ActivEngage (www.ActivEngage.com), the automotive industry's premier provider of proactive live chat for dealer websites, today announced the expansion of the full-service ActivConcierge to include new features to decrease abandonment rates and increase lead submission. Since the service launched in March of this year, the company has carefully monitored the consumer traffic patterns on their dealers' websites and listened to feedback to continuously improve and offer the most effective, comprehensive live chat service. Orlando, Florida (PRWEB) October 21, 2008

ActivEngage (www.ActivEngage.com), the automotive industry's premier provider of proactive live chat for dealer websites, today announced the expansion of the full-service ActivConcierge to include new features to decrease abandonment rates and increase lead submission. Since the service launched in March of this year, the company has carefully monitored the consumer traffic patterns on their dealers' websites and listened to feedback to continuously improve and offer the most effective, comprehensive live chat service.

ActivSubmit is a key component of ActivConcierge's new enhancements to increase lead submission rates. Website abandonment rates are typically highest on "forms" pages, where site visitors can request information and submit their contact information. ActivSubmit alerts a chat representative when a site visitor begins to complete a form on the dealership website. The representative can then invite the site visitor to chat and help the person complete the form and answer any questions. Alternatively, the chat rep can get the visitor's contact information directly through the live chat.

In addition, dealers using the expanded ActivConcierge service can now collect the data a site visitor entered on a form, even if the person does not fully complete or submit the form. As a part of the new features, chat representatives can also be alerted when site visitors are on specified pages. For example, chat reps can be notified when visitors view particular vehicle pages and offer consumers customized specials, based on their behavior at the site.

"The new enhancements are a big part of our ongoing goal of providing dealership website visitors the right message, at the right time, to increase overall lead generation," commented Ted Rubin, ActivEngage co-founder. "Abandonment is a huge issue for dealership websites, and this is especially true on forms. The new features can dramatically improve lead submission and offer a way to really pay special attention at critical junctions in the online car buying process."

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About ActivEngage: (www.ActivEngage.com)
ActivEngage's proprietary business logic was designed in dealerships to meet the needs of sophisticated automotive shoppers. It laser targets each website visitor with the exact right message at the exact right time to get them to take action. The system has been strenuously tested for every type of dealership. It works because the company founders have over 30 years of retail automotive and technology experience, giving ActivEngage a true 360° understanding of the needs of automotive shoppers. Partnering with ActivEngage increases lead generation and offsets the increasing marketing costs associated with the sale of new and pre-owned automobiles. ActivEngage offers three tiers of service to ensure that all website visitors' experiences are enjoyable and uncomplicated, thereby increasing the value of dealership websites through better lead generation.

Portland, OR October 1, 2008 -- ProfitRunners, providers of leading dealership technology solutions, today introduced WideStorm™, a division of ProfitRunners and a revolutionary platform that enables auto dealers and website visitors to negotiate a vehicle deal solely online. The system can be used in conjunction with any existing website and DMS. WideStorm™ goes well beyond standard enegotiation systems by enabling dealers and consumers to work together and negotiate the entire purchase online, including vehicle selection, add-on features, trade-in value and financing.

"We want to give forward-thinking dealers a competitive selling advantage by empowering their customers to negotiate the deal from home," said Jock Schowalter, CEO of ProfitRunners and DealerPeak. "We believe this approach will attract and engage the most advantageous group of prospects, serious car buyers well down the sales funnel, and deliver them to dealerships like no other tool currently on the market."

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WideStorm™ is a screen-driven, step-by-step process that walks the car shopper through a purchase as if he or she is sitting across the desk from a dealer. Customers have the option of self-evaluating their trade-in and may apply for financing directly online. When ready, the customer submits the requested contact information and deal terms to the dealer.

It is at this point in the negotiation where most online efforts end. With WideStorm™, the negotiation is just beginning. The customer's request appears on the dealer's computer in the Dealer Control Panel. The dealer uses the tools in the Dealer Control Panel to structure the most lucrative deal and emails a "presentation" to the customer that gives the customer a series of payment options to consider. Each customer has a secure, personalized microsite for viewing their personalized terms and for storing details of their negotiation. The process repeats itself until a deal is reached or is taken offline.

ProfitRunners, parent company to Dealerpeak, developed WideStorm™ in response to a growing demand by early adopter car shoppers for more Web-based transaction capability. The platform is based on CRM, desking and website technology that has been serving hundreds of dealers for over 8 years. The company is currently accepting forward-thinking dealerships to participate in a beta test of the technology. According to a recent report by J.D. Power and Associates, two-thirds of new vehicle buyers and three out of five used-vehicle buyers used the Internet at some point during their purchases. A survey by AutoNation reported similar results with two out of three consumers finding a "start-to finish" Internet car sale process appealing.

"We envision WideStorm being used by only the most progressive dealerships. The target customer for our solution is the early-adopter car shopper who has already done the research online, has completed a test drive and knows the price they're willing to pay. All they want at this point in the game is a fairly negotiated price and the vehicle is sold," said Schowalter.

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"The beauty of Widestorm is it delivers on its promise - to bring serious car buyers into the showroom, ready to purchase. Even if the buyer arrives at the dealership and decides at the last minute to select a different vehicle, the dealer has a chance to up-sell and keep the deal under their roof. Ultimately, it's a better experience for both buyers and sellers," said Schowalter.

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For more information, visit www.widestorm.com or email [email protected]. Visit booth #19 at the Digital Dealer Conference, October 6-8.

About ProfitRunners:
Along with Widestorm, ProfitRunners is the parent company to DealerPeak, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has created trend-setting customer relationship management and website solutions since 2000. Since its launch, the company has attracted hundreds of loyal dealer clients, including major auto groups such as Ron Tonkin Auto and Dick Hannah Auto Group dealerships.