Dealer Services

Challenge The morning after his business had been burglarized and he discovered that his ADP server was missing, the owner of the Bjorn Canning's Eftf ApS auto dealership called ADP Dealer Services in Denmark for help. Without a server to operate ADP's AD2000 software, the car dealer was unable to register sales, access inventory or effectively manage the administrative and financial aspects of his business.

Solution ADP technical consultant, Kasper Schultz, immediately got on the road to make the long drive to Copenhagen from his office in central Denmark. Despite icy roads and bridges closed by deteriorating weather conditions, Kasper was able to reach the Danish capital the following morning. He installed the server, ensured the system was in good working order, and the dealership was able to resume normal operations that very same day.

ADP Dealer Services is the world's largest provider of computing, data and professional services to auto and truck dealers and manufacturers. Over 18,000 dealers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America use ADP's on-site systems and communications networks to manage virtually every area of operations.

"The measure of a company's commitment is when they stand by it under the most difficult conditions. ADP did that and we know from experience we can count on them."

In '97, Dealer Services revenue increased 17% and client retention rates remained very strong--over 95% in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico and Taiwan.

This year, we began to segment our client base by size and complexity. Our objective is to better align product and service offerings to dealerships according to their needs.

We entered into an agreement with Credit Management Solutions, Inc. (CMSI), permitting us to market their Credit Connection product. This real-time, on-line credit processing system expeditiously links dealers to lending institutions and accelerates decisions on consumer auto loans. A process that had once taken hours now only takes minutes.

We introduced ADP Management Advisor, a graphical user interfaced, on-line analytical application that enables dealers to control their expenses and maximize profits. In addition, we unveiled our new high-power systems platform, Millennia3, which includes flexible, cost-effective, and scalable enterprise-wide system solutions.

ADP Dealer Services also is the leading service provider to the emerging retail auto "super-store" market. We help these very large dealers design and implement enterprise-wide information and technology strategies, including state-of-the-art retailing systems, which enable customers to very easily select and even purchase a vehicle at touch-screen kiosks.

Tony Solano (right), ADP Major Account Executive, discusses the new Millennia3 Systems Series at Maroone Plaza in Ft. Lauderdale, FL with Michael E. Maroone (center right), President, New Vehicle Division, Republic Industries, Inc., H. Scott Barrett (left), Senior Vice President, Information Technology, Republic Industries, Inc., and Don Reese (center left), Vice President, Corporate Controller, Republic Industries, Inc. ADP Dealer Services is working with innovators such as Republic Industries, Inc., which is the fastest growing automotive organization in the United States with involvement in new car retailing, used car super stores and the rental car industry.

Both manufacturers and dealers are placing greater emphasis on effective contact with consumers. ADP is well positioned to assist. ADP AutoConnect already has 4,500 web sites which connect consumers and dealers on the Internet. Our Relationship Marketing System uses laptops and work-stations to aid the customer handling process. In addition, the recently acquired Picture Perfect Promotions, Inc. offers our clients on-demand, direct mail marketing capabilities.

Above: Kasper Lydom Schultz, Technical Consultant for ADP Dealer Services Denmark discusses ADP's commitment to providing world class service to ADP clients in Denmark and around the world with Asbjorn Jensen, Owner, Bjorn Cannings Etft. ApS.

As auto and truck manufacturers become more proactive in creating brand awareness, ADP Dealer Services, through the Professional Services of our Sandy Group, helps dealers and manufacturers promote brand identity. This year, Sandy began a multi-year marketing program for one large manufacturer, which conveys highly individualized, tailored one-on-one monthly mailings to all vehicle owners of that manufacturer's brand.

ADP serves over 9,000 European dealers. In '97, we expanded to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Finland, and now have operations in every major European country. As part of our global strategy, we made two significant acquisitions: Istel Nordic (operating as JDC) in Denmark and Germany, and Sicit MT&T S.p.A., Italy's largest dealer system provider.

Today, over 40% of ADP Dealer Services clients are outside the North American market. We are clearly Europe's leading dealer services provider.