50 Below upgrades dealer website platform

MILWAUKEE (May 30, 2013) — Software and data solutions provider ARI Network Services Inc. has released a major upgrade to its 50 Below subsidiary's website platform used by automotive tire and wheel dealers.

Roy W. Olivier, ARI's president and CEO, said the latest update "supports the unique needs of these dealers and dramatically improves the overall usability and effectiveness of the websites. Upgrades to the mobile shopping and purchase experience, streamlined quote and service requests, and new tire and wheel comparison shopping and packaging will help dealers generate more online and in-store sales."

Among highlights of the upgrade:

• The company expanded the website platform's mobile compatibility to empower consumers on mobile devices to research and buy online. It includes real-time pricing by location, browsing services by location and the ability to either schedule an appointment or request a quote by phone or online.
• Enhanced quote and service forms display real-time pricing for tires, wheels and installation, as applicable, and automatically add all of the pertinent vehicle fitment data to the service request, making it easier for consumers to request more information from a dealership. Additionally, consumers can schedule service and request quotes directly from the shopping cart. Both enhancements are designed to reduce the amount of information consumers are required to enter manually, according to ARI, and increase quote and service requests.
• An enhanced vehicle look-up option enables consumers to quickly find and compare wheels and tires for their car, truck or SUV. ARI said the new "Wheels to Fit" and "Tires to Fit" options make it easier for consumers to custom-bundle products.
• Additionally, dealers are able to feature their most profitable brands to consumers with smart website management tools, resulting in higher quote values and greater revenue per sale, the company added.

"We are committed to providing our customers with solutions that meet the growing demands of consumers," said Jon M. Lintvet, chief marketing officer and vice president of product for ARI. "We are confident that this release, as well as additional planned upgrades coming soon, will help our dealers differentiate themselves in the marketplace and sell more products and services online and in-store."

Milwaukee-based 50 Below creates, markets and supports software, software as a solution (SaaS) and data as a service (DaaS) solutions connecting consumers, dealers, distributors and manufacturers in selected vertical markets.

Its products are powered by a proprietary library of enriched original equipment and aftermarket content that spans more than 10.5 million active part and accessory SKUs, 469,000 models and $1.7 billion in retail product value, according to ARI.