If you’ve ever had the pleasure of hunching over a computer screen to configure a vehicle, research incentives, or browse accessories at a dealership, you’ll probably welcome the arrival of a new tablet application for GM dealership employees that provides just that kind of information, and more, is available.
Called GM Dealer SalesAssistant, the Apple iPad and Google Android tablet application provides specific model details, offers model-specific incentives, access to the dealership’s own inventory and that of surrounding dealers, as well as information about popular vehicle accessories.
Launched in January of 2013, GM Dealer SalesAssistant marks the further digitization of the automotive sales process, allowing dealership personnel to provide all of the relevant information while standing shoulder-to-shoulder to the customer on the showroom floor in front a particular model — an experience that varies greatly from the traditional approach of sitting across the desk from the customer while staring at a computer screen.
According to General Motors Vice President of U.S. Sales Operations Kurt McNeil, the app takes the complexity out of the sales process. As of mid-February, the app has been download 3,800 times, and can be accessed on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Comments
I just fell out of my chair, GM has to build an app to help its sales people sell a car… Ok I get that in maybe the truck models there are all kinds of setups, suspension packages ect… But seriously… My experience with GM sales staff has often been they no little to nothing about the cars they sell… Claiming an engine option for a car when that engine is only offered in another vehicle… Well good maybe next time I tell the sales person I want a vehicle with specific specs he wont argue with me, s/he will break out an IPad and give me the facts… Or maybe they should just flat out know the product, good grief… Help us all…
I’ve had this app on my iPad since the day it was released. It’s very handy for checking my inventory, looking up pricing, figuring trailer and payload ratings, determining incentives etc. and I’m sure it will continue to evolve.
To yaba: Every dealership and brand has some good and qualified salespeople and some idiot salespeople.
Amen to that. I’m a salesperson at a Chevy dealer and know my product quite well. Nothing like a blanket statement made out of ignorance.
I like it as an retiree, I can see what dealer has what model at my cost, thanks GM
Its going to take much more than an App to change many people’s perceptions about Car Dealerships and their salesmen.
Its been a while since I stepped into a dealership to buy a car. Mostly I’m there to talk with employees about their financial needs and mortgages!
The app isn’t going to change perceptions or salespeople. It’s simply a tool for salespeople.
sounds like a perfect tool for both buyer an seller…love it; I’ll try it soon at the Cadiilac dealer for my ATS search
You have to have a GM password to connect to the dealership info.
JP, “Blanket statement made out of ignorance” Just sharring my experiences at the dealership… Nothing ignorant about that and calling out bad sales staff…
This technology is needed more in the service dept. than on the sales floor. If you are trying to walk a customer around or through a vehicle, concentrating on an app or device is going to take away from reading the customer’s non-verbal indicators. Take down information FROM a customer INTO an app on a device regarding a vehicle’s problems – while accessing the VIN-specific vehicle info? Now THAT is genius. Sales people need to talk to/with customers and watch and listen, not tap on a display. More often than not, in the U.S., the customer will buy off the lot so the dealer and customer will be sitting in the car. The ability to access inventory remotely – that might be useful, yes. But selling takes watching and listening.
Hey Alex…Available in Canada? I tried to find the app, no luck.
@Steve don’t think so… at least I haven’t heard of any availability outside of the U.S.
I can agree with both arguments on this page, there are some folks selling from whom I would not buy but in general, sales people do want to do the right thing. The App is another modern appendage which some customers find reassuring. They feel the salesperson has his/her finger on the pulse – so to speak. Don’t lose faith in us all. The dealership image has changed enormously over the last decade, take a fresh look.
Hello Craig,
Great information and I would be very interested in speaking with you more about the success you have had with regard to how, this app has helped you increase your sales and improve upon the overall customer sales experience.