ANN ARBOR, Mich. -

Another major media brand is joining the fray of connecting online used-vehicle shoppers with dealers.

Late last week, Car and Driver launched an online shopping website officials say already contains an inventory of millions of used vehicles.

Officials explained the CARandDRIVER.com used-vehicle site includes a new, more tightly integrated search platform powered by Vast.com. It’s meant to give shoppers the ability to choose vehicles from a recommended list of local used units for sale that most closely match a buyer’s requirements.

With this announcement, Car and Driver joins a network of automotive websites powered by the Vast vehicle search platform, including Vehix.com, KBB.com, AT&T’s online yellow pages at yp.com, U.S. News & World Report, AOL Autos and Overstock.com.

The company insists the shopping experience at CARandDRIVER.com aims to complement the leading-edge vehicle information which the publication built its long-standing reputation.

Furthermore, officials believe the Vast network of websites serves buyers with a customized experience based on the research, information and dealer connections needed to make the shopping process more efficient.

“Consumers know they can rely on Car and Driver’s thorough and objective vehicle reporting,” stated Nick Matarazzo, chief executive officer of Jumpstart Automotive Group, of which Car and Driver is a wholly owned subsidiary.

“We’ve always believed in arming car shoppers with the information they need to make an informed decision,” Matarazzo continued. “Now consumers can experience a truly customized car-shopping experience, not to mention the largest inventory of pre-owned cars available today, all without having to visit another website.”

Ben Cohen, general manager of autos for Vast.com, also weighed in on the newly formed used-vehicle marketplace.

“Car and Driver’s no-holds-barred approach to car advice and reviews is invaluable to anyone interested in purchasing a new or used vehicle,” said Cohen. “By adding Vast’s consumer search capabilities and search advertising platform to the site, we’re helping bring informed car shoppers to motivated dealers who will advise and assist consumers before they buy.”

The used-vehicle marketplace will be featured on the CARandDRIVER.com homepage or users can access it directly by visiting http://usedcars.caranddriver.com.

Dealers interested in participating in the CARandDRIVER.com marketplace can contact their Jumpstart representative or Vast.com through this page (http://www.vast.com/autos/dealers) or e-mail address (dealer@vast.com).