offers real-time inventory visibility and convenient mobile service scheduling, streamlining the sales and after-service process. These targeted features can help your dealership improve engagement with your customers and conversion rates.

Pros: 

  • Multichannel messaging with social media or WhatsApp

  • AI manages, analyzes, and responds to emails

  • Helps use Facebook Marketplace as a virtual showroom

  • Sales funnel tools to close more deals

Cons: 

  • This platform can be a bit hard to learn for non-tech people

  • It is a communication tool, so it is not ideal for marketing campaigns 

Pricing: 

Liveperson Automotive has separate packages for sales and services. For exact plans and prices, contact them through their website.

Visit site
Go to LivePerson Automotive’s official website

 

2. DealerSocket (Top car salesman software)

dealersocket
Dealersocket CRM dashboard showing desk log, where you can preview all the deals made during the day, key data about customers and managers assigned, and take direct action – call, go to deal, etc.

Why we chose it:

DealerSocket excels as an automotive CRM with a suite tailored for auto dealerships, enhancing sales and service experiences.

The tool’s inventory management feature is particularly useful because it aligns with your customers' online activities, enabling you to conduct targeted follow-ups and marketing effectively.

DealerSocket offers robust inventory and finance integration and stands out for transaction management. However, suppose you're seeking the best in real-time messaging capabilities and AI-driven insights. In that case, LivePerson Automotive takes the lead, as it offers a more dynamic and immediate customer engagement experience.

The platform’s integrated finance solutions simplify the buying process, bolstering transaction management. With robust analytics and a focus on a seamless customer journey from interest to post-sale, DealerSocket justifies its ranking among top automotive CRM systems.

Pros: 

  • Analyzes customer data for follow-ups and reminders

  • Connects OEM systems with other showroom tools

  • Helps with lead management and streamlines sales process

  • Top pricing and inventory management

Cons: 

  • There are lots of solutions and packages, so it can be hard to find the right one

  • Sales teams with little tech knowledge will have to learn about CRM platforms

Pricing: 

DealerSocket does not show its prices and packages on its website. Contact its sales team for more information.

Visit site
Go to DealSocket’s official website

 

3. Dominion Dealer Solutions (Great car dealership CRM software for DMS)

Why we chose it:

Dominion Dealer Solutions stands out in the automotive CRM landscape for its comprehensive suite, which is explicitly tailored for auto dealerships. It addresses both front-end sales and back-end service needs.

One feature we find unique to Dominion is its MarketActivator. This precision marketing tool employs predictive analytics to pinpoint likely buyers within your dealer's market. It enables you to execute highly targeted and personalized marketing campaigns, making your efforts more efficient and effective.

Additionally, the integrated DMS (Dealer Management System) solutions streamline operations by automatically updating inventory, service, and customer information across platforms, ensuring dealership staff have up-to-the-minute data.

Pros: 

  • Marketing campaign platform with AI data science technology

  • Car dealership inventory management

  • Auto dealership lot management, including photography and video tours

  • Innovative listing tools to help stay visible on Craigslist 

Cons: 

  • Not much to help with customer support

  • It could be more user-friendly

Pricing: 

Dominion Dealer Solutions costs $99, $199, or $349 monthly, plus additional set-up fees.  

Visit site
Go to Dominion Dealer Solutions’ official website

 

4. Selly Automotive (Best independent dealership car sales CRM)

selly automotiveSelly Automotive Dashboard shows the Clients section where you can see all your leads and customers and get all their information, such as deals, phone numbers, and any notes from one spot.

Why we chose it:

Selly Automotive is a strong contender in the automotive CRM arena, particularly for independent and used car dealerships seeking a mobile-first approach.

A standout feature is the Selly Automotive CRM & ILMS (Internet Lead Management System) mobile app. It empowers sales reps to manage leads and customer interactions on the go, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks, even when away from the desk.

You'll be impressed with the platform's ease of use and features like text messaging campaigns, call recording, and a centralized communication hub, which significantly enhances your lead follow-up efficiency.

We loved Selly’s “A.I. Emma,” an artificial intelligence assistant that can mine the CRM’s data to give actionable insights, making it a savvy tool for dealers aiming to personalize customer interactions and optimize sales strategies.

Pros: 

  • Fully integrated CRM solution with ILM (internet lead management)

  • Helps with appointments, tasks, follow-ups and reminders

  • Automated messaging for better customer experience

  • Call recording and SMS texting management

Cons: 

  • Limited to small and medium car dealerships

Pricing: 

There is no detailed pricing information on the Selly Automotive website. Contact their sales department for more information.

Visit site
Go to Selly Automotive’s official website

 

5. ProMax (Top automotive industry CRM for sales reps)

promaxProMax Unlimited AI feature shows how the AI can automatically respond to all inquiries, whether they are email or SMS

Why we chose it:

ProMax is an ideal automotive CRM for car dealerships due to its comprehensive feature set that caters to the auto industry’s nuanced sales process.

One compelling feature you'll appreciate is the integrated Desking tool. It's designed to help you structure deals to maximize customer satisfaction and your dealership's profitability.

This feature, combined with ProMax’s robust credit application and reporting functions, streamlines the financing phase of car sales, a critical component in automotive transactions.

Additionally, ProMax offers detailed lead scoring capabilities and a powerful marketing platform that includes automated follow-up reminders, helping dealerships to engage prospects effectively and convert leads into sales more efficiently.

Pros: 

  • Desking tools help with front-end sales management

  • Lead generation features, including ILM tools

  • Website services with tools for financing, credit, and inventory management

  • Project management, analytics, and dealership reporting

Cons: 

  • The look and feel of this platform is a bit outdated

  • There are lots of tools, so there is a long learning curve

Pricing: 

Like most specialty CRM software solutions for the automotive industry, you must contact ProMax directly for a quote.

Visit site
Go to ProMax’s official website

 

6. VinSolutions (Good car dealership management software for contact management)

vinsolutionsA preview of VinSolutions customer dashboard, where you can see all your leads as well as their current status. By clicking on a lead, a window pops up on the right to show key information about it.

Why we chose it:

VinSolutions is a total customer management and dealership automobile sales platform that offers a suite of features specifically tailored to enhance customer engagement and streamline dealership operations.

A standout feature is its ability to consolidate data from multiple sources. This gives you, as a car dealer, a unified view of customer interactions across both sales and service. It's pivotal for creating personalized follow-ups and offers, ensuring that your engagements with customers are both relevant and effective.

VinSolutions also boasts advanced analytics capabilities, providing you with actionable insights and empowering you to make data-based decisions. The Connect Automotive Intelligence feature further enhances these analytics by predicting the likelihood of purchase based on customer behavior. 

Pros: 

  • Multichannel communication, including great mobile apps

  • Sales funnel analytics and reporting

  • Marketing campaign tools

  • Full DMS, desking, vehicle valuation, and inventory management

Cons: 

  • Some users have made comments on review sites that the price tag is a bit high

Pricing: 

VinSolutions does not advertise prices on its site. For more information, visit their homepage.

Visit site
Go to VinSolutions’ official website

 

7. Datacar CRM (Great CRM for car dealers for marketing and sales)

datacar crm
DataCar CRM dashboard showing a preview of an individual client or lead. For each contact, you can see all their information and take action, like creating a test drive, sending an email or SMS, etc.

Why we chose it:

If you're aiming to deliver excellent customer satisfaction in the automotive sector, Datacar CRM stands out as one of the best marketing and sales CRM platforms available.

A distinctive feature that you'll particularly appreciate is its DMS (Dealer Management System) integration. This feature streamlines your operations by seamlessly merging sales, service, and inventory data.

The integration ensures that your operations are smoother than ever before, allowing you to gain real-time insights and adopt a holistic approach to your customer interactions.

Furthermore, Datacar CRM includes a geo-marketing function that empowers dealers to launch precision-based marketing initiatives, drawing on geographical data to localize and customize outreach efforts effectively.

Pros: 

  • Complete marketing platform for lead capture

  • Sales process assistance functions to convert more leads

  • Suitable for managing distributed sales teams across multiple locations

  • Integrates with Datacar DMS

Cons: 

  • It might have different certification standards from the USA as a European software.

Pricing: 

You can visit Datacar CRM on the parent website of Motorsoft to request a quote.

Visit site
Go to Datacar CRM’s official website

 

8. AutoRaptor (Top automobile CRM software for lead management)

autoraptor
A detailed preview of AutoRaptor’s customer information dashboard where you can see all the deals with a certain customer, as well as a log of all interactions and actions with the customer

Why we chose it:

AutoRaptor specializes in independent and BHPH (buy here, pay here) auto dealerships but can also support franchise dealerships. This is a leading lead management CRM in the automobile industry.

What sets AutoRaptor apart is its highly praised lead management system. The software efficiently captures leads and provides you with an easy-to-navigate interface for tracking communications and follow-ups.

In addition to its lead management prowess, AutoRaptor offers a VIN scanning and decoding tool. This feature can be particularly time-saving, as it quickly populates vehicle information into the CRM.

This also helps in avoiding manual entry errors, ensuring accuracy in your dealership's data management.

Pros: 

  • Communicate with email and texting, and store all communication histories

  • Lead management and sales process automation tools

  • Mobile apps scan licenses and VIN data (vehicle ID numbers)

  • Daily work plans and task management for sales reps

Cons: 

  • No website builder or marketing campaign tools

Pricing:

Pricing for AutoRaptor starts at $299/mo. All plans include every feature the CRM offers.

Visit site
Go to AutoRaptor’s official website

 

9. Izmocars (Best mobile social media CRM for auto dealers)  

Why we chose it:

Izmocars helps create websites responsive to devices, making it the best CRM for automobile dealerships that use mobile social media.

Unique to Izmocars is its integration of add-on products such as izmoWeb. This feature provides you with professionally designed websites that are optimized for conversion, enhancing your online presence and effectiveness in attracting potential buyers.

Another standout feature you'll find beneficial is the interactive online showroom. This offers an immersive and engaging way for your customers to view vehicles, fostering a stronger connection between the buyer and your inventory.

Furthermore, Izmocars supports dealers with robust digital marketing tools that drive targeted traffic and potential leads.

Pros: 

  • Connects OEMs among thousands of dealers

  • Marketing strategies and social media management for dealerships

  • Customer experience management at every touchpoint in the sales funnel

  • Complete operational platform in English as well as Spanish

Cons: 

  • There are many products and packages, so it may not be easy to choose the right one for you.

  • Tools like inventory management do not seem to be part of the platform

Pricing: 

Izmocars does not display its prices on the website. To learn about prices and plans, contact them directly.

Visit site
Go to Izmocars’ official website

 

10. AutoXplorer (Best social media CRM for auto dealers)

autoxplorer
A screenshot showing AutoXplorer's inventory desk, where you can add, edit, and preview all the cars in your inventory

Why we chose it:

If you want solid inventory management, then AutoXplorer is a fine CRM. A distinctive attribute of AutoXplorer is its auto-populating VIN decoder, which simplifies vehicle data entry and ensures accuracy in inventory listings.

These tools are essential for effectively analyzing sales data and customer trends. They offer you valuable insights, enabling you to refine your sales strategies and boost your dealership's performance.

This aspect of the CRM is particularly beneficial in helping you understand and respond to market dynamics and customer preferences, ultimately aiding in your business growth.

AutoXplorer’s user-friendly interface and robust support system also ensure that dealership staff can maximize the CRM's utility with minimal training.

Pros: 

  • There are sales features, like outside financing or BHPH deals

  • It lets you create websites that are mobile-friendly and SEO-ready

  • Create car window stickers advertising information and prices

  • You can run credit checks 

Cons: 

  • The best features, like credit checks, only come with the more expensive packages

  • The interface has an unappealing aesthetic

Pricing:

There are three pricing plans for AutoXplorer: $79, $139, and $199 per month. If you are curious, there is a 30-day free trial.

Visit site
Go to AutoXplorer’s official website

 

11. Auto Dealer Plus (Good lead capture workflows for auto dealers)

Why we chose it:

Auto Dealer Plus is a good choice for car dealerships seeking a CRM that nurtures customer relationships and amplifies sales and inventory management.

A feature that stands out is Auto Dealer Plus’ real-time reporting. This provides you with up-to-the-minute data on sales trends, customer engagement, and inventory levels, allowing for swift and informed decision-making. This feature is especially useful in keeping your business agile and responsive to market changes.

The integrated desking tool also facilitates the structuring of deals directly within the CRM, enhancing the efficiency of the sales process. It also improves customer satisfaction by speeding up transaction times, a key factor in today's fast-paced market.

The platform’s customer-centric modules also support targeted marketing campaigns, fostering more personalized communications based on customer behavior and preferences.

Pros:

  • Lead capture directly from your website

  • The mobile app has a driver’s license scanner

  • Includes DMS, banking, and balance sheet management tools

  • Has electronic signatures for contract management

Cons: 

  • The look and feel of this platform leaves little to be desired by modern eyes.

Pricing: 

Auto Dealer Plus does not advertise prices. To get a quote, contact them through their website.

Visit site
Go to Auto Dealer Plus’ official website

 

12. Autosoft (Top auto dealer CRM with accounting tools) 

Why we chose it:

Autosoft is a solid CRM for the auto industry, offering excellent real-time inventory data management and some great CRM accounting tools for automobile dealers.

What makes Autosoft unique is its Inventory Management System, which aids in tracking vehicle status, managing costs, and streamlining your entire inventory process. It's a vital tool for maintaining efficiency and control over your dealership's inventory.

The software also boasts robust analytics capabilities, giving dealers clear insights into sales performance, customer interactions, and market trends. You can leverage these insights to tailor your sales strategies and improve customer engagement, ensuring your dealership remains competitive and responsive to market needs.

Moreover, Autosoft’s proactive customer service tools assist dealers in maintaining a solid relationship with their clientele by automating follow-ups and scheduling maintenance reminders.

Pros:

  • DMS for managing digital marketing and merchandising

  • Accounting tools linking OEMs, vendors, and customers

  • Sales pipeline management for dealerships

  • Very detailed analytics and reporting 

Cons: 

  • Not much in the way of marketing features

Pricing: 

For Autosoft’s exact plans and prices, contact them through their website.

Visit site
Go to Autosoft’s official website

 

13. Dealer Car Search (Good CRM with car dealer website templates)

Why we chose it:

Dealer Car Search helps you create great-looking dealer websites to advertise your showroom and has the best website templates.

A particular highlight is the software’s integrated lead management system, which efficiently captures and tracks leads from various sources, ensuring no potential sale slips through the cracks. It's a crucial feature to maximize your sales opportunities.

This system is complemented by Dealer Car Search’s innovative communication tools, which include text messaging capabilities and automated email follow-ups. These tools keep you connected with your customers throughout every step of the buying process.

This consistent communication is key to building strong relationships with your clients.

Additionally, CRM offers real-time reporting and analytics, giving dealers a granular view of their sales funnel and customer behavior trends, which is vital information for making data-driven decisions.

Pros: 

  • Integrated lead management tracks deals and measures the ROI of marketing

  • It gives you connections to many classified websites to integrate with your ads

  • Tools to create professional window stickers for cars on display

  • Inventory strategy tools help you shop for the best price, space, and turnover

Cons: 

  • Lots of tools spread out among many different products mean the whole package could be pricey

Pricing: 

Dealer Car Search does not display its prices on the website. However, you can contact them for a demo through the site and learn more about plans from their team.

Visit site
Go to Dealer Car Search’s official website.

 

14. Affinitiv XRM (Top CRM for boosting car sales opportunities)

Why we chose it:

Affinitiv XRM is a powerful, dedicated automotive dealer CRM system with excellent features for winning sales opportunities. Its strong emphasis on creating a seamless customer journey from initial contact to sale and beyond makes it a top pick.

A notable feature is its equity mining tool. This tool helps you identify current customers who could be in an excellent position to trade in their vehicles, thus generating new sales opportunities for your dealership.

Additionally, Affinitiv XRM provides advanced analytics. These analytics allow you, as a dealer, to track and predict consumer behavior. This enables you to tailor your marketing efforts more effectively and improve customer service, ensuring your dealership remains responsive and relevant to your customers' needs.

With its ability to integrate with service departments, offering service reminders and scheduling, Affinitiv XRM boosts sales and fosters loyalty and repeat business, a critical factor in the competitive auto industry.

Pros: 

  • Real-time showroom activity monitoring both the showroom's actual floor and online

  • Integrates with third-party lead generators to help boost sales prospects

  • Direct desk tools help with payment options and credit history checks

  • Call center features for sales and service departments

Cons: 

  • It has an authentic old-school look and feel

  • Dashboards are cluttered and can be confusing

Pricing: 

To request information about Affinitiv XRM’s plans and prices, visit their website and contact their sales department.

Visit site
Go to Affinitiv XRM’s official website

 

15. Reynolds & Reynolds (Good automotive CRM for sales forecasting)

Why we chose it:

Reynolds & Reynolds’ FOCUS CRM identifies customers most likely to buy, making it the best sales forecasting CRM for automobile dealerships.

Its platform is a prime choice for car dealerships due to its integrated approach, encompassing sales, service, and marketing strategies to create a cohesive customer experience.

A standout feature that you'll find particularly useful is the ‘Retail Anywhere’ approach, which facilitates a seamless transition from online to in-store customer interactions. This ensures that you provide a consistent and satisfying experience for your customers, regardless of how they choose to engage with your dealership.

Moreover, Reynolds & Reynolds offers a unique data-driven tool, the ‘Reynolds Retail Management System,’ which allows dealerships to harness extensive data analytics for personalized customer service and targeted marketing campaigns.

Pros: 

  • Leverages data to coach sales reps to help them close more deals

  • Pipeline features include real-time tracking and automated alerts

  • Inventory management helps plan more efficient turnovers

  • Employee management tools help keep the best sales reps on board

Cons: 

  • It is very robust software but requires lengthy onboarding and learning

  • Some may consider this to be a bit expensive

Pricing: 

For prices and plans, visit the Reynolds & Reynolds website, where you can contact them for more information.

Visit site
Go to Reynolds & Reynolds’ official website

 

16. Salesforce Automotive CRM (Best automobile CRM for small business)

Why we chose it:

Salesforce Automotive CRM stands out in the car dealership landscape for its exceptional customization and scalability, aligning with the dynamic needs of automotive sales.

Salesforce leverages artificial intelligence through Salesforce Einstein, providing dealerships with predictive analytics and automated workflows that can significantly enhance lead scoring and customer engagement strategies.

Additionally, the Salesforce ecosystem supports seamless integration with numerous third-party applications, facilitating an all-in-one solution covering every facet of dealership operations, from inventory management to post-sale service. 

Pros: 

  • Complete sales lifecycle management from lead capture to conversion

  • Great dashboard to showcase a virtual showroom and match buyers to cars

  • Multichannel communication and ad management, including mobile and social media

Cons: 

  • Salesforce has many products and packages, which can be overwhelming when first subscribing

Pricing: 

Salesforce offers many plans and pricing. The best way to learn more is to visit its website and contact its sales department.

Visit site
Go to Salesforce’s official website

 

17. DealerPeak (Top mobile CRM for auto dealers who use SMS)

Why we chose it:

DealerPeak specializes in great mobile CRM for auto dealerships, which gives car sales reps excellent SMS outreach capabilities. Its integrated communication platform supports SMS, email, and phone calls within the CRM, fostering seamless client interactions. 

The CRM offers a wide range of customizable options that cater specifically to car dealerships of all sizes, ensuring a personalized approach to customer relationship management.

One standout feature is DealerPeak’s Web-based Desking tool, which allows for real-time leasing, financing, and vehicle pricing updates, helping sales teams close deals more efficiently.

Pros: 

  • The dashboards are elegant and customizable

  • Has tools to design websites, capture leads, and do funnel management

  • Can help coordinate inventories across multiple showrooms and storage

  • It has three pricing packages, which are suitable for independent dealers looking to scale up

Cons: 

  • The basic plan is a bit lacking in some of the better marketing and sales tools

  • The best plans are a bit expensive for some more independent dealers

Pricing: 

Contact DealerPeak for pricing information.

Visit site
Go to DealerPeak’s official website

 

18. EASI’R (Good car dealer CRM to streamline the customer journey)

Why we chose it:

EASI’R is an excellent choice for car dealers looking for an automotive CRM due to its sophisticated lead and relationship management tools, which are tailored to the automotive sector. 

Lead-Engine, which uses intelligent algorithms to predict the best time to contact a lead, is a feature that will help you increase the chances of sales success.

Moreover, EASI’R provides an impressive relationship intelligence feature, which gathers insights into customer interactions, helping sales representatives personalize communication effectively.

EASI’R’s capability to streamline the sales cycle, from the initial point of contact to after-sales follow-up, integrates seamlessly with car dealers’ workflows, enhancing customer retention. 

Pros: 

  • Helps build OEM and dealer websites

  • It’s got a range of sophisticated marketing tools

  • Can do virtual appointments and vehicle demonstrations

  • Has a digital assistant to automate easy tasks away from human reps

Cons: 

  • It’s a European platform, so there may be some compliance issues

  • There are many plans and extra extensions which can add up to a high price tag

Pricing: 

Visit the EASI’R website to request a demo and find out about pricing.

Visit site
Go to EASI’R official website

 

19. DealerMine CRM (Great car sales rep CRM to increase profitability)

Why we chose it:

DealerMine CRM is a sales CRM with multichannel outreach and lead generation. It is among the best CRMs for car dealers looking to boost sales and profits.

A standout feature is its Service CRM, which offers a proactive approach to appointment scheduling and follow-ups. With ServiceCRM, you can significantly boost service lane traffic and, consequently, dealership revenue.

Moreover, DealerMine’s Business Development Center (BDC) solutions are tailored to support dealers in effectively managing customer relationships and leads.

Additionally, its integration with various dealership management systems (DMS) ensures that customer information is centralized and accessible, enhancing operational efficiency.

Pros: 

  • Sales predictors go through your database and make smart prospect suggestions

  • There are tools for service CRM that also make maintenance recommendations

  • You get standard automation features to take over repeat tasks

  • There are appointment scheduling and dispatching tools

Cons: 

  • The user experience can be a bit disorientating for a while at first

Pricing: 

DealerMine CRM does not display its prices on its homepage. However, you can contact them through its website to request more information.

Visit site
Go to DealerMine CRM’s official website.

 

20. Vital Software (Top car dealership management CRM for franchise operations)

Why we chose it:

For specialized CRM for automobile dealerships, which leverages lots of data, Vital Software is a leading set of CRM tools for dealership management, especially for franchise operations.

The ContactTracker provides dealerships with a detailed view of customer interactions across all touchpoints and enables personalized communication and follow-up strategies. This feature enhances customer satisfaction and retention by ensuring clients receive attention at critical moments in the sales cycle.

Furthermore, its integration capabilities allow for seamless connection with existing dealership tools and platforms, minimizing the friction in adopting new software. Vital Software also boasts robust reporting and analytics.

Pros: 

  • Has advanced corporate CRM options for OEMs

  • Offers special packages for whole dealer groups or dealer franchise operations

  • Strong focus on prospecting, lead management, and ROI boosting

  • It’s got sales, service, and car parts reporting and benchmarking

Cons: 

  • While they do not advertise prices, some users have commented that this platform is expensive.

Pricing: 

Visit Vital Software's website and contact them there to learn more about its plans and price structures.

Visit site
Go to Vital Software’s official website

 

21. Elead (Good CRM for automotive dealers for analytics and reporting)

Why we chose it:

Elead stands out as a particularly user-friendly CRM, ideal if you're looking for ease of use and quick onboarding in your car dealership. It also excels in providing excellent analytics and reporting for car dealerships.

Its robust lead management system is particularly notable; it efficiently captures and tracks leads from various sources, ensuring no potential sale slips through the cracks.

Elead is also celebrated for its strong integration with marketing tools. It allows you, as a dealership, to launch targeted campaigns directly from the platform with measurable ROI. This feature is key to effectively reaching your target audience and maximizing your marketing efforts.

Another key feature of Elead is the ease of inventory integration. This allows sales teams to match customer preferences with available stock in real-time, enhancing their chances of closing deals. 

Pros: 

  • Has business development center (BDC) tools to help dealers be online

  • There are standard inventory management features

  • It helps sync all your data among DMS and data providers

  • Lovely automated email marketing suite of tools and analytics

Cons: 

  • There are not any substantial drawbacks or objections to this one

Pricing: 

Elead does not provide pricing information. To learn more, visit their website and submit a request.

Visit site
Go to Elead’s official website

 

What is the best CRM auto sales software for me? Our conclusion

Who knew there were so many great auto CRMs for the auto industry? This list may seem long, but we know it will keep growing constantly. If you work at an auto dealership and still don’t use a CRM, we hope you found one here worth a test drive.

It’s been a lot of hard work to pick apart so many vendors, and we know we’re not the only ones to do so. Type “best automobile CRM” on Google, and the results explode. Still, we’re proud of our rundown here and think we’ve got the best advice for buying CRM for car dealers.

What’s essential to take away is this: On one hand, a car dealership is like any other business. CRMs help market your goods, find new leads, and increase car sales.

But cars are unique. They are a long-term investment. They are both utility and luxury, status and convenience. When a customer shops for a vehicle, they make a huge decision that will be a part of their lives for many years. 

That’s why customer experience is so important. Customer relationship management is how you deliver the best CX. Auto sales CRM software for the automotive industry will help you make more sales and increase customer lifetime value through satisfaction and loyalty. 

If you haven’t tried a CRM before and these options seem a bit pricy, then make sure to check out open-source CRM and free CRM options, as they are an excellent starting point!

Automotive CRM FAQs

What is CRM in Automotive Industry?

In the automotive industry, CRM includes strategies and tools to manage interactions with customers, streamline sales processes, and boost overall customer satisfaction. To be more specific, it helps dealerships and manufacturers organize and track customer data, manage leads, and optimize communication for effective sales and after-sales services.

Using CRM in the automotive industry can help dealerships and manufacturers build long-term relationships with customers, enhance the buying experience, and encourage loyalty through more personalized interactions and better management of the customer lifecycle.

What CRM Do Dealerships Use?

Typically, dealerships use common CRMs like VinSolutions, CDK Global, DealerSocket, ProMax, or HubSpot for Automotive, among other solutions. These platforms streamline lead management, customer communication, and overall dealership operations. To pick the right one, consider your specific dealership needs and integration requirements.

Is VinSolutions a CRM?

Yes, VinSolutions is indeed a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system designed specifically for the automotive industry. It provides tools and features to help dealerships manage customer interactions, streamline sales processes, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

VinSolutions offers a comprehensive set of features, including lead management, communication tools, and marketing automation, tailored to the unique needs of automotive dealerships.

Is CDK a CRM?

Yes, CDK Global offers CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions specifically designed for the automotive industry. These CRM solutions help automotive dealerships manage customer interactions, leads, and various aspects of sales and service processes. Moreover, they’re integrated into broader dealership management systems to provide a comprehensive solution for automotive retailers.

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