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Project will provide dealers with state-of-the-art Internet capabilities
Irvine, CA (September 15, 2003) - Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced it has selected The Cobalt Group as its exclusive website provider for its nationwide dealer network. Powered by Cobalt's Nitra™ e-business platform, the website program will provide Kia with a new generation of e-business solutions to boost retailers' sales, profits and customer satisfaction. With Nitra, Kia and its dealers will be able to coordinate, manage and maintain their online retailing with a consistent brand experience for customers.
The Cobalt Group, the leading provider of e-business software and services to the automotive retail market, already partners with Kia for its national parts locator and Kia University, the company's national training program. The new Cobalt e-business program will be a key component of KMA's Circle of Excellence program, which will significantly improve the retail experience for Kia customers.
"Kia.com now receives more than a million unique online visits from shoppers each month," states Peter M. Butterfield, President and CEO of Kia Motors America, Inc. "Those visits result in a 40 percent higher likelihood of a dealership showroom visit, the highest rate in the industry. Cobalt's program will further leverage Kia.com's phenomenal growth by providing these potential customers with direct links to dealer websites."
Retailers who join the Kia Website Program will receive training from Cobalt. Each Kia dealer will have the capability of personalizing their site, right from their dealership, in order to showcase their unique services, qualities and customer benefits. Retailers will be required to limit the current model year vehicles displayed on their website to Kia exclusive products. The program also provides links to dealers from consumers who visit kia.com.
"The initiative will strengthen Kia brand consistency, increase new vehicle sales, promote dealer e-business practices, and deliver key reporting metrics," said John Holt, president and chief executive officer of The Cobalt Group. "Kia.com customers will benefit with an improved communication and shopping experience and enhanced dealer processes to improve customer satisfaction."
The program, now available to Kia retailers, is endorsed by Kia's Dealer Council.
About Kia Motors Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, Korea. The full line of Kia models including the new, large size Amanti sedan (available November 2003), Sorento midsize SUV, Sedona minivan, Optima midsize sedan, Spectra compact sedan and five-door hatchback as well as the Rio subcompact sedan and Rio Cinco five-door wagon are available at more than 600 retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.kiamedia.com.
Contact Information
Cobalt Corporate Communications
Email: press@cobaltgroup.com
Phone: (206)219-8022
