Car Blog

Microsoft and Nissan Motor  announced a strategic relationship to collaborate and create a next-generation dealer management system based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Using the powerful foundation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the automotive industry expertise of Nissan, the two companies will blend dealer and customer relationship management and social collaboration tools into a solution that will help Nissan develop a stronger relationship with its customers, drive dealer sales and increase market share on a global scale. The solution will then utilize the Windows Azure platform, taking advantage of the economies of scale and flexibility offered by Microsoft’s public cloud offerings.

“Customer loyalty and retention are essential to the success of any business. Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps businesses better understand and build deeper relationships with their customers and partners,” said Kirill Tatarinov, president, Microsoft Business Solutions. “We look forward to working with Nissan to deliver a solution that effectively connects with their customers and to win in today’s business environment while also helping organizations such as Nissan meet the specific needs of the automotive industry.” Read the rest of this entry »

Days before the one-year anniversary of the world’s first Nissan LEAF delivery on Dec. 11, Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) expands availability of the all-electric LEAF into new U.S. markets.

After one year and 20,000 global deliveries, the Nissan LEAF remains the world’s first and only all-electric car for the mass market.

Today, Nissan has re-opened reservations and has begun taking orders from the general public for the 2012 Nissan LEAF in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets beginning in spring 2012.

“Nissan LEAFs have been on the U.S. roads for one year now, and thousands of drivers have become living proof that a 100-percent electric, zero-emissions vehicle fulfills the daily needs of drivers from all walks of life,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “We are seeing already-strong interest in the LEAF continue to grow across the country. This market expansion brings us one step closer to true, nationwide availability.”

With this new wave of availability, Nissan LEAF is now available for order in 30 states, including Washington, D.C. Nationwide, 50-state ordering will be available by March 2012.

Pandora announced that Ford Motor Company is now rolling out the SYNC AppLink capability in the company’s 2012 line of Ford F-series trucks, making voice control of Pandora an available feature across the line. SHBJZ3KX2REP

This truck-category expansion includes the F-150, which has been the best selling truck in the United States for the past 34 years. The 2012 F-150 and others in the F-series line of trucks are scheduled to be available at dealers beginning this month.

SYNC AppLink enables Pandora listeners to play their personalized stations through the vehicle’s entertainment system and control it by voice commands or the radio buttons and knobs. Connectivity to the vehicle is made possible via Bluetooth or USB; SYNC is compatible with Android, BlackBerry and iPhone smartphones. Other Ford products currently equipped with SYNC AppLink include the 2012 models of Fiesta, Mustang, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment.

Pandora Executive Vice President of Business and Corporate Development Jessica Steel said, “Ford has done a great job in developing, deploying and educating listeners about the connected SYNC AppLink system. The vehicle is the traditional home of radio, and it is thanks to forward-thinking partners like Ford that Pandora listeners are now able to seamlessly enjoy their personalized stations in the vehicle.”