GEM-CAR TECHNOLOGIES STRENGTHENS ITS LEADERSHIP POSITION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THE GARAGE PARTNER

(Article published in L’AUTOMOBILE Mechanics magazine, June 2024)

By Noëllise Turgeon

V2V Technologies (GEM-CAR) recently announced the acquisition of The Garage Partner, a company whose invoicing software is used by over 1,200 workshops.

Since 2001, V2V Technologies (GEM-CAR) has grown to become the North American leader in automotive workshop management software. Its network now has a global user base of over 46,000, with thousands of workshops in 41 countries. The Garage Partner has been serving auto shops in the United States for 50 years. “This decision allows us to strengthen our presence in the United States while promoting Québec entrepreneurship,” proudly explains Mathieu Brunel, President of GEM-CAR. A really winning strategy!

Innovations for Dealers

A new product has been added to the GEM-CAR family: GEM-FNI.com. This cloud-based software enables dealers to manage their purchases, sales and vehicle inventories in real time. With a single click, they can post them on their sales site, print window stickers, and even prepare sales contracts. “By combining the FNI with the car rental and operations management module already included in the GEM-CAR software, we now offer a complete DMS (Dealer Management System) solution,” emphasizes Guy Pelletier, General Manager of V2V Technologies.

The new generation of GEM-CAR CLOUD.com is a platform based on SaaS technology. “We are proud to introduce Québec’s first cloud-based software that brings accounting, payroll, operations management, digital marketing, digital technologies for finance and insurance (F&I), electronic punching and computerized inspections all under one roof,” adds Brunel. The software is used in CAA Québec-recommended inspection centres.

CARFAX’s Added Value

In addition, the integration with CARFAX grants GEM-CAR users’ free access to a vehicle’s maintenance history, and a complete report at the click of a button—a major step forward for automotive workshops. “It enables them to enrich their customer experience and add value to their repair and inspection services,” says Pelletier.

To complement this offering, V2V also brings GEM-FLEET.com, a fleet management software tailored to heavy-duty truck repair shops, ideal for maintenance and cost control.

The GEM-BOOKS.com accounting software, specifically intended for the automotive industry, handles the complex payroll of car manufacturers. It also allows customers to pay their invoices by e-mail or smart phone—an additional benefit that ensures you receive payments quickly.

Personalized Training and eLearning

Future users of these products can access group training, online or at a workshop, according to their needs. What’s more, video-based online GEM-ACADEMIE.com training is available to facilitate their apprenticeship. On this point, Pelletier emphasizes: “Our aim is to enable users to gain greater autonomy, so that they can support our growing team of coaches in their implementation.”

“Furthermore,” adds Marc-André Roy, Head of Teaching, “this tool is an ideal platform with access (in addition to videos) to the manual, the FAQs section, training courses, exercises and lessons related to the general management of a workshop.”

“We are now a one-stop shop for the automotive industry. Hearing about it isn’t enough, you have to test it,” concludes the company president, inviting operators to do their own road tests online.

PICTURE CREDIT : GEM-CAR