COOPABLE & Lotlinx Automate Co-Op Funds to Boost Dealer Sales

LEXINGTON, Ky. – March 11, 2026 – A new strategic partnership between co-op management firm COOPABLE and automotive AI leader Lotlinx is set to dismantle one of the most persistent administrative hurdles for car dealerships: accessing manufacturer co-op marketing funds. The collaboration, announced today, provides a fully automated pathway for dealers to apply these funds toward Lotlinx’s advanced VIN-specific marketing platform, aiming to streamline operations and accelerate vehicle sales.

For years, dealers have viewed co-op programs as a double-edged sword. While the funds represent a crucial subsidy for local advertising, the process of claiming them is notoriously complex and labor-intensive. This new partnership promises a turnkey solution, handling the entire administrative lifecycle from pre-approval to reimbursement, allowing dealers to focus on selling cars rather than navigating red tape.

Tackling the Co-Op Conundrum

Manufacturer co-op funds, also known as market development funds (MDF), are a vital component of the automotive retail ecosystem, designed to help OEMs amplify their brand message at the local level. However, the operational reality for dealers has long been one of frustration. Industry analysis reveals a staggering level of underutilization, with some reports indicating that as much as 60% of available funds go unclaimed each quarter.

The reasons are multifaceted. Each automaker has its own labyrinth of rules, restrictions, and compliance guidelines. Dealers must meticulously document every aspect of a campaign—from ad copy and logo usage to proof of performance—and submit claims within strict deadlines. A single misstep can result in a rejected claim, forfeiting thousands of dollars in potential reimbursement. This administrative burden often requires dedicated staff hours that many dealerships cannot spare, leading them to abandon the effort altogether.

Furthermore, many OEM programs have historically maintained restrictive lists of “approved” vendors, which may not always align with a dealer’s preferred or most effective marketing strategies. This can lead to cookie-cutter campaigns that fail to address specific, local inventory needs. The result is a significant pool of capital, intended to drive sales, left untapped on the balance sheet.

A Turnkey Solution for VIN-Specific Marketing

The partnership between COOPABLE and Lotlinx directly confronts these inefficiencies. Under the new arrangement, COOPABLE will serve as the administrative engine for Lotlinx customers, managing the entire co-op process behind the scenes. This includes navigating program guidelines, securing pre-approvals, submitting all necessary compliance documentation, and tracking the reimbursement status until the funds are returned to the dealer.

For the dealership, the experience is designed to be entirely seamless. They can continue to leverage Lotlinx’s powerful VIN performance platform—which uses artificial intelligence and vast shopper data to identify at-risk inventory and deploy targeted digital ad campaigns—without the associated administrative headache of funding it through co-op. Approved funds will flow through standard OEM reimbursement channels, while COOPABLE ensures every box is checked.

“The co-op process can be time-consuming and nuanced, especially across different OEM programs,” said Mark W. Baruth, CEO of COOPABLE, in the official announcement. “Our partnership with Lotlinx removes that burden from the dealership. COOPABLE handles the approvals, submissions, and compliance on the dealer's behalf.”

This automation is particularly significant because it applies to a sophisticated marketing tool. Lotlinx specializes in moving beyond broad, brand-level advertising to focus on individual vehicles. By analyzing market data and shopper behavior, its platform helps dealers promote the specific cars on their lot that need the most marketing support, optimizing ad spend and preventing costly markdowns on aging inventory.

Expanding Access and Empowering Dealers

While Lotlinx already participates in turnkey co-op programs with a handful of manufacturers, this new alliance dramatically expands accessibility. The service will now be available for brands where dealers were previously required to manage the complex documentation and submission process themselves. This is expected to be a game-changer for retailers who have struggled to get co-op approval for advanced, third-party marketing vendors under rigid OEM guidelines.

By removing the financial and administrative friction, the partnership effectively unlocks capital that dealers can reinvest into more aggressive and precise marketing efforts. This aligns with the core mission at Lotlinx, which is centered on driving showroom traffic and improving inventory turn.

“At Lotlinx, we're focused on helping dealers move inventory efficiently,” stated Kerri Wise, Chief Marketing Officer at Lotlinx. “Making co-op easier to access is a practical way to support our clients and remove friction from their VIN targeting efforts. Co-op dollars are available, and with this partnership, it makes it faster and easier for our clients than ever!”

The value proposition is backed by a strong performance record. Case studies have shown that dealers using the Lotlinx platform have achieved significant results, including cutting days-on-lot in half, boosting conversions by over 100%, and realizing substantial incremental profit. By making this powerful tool more financially accessible through automated co-op funding, the partnership empowers a wider range of dealers to achieve similar outcomes.

The Future of Automotive Retail Technology

This collaboration represents a significant step in the ongoing technological evolution of automotive retail. It signals a move toward a more integrated and intelligent ecosystem where sophisticated front-end marketing tools are seamlessly connected with automated back-end financial and administrative processes. This fusion of AI-driven marketing with fintech-style automation provides dealers with a powerful competitive advantage in a crowded digital marketplace.

From an OEM perspective, such solutions offer a clear benefit. Manufacturers want their co-op funds to be used effectively to sell more vehicles. A system that increases the utilization of these funds while ensuring brand compliance and directing spend toward a proven, results-oriented platform aligns perfectly with their ultimate goals. It helps ensure that their marketing investments at the Tier 3 (dealer) level are not just being spent, but are driving measurable returns.

The partnership officially went live on March 1, 2026, and according to the companies, COOPABLE is already in the process of onboarding participating Lotlinx dealers, turning this innovative concept into a practical reality for showrooms across the country.