What is the role and future direction of Automotive CRM systems in car dealerships?

This questions will be answered by a panel of automotive professionals at the 2nd Annual Automotive Marketing Boot Camp. The CRM Panel Discussion is scheduled for 8:00 am Sunday morning April 17, 2011.

The panel discussion will also be live broadcast for any Dealer Elite members who can't attend the Boot Camp this year.  Details on the live broadcast will be posted on the Boot Camp website closer to the date.

Automotive CRM Systems

As CRM systems have evolved there has been a growing divide in opinion on how to best utilize these systems in existing dealer processes. Dealers have significant investments in CRM systems yet for most dealerships, these systems are under utilized or improperly configured to achieve maximum benefit.

The CRM Panel Discussion will not be focusing on specific CRM vendor products but sharing opinions on how this technology needs to be utilized at the dealership.

The CRM panel will include:

• Gary May - CEO of Interactive Marketing and Consulting Services
• Alex Snyder - Director of Product Research at Dealer.com
• Jeff Kershner - Founder DealerRefresh.com
• Keith Shetterly - Independent Consultant
• Erin Touponse - Director of Communications for the Harte Auto Group
• Jerry Thibeau - CEO of Phone Ninjas

Additional details on the CRM Panel will be forthcoming and additional guests may be added.  If you are interested in particpating in the CRM Panel discussion, send me an email.

I would also ask Dealer Elite members to share their views on the role of CRM in the dealership and where it should be heading on this forum.  It will help me create a guide for the panel discussion so your assistance is greatly appreciated.