|Hyundai is moving toward the use of
the vehicle identification number (VIN) on its products in order to make a key link
between their online electronic commerce efforts, consumers and third-party repair shops.
One initiative is to allow users to
type in a VIN, which will provide access to a wide range of information on a given
vehicle. Anything from its original paint color and upholstery to its entire service
history.
This initiative comes after a highly
successful online-parts initiative taken over one year ago. Hyundai met the
challenge of owner complaints due to the inconvenient location, or hours of operation of
its parts distributors. The Hyundai parts extranet is designed to make it easy for a
customer, or a third party repair shop, to get the exact part needed. By typing in a VIN,
the user is presented immediately with a parts catalog just for that vehicle. The
user also sees details on all the original items installed in that vehicle at the time of
purchase.
The extranet selects a Hyundai
dealership in the user's region and ties directly into the dealership's pricing. The
use can pay for the part online, or arrange to pick up and pay for the part at the
dealership.
Hyundai worked with Click Interactive to develop the online parts
store. Click Interactive will be working with Hyundai to provide complete service
manuals online.
