EurotaxGlass’s launches Glassnet to boost dealer profitability

EurotaxGlass’s, publisher of industry ‘bible’ Glass’s Guide to Car Values, has launched GlassNet, a new web portal for car dealers that helps improve profitability by reducing the administration and cost associated with buying and selling used cars.

GlassNet brings together and simplifies many of the key systems, processes and data sources within the dealership, and allows portal ‘members’ to manage them through a single, easy-to-use web interface. The portal can be viewed now, at glass-net.co.uk/launch.

GlassNet can be used to advertise stock on leading used car websites, accurately produce valuations, and buy and sell vehicles with other GlassNet community members. Additionally, members can create bespoke point-of-sale marketing material, access used car pricing data to maximise profitability, complete vehicle provenance checks, and receive updates on the latest market trends from the Glass’s Guide editorial team.

The first GlassNet module to be launched is GlassNet Advertising (available now), which allows the dealer to create accurate, content-rich used car listings and then broadcast them to the widest possible online audience, all with the minimum of effort and cost. The portal can broadcast advertisements to the UK’s most popular used car websites, including Auto Trader, eBay Motors, Exchange & Mart, Fish4Cars, What Car?, Autocar and the Daily Telegraph’s Motoring site.

Creating an advertisement in GlassNet Advertising could not be easier. The dealer simply enters the vehicle registration number, and the system then accesses DVLA records to identify the make, model, derivative, number of doors, transmission type and engine size, as well as standard-fit specification. Drawing on manufacturer-supplied data, the portal also provides the user with tick boxes to highlight where cost options are fitted.

Additional supporting information can be entered in the form of free text, and up to five images can be attached for each vehicle, together with a retail price. Once an entry has been generated, it can be sent to any or all of the websites associated with GlassNet Advertising without the need to re-key vehicle details. A full stock list and individual sales sheets for each vehicle can be printed for use in the showroom.

Also available from launch is GlassNet Editorial, where the team responsible for the valuations that go into Glass’s Guide outline their thoughts on the latest new and used car trends affecting the UK’s motor trade.

“Before developing GlassNet we completed an extensive consultation process with dealers to identify their current and anticipated needs,” comments Tim Brown, Commercial Manager at EurotaxGlass’s. “This has allowed us to create a portal that will transform the way dealers do business, streamlining key processes through a single online system. It will improve business efficiency, build a dealer community and provide users with a sustainable competitive advantage.”

Following the launch of GlassNet Advertising this summer, other GlassNet modules will be launched later in 2007. These include:

GlassNet Valuation
Building on the content of the printed Glass’s Guide to Car Values – known by many as the motor trader’s ‘bible’ – GlassNet Valuation offers almost 50 per cent additional data. The module generates valuations quickly and easily. The user simply enters a car’s registration number, and within seconds the GlassNet portal identifies the make, model and age of the car and automatically generates a valuation. This can then be tailored according to exact mileage and any items of extra equipment. A printed copy of the Guide will be included with subscription to this service.

GlassNet Trade
At the heart of GlassNet Trade is a new community that will make it much easier for members to buy and sell vehicles with other dealers. Members wishing to source vehicles will be able to specify exactly what they are looking for, tailoring searches according to make, model, derivative, doors, transmission, fuel, colour, mileage, price, etc.

GlassNet Point of Sale
This module will allow members to create bespoke point-of-sale marketing material for individual vehicles in the form of ‘silent sales sheets’.

GlassNet Market Intelligence
GlassNet Market Intelligence will encompass a wide range of data and analysis to help vehicle retailers improve sales profitability and stock turnover.

GlassNet Provenance Check
The GlassNet Provenance Check will enable a member to quickly evaluate the history of a used car alongside the valuation process, checking whether it has been written off or if it is subject to an outstanding finance agreement.

GlassNet Members’ Forum
Building on the trading community created through GlassNet Trade, the Members-only Forum will provide the basis for a new online dealer community.