Program Pilots High-Tech Tools for Chevrolet Salespeople

iPhone, iPod touch and iPad app makes sales tools portable

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Jul 29, 2010, 03:13 ET

RALEIGH, N.C., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet is the first automaker to pilot a sales app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad which allows salespeople to help customers research trim levels, options and financing and search vehicles in dealer inventory. A nationwide rollout to Chevrolet dealers is expected this fall.

The Chevrolet Dealer app features the entire line of Chevrolet cars, trucks and crossovers. It allows a salesperson to work with a customer to pick interior and exterior colors, search for a matching vehicle in the dealership's inventory and look up offers that can be applied to the purchase or lease.

"Chevrolet Dealer allows us to spend less time behind our desks and more time on the showroom floor with our customers," said Joel Smith, retail operations manager at Hendrick Chevrolet in Cary, N.C., where the pilot began July 9. "Our customers have been wowed when we are able to show them video and help them choose options, all on the iPhone."

The app also allows salespeople to submit and retrieve quotes so they can help customers find and buy the vehicle they want anywhere in the showroom, on the sales lot, or even when they aren't in the dealership.

"We continue to look for smart ways to use technology to help our salespeople sell vehicles," said Alan Batey, vice president, Chevrolet U.S. Sales. "With more and more salespeople and customers using mobile technologies, this makes sense as our next step."

Chevrolet recently announced the Chevrolet Showroom shopping app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, which allows users to research and locate the car, truck or crossover they desire. Once a vehicle has been located, users can save it to their device and share it with friends and family via e-mail or Facebook.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer up to 40 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors