GM dealers raise concerns regarding CDK Global

LAS VEGAS -- CDK Global, General Motors' preferred provider and manager of dealer websites, has become a concern for some U.S. retailers.

Several dealers who attended a combined make meeting Saturday at the NADA Show for Buick, Chevrolet and GMC said the operations were among the few issues brought up during the meeting.

GM executives in attendance included Duncan Aldred, global head of GMC and Buick; Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet; and North America Vice President Steve Hill.

Concerns included untimely dealer support, "clunky" functionality and simply not having another GM-approved choice for websites.

One dealer said Hill alluded to addressing the concerns in the future, without providing any details. GM declined to comment on CDK.

Two dealers said they would like to see GM add other providers for the services, like some competitors have done. GM does not mandate stores use CDK, however the company incentivizes dealers to do so to have consistent messaging for all the brands.

A CDK spokesman, responding to an Automotive News inquiry aboutdealers' concerns, said the company has "enjoyed a long relationship with General Motors since 2008 and continues to work with their team to develop best-in-class responsive websites and digital solutions for their network of more than 4,000 dealers."

Overall, dealers described the make meeting as having little new information, but a productive business update -- similar to a GM spokesman calling the meeting "very constructive," "extremely upbeat" and a "clear commitment to working together."

Other concerns, according to dealers, included clarifications and changes to GM programs such as Standards for Excellence and Essential Brand Elements -- all common concerns in recent years.