22 Best Automobile CRM (2022) Reviews & Pricing
From leasing that new family van, to hunting down those rare vintage sports cars, the automobile dealer industry covers a lot of businesses. Like any business in the digital age, customer relationship management platforms are necessary tools.
Finding the best CRM Software for dealership management is no easy task. There is a lot to consider. And unlike other business SaaS, Automobile CRM can be expensive and time-consuming to set up. In other words, it’s an investment. This article aims to help you make the right decision when choosing automotive CRM.
Digital Car Shopping
People shopping for cars today are most likely to 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.
There are so many more great tools in the automotive CRM kit. This article will describe the tools and features and go over the advantages of dealership CRM. Then we’ll compare some of the best automobile CRM platforms. These include big award-winning vendors to more niche solutions.
Benefits of Automobile CRM Software
The benefits of CRM for the automobile industry are similar to other industries. It allows dealerships to market their showroom and capture new leads. It helps car sales reps nurture those leads down the lifecycle of the funnel. Automobile CRM can also help with customer service.
Some features are specific to the 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. It connects manufacturers to third party dealers. Other dealer management system (DMS) tools include credit checks, document management and paper doc scanners.
Dealerships should use a dedicated CRM. No matter if they are an official dealer of a car brand, or a used car dealership. Car selling, maybe more than other commodities, rely on 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. That begins with personalization. CRMs give dealers customer information. This includes purchase histories and other engagements. It lets dealers send customers personalized marketing content. It also helps with follow-ups after a purchase to make sure the customer is satisfied.
Get Accurate & 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 useful 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 in the funnel people drop out and change their minds. Pinpointing these areas can let dealers focus their efforts in the right places to miss fewer deals going forward.
Collect Client's Feedback
Automobile dealers rely a lot on customer loyalty. It’s important to make sure customers are satisfied after their dealer experience. Automobile CRMs have many tools to help with this. These can include survey tools. Some surveys can be anonymous as well. This reveals wider 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 which can take over these dull tasks. Automations should be easy to set up and run. This allows reps to focus on engaging with customers. Some automated tasks include notifications, reminders and follow-ups.
Key Features of Automobile CRM Software
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. You also need 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 useful data. Then there’s more data generated on dealer websites. CRM for automotive captures that data for analytics. It lets you create custom reports that can be updated in real time. These reports include sales reports and inventory reports. It can also show analytics tying your marketing strategies to ROI.
Mobile App
Having mobile apps is a key 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 have a good understanding of their leads and customers. Profiles have important info like emails and addresses. The best CRMs auto update profiles when contacts change their online information. They 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. It unifies this data with other comms channels. It also lets you collaborate on emails. There’s also email marketing. This is useful for agencies running email campaigns for the automobile industry.
Best Automobile CRM Software
Liveperson Automotive
Benefits
Messaging platform for dealerships for customer outreach
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
Drawbacks
This platform can be a bit hard to learn for non tech people
It is a communication tool, so not ideal for marketing campaigns
Pricing
Liveperson Automotive has separate packages for sales and services. For exact plans and pricings, contact them through their website.
https://www.livepersonautomotive.com/
DealerSocket
Benefits
Great dedicated CRM system for the automotive dealership industry
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
Drawbacks
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 their website. Contact its sales team for more information.
https://www.dealersocket.com/
Dominion Dealer Solutions
Benefits
Very secure document management system (DMS) for automotive dealers
Marketing campaign platform with AI data science technology
Car dealership inventory management
Auto dealership lot management including photography and video tours
Smart listing tools to help stay visible on Craigslist
Drawbacks
Not much to help with customer support
Could be more user friendly
Pricing
Dominion Dealer Solutions starts at $99, $199, or $349 per month. There are also additional set up fees.
https://www.drivedominion.com/
Selly Automotive
Benefits
Specialized dealership CRM for independent auto dealerships
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 texting management
Drawbacks
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.
https://www.sellyautomotive.com/
ProMax
Benefits
All-in-one automotive CRM software for dealerships and sales reps
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
Drawbacks
The look and feel of this platform is a bit outdated
Lots of tools so there is a long learning curve
Pricing
Like most specialty CRM software solutions for the automotive industry, you’ll have to contact ProMax directly for a quote.
https://www.promaxunlimited.com/
VinSolutions
Benefits
Total customer management and dealership automobile sales platform
Multichannel communication including great mobile apps
Sales funnel analytics and reporting
Marketing campaign tools
Full DMS, desking, vehicle valuation and inventory management
Drawbacks
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.
https://www.vinsolutions.com/
Datacar CRM
Benefits
Focuses on helping deliver great customer satisfaction
Full marketing platform for lead capture
Sales process assistance functions to convert more leads
Good for managing distributed sales teams across multiple locations
Integrates with Datacar DMS
Drawbacks
As a European software it might have different certification standards from the USA
Pricing
You can visit Datacar CRM on the parent website of Motorsoft to request a quote.
http://www.motorsoft.eu/datacar-crm.html
AutoRaptor
Benefits
Specializes in independent and BHPH (buy here, pay here) auto dealerships
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
Drawbacks
Limited to BHPH types of dealerships and not as useful for bigger operations
No website builder or marketing campaign tools
Pricing
As usual, you’ll have to go visit AutoRaptor’s website to contact them about plans and prices.
https://www.autoraptor.com/
Izmocars
Benefits
Helps create websites which are responsive to devices
Connects OEMs among thousands of dealers
Marketing strategies and social media management for dealerships
Customer experience management at every touchpoint in the sales funnel
Full operational platform in English as well as Spanish
Drawbacks
Lots of products and packages, so perhaps difficult to pick the one right 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.
https://www.izmocars.com/
AutoXplorer
Benefits
You get solid inventory management
There are sales features, like for outside financing or BHPH deals
Lets you create websites that are mobile friendly and SEO ready
Create car window stickers advertising information and prices
You can run credit checks
Drawbacks
The best features, like credit checks, only come with the more expensive packages
The interface has an unappealing aesthetic
Pricing
There are 3 pricing plans for AutoXplorer. They start at $79, $139 and $199 per month. If you are curious there is a 30-day free trial for AutoXplorer.
https://autoxplorer.com/
Auto Dealer Plus
Benefits
CRM does appointments, text and email reminders
Lead capture directly from your website
Mobile app has a driver’s license scanner
Includes DMS, banking and balance sheet management tools
Has electronic signatures for contract management
Drawbacks
The look and feel of this platform leaves little to be desired to modern eyes
Pricing
Auto Dealer plus does not advertise prices. To get a quote, contact them through their website.
https://www.asnsoftware.com/home/AutoDealerPlus.aspx
Autosoft
Benefits
Real time inventory data management
DMS for managing digital marketing and merchandising
Accounting tools linking OEMs, vendors and customers
Sales pipeline management for dealerships
Very detailed analytics and reporting
Drawbacks
Not much in the way of marketing features
Pricing
For Autosoft’s exact plans and pricings, contact them through their website.
https://autosoftdms.com/
Dealer Car Search
Benefits
Helps you create great looking dealer websites to advertise your showroom
Integrated lead management tracks deals and measures the ROI of marketing
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 best price, space and turnover
Drawbacks
Lots of tools spread out among many different products mean the whole package could be pricey
Pricing
Dealer Car Search does not show off its prices on the website. You can contact them for a demo through their site and find out more about plans from their team.
https://www.dealercarsearch.com/
Affinitiv XRM
Benefits
This is a powerful dedicated CRM system for automotive dealers
Real-time showroom activity monitoring for both on the real floor or 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
Drawbacks
Has a real old school look and feel
Dashboards are cluttered and can be confusing
Pricing
To request information about XRM’s plans and prices, visit their website and contact their sales department.
https://www.affinitiv.com/sales/xrm/
Reynolds & Reynolds
Benefits
Their FOCUS CRM identifies customers most likely to buy
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
Drawbacks
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.
https://www.reyrey.com/
Salesforce Automotive CRM
Benefits
Salesforce is an award-winning CRM with an automotive CRM solution
Full 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
Drawbacks
Salesforce has many products and packages which can be overwhelming when first subscribing
Pricing
There are many plans and pricings with Salesforce. The best way to find out more is to go to their website and contact their sales department.
https://www.salesforce.com/ca/solutions/industries/automotive/overview/
DealerPeak
Benefits
Specializing in great mobile CRM for auto dealerships
Has three pricing packages which are good for independent dealers looking to scale up
The dashboards are very neat and also customizable
Has tools to design websites, capture leads and do funnel management
Can help coordinate inventories across multiple showrooms and storage
Drawbacks
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
DealerPeak has 3 plans. The CarDog plan starts at $100 per month per rooftop. DealerPeak Plus starts at $500 per rooftop per month. DealerPeak Classic starts at $700 per rooftop per month.
EASI’R
Benefits
Works well across desktop versions, mobile and within Microsoft Outlook
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
Drawbacks
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
EASI’R has 4 price plans and they are priced in Euros. They are €109, €139, €199, €289 per dealer outlet per month for limited numbers of users.
DealerMine CRM
Benefits
Sales CRM has multichannel outreach and lead generation
Sales predictors go through your database and make smart prospect suggestions
There are tools for service CRM which also does maintenance recommendations
You get standard automation features to take over repeat tasks
There are appointment scheduling and dispatching tools
Drawbacks
The user experience can be a bit disorientating for a while at first
Pricing
DealerMine CRM does not display its prices on its homepage. You can contact them through their website to request more information.
Vital Software
Benefits
Specialized CRM for automobile dealerships which leverages lots of data
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
Drawbacks
While they do not advertise prices, some users have commented that this is an expensive platform
Pricing
To find out more about Vital Software, its plans and price structures, go visit their website and contact them there.
https://www.vitalsoftware.com.au/
Elead
Benefits
Very good for ease of use and quick onboarding
Has business development center (BDC) tools to help dealers be online
There are standard inventory management features
Helps sync all your data among DMS and data providers
Nice automated email marketing suite of tools and analytics
Drawbacks
Not really any strong drawbacks or objections to this one
Pricing
Elead does not provide pricing information. If you are interested in knowing more, visit their website where you can submit a request.
Conclusion
Who knew there were so many great CRMs for the auto industry. This list may seem long but we’re sure it will keep growing all the time. 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. Just type in “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 important to take away is this: On one hand a car dealership is like any other business. CRMs help you market your goods, find new leads and get more car sales.
But cars are special. They are a long-term investment. They are both utility and luxury; status and convenience. When a customer shops for a car, they are making a huge decision that will be a part of their lives for a number of years.
That’s why customer experience is so important. And customer relationship management is how you deliver the best CX. CRM software for the automotive industry will not only help you make more sales, but will increase the customer lifetime value through satisfaction and loyalty.