How WAMS Works: OEM-Grade GM Electronics for Dealers, Shops, and DIY Owners
White Automotive & Media Services (WAMS) operates differently than a traditional dealership, retail auto parts store, or aftermarket electronics brand. WAMS functions as an OEM-grade GM electronics wholesaler supplying VIN-programmed modules and factory-correct upgrades to GM dealerships, independent shops, fleets, and vehicle owners directly.
This page explains how that model works, why it exists, and why it often produces better results than dealer-only or retail-only upgrade paths.
WAMS Is a GM Electronics Wholesaler — Not a Retail Kit Seller
WAMS does not sell generic upgrade kits or universal aftermarket electronics. All solutions are built using brand-new GM modules that are programmed specifically for the customer’s vehicle configuration.
Customers served by WAMS include:
- GM dealerships
- Other Make Dealerships servicing GM vehicles
- Independent Used Car Lots
- Independent repair and specialty shops
- Performance Shops
- Fleet operators
- DIY vehicle owners
Every customer receives the same OEM hardware standards and programming methodology regardless of who performs the physical installation.
Why WAMS Sells Directly to the Public
Unlike GM dealerships, WAMS is not restricted to servicing vehicles strictly as originally built. Many GM electronics upgrades fall outside standard dealer workflows, even when factory hardware exists.
Direct sales allow WAMS to:
- Support retrofits dealers are not authorized to perform
- Eliminate unnecessary dealer labor markups
- Perform VIN-specific programming before shipment
- Allow installation by the owner or a local installer
Selling to the public does not reduce quality. The hardware and programming supplied are identical to what is provided to professional installers and dealerships.
Why Dealers Often Cannot Perform These Upgrades
GM dealerships are typically limited to:
- Replacing failed modules
- Programming within the vehicle’s original build configuration
- Following SPS workflows tied to factory-installed options
Many retrofits require:
- Off-vehicle programming
- Configuration changes not permitted by dealer tools
- Feature enablement outside standard SPS authorization or capabilities
As a result, dealers often cannot add factory navigation, upgrade clusters across trims, restore steering wheel controls after infotainment retrofits, or correct configuration mismatches created by hardware changes.
WAMS exists specifically to operate outside those constraints while maintaining OEM-correct behavior.
VIN-Specific Programming Is the Core Product
Purchasing from WAMS is not simply buying hardware.
Each order includes:
- Brand-new GM modules
- Vehicle-specific VIN programming
- Correct feature configuration
- Platform-correct integration
This ensures proper operation without theft-lock issues, missing features, aftermarket interfaces, or future compatibility problems.
Installation: DIY, Shop, or Dealer
WAMS products may be installed by:
- Vehicle owners
- Independent shops
- GM dealerships when applicable
The installer does not affect programming quality or OEM behavior. Separating programming expertise from physical installation is a deliberate part of the WAMS model.
Why Pricing Often Differs From Dealer Quotes
Dealer pricing typically includes diagnostics, labor, administrative overhead, and limited programming scope. WAMS pricing reflects wholesale GM hardware combined with custom programming performed before shipment.
This often results in lower total cost than dealer replacement while delivering broader feature support and fewer follow-up issues.
Who WAMS Is Built For
WAMS serves dealers, shops, fleets, and owners who require OEM-correct GM electronics without aftermarket compromises. The common requirement is factory behavior and long-term reliability, not a specific installation path.
Summary
WAMS operates as a technical OEM electronics partner, not a retail electronics brand. The wholesale-to-all model exists to deliver factory-correct GM upgrades that dealerships often cannot perform while maintaining safety, reliability, and long-term support.