FordDirect Announces New Texting Service to Ease the Shopping Process for Consumers

Service has generated a 14% lead conversion rate by integrating mobile elements into all print, television advertising

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Sep 07, 2011, 10:07 ET

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FordDirect announced a mobile service that enables shoppers to receive prompt, targeted information about Ford vehicles by simply sending a text message from their mobile device. Powered by mobile marketing and advertising company Hipcricket, an Augme Technologies, Inc. company (OTCBB: AUGT), the service utilizes unique and innovative processes that integrate Ford brand print and television advertising to deliver information specific to the vehicles of interest to the customer.

For example, customers watching a Ford Fusion television commercial can text "Fusion" to a short code to receive local offers. Customers are then prompted to text their zip code and applicable incentives are sent to the customer. Customers are then given the option to text their name if they would like to be contacted by their local dealer. Customers who submit names are sent to the local dealer for follow up.

"With consumers increasingly turning to their smart phones during their shopping process, it is becoming crucial for automakers and dealers to interact with auto customers through this medium," said Valerie Fuller, Chief Operating Officer at FordDirect. "Our mobile service enables customers to engage with us immediately while their questions are top of mind. The service also delivers additional customer referrals to Ford dealerships, enabling them to quickly reach out to the customer regarding the specific vehicle they are interested in."

FordDirect's Mobile Marketing Texting Service has generated a 14% lead conversion rate.

"FordDirect had the vision to see how important mobile will be to their marketing efforts, and we were enthusiastic about helping them with such a unique deployment," said Doug Stovall, senior vice president of sales and client service at Hipcricket. "We look forward to working with FordDirect in its ongoing mobile program and continuing the strong results we've seen so far."

About FordDirect

FordDirect (http://forddirect.com/dealercenter) is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchised dealers to create a comprehensive Web presence for dealers and provide digital marketing services that help dealers sell more cars and trucks. Sales from FordDirect Internet referrals represent nearly 20 percent of Ford Motor Co. retail sales. FordDirect provides dealers new and pre-owned marketing services, call tracking, lead management solutions, dealer Websites, search optimization and marketing, database marketing, marketing services for regional dealer advertising groups and other marketing services. FordDirect is headquartered in Dearborn, Mich.

About Hipcricket Inc.

Hipcricket, owned by Augme Technologies, Inc. Inc. (OTC.BB: AUGT - News), is the one-stop mobile marketing and advertising company that empowers brands, agencies and media properties to engage customers, drive loyalty and increase sales. Hipcricket's customers connect with consumers across every mobile channel, including SMS, 2D/QR codes, mobile websites, advertising networks, social media and branded apps. Hipcricket's proven technology, strategic and marketing services and experienced account management teams have provided measurable successes across an industry-leading 130,000 campaigns for such clients as Macy's, MillerCoors, Nestle, KFC, and Clear Channel. The company has also created the first comprehensive permission-based mobile ad network that taps into the buying power of the mass market with industry-leading capabilities to target customers via location and highly-specific demographic information across SMS, display, rich media and video.

Hipcricket is based in Seattle, Washington, with operations in New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. For more mobile marketing and mobile advertising information, please visit www.hipcricket.com.

SOURCE FordDirect