Reynolds and Reynolds, the US dealer systems supplier that recently acquired the German Incadea software house to build an international market presence, has announced the completion of the pilot phase of a new Web-based Dealer Communication System Network (DCSN) for Kia retail outlets in the United States.

The 12-dealer pilot programme is designed to allow Kia dealerships to seamlessly connect with unlimited access points on Kia's internal system and the Internet. Kia dealers participating in the pilot programme have reportedly seen an increase in productivity and efficiency; for example, using the new system, service advisors can immediately advise customers regarding service and eliminate the need for a call back. Financial statements are processed within five minutes, warranty claims take seconds to update versus minutes on the dial-up connection, and each dealer employee can connect from their workstation rather than move to a Kia PC and wait to use it.

The new system allows Kia dealerships to access all Kia applications, as well as the Internet and other franchises owned by Kia dealers through networked PCs.