Ally Financial Launches Mobile App Designed with Dealer Input
Detroit - SmartAuction, Ally Financial's online used vehicle auction, launched a mobile app designed utilizing dealer input. Users can now search for vehicles, communicate with sellers, negotiate pricing and make bids over Android and Apple-based smartphones.
"By including dealers as part of the development team we were able to build an intuitive tool that enhances the SmartAuction online market and makes it easier for dealers to find the right vehicles for their markets," said Steve Kapusta, vice president of SmartAuction.
"Working in the automotive business means you're rarely sitting behind a desk," Kapusta added. "Our users told us they needed to be connected to our online market anytime, anywhere, and the new SmartAuction Mobile app delivers the solution to meet that challenge."
The SmartAuction mobile app includes the following features:
Vehicle Search – Conduct basic and advanced searches (make, model, trim, year, drivetrain, etc.) and access saved searches from a user profile.
Search Results – Users can sort through specific vehicle criteria on their mobile device (i.e., guide book values, year-make-model, mileage, etc.) and results can be sorted based on preference.
Vehicle Details – A wide variety of vehicle information is available, including: Interior and Exterior images, vehicle condition and damage disclosures, CARFAX and AutoCheck reports (as available), wholesale guide book values, vehicle equipment and accessory details, seller information and promotion and incentive eligibility details.
Communication Direct to Seller – Users can communicate with sellers on a vehicle directly from the mobile app.
Bid List – Users can place bids directly from the mobile app, including placing an AutoBid, Buy Now or Make an Offer.
Offers – Users have the ability to conduct private, one-on-one negotiation directly between the buyer and seller. Users can also view and respond to pending offers as a buyer or seller.
Vehicle Posting Updates – Vehicle sellers can update the vehicle price and auction status of a posting directly from the mobile app.
"Continuously improving the customer experience is what allows us to remain a leading resource for dealers and consignors. We're very excited to begin offering SmartAuction Mobile to our customers across the country," Kapusta said.
Registered SmartAuction users can download the app online at the Apple Store or the Android Google Play store.
More Industry

World EV Adoption Set to Grow
A new report says the segment, despite recent setbacks in some regions, is poised for acceleration as many countries look to reduce pollution.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale automotive auction business stayed steady last week as bidders encountered lower prices, analysts observed.
Read More →
Pricing Transparency Drives Purchase Consideration
An annual study by JD Power found that clear pricing matters to consumers on automaker websites, so much so that it increases their purchase consideration.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Used-vehicle market depreciation was the prevailing story in the wholesale market last week.
Read More →
Smaller Is Looking Better
A growing number of Americans in the market for a new vehicle are opting for more affordable options, not waiting for market stability to bite the bullet.
Read More →
U.S. EV Market Slowly Stabilizes
U.S. electric-vehicle interest is slowly stabilizing since a major dip in sales after last year's end of the federal EV tax credit, and hybrids remain the leading electrified power train.
Read More →
Global EV Market Entering New Phase
Automakers are making investments to lower battery costs and optimize production to meet changing consumer needs.
Read More →
Black Book Weekly Market Update
The holiday weekend, not surprisingly, put a drag on wholesale automotive activity last week, analysts observed.
Read More →
Auto Affordability in Context
Cox Automotive points out the complex circumstances that have led to eye-popping vehicle prices.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Automotive auction inventory increased last week, giving choosy bidders even more leeway.
Read More →