Methods, programs, and systems for managing used cars

Abstract

This provides a method, system, and program for used car dealers to reliably track the delivery of trade-in vehicles. [Solution] The method for managing used cars includes: linking appraisal information, including the chassis number of a trade-in vehicle, generated at the time of a new car sale, to new car sales information, including the management number of the new car, on a first server used by a new car seller; sending an approval signal to the first server from a computer used by an approver who approves the sale of a new car, in order to confirm the new car sales information; and, simultaneously with the first server receiving the approval signal, sending the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle from the first server to a second server used by a used car seller who sells the trade-in vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method, program, and system for managing used cars in the process of commercializing trade-in cars generated with the sale of new cars as used cars.

Background Art

[0002] One timing when used cars are generated is at the time of selling and purchasing new cars. When a car already owned by a person (customer) who purchases a new car is transferred to a new car seller as a trade-in car, the trade-in car is commercialized as a used car by a person (used car seller) who sells used cars and supplied to the used car market. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for searching for used cars existing in the used car market.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a new method, system, and program for managing used cars in the process of commercializing trade-in cars as used cars. Alternatively, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a method, system, and program that enable used car sellers to surely grasp the delivery of trade-in cars. Alternatively, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a method, system, and program for more efficiently commercializing used cars.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing used cars. This method includes: linking appraisal information, including the chassis number of a trade-in vehicle, generated at the time of a new car sale, with new car sales information, including the management number of the new car, on a first server used by a new car seller; sending an approval signal to the first server from a computer used by an approver who approves the sale of a new car, in order to confirm the new car sales information; and, simultaneously with the first server receiving the approval signal, sending the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle from the first server to a second server used by a used car seller who sells the trade-in vehicle.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a program for managing used cars. This program is configured to (1) link appraisal information including the chassis number of a trade-in vehicle and new car sales information including the management number of the new car that arise when a new car is sold, and to cause a computer used by a new car seller to transmit the appraisal information and new car sales information to a first server used by a new car seller; (2) cause a computer used by an approver who approves the sale of a new car to transmit an approval signal to the first server to confirm the new car sales information; and (3) as soon as the approval signal is received, cause the first server to transmit the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to a second server used by a used car seller who sells the trade-in vehicle.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a system for managing used cars. This system includes a first server used by new car dealers and a second server used by used car dealers. The first server is configured to link appraisal vehicle information, including the chassis number of a trade-in vehicle, generated when a new car is sold, to new car sales information, including the management number of the new car; to receive an approval signal from a computer used by an approver who approves the sale of the new car, in order to confirm the new car sales information; and to transmit the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the second server simultaneously with receiving the approval signal.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a medium on which the above-mentioned program is stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating a method for managing used cars according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the exchange of signals in a used car management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing a used car management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] An example of a display screen shown by an instruction from a used car management program according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and other materials. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit, and is not to be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described below.

[0011] While drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to clarify the explanation, these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each drawing, elements having the same function as those described with respect to previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. When multiple identical or similar components are shown individually, a hyphen and a natural number may be added after the reference numeral. On the other hand, when multiple identical or similar components are shown collectively, only the reference numeral is used.

[0012] The following describes a method, program, and system for managing used cars according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 1. System Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a system 100 for managing used cars according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a first server 110 and a third server 130 used by a new car dealer (hereinafter referred to as a new car dealer), a second server 120 used by a dealer that refurbishes and sells trade-in cars delivered by the new car dealer as used cars (hereinafter referred to as a used car dealer), and a computer 132 used by an approver who approves the sale of new cars by the new car dealer. The system 100 may also include one or more computers 112 used by the new car dealer. Similarly, the system 100 may include one or more computers 122 used by the used car dealer. In the example shown in Figure 1, computers 112-1 to 112-3 and computers 122-1 to 122-3 are shown as computers used by the new car dealer and the used car dealer, but there is no restriction on the number of these computers. The first server 110 and the second server 120 may be physically independent servers, or they may be physically integrated but operating on different systems. In the latter case, a single server performs the functions of both the first server 110 and the second server 120.

[0014] The first server 110, the second server 120, the third server 130, and computers 112, 122, and 132 are connected to each other via a network 102, which enables communication between them. Network 102 is a wide area network, such as the Internet. The first server 110, the second server 120, and computers 112, 122, and 132 are configured to operate according to instructions from a program for managing used cars (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the management program) and to execute the method for managing used cars described later. The management program is installed on computers 112, 122, and 132. Alternatively, the management program may not be installed on computers 112, 122, and 132, but may be configured to operate on the first server 110, the second server 120, and the third server 130. The management program will be described later.

[0015] Here, the new car dealer and the used car dealer may be a corporation or a natural person. Also, the first server 110, the second server 120, and the third server 130 may be data servers directly owned and managed by the new car dealer and the used car dealer, or they may be cloud servers open to the new car dealer and the used car dealer. Furthermore, access restrictions may be placed on computers 112, 122, and 132 to the above servers. For example, computer 112 may be able to access the first server 110, but access restrictions may be placed so that it cannot access the other servers. Similarly, computer 122 may be able to access the second server 120, but access restrictions may be placed so that it cannot access the other servers.

[0016] Although not shown in the diagram, system 100 may further include a private server that is only accessible to computer 112 and connected to computer 112 via a local area network. Similarly, system 100 may further include a private server that is only accessible to computer 122 and connected to computer 122 via a local area network. By storing highly confidential information such as personal information on the private servers and information that does not require high confidentiality on the first server 110 and the second server 120, information management can be thoroughly implemented, and the burden on the first server 110 and the second server 120 can be reduced.

[0017] System 100 connects via network 102 to a new car information server 140 and an appraisal information server 150 provided by the manufacturer that manufactures the new cars and transfers them to new car dealers. The new car information server 140 and the appraisal information server 150 may be physically independent servers, or they may be physically integrated servers operating on different systems.

[0018] The new vehicle information providing server 140 stores information regarding new vehicles delivered to new vehicle dealers. The information stored in the new vehicle information providing server 140 includes, for example, the vehicle identification number of the new vehicle and the management number assigned by the new vehicle dealer, as well as various information such as vehicle type, grade, drive system, color, delivery date, and specification change deadline. These information can be imported (downloaded) by the third server 130. In other words, the third server 130 is configured to be able to import the information stored in the new vehicle information providing server 140. Thereby, information regarding the inventory vehicles of the new vehicle dealer (the number and specifications of the inventory vehicles, residence time, incoming vehicles and their numbers, specification change deadline, etc.) can be stored in the third server 130 and confirmed on the computer 112.

[0019] The appraisal information providing server 150 stores information (appraisal information) regarding trade-in vehicles actually appraised at the time of new vehicle sales by new vehicle dealers. The appraisal information includes, in addition to the vehicle identification number of the trade-in vehicle, vehicle type, grade, drive system, color, registration year, mileage, appraisal price, etc. The appraisal information can also be imported (downloaded) from the appraisal information providing server 150 by the first server ll0. In other words, the first server 110 is configured to be able to import the appraisal information stored in the appraisal information providing server 150.

[0020] 2. Method for managing used vehicles Hereinafter, a method for managing trade-in vehicles generated at the time of new vehicle sales as used vehicles will be described. This method is roughly classified into the stage of selling new vehicles and delivering the trade-in vehicles generated at the time of selling the new vehicles to used vehicle dealers (delivery stage), and the stage of commercializing the delivered trade-in vehicles as used vehicles (commercialization stage).

[0021] 2-1. Delivery stage The flowchart of the commercialization stage is schematically shown in FIG. 2, and the transmission and reception of signals and commands between the respective components are shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] (1) Input of appraisal information First, the trade-in vehicle to be taken in by the customer is appraised. During the appraisal, the two-dimensional code or ID chip printed on or embedded in the vehicle registration certificate of the trade-in vehicle is read, and the manufacturer and various specifications (chassis number, make, model, grade, color, year of manufacture, registration number, registration date, etc.) of the trade-in vehicle are read, and an appraisal price is determined based on dynamic information such as mileage. This appraisal information is stored in the appraisal information provision server 150. When the appraisal information provision server 150 receives the appraisal information, it issues an appraisal management number and links (associates) it with the appraisal information.

[0023] The new car dealer uses computer 132 to download appraisal information from appraisal information provision server 150 (S090) and store it in the first server 110 (S095). The new car dealer also uses computer 132 to download new car information from new car information provision server 140 (S100) and store it in the third server 130 (S102).

[0024] (2) Input of new car sales information Next, the specifications of the new car requested by the customer are determined. The specifications include the make, model, grade, color, drive system, and whether or not optional parts are included. As mentioned above, the third server 130 stores information about the new car dealer's inventory (number and specifications of inventory vehicles, dwell time, vehicles scheduled to arrive and their number, specification change deadline, etc.) based on information previously retrieved from the new car information provision server 140, and this information can be checked on the computer 112. Here, inventory vehicles include not only actual vehicles currently owned by the new car dealer, but also vehicles that the manufacturer plans to deliver to the new car dealer (vehicles scheduled for delivery).

[0025] The new car dealer searches for a vehicle in stock that meets the determined specifications. Specifically, the new car dealer operates a management program on computer 112 and sends a request command to the third server 130 to search for a new car that meets the determined specifications (S104). The third server 130 sends the search results to computer 112 in response to this request command (S106). Each new car is assigned a unique chassis number by the manufacturer, or a management number by the manufacturer or new car dealer, and furthermore, the specifications of the new car are linked to the chassis number and / or management number. Therefore, the search results include the chassis number and / or management number along with the specifications linked to them.

[0026] When a new car that meets the customer's requirements is found, the computer 112 is used to send a contract registration to the third server 130 (S108). The third server 130, upon receiving the contract registration, then sends information about the new car to the first server 110 (S110).

[0027] The new car dealer operates a management program on computer 112 and sends a command to the first server 110 to display a screen for inputting sales information (new car sales information) for the new car (S112). Upon receiving this command, the first server 110 sends a signal to display a screen for inputting new car sales information on computer 112 in accordance with the instructions of the management program (S114). The new car dealer uses this screen to create and input the new car sales information. The new car sales information includes the chassis number and / or management number of the matched new car, as well as customer information associated with these (e.g., customer's name, contact information, payment method, etc.). The new car sales information is sent from computer 112 to the first server 110 (S116). As a result, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, the chassis number and / or management number are linked to the customer information on the first server 110.

[0028] As mentioned above, the third server 130 also stores the specification change deadline. This specification change deadline is the deadline permitted by the manufacturer, and before this deadline, it is possible to change some of the specifications of the vehicle scheduled for delivery (for example, color). Therefore, even if there are no existing vehicles or vehicles scheduled for delivery that meet the specifications desired by the customer at the time of the search, a command to change the specifications of the vehicle scheduled for delivery to the specifications desired by the customer may be sent to the first server 110 before the specification change deadline. The first server 110 may be configured to send a specification change command to the third server 130 upon receiving this command. This allows the first server 110 to confirm that there is a specification change via computer 132.

[0029] (3) Linking and transmitting new car sales information and appraisal information The new car dealer further operates computer 112 and sends a command to the first server 110 to link the new car sales information, including the vehicle identification number and / or management number of the new car, with the appraisal information using the appraisal management number (S118). As a result, the vehicle identification number and / or management number of the new car are linked with the appraisal information on the first server 110. Alternatively, by operating computer 112 to save the new car sales information, the management program may be configured so that the appraisal information stored on the first server 110 and the new car sales information are automatically linked via the appraisal management number.

[0030] (4) Transmission of approval signal The transaction is finalized when the customer ultimately communicates their intention to purchase a new car and transfer their trade-in vehicle to the new car dealer, and the new car dealer confirms the scheduled delivery date of the new car. Typically, the trade-in vehicle is transferred from the customer to the new car dealer at the same time as the delivery of the new car, so this scheduled delivery date is also the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the used car dealer, i.e., the date the trade-in vehicle becomes available. The new car dealer uses a management program to add the scheduled delivery date of the new car and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the new car sales information and transmits it from computer 112 to the first server 110 (S120). As a result, the scheduled delivery date and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle are linked to the new car sales information and appraisal information on the first server 110. As described above, multiple computers 112 are connected to the first server 110 via the network 102. Therefore, the order status, transaction status, sales status, and sales performance of the new car dealer can be easily grasped on each computer 112.

[0031] Subsequently, the approval procedure for the sale of the new car is carried out by the approver. The approver may be a new car dealer, or a person who manages and oversees multiple new car dealers. This approval procedure is carried out by computer 112 or computer 132 used by the approver. The approver uses a management program to send an approval signal to the first server 110 via computer 112 or computer 132 to approve the contract (S122). As a result, the contract between the customer and the new car dealer is approved and can be confirmed on computer 112. Upon receiving the approval signal, the first server 110 sends a contract confirmation signal to the third server 130 (S124). As a result, the third server 130 registers the contract confirmation for the corresponding sold new car information. If the specifications of the vehicle scheduled for delivery need to be changed to the specifications desired by the customer before the specification change deadline, i.e., if the third server 130 has already received a specification change order, the corresponding new car information is updated with the information after the specification change.

[0032] Although not shown in the diagram, the first server 110 may be configured to link the scheduled delivery date and the scheduled trade-in vehicle delivery date to the new car sales information and the appraisal information, and at the same time send a signal to computer 132 or 112 prompting approval of the contract. Alternatively, the management program may be configured to cause computer 112 to send a signal to computer 132 prompting approval when computer 112 sends the scheduled delivery date and the scheduled trade-in vehicle delivery date linked to the new car sales information to the first server 110.

[0033] (5) Sending assessment information and delivery date When a contract between a customer and a new car dealer is approved, that is, when the first server 110 receives an approval signal, the first server 110 not only sends a signal to the computer 112 to notify it that the contract has been approved (S126), but also sends the trade-in vehicle appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the second server 120 simultaneously with or substantially simultaneously with the receipt of the approval signal, or after the receipt of the approval signal (S128). The time between the receipt of the approval signal and the transmission of the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle is preferably short, for example, within 24 hours, within 12 hours, within 1 hour, within 1 minute, or within 10 seconds. Preferably, the trade-in vehicle appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle are transmitted to the second server 120 simultaneously with the receipt of the approval signal.

[0034] (6) Eligibility Verification Here, simultaneously with or before the transmission of the trade-in vehicle appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle, the first server 110 may verify the eligibility of the trade-in vehicle. The second server 120 has in advance stored the chassis numbers of vehicles owned by the used car seller (used cars, trade-in vehicles, etc.) and used cars that have been sold in the past, and the used car seller can access this information via computer 122. In the eligibility verification, the first server 110, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, determines whether the data to be transmitted from the first server 110 to the second server 120 includes appraisal information. If appraisal information is not included, the trade-in vehicle is determined to be ineligible. Alternatively, the first server 110, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, automatically compares the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle included in the appraisal information with the chassis numbers of vehicles already stored in the second server 120, and determines whether the same chassis number exists on the second server 120. If the second server 120 stores a chassis number identical to the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle included in the appraisal information, it means that there is some procedural defect, and therefore the trade-in vehicle is deemed ineligible. Alternatively, the first server 110, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, compares the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle included in the appraisal information with the chassis numbers of used cars that have been sold between the used car seller and its customers within a certain period in the past (for example, 30, 60, or 90 days). These used car chassis numbers are also stored in the second server 120. If the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle included in the appraisal information is found among the chassis numbers of used cars that have been sold between the used car seller and its customers within a certain period in the past, it is possible that past appraisal information was mistakenly transmitted, and therefore the trade-in vehicle is deemed ineligible. Alternatively, the first server 110, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, may determine whether the chassis number or registration number of the trade-in vehicle included in the appraisal information is the chassis number or registration number of a stolen vehicle. In this case as well, the trade-in vehicle will be deemed ineligible.

[0035] If eligibility is confirmed, the trade-in vehicle's appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date are sent to the second server 120 as described above (S128). On the other hand, if eligibility is not confirmed, eligibility is investigated. If eligibility is confirmed in the investigation, the trade-in vehicle's appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date are sent to the second server 120. If eligibility is not confirmed in the investigation, the trade-in vehicle's appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date are not sent, and the trade-in vehicle is put on hold.

[0036] Furthermore, eligibility verification may be performed on the second server 120 after receiving the trade-in vehicle appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle.

[0037] To implement the above management method, the third server 130 is configured to retrieve the chassis number and management number from the information downloaded from the new vehicle information provision server 140 in accordance with the instructions of the management program. The first server 110 is configured to handle the various retrieved information on the management program and is configured to link and store the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle with the new vehicle sales information and appraisal information. Furthermore, the first server 110 may be configured to receive an approval signal and, in response, transmit the appraisal information of the trade-in vehicle and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the second server 120. On the other hand, the second server 120 is configured to receive the appraisal information of the trade-in vehicle and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle from the first server 110.

[0038] Traditionally, there was little business interaction or information exchange between new car dealers and used car dealers, even if they were the same legal entity. As a result, used car dealers had limited opportunities to obtain information about trade-in vehicles that arose during new car sales. For this reason, even when trade-in vehicles were expected, if the delivery date was not yet confirmed, sales efforts for those trade-in vehicles could not be started early, resulting in a lack of flexibility in responding to customer demand and other situations where trade-in vehicles could not be effectively utilized. Furthermore, because information about trade-in vehicles was kept internally by new car dealers, this information could become siloed and even lead to illegal practices such as the resale of trade-in vehicles.

[0039] In contrast, as described above, in the used car management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a contract is concluded and approved between a customer and a new car dealer, an approval signal is transmitted to the first server 110, and simultaneously or immediately thereafter, appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle are automatically transmitted to the second server 120. Therefore, the used car dealer can reliably ascertain, via computer 122, the fact that a trade-in vehicle ready for sale as a used car will be delivered, along with the delivery date, on the second server 120. Similarly, the new car dealer and approvers can reliably ascertain, via computers 112 and 132, that the trade-in vehicle is scheduled to be delivered to the used car dealer. These features make used car management easier. For example, the used car dealer can manage the delivery schedule of the trade-in vehicle, and as a result, can quickly assemble the schedules for various processes necessary for commercializing the used car. In addition, because the trade-in vehicle to be delivered can be identified early, it becomes possible to respond flexibly to customer demand, such as by presenting it to the customer early. Furthermore, since it prevents the personalization of information regarding trade-in vehicles, it also becomes possible to prevent illegal practices such as the diversion of trade-in vehicles.

[0040] 2-2. Commercialization Stage When a trade-in vehicle is transferred to a used car dealer, the dealer verifies the vehicle's suitability and then prepares it for sale as a used car. This preparation involves various processes, such as cleaning and deodorizing the exterior and interior, cleaning the engine compartment, bodywork, painting, various vehicle inspections, ownership transfer, and photography. Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the preparation stages.

[0041] In the commercialization process, first, in accordance with the instructions of the management program, computer 122 requests the second server 120 to transmit the progress status of the commercialization process for the trade-in vehicle. The second server 120 stores the progress status of each commercialization process (not started, in progress, completed, etc.) linked to the vehicle identification number of the trade-in vehicle. In accordance with the request from computer 122, the second server 120 transmits the progress status of each commercialization process for the trade-in vehicle. In accordance with the instructions of the management program, computer 122 creates a list summarizing these progress statuses and displays it on the display screen. This allows the commercialization process to be displayed and understood on computer 122.

[0042] An example of a progress list is shown in Figure 5. There are no restrictions on the format or content of the progress list; for example, it may include the management number assigned by the used car seller, the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the used car, the manufacturer, the car name, the status, and the location where the car was received. The progress list may also include the start and end dates of the work corresponding to the status.

[0043] Although not shown in the diagram, this display may include appropriate input icons or pull-down menus for changing the display included in the progress list. Therefore, when a commercialization process is carried out and completed, the completion of that commercialization process is entered on computer 122 using the input icons or pull-down menus. The management program is configured to send a signal to the second server 120 to update the progress list in response to the input on computer 122. Upon receiving this signal, the second server 120 updates the progress status and sends the updated progress status to computer 122. This allows for quick confirmation that the progress status has been updated on computer 122. Furthermore, since all of the computers 122 are connected to the second server 120, the progress of the commercialization process for all trade-in vehicles can be monitored through each computer 122.

[0044] If further productization processes exist, these should be carried out, and the same input work should be performed each time they are completed. Once all productization processes are complete, the trade-in vehicle will be refurbished as a used car. After productization is complete, the used car will be displayed as appropriate.

[0045] Furthermore, the aforementioned commercialization process can be applied not only to trade-in vehicles delivered by new car dealers, but also to vehicles acquired by used car dealers for the purpose of resale, or to vehicles that were previously used under the company's name but have been decided to be treated as used cars.

[0046] 3. Medium The above-described management program may be distributed via the network 102, or it may be stored on a medium. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention is a medium on which the above-described management program is stored. This medium is a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, flexible disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memory that are configured to store and execute support programs. The management program may include not only machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that is executed using an interpreter or the like.

[0047] As described above, by applying the embodiments of the present invention, used car dealers can reliably track trade-in vehicles that are generated during new car sales and transferred to them. Therefore, both new car dealers and used car dealers can accurately and quickly grasp the status of trade-in vehicles. This can be said to contribute to preventing fraud such as illegal diversion. In addition, used car dealers can obtain detailed information about trade-in vehicles scheduled for delivery (vehicle type, chassis number, delivery date, mileage, etc.) at the same time as the new car sale is finalized. Therefore, used car dealers can present not only vehicles they currently own but also used cars that can be commercialized in the near future as products to customers, making it possible to not only easily manage used cars but also to provide a service that satisfies customers. Furthermore, since the process of commercializing trade-in vehicles into used cars can be easily grasped, it is also possible to shorten the lead time.

[0048] The embodiments described above as embodiments of the present invention can be combined and implemented as appropriate, insofar as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, any additions, deletions, or design changes to components, or additions, omissions, or changes to processes based on these embodiments, made by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0049] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to a person skilled in the art, are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 100: System, 102: Network, 110: First Server, 112: Computer, 120: Second Server, 122: Computer, 130: Third Server, 132: Computer, 140: New Car Information Server, 150: Appraisal Information Server

Claims

1. A first server used by new car dealers links appraisal information, including the vehicle identification number of a trade-in vehicle, generated at the time of new car sales, to new car sales information, including the management number of the new car. The computer used by the approver who approves the sale of the new vehicle transmits an approval signal to the first server for confirming the new vehicle sales information. A method for managing used cars, comprising the first server transmitting the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in car to a second server used by a used car dealer that sells the trade-in car, at the same time the first server receives the approval signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the first server retrieving the management number of the new vehicle stored in a new vehicle information provision server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle.

3. The first server further includes receiving the appraisal management number of the trade-in vehicle issued by the appraisal information storage server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle, The method according to claim 1, wherein the linking is performed by associating the new car sales information with the appraisal management number.

4. The first server further includes verifying the eligibility of the trade-in vehicle, The method according to claim 1, wherein the verification is performed by comparing the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle with the chassis numbers of a plurality of vehicles stored in the second server.

5. A first server used by a new car dealer that sells new cars, Receiving from a computer used by the new car dealer the appraisal information including the vehicle identification number of the trade-in vehicle generated at the time of the sale of the new car, and new car sales information including the management number of the new car, which are linked to each other. The approval signal for confirming the new vehicle sales information is received from a computer used by the approver who approves the sale of the new vehicle, and A program for managing used cars, configured to, upon receiving the aforementioned approval signal, transmit the aforementioned appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to a second server used by the used car dealer who sells the trade-in vehicle.

6. The program according to claim 5, configured to cause the first server to retrieve the management number of the new vehicle stored in a new vehicle information provision server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle.

7. The system is configured to cause the first server to retrieve the appraisal management number of the trade-in vehicle issued by the appraisal information storage server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle, The program according to claim 5, wherein the linking is performed by associating the new car sales information with the appraisal management number.

8. The system is further configured to cause the first server to perform the verification of the eligibility of the trade-in vehicle, The program according to claim 5, wherein the verification is performed by comparing the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle with the chassis numbers of a plurality of vehicles stored in the second server.

9. The first server used by new car dealers, and This includes a second server used by used car dealers, The first server is, When a new car is sold, appraisal information including the vehicle identification number of the trade-in vehicle is linked to the new car sales information including the management number of the new car. The computer used by the approver who approves the sale of the new vehicle receives an approval signal to confirm the new vehicle sales information. A system for managing used cars, configured to transmit the appraisal information and the scheduled delivery date of the trade-in vehicle to the second server simultaneously with receiving the aforementioned approval signal.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first server is further configured to retrieve the management number of the new vehicle stored in a new vehicle information server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle.

11. The first server is further configured to receive the appraisal management number of the trade-in vehicle issued by the appraisal information storage server provided by the manufacturer of the new vehicle, The system according to claim 9, wherein the linking is performed by associating the new car sales information with the appraisal management number.

12. The first server is further configured to verify the eligibility of the trade-in vehicle, The verification is performed by comparing the chassis number of the trade-in vehicle with the chassis numbers of a plurality of vehicles stored in the second server, according to claim 9.

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