CDK Global API
REST APIs exist on CDK's Fortellis platform covering CRM, parts, F&I, digital retail, and payments. Access requires a costly certification and partnership process, and third-party data access has historically been restricted. Fortellis remains mostly CDK's own APIs.
Frequently asked questions
CDK Global scores F on the API Report Card. REST APIs exist on CDK's Fortellis platform covering CRM, parts, F&I, digital retail, and payments. Access requires a costly certification and partnership process, and third-party data access has historically been restricted. Fortellis remains mostly CDK's own APIs.
Without a usable official API, teams fall back on manual exports, file drops, or one-off vendor integrations. The other option is an unofficial API layer like Supergood that automates the authenticated web app directly.
CDK Global is the dominant dealer management system (DMS) and software platform for automotive retail, trusted by nearly 15,000 dealer locations.
Automotive, Typically for franchise auto dealerships (new and used) of all sizes, heavy equipment dealers, and truck dealerships across the US and internationally. Centralized system-of-record for all dealership operations: vehicle inventory, sales desking, F&I processing, service repair orders, parts management, customer CRM, accounting, and compliance.
CDK Global and Reynolds & Reynolds together control ~90% of dealership transactions by vehicles sold. CDK alone serves ~15,000 locations and claims ~70% market share.
Yes, stores all core dealership data including vehicle inventory, customer records, sales transactions, service history, repair orders, parts inventory, F&I contracts, and accounting. This is the absolute system-of-record for dealership operations.
~50+ years old (founded mid-1970s as ADP Dealer Services, rebranded CDK Global 2014). Recently launched "Dealership Xperience" platform and modern APIs, but core DMS architecture is legacy. Actively investing in AI and cloud modernization.
Fortellis platform repeatedly stalled in development, mostly limited to CDK's own APIs. CDK restricts third-party data access, creating barriers for independent integrators. Full sourced list under Sources below.
Common alternatives include Reynolds & Reynolds, Tekion, DealerTrack (Cox Automotive), Auto/Mate (now DealerSocket), Dealerpath/ProMax. Graded alternatives appear under "More from the report card" below.
Grades measure one thing: can a customer's engineering team get their own data out programmatically? We check six things (whether a real API exists, how access is gated, data coverage, auth quality, docs and developer experience, and stability) and roll them into a letter grade. Grades get re-verified, and they only move on evidence.
Yes. Supergood maintains an unofficial CDK Global API and MCP server so AI agents and internal tools can read and write CDK Global data. See the CDK Global integration docs at supergood.ai/docs/cdk-global-api.