March 17, 2009

DETROIT — Hyundai Motor America is the first automotive manufacturer to use a software program called ServiceSmarts™ Online, powered by Urban Science, to improve its dealers’ profitability. The new web-based program enables Hyundai management and dealers to identify specific information that will help them recognize service, parts and sales opportunities and take action via tailored marketing efforts. ServiceSmarts Online is the only software program that combines in-depth data, analytics and benchmarking with actionable ways to target customers and improve parts and service sales.

“Dealer profitability is a key focus for Hyundai in 2009 and we’re equipping our retailers with the tools they need to seek out every possible revenue opportunity related to service and parts,” said Steve Anderson, director of Service Operations for Hyundai Motor America. “These departments are profit generators and they will continue to give our retailers an edge as people hold on to their cars longer.”

“ServiceSmarts tells dealers whether they are doing enough service work and how to get customers to come to them for service expertise,” said Tom Longo, managing director at Urban Science. “It’s also beneficial for automakers because if a dealer is not performing as expected, they can send a field representative to help and make actionable recommendations like placing more advertisements and promotions. The level of insight it brings is equally valuable to both parties.”

ServiceSmarts Online provides Hyundai dealers with a database of information that helps:
• Increase the retention of service customers
• Identify areas of service opportunity within the dealer’s “Area of Primary Responsibility”
• Benchmark dealership performance against market, region and national standards
• Quantify existing potential
• Target areas and customers with high probability of service sales
• Analyze service data and sales statistics

“Access to the right information will allow these retailers to take advantage of today’s market conditions,” said Longo. “Many dealers rely on service to maintain and absorb the fixed costs of their dealer operations. But in times like these, they hunker down and focus on it even more.”

Also, by assessing service department operations details, Urban Science can determine key performance drivers to maximize profits and market penetration. This analysis can also be applied to other departments (such as new or used vehicle) within the dealership, helping dealers identify areas of improvement to obtain the greatest overall gains for the entire operation.

URBAN SCIENCE

Founded in 1977, Urban Science is a global retail consulting firm that takes a scientific approach to help companies identify where they should allocate resources in order to increase their market share and profitability in the most effective and efficient manner. With headquarters in Detroit, Urban Science serves its global clientele from offices in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, China, Mexico and Japan.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.