Pinewood believes its updated dealer management system, due out early next year, will be “one of the most advanced on the market”, according to director Neville Briggs.

The new internet-based Pinnacle DMS is able to operate on wide/local area network (WAN/LAN), which will enable Pinewood to manage the system for the dealer online.

Pinewood, which effectively becomes an Application Service Provider (ASP), would charge the dealer a basic rental fee. “This is an important shift in the way dealerships can use their DMS,” said Mr Briggs.

The Pinnacle system is being previewed by selected dealerships. There are no plans to replace the CARS system, said Mr Briggs.

“Pinnacle represents another way that dealers may choose to run their business,” he added.