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Advanced Vehicle Lookup API Leaves Outdated VIN Decoders Behind

Advanced Vehicle Lookup API Leaves Outdated  VIN Decoders Behind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

Dealership Sales Staffing Dips but Sales Don’t Have To.

Dealership Sales Staffing Dips but Sales Don’t Have To

The heady days of low inventory and high profit margins have eased into a more normal buyer’s market. As the...
3 Min ReadMar 26CDK Global
Effective Automotive Email Marketing Requires a CRM

Effective Automotive Email Marketing Requires a CRM

Time and time again email proves to be an unsung hero in marketing. It’s flexible, cost-effective and boasts consistently high...
3 Min ReadMar 25CDK Global
EV Owners Speak Out in New Study

EV Owners Speak Out in New Study

As car shoppers and dealers adjust to the electric vehicle phenomenon, they’re looking for answers to questions about the inevitable...
1 Min ReadMar 20CDK Global
What Does Gen Z Want in F and I products?

What Does Gen Z Want in F&I Products?

Generation Z is coming of age and beginning to slide into the driver’s seat. While this generation follows those that...
3 Min ReadMar 18Jason Swiech
Amplify Your Dealership Technology to Add Profit, Not People.

Amplify Your Dealership Technology to Add Profit, Not People

Faced with ongoing margin compression and changing customer expectations, auto dealers are working hard to find new ways to create...
3 Min ReadMar 11Jen Miller
Market Your Trained Technicians to Earn Service Business.

Market Your Trained Technicians to Earn Service Business

Despite swirling economic head winds, fixed operations remains a bright spot for franchised dealers. It’s the steady stalwart relied upon...
3 Min ReadMar 7CDK Global
Ease of Purchase Hits New High in February

Ease of Purchase Hits New High in February

Despite hurdles when it comes to affordability, more car buyers said it was easy to complete their purchase in February...
2 Min ReadFeb 27David Thomas
That’s a Wrap. Takeaways From N A D A 2024.

That’s a Wrap: Takeaways From NADA 2024

The camaraderie and partnership that comes with being at NADA were in full effect at this year’s show in Las...
3 Min ReadFeb 19CDK Global
Buyers Take the Wheel for Car Sales in 2024.

Buyers Take the Wheel for Car Sales in 2024

After three years of dramatic post-pandemic market swings, buyers in 2024 are poised to take back the wheel with plenty...
3 Min ReadFeb 13CDK Global
What’s the Key to Win the Automotive Service Wars.

What’s the Key to Win the Automotive Service Wars?

Although 2024 is shaping up to be a buyer’s market, new and used vehicles continue to be painfully expensive for...
3 Min ReadFeb 9David Thomas