TransUnion launches on-the-move vehicle verification and valuation reports
Johannesburg, 3 Apr. 2012 - TransUnion Auto Information Solutions has launched a mobile application that provides subscribing car dealers with an instant, anywhere, anytime report containing almost everything they need to know to make an informed buying or selling decision about a specific passenger or commercial vehicle or motorbike.
Developed in association with IT business solutions integrator Business Connexion, the new app converges the data used to produce TransUnion’s Vehicle Verification and Valuation products into a single, more intelligent, Vehicle Evaluation report that is delivered almost instantaneously to the dealer’s smartphone or tablet (Blackberry®, iPhone, iPad and for all AndroidTM devices).
“The new mobile app is far more than the sum of its parts,” said TransUnion Auto CEO Mike von Höne. “It is designed to assist dealers to conduct their businesses more effectively and efficiently by tapping into the latest mobile technology available – the smartphone or tablet. It allows the dealer to have all the relevant decision support information available at hand anytime, anywhere and, critically, in real time at the time the decisions are being made.
“Dealers simply have to download and install the app once. Then, they only have to input the vehicle’s registration number – rather than (as has been required to date) its VIN and engine number as well as its make and year of manufacture–to receive a ‘fully comprehensive’ valuation for the specific vehicle as well as key vehicle indicators based on its pedigree.”
This fully comprehensive valuation includes a vehicle’s trade and retail values as per the TransUnion Auto Dealers’ Guide – automatically adjusted for mileage, condition, factory-fitted optional extras and VAT. No more having to make manual calculations based on the tables in the back cover of the Auto Dealers’ Guide books.
Estimated values for vehicles will also be provided by the app, a feature not available in the printed Guide.
The Vehicle Evaluation report will inform the dealer of the number of times the same vehicle has had an enquiry on it in the past month. A high number of enquiries could serve as a red flag that something might be amiss with that particular vehicle.
Key vehicle indicators will also be delivered to the dealer’s smartphone or tablet. Based on the specific vehicle’s pedigree, these will include colour coded (red, amber or green) alerts relating to the vehicle’s odometer reading and accident history. If either are flagged red or amber, the dealer can then make a judgement call on whether to continue with the transaction, ask more questions or – with a single action - order a full Verification Report for the vehicle.
The Verification Report, which will be displayed on the mobile device and emailed to the dealer’s registered address, will contain confirmation of the vehicle’s main identifiers (registration, VIN and engine numbers) and make, model, variant, colour and year of manufacture; as well as its financial and accident claim history; police interest; IVID status; mileage and microdot history.
According to von Höne, a consumer version of the app is scheduled to be released for use by the general public later this year.
Matthew Cook, Application Development Manager at Business Connexion’s Professional Services division, said the word ‘revolution’ was often used when describing the emergence of ever-more useful and convenient apps for smartphones.
“This one is no different. It will change the dynamics of the used vehicle industry in South Africa by giving dealers rapid access to valuation and pedigree information about used vehicles when they need it, regardless of where they are – on the showroom floor, at an auction or at their customers’ premises,” Cook added.
Dealers can download the Vehicle Enquiry app by going to their device’s online market (iTunes, Blackberry® App World and AndroidTM Market); and search for and download the “TransUnion Dealers’ Guide”.
iPhone, iPad, iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Trademarks Blackberry and BlackBerry App World are owned by Research in Motion Limited and is registered in the United States and may be pending or registered in other countries.” Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
About TransUnion
As a global leader in credit information and information management services, TransUnion creates economic and competitive advantages for businesses and consumers. For businesses, TransUnion helps improve efficiency, manage risk, reduce costs and increase revenue by delivering comprehensive solutions that leverage data, advanced analytics and decisioning technology. For consumers, TransUnion provides the tools, resources and education to help manage their credit health and achieve their financial goals. Through these and other efforts, TransUnion is working to build stronger economies worldwide. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Chicago, TransUnion reaches businesses and consumers in more than 25 countries around the world. www.transunion.co.za.
TransUnion Auto Information Solutions is South Africa’s leading provider of information solutions for the automotive industry. The company was established in 2005 following the merger of motorONLINE (est. 2000), TransUnion HPI (est. 1997) and TransUnion Mead & McGrouther (est. 1960).
About Business Connexion
Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd is a leading integrator of innovative business solutions based on information and communications technology (ICT). With just over 6600 employees and a track record spanning over 30 years, Business Connexion runs mission-critical ICT systems and manages products, services and solutions for JSE listed and key public sector organisations, parastatals and medium-sized companies.
Business Connexion was recently recognised by South Africa’s leading research firm BMI-TechKnowledge as the market leader in application development, with 20% market share. This is according to BMI-T’s South African IT Services Marketing Sizing and Forecast 2010 – 2015 report, published in December 2011.
Business Connexion has a unique business model that represents the company’s approach to configuring and integrating business solutions, which we develop and implement by drawing on expertise from entrenched competencies across the organisation. In order to deliver a world-class service, Business Connexion has developed strong relationships and attained top-level certification with many of the world’s leading ICT suppliers. To find out how we can connect your business to a world of endless possibilities, visit: www.bcx.co.za.
