Dealer communications

[robc]

Another users asked me to post this question on their behalf:

#1
I would like to know how other manufactures handle the lease/purchase of DCS/EP
(Electronic Publications), workstations and software? Currently Honda requires
every dealer to lease the workstations from Honda and pay a fee for the
software. For employees to do their job efficiently and quickly they should
have access to this information. They should not have to leave the customer and
go to the next room or office to use the workstation to check (vin status,
parts availability etc). Under the equipment lease from Honda a dealer is
required to lease every workstation from Honda. The software cannot be
installed on an existing workstation and the dealer cannot purchase the
workstations. If you want the employees to have this information the dealer
must lease the workstation from Honda.

#2
How do other manufactures handle Dealer Communications? (dialup, internet,
satellite)

[GreggT67]

Toyota and Kia are two manufacturers who come to mind regarding leasing DCS systems to dealers. I remember what a chore it was to go across to the other side of the building to check the recall status of a Toyota or to put claims in. I sympathize with anyone who has to deal with that. One of these days the manufacturers will wake up.