Mobile apps are becoming more and more common in almost every way imaginable. People are turning to apps for entertainment, convenience, information (about a place, product, service, etc.) and much more. Apps have changed the way people shop for products, just the way the Internet and mobile websites have done before; the difference between all of these being convenience. Once again shopping has become simpler through the use of mobile apps.

But, could a mobile app be used to make any purchase, including big purchases such as houses or cars? Chances are the average person does not have an unlimited budget and usually does their research on a big purchase such as this, so they are going to want to see what it is they are buying in person instead of taking a risk of not liking it. However, an app that is used solely for information purposes to help gain knowledge on the product could guide a potential customer toward a sale. This is the type of app that would most likely be used for those big purchase items.

AutoMotionTV and GM have both recently released a dealer app that showcases the new vehicle line-up and gives information about the vehicles. GM’s app so far is only for the new Chevy line-up and AutoMotionTV’s has every major OEM available depending on what kind of dealership you are. Although very similar apps, the Chevy app is the same app that every Chevrolet dealership will show their customers. Where is the dealership logo? Where is the dealership inventory? It does not differentiate any dealership from another. There needs to be more in order for the dealership to benefit as well.

AutoMotionTV’s dealership app platform solves this very problem. As a dealership you get to use YOUR dealership logo, YOUR new model line-up, and YOUR inventory. The only thing that is ours is the app platform. Plus, since the “platform” is already created this cuts development costs to a fraction of typical app development and turnaround time is decreased by months. So not only do you get the benefit of having your very own customized dealership app specifically made for you, it's also fast and inexpensive.

For more information go to the AutoMotionTV website.

Please feel free to contact Kyle Rosengren at (612) 353-4125 with any questions you may have or to receive further information. Or email me at krosengren@automotion2.com

Apps: Fad or Phenomenon

There are currently over 200,000 apps available in the iTunes App Store and that number doesn’t include apps for Android or Blackberry. With the explosion of mobile app technology is there anything that you can’t find an “app” for anymore? Are you at your favorite restaurant and want to find a coupon? There’s an app for that. Want to make a classy drink at a dinner party to impress some friends but can’t think of one to make? There’s an app for that. Want to find out who has the cheapest toilet paper for your kids because you're sick of them clogging the toilet with the good stuff? There’s an app for that too.

With this in mind, could this unlimited amount of choices be turning into App Overload for consumers, or is it just simply making life that much more convenient? Is the app market becoming too cluttered, or are more options better, leaving consumers with a wider array of choices? Is a “free” app better than a “paid” app? Are mobile apps just going to be a cell phone “fad”, or will it permanently change the way we use mobile devices in the same way texting did?

If you happen to decide as a company to go ahead and build an app, the most important question of all is left... What kind of app do we build? Should it be used as a pre-sales tool to lure customers in, a post-sale app to increase retention/repeat customers, an “exclusive members” app, or an entertainment app for customers to enjoy while also increasing brand recognition? It could even be a hybrid of any of these. Is there one that works best or are each of them effective in their own way depending on the industry?

All of these questions are relevant and need to be addressed when considering the creation of your very own app.

Please feel free to contact Kyle Rosengren at (612) 353-4125 with any questions you may have or to receive further information. Or email me at krosengren@automotion2.com

Digital Dealer 9: We're Going, Are You?

The 9th Digital Dealer Conference and Exposition is nearing fast. The conference is less than a week away starting Tuesday, October 12 through Thursday, October 14. Will you be in attendance? There is plenty of excitement here at AutoMotionTV surrounding our attendance at Digital Dealer.

AutoMotionTV will not only be attending the Digital Dealer Conference but will also be sponsoring BOTH networking sessions. The first session will be held on Tuesday, and the second on Thursday. If you plan on joining us in Vegas, make sure to find us so you are able to check out our new Dealer App we will have on display.

The AutoMotionTV booth will have multiple stations set allowing you to interact with an example of our new Dealer App. Get engaged with pics, videos, and 360 spins of each vehicle model right at your fingertips. Imagine the Dealer App with your dealership’s logo and inventory line in place of Weber Chevrolet’s.

If you’re not able to attend Digital Dealer, no problem. Although it won’t be the same as viewing the app in Vegas, you can still download the Weber Chevrolet App in the iTunes store for FREE at: Weber Chevrolet App

Come take our Dealer App for a spin (literally) at the 9th Digital Dealer Conference and Expo happening October 12th-14th in Las Vegas. We hope to see you there!