3 Min ReadMay 5, 2022

Advanced Vehicle Lookup API Leaves Outdated VIN Decoders Behind

Advanced Vehicle Lookup API Leaves Outdated  VIN Decoders Behind

As today’s digital-savvy shoppers do more of their new and used vehicle shopping online, they need access to quick and accurate vehicle information. Vehicle identification number (VIN) details are essential for helping them get a complete picture of the cars under consideration and compare models across multiple dealer websites. To meet this consumer need, automotive retailers have tried to provide accurate VIN data; unfortunately, most standard VIN decoders have fallen short, leading to missed opportunities, lower profit margins and unsatisfied customers.

Complete Visibility Needed for Vehicle Build and Value

Although standard VIN decoders claim to provide comprehensive results, most can only produce portions of the 17-character VIN, resulting in vehicle valuations that are incomplete and inaccurate. Many won’t even denote the appropriate vehicle trim, much less a complete description of all options and manufacturer-installed packages. This leaves retailers, valuators, and some insurers to visually inspect each vehicle — an arduous process that leads to inaccurate vehicle descriptions and MSRP valuations, incomplete retail listings and longer appraisal times.

For consumers and dealers alike, fast, accurate and reliable VIN information has moved from a “nice to have” to a “must have.” And now, it’s finally here.

Introducing Cleansed, Enhanced and Detailed VIN Data

The CDK Neuron Advanced Vehicle Lookup API from CDK Global solves the problems caused by the inaccurate and insufficient data that automotive retailers, marketers, insurers, financial lenders and their customers have had to live with using legacy VIN decoders. Our API provides vehicle valuators with access to cleansed, normalized, and enhanced OEM build data from our extensive and comprehensive vehicle reference library, including almost 30 OEMs. With that kind of complete visibility into a vehicle’s true build, history and current profile, users can create expedited workflows, increase profitable sales, and enhance consumer retail experiences through accurate and consistent listings.

Fortellis Blog

The API reveals all feature information including interior and exterior colors, factory-installed options and packages and the MSRP valuation. Early adopters now have the total picture of a vehicle's configuration and true value — a big step toward better sales, a bigger competitive advantage and stronger customer loyalty.

Improves the Process for Everyone

Advanced Vehicle Lookup delivers the kind of essential data that enhances the car-buying experience at multiple touchpoints:

  • Customers get better and more extensive data for the new and used cars they’re interested in, creating clearer choices that make for more confident decisions and brand loyalty.
  • Dealers will have access to the most accurate build data and vehicle information, leading to more substantive discussions when a customer is interested in a specific type of vehicle they may have seen when comparison shopping.
  • Digital retail marketers will increase sales with detailed listings for vehicles with accurate and consistent pricing and enhanced records for all advertising and merchandising of new and used vehicles.
  • Financial lenders will increase acceptance rates and save time on loan submissions by eliminating manual vehicle data entry and creating a synchronized view between the dealership’s records and their own.
  • Merchandisers with quick access to enhanced build data across OEMs, including specific features and options, will be able to price more competitively and increase profitability for both new and used vehicles.
  • Auto insurance companies will have access to detailed vehicle descriptions including as built (at the time of manufacturing) safety and technology features for accurate appraisals during sales and efficient claims processing during repairs.

Because Knowledge Really Is Power

Retailers and vehicle valuators need reliable, intelligent insights and greater knowledge of the vehicles that drive their business. You’ve been asking for it, and with the powerful data of CDK Neuron, our Advanced Vehicle Lookup API delivers.

For more information on all our Neuron solutions, visit neuron.ai.

DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET

Share This

CDK Global
By CDK Global
Staff

Recent Insights

Why Dealership Mailers Still Matter in a Digital World.

Why Dealership Mailers Still Matter in a Digital World

Since the turn of the century, the marketing world has shifted its focus from print to digital, reaching people primarily...
3 Min ReadMar 5CDK Global
Desired Inventory Harder to Find in February

Desired Inventory Harder to Find in February

After months of elevated scores, the Ease of Purchase Scorecard saw a significant drop in February. The key question of...
2 Min ReadMar 3David Thomas
Car Salespeople Are Improving

Study: Car Salespeople Are Improving

In ongoing studies of car buyers, CDK asks about the all-important role of the car salesperson in the purchase process....
2 Min ReadFeb 28David Thomas
How Unanswered Calls Hurt Service Department Satisfaction.

How Unanswered Calls Hurt Service Department Satisfaction

Every franchised dealership’s Service department is a busy, high-volume and profitable part of the business. The dealership competes hard for...
3 Min ReadFeb 28CDK Global
How Easy Is It to Buy a Car Online vs. at a Dealership?

How Easy Is It to Buy a Car Online vs. at a Dealership?

There’s a widespread belief that every car shopper wants to avoid visiting a dealership and just purchase a new vehicle...
3 Min ReadFeb 26CDK Global
Online versus In Person. A Hybrid Car Sales Approach.

Online vs. In Person: A Hybrid Car Sales Approach

Today, many auto dealerships across the U.S. are debating whether some or all of the new vehicle sales process should...
4 Min ReadFeb 13CDK Global
The Importance of Greeting Customers at the Dealership.

The Importance of Greeting Customers at the Dealership

It’s essential to make a good first impression with a car shopper, as those initial minutes set the tone for...
3 Min ReadFeb 11CDK Global
C D K Brings N A D A to You.

CDK Brings NADA to You

A winter storm may have shut down flights around the country during the last week in January but it didn’t...
4 Min ReadFeb 5CDK Global
Are Credit Card Surcharges Right for Car Dealerships?

Are Credit Card Surcharges Right for Car Dealerships?

Inflation is hurting everyone. According to a recent Gallup poll, more than 40% of Americans named inflation as the top...
3 Min ReadFeb 5CDK Global
Why Your Dealership Needs to Prioritize Tire Sales.

Why Your Dealership Needs to Prioritize Tire Sales

Tire sales represent an opportunity to drive additional Service revenue and highlight the convenience and quality of work performed at...
3 Min ReadFeb 4CDK Global