News
RiNG Systems Partners with Reynolds to Provide CRM system to Automotive Retailers
DAYTON, Ohio, March 20, 2000 – The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
(NYSE: REY) today announced an agreement with RiNG Systems, Inc. to
expand Reynolds’ customer relationship management (CRM) solutions
for automotive retailers by becoming the exclusive distributor of RiNG’s
LoyaltyCard™ system within the automotive industry.
The LoyaltyCard system is an electronic coupon package for
customer acquisition and retention featuring a personalized card with
an embedded microprocessor. The card is fully customized and electronically
loaded with retailer-defined coupons and benefits. In addition to the
"smart cards," the LoyaltyCard system provides retailers with
all hardware and software necessary to read the cards’ coupons
and benefits.
"The LoyaltyCard system goes beyond many customer retention
packages marketed today by using modern, unique technology to link consumers
and automotive retailers, creating an effective new solution,"
said Mike Ritchie, president of RiNG Systems.
"Many retailers have already experienced the positive
results LoyaltyCard can bring to a dealership in the areas of sales
and service. Overall, current customers report an increase in retail
sales attributed directly to the LoyaltyCard system and market research
indicates that consumers who have been issued a LoyaltyCard are nearly
three times more likely to return to that retailer for service than
the national average," Ritchie continued. "Now, with Reynolds
and Reynolds’ access to a broad base of auto retailers, we anticipate
dealers across the country soon will be experiencing the benefits of
LoyaltyCard."
"The LoyaltyCard system is a proven and exciting solution
in the auto industry and will be an integral part of our Customer Relationship
Management solution," said Tom Suttmiller, group vice president
and general manager of Reynolds Automotive Information Solutions Division.
"Retailers will benefit from the system’s ability to provide
creative, custom marketing programs designed to increase customer loyalty,
revenues and profits."
With the addition of the LoyaltyCard system, Suttmiller said
Reynolds’ CRM solution is stronger and more valuable to auto retailers
than ever. "Our total CRM solution fully leverages the value of
individual customers through the use of sophisticated systems and services
that capture and help access consumer data used to develop one-to-one
relationships with consumers." These systems and services include:
• IntelliPath™:
Offers customized print output enabling point of sale service merchandising
• Customer Marketing
Services: Reminds customers of upcoming maintenance requirements
• ERA2 ConsumerLink™:
Enables the capture of and access to unique consumer information to
be used for additional marketing efforts
RiNG Systems, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a premier
provider of advanced card technology to the automotive industry.
Reynolds and Reynolds, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is a
leading provider of integrated information management systems and related
value-added services to automotive and general business markets. The
company reported revenues of $1.63 billion for the 12 months ended Dec.
31, 1999. For more information on Reynolds and Reynolds, call The Reynolds
and Reynolds Information Hotline at 1-888-4REYREY.
Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations,
estimates, forecasts and projections of future company or industry performance
based on management's judgment, beliefs, current trends and market conditions.
Forward-looking statements made or to be made by or on behalf of the
company may be identified by the use of words such as "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes,"
"seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed,
forcasted or implied in the forward-looking statements. See also the
discussion of factors that may affect future results contained in the
company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February
9, 2000, which we incorporate herein by reference. The company undertakes
no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
LoyaltyCard™ is a trademark of RiNG Systems, Inc.
