New Account Sales Executive - Vehicle Inventory Solutions

Middlekauff Ford boosts revenue and customer trust with CDK suite. Discover how Middlekauff Ford transformed its operations with the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, leading to streamlined workflows and increased revenue, signaling a new era in automotive retail. Key facts. * CDK's integration with Ford boosted Middlekauff's revenue by $8K via Additional Service Recommendations. * Enhanced communication through SMS and video improved customer satisfaction and engagement metrics. * Transition from outdated methods to digital tools signifies a competitive edge in service efficiency. * 14 unique Ford features in the suite create a comprehensive solution, enhancing market positioning. * Increased transparency in service processes fosters customer trust, a vital asset in dealership loyalty. Summary. Middlekauff Ford, a dealership in Twin Falls, Idaho, faced challenges with outdated workflows and communication methods. By implementing the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, they transformed their operations, leading to an increase in revenue of approximately $8,000 from Additional Service Recommendations (ASRs). The integration of modern technology improved customer communication and overall efficiency. Background. Middlekauff Ford operates in the automotive dealership industry, specifically focusing on vehicle sales and service. Prior to the deployment of the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, their service department relied heavily on outdated, pen-and-paper processes, which hindered efficiency and customer engagement. Challenge. The primary challenge was the inefficiency of their service operations, which were described as being "stuck in the Stone Age." The team struggled with outdated communication methods and lacked effective integration of their tools, which limited their ability to optimize revenue opportunities and improve technician satisfaction. Solution. Middlekauff Ford implemented the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, which includes 14 unique Ford features designed to enhance service operations. The suite integrates a video and communication platform that utilizes AI to improve customer engagement and streamline communication. This integration allowed for quicker and more effective communication with customers through SMS text messages, as well as video inspections that provided transparency regarding vehicle issues. Results. The implementation of the CDK Fixed Operations Suite resulted in an increase in revenue of approximately $8,000 from ASR approvals. The dealership also experienced improved customer satisfaction, as evidenced by positive feedback regarding the video inspection feature, which provided customers with a clear view of their vehicle's condition. Key insights. Businesses looking to modernize their operations should consider the importance of integrating technology that enhances communication and efficiency. The use of AI-driven tools can significantly improve customer engagement and lead to increased revenue. Additionally, transparency in service processes can foster better customer relationships. Customer testimonial. "Our Service department was stuck in the Stone Age... I would say the biggest win is just a better process, better streamlining, better communication with our customers in a more timely manner." - Cody Cole, Service Manager, Middlekauff Ford Entities mentioned. Middlekauff Ford Dealertrack CDK Fixed Operations Suite Technologies Consumer Portal video messaging Key concepts. modernized workflows optimized integration increased revenue customer communication video inspections service efficiency technician satisfaction customer rapport Definitions. * Fixed Operations Suite - A comprehensive service solution designed to enhance dealership operations and customer experiences. * ASR - Additional Service Recommendations, which are suggestions for additional services that can be performed on a vehicle to increase revenue. * Consumer Portal - A digital platform that allows customers to communicate with the service department and receive updates via SMS. * video messaging - A communication method that uses video to convey information to customers, enhancing engagement and clarity. * CSI - Customer Satisfaction Index, a measure of customer satisfaction with service experiences. Use cases. * | transforming pen-and-paper operations into digital workflows * | increasing revenue through ASR approvals * | enhancing customer communication via SMS and video * | improving technician satisfaction and efficiency * | streamlining service processes * | building customer rapport through transparency Frequently asked questions. How has the CDK Fixed Operations Suite improved operations at Middlekauff Ford? The suite has transformed Middlekauff Ford from a sluggish operation to a modern, efficient business by integrating advanced technology into their workflows. What are the financial benefits observed from using the Fixed Operations Suite? Middlekauff Ford reported an increase in revenue of $7,000 to $8,000 from Additional Service Recommendations alone, showcasing the suite's financial impact. How does the Consumer Portal enhance customer communication? The Consumer Portal allows for seamless communication through SMS, making it easier for customers to receive updates and engage with the service department. What role does AI play in the Fixed Operations Suite? AI is utilized within the suite to enhance customer engagement and improve the effectiveness of Additional Service Recommendations. What feedback have customers provided about the video inspections? Customers have expressed positive feedback, noting that video inspections provide a transparent view of their vehicle's condition, which enhances trust and satisfaction.

Spyne announces CDK integration through The Fortellis Marketplace with Vini AI. Sep 03, 2026, 10:00 ET SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Spyne, an AI-powered retail technology company for the automotive industry, today announced its integration with CDK to publish on The Fortellis Marketplace. This integration offers dealers, developers, and OEMs the ability to quickly create new solutions designed to streamline dealer operations. "Our goal at Spyne is to make AI genuinely useful for automotive dealerships. Our integration with CDK and availability through Fortellis brings Vini closer to the day-to-day workflows of dealerships, helping sales and service teams engage customers faster, more consistently, and at scale. We're excited to see the impact this can have across the U.S. automotive market," said Sanjay Varnwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Spyne. Spyne's Vini AI is designed to support inbound and outbound customer engagements across dealership sales and service operations. It helps dealerships respond to customer inquiries, manage follow-ups, and handle customer communication at scale. Through the CDK integration, Vini can connect with workflows and systems dealerships already use, helping teams improve response times, automate repetitive customer communication, and focus more of their time on high-value customer interactions. The Fortellis Marketplace is an online automotive commerce exchange that enables a true exchange of information and data in an open, secure and accessible global network. The CDK platform enables Spyne to provide dealers with access to an AI-powered sales and service engagement tool through Vini, which helps dealerships manage inbound and outbound customer interactions, improve responsiveness and support larger volumes of customer communication within their existing technology environment. About Spyne Spyne is an AI-native automotive retail technology company founded by Sanjay Varnwal and Deepti Prasad. Spyne empowers automotive dealers with end-to-end digital solutions that eliminate inefficiencies, unlock more opportunities from their CRM, and accelerate vehicle sales. Today, Spyne supports over 3,000 dealerships worldwide in building AI-powered digital storefronts with premium merchandising and conversational agents that drive appointments through seamless lead handling and customer engagement. Serving dealerships and OEMs across the United States, Europe, EMEA, and APAC, Spyne is shaping the future of automotive retail with cutting-edge AI solutions. The company has raised over $25 million in funding from investors, including Vertex Ventures SEA and India, Accel, Storm Ventures, and Alteria Capital. About Fortellis Fortellis is a technology platform by CDK that enables the automotive industry to leverage, build, innovate and integrate solutions and workflows to transform business. The Fortellis platform - with its Developer Network and Marketplace - connects software developers, OEMs and dealers so they can create new and unique experiences efficiently and seamlessly. Visit www.fortellis.io to learn more. SOURCE Spyne