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

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →