ADP Dealer Services, Inc., the world’s leading supplier of dealer management systems, is separating from its parent company, ADP, and adopting a new company name: CDK Global, Inc.

CDK Global will be one of the largest technology providers to the automotive industry, supporting more than 26,000 dealer sites in over 100 countries and with nearly 9,000 employees worldwide.

The letters of the new name represent three of ADP Dealer Services’ historically largest businesses and most strategic brands. The ‘C’ stands for Cobalt Digital Marketing, a leader in the fast growing digital marketing space which was acquired by ADP in 2010. The ‘D’ references Dealer Services and the company’s 40 years of experience in the motor retail sector. The ‘K’ links to Kerridge Computer Company, the UK-based DMS supplier that ADP acquired in 2005.

CDK Global offers integrated management and technology solutions to car dealers and manufacturers, and also to heavy truck and motorcycle clients.

Steve Anenen, who will serve as CDK Global’s CEO, noted, “We have decades of success as ADP Dealer Services, and we wanted that rich legacy to live on. Plus, the additions of Cobalt and Kerridge to our business solidified our position as a global market leader, so we wanted our new company’s name to represent the heritage of our strongest assets – assets we are combining into one unified solution to help support the evolution of our industry worldwide.”

While the new name of the company honours CDK Global’s history, the logo and branding represent an entirely new look and feel for the company. The new identity incorporates the universally recognised traffic light, with the green light illuminated, to represent a commitment to progress, as well as optimism and opportunity.