About Us

What We Do:

We utilize scientific analysis, process-optimizing software, and experienced consultants to help General Motors better evaluate, structure, and manage its sales organizations and marketing programs. Empowered by ChannelVantage solutions, our client is not simply responding to market forces, but taking the initiative to achieve critical cost and customer-relationship advantages that keep them ahead of the pack.

Scientific analysis optimizes our client’s business processes for maximum return and efficiency. We are experts at processing and managing complex data sets to fuel our analytical processes which scientifically identify the key metrics and actionable insights that drive performance.

Process-optimizing software embeds our analytical processes and metrics into our configurable software built entirely in house with a clear focus on the automotive industry. This allows General Motors to automate the processes for maximum efficiency, and track and manage key performance metrics for continuous improvement.

Experienced, practical consultants have direct experience in the automotive industry – whether it is working directly for an OEM or for their agency partners. We understand General Motors business and can quickly hone in on opportunities to improve its business – be it driving more sales or pulling cost out of the system.

What Drives Us:

Our goal, first and foremost, is to deliver maximum results for General Motors. We do that by applying science and mathematics to uncover often non-intuitive drivers of General Motors business that make a real impact when given the proper focus. Our precise, scientific DNA coupled with a natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit drive us to look beyond the obvious and go the extra mile for General Motors across the globe. ChannelVantage people are:

Results Driven: The insights we provide help our clients make better decisions resulting in tangible business benefits.

Curious: We are passionate about what we do. Scientific curiosity runs in our veins and drives us to uncover hidden opportunities.

Analytical and Precise: Our expertise and our products use cutting edge science to analyze complex data.

Behind The Name:

The name ChannelVantage embodies the scope of the services we provide -- marketing and distribution "Channel" management -- and signifies how we help General Motors achieve its "Vantage," or as Webster's Dictionary defines it, "a position affording superior power or opportunity."

As a strategic partner, ChannelVantage's mission is to provide valuable products and services that will enable General Motors and its business partners to achieve their goals in the marketplace. ChannelVantage helps its clients evaluate, structure and manage their retail distribution channels to achieve critical competitive, cost and customer-relationship advantages. General Motors and its business partners receive unparalleled focus and flexibility, allowing for the quick development and delivery of best-in-class solutions. Our unique client-centric approach ensures solid support of clients' objectives and the ability to adapt to their changing needs.

How We’ve Grown:

In 1977, when Jim Anderson – a professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan – heard that Cadillac was told a particular marketing problem “couldn’t be solved” with current technology, he pioneered the concept of computer-generated dot mapping and the discipline of automotive network planning which is still recognized as the industry standard and leader. Anderson founded Urban Science to deliver the solution and established the company in Detroit, Michigan.

Formed in 2001 as a strategic alliance between General Motors and Urban Science, ChannelVantage is a wholly owned subsidiary of Urban Science, a global company that has diligently supported General Motors with litigation, network, customer and site services since 1977. ChannelVantage now consults on nearly every aspect of the automotive retail business – from network planning to dealer performance improvement to lead management and marketing optimization. And we’re not done growing.

Philanthropy:

Urban Science and ChannelVantage strive to achieve Jim Anderson’s vision of a world where science and technology combine with entrepreneurial spirit to create opportunity and make the world a better place to live. This vision continues to drive Anderson, through Urban Science, to give back to the community and educational organizations that share his can-do attitude. Philanthropy efforts include endowments to the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan to build a Spinal Cord Injury Program and to Wayne State University to develop an Engineering Ventures Program to help students become successful entrepreneurs.

Additional ChannelVantage community outreach programs include:

Toys for tots
Gleaners
Children’s Hospital
Goodfellows
Children’s Miracle Network
Habitat for Humanity
Cornerstone Schools
A World in Motion

Urban Science and ChannelVantange always encourages our employees to contribute their time and energy to worthy philanthropic efforts such as these.

Urban Science Awards:

2011 Innovation Michigan Award Finalist

Honors Michigan innovators that are helping transform the changing economy through entrepreneurism

2011, 2010, 2009 Inc. 500 I 5000

List of America’s fastest growing companies

2010 Crain's Salute to Entrepreneurs Award

2010 Crain's CFO of the Year Award

2010, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002 Honda Premier Partner Award

Recognizes suppliers that embrace the Honda philosophy of exceeding customer expectations

2010 Initiative for a Competitive Inner City: Inner City 100 Award

Celebrating the fastest growing companies in America’s inner cities

2010 Crain's 25 Companies to Watch Award

2008 Crain's Small Business Award

2008 Toyota Premier Partner Award

For excellence in providing strategic marketing support to its sales and service divisions

2002 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

1998, 1997 Association of Computing Machinery KDD Cup: Gold Miner's Award

A knowledge discovery and data mining (KDDM) tools competition