INFINITI patents industry-leading ICAR-X™ technology for retailers

ICAR-X™ is an innovative retail sales and service app designed for INFINITI retailers to streamline the car-buying process. This software tool enables them to deliver a more efficient and premium sales experience to their customers using mobile technology. ICAR-X™ helps minimize client pain points, system redundancies and can significantly speed up the car-buying process, thereby improving client satisfaction and the overall experience.

INFINITI applied for and has been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark office for ICAR-X™ (INFINITI Client Acquisition and Retention Experience). This patent was applied for in 2015 when the ICAR-X™ app was introduced. The patent will be published in the next few months by the U.S.Patent and Trademark office.

Key Features of the ICAR-X™ app include:

Client Information
From the moment the client inputs information online or in-person at an Infiniti retailer the client's contact information is stored in the app for up to 30 days including vehicle interest, trims and location.If a client visits a different Infiniti retailer, their information is still available through the ICAR-X™ app, with regard to vehicle details, but not sales or deal information in order to help maintain trust amongst clients, a point that was also noted from Autotrader.

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Vehicle Selection
Buyers can review local retailer inventory and price points in real time, streamlining the client selection process. Each VIN-specific vehicle listing includes a detailed description of the car's features and packages, making it easy for ICAR-X™ users to determine which car they'd like to test-drive. Once the client selects a vehicle they are interested in, the salesperson can contact the lot porter to obtain the vehicle and bring it to the client.

Vehicle Presentation and Demonstration Drive
When the client arrives at the dealership, a sales consultant can use ICAR-X™ to review the client's pre-selected vehicle interest and preferences. This allows the sales consultant to customize the vehicle presentation and demonstration drive by highlighting the buyer's interests first.

Investment Proposal and Financial Transaction
Once a client decides on a specific vehicle, ICAR-X™ allows them to submit their credit application, review financing and leasing options and begin negotiating a deal electronically in real-time with the retailer's sales representative. As a result, the sales consultant can remain with the client throughout the entire negotiation process, providing them with a higher level of client service.

Pre-Delivery and Delivery
As financing is finalized, the client will review a VIN specific delivery checklist in ICAR-X™ to prioritize the features they'd like to review with their sales consultant during their final walk-around. This eliminates wasted time going over any Infiniti features the client may already be familiar with and allows the sales consultant to focus on the client's interests quickly and efficiently.

Owner Services
Owners can enroll in one online portal through ICAR-X™ that sets up Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Personal Assistant™ (IPA) instantaneously. ICAR-X also sends the new owner vehicle tutorials and information specific to their vehicle for their review long after the buying process is over. The sales consultant will also use the app to schedule the client's first service appointment.