The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. on Jan. 25 announced an agreement with Hewlett-Packard Co. to deliver what the two companies are calling "the telematics industry's first Vehicle Lifecycle Management Solution (VLM)," providing telematics services to vehicle consumers, automotive retailers, car companies and their suppliers. The VLM telematics solution consists of hardware, software and service components that aim to improve customer service, optimize operational processes, lower costs, increase vehicle safety and improve productivity throughout the automotive design process and supply chain, according to Reynolds and Reynolds. The initial offering, to be sold by automotive retailers, will feature an on-board telematics appliance from Networkcar, Inc., called CAReader(TM). CAReader continuously monitors and wirelessly transmits a vehicle's electrical, mechanical, and emissions systems data, as well as the vehicle's location. Features of the service include personalized owner and dealer vehicle Web portals that will feature extensive vehicle service and diagnostic information, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle recovery, a vehicle locator function, smog certification, recall notification, automated maintenance reminders and facilitated vehicle service. Through the offering, consumers will have a direct Web link with their automotive service providers that can provide proactive notification regarding engine performance, service opportunities, appointment scheduling and other services, according to Reynolds and Reynolds. Car companies will be able to monitor diagnostic trouble codes, identify trends, and quickly address supplier defects or improve their design processes. Participating dealers will begin selling the initial VLM solution on Feb. 1. “The Vehicle Life Cycle Management Solution is an answer for time-constrained consumers who want to simplify the maintenance process for their cars and for automotive retailers and car companies who want to better connect with their customers,” said Greg Collins, senior vice president, Reynolds and Reynolds. “The addition of HP to our team provides exciting new possibilities for future telematics services.” Reynolds and HP intend to jointly contribute to and market this telematics solution to car dealers and automobile manufacturers. HP becomes Reynolds’ preferred supplier and brings design and manufacturing expertise for telematics appliances. Reynolds provides automotive retailer management systems expertise, including, through the recently introduced Reynolds Generations Series, a new family of solutions and services that help automotive retailers and car companies make better use of information, strengthen their relationships with consumers and improve operational efficiencies. Reynolds also provides access to the automotive retailer channel and joint hosting of solution applications. As part of the agreement with Reynolds and HP, Networkcar will contribute real-time telematics data, diagnostics expertise, appliance design expertise and application hosting services. “HP is pleased to work with Reynolds for Vehicle Lifecycle Management,” said Mark Rahrig, general manager of HP’s Automotive Business Unit. “We expect our combined offering to benefit consumers through valuable location and diagnostic services, auto retailers through improved customer services experience, and car companies by lowering costs through operational process improvements.” According to company officials, later versions may include business intelligence tools to analyze vehicle data and customer relationship management (CRM) information in order to integrate this analysis into the new or legacy business processes of all members of the automotive value chain. About Reynolds and Reynolds Reynolds and Reynolds, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is a provider of integrated information management solutions to the automotive retailing marketplace. The company’s services include retail and enterprise management systems, networking and support, e-business applications, Web services, learning and consulting services, customer relationship management solutions, document management and leasing services. To find out more about Reynolds and Reynolds' products and services, visit www.reyrey.com.