Few segments of AutoTrader.com history rival the past three months in terms of acquisitions. Of late, AutoTrader.com has acquired vAuto, Kelley Blue Book and HomeNet Automotive in succession. With so much recent activity geared toward catering to dealers’ needs, could venturing into consumer financing or dealer floor planning be next? AutoTrader.com chief executive officer Chip Perry touched […] [Read More]

AiM Mobile Inspections — the consumer division of Alliance Inspection Management — and Experian Automotive have struck a deal to provide used-car sellers and buyers — including dealers — a one-stop resource on the Web for ordering inspections and vehicle history reports. Via the partnership, buyers and sellers have the opportunity to order a 150-point inspection […] [Read More]

In what the president and chief executive officer called the “most important achievement” while discussing the company’s financial results from the third quarter,  Calgary, Alberta-based Quorum Information Technologies generated positive cash flow for the fifth straight quarter. President and CEO Maury Marks said there were “mixed results” in the company’s financials from the third quarter […] [Read More]

As Porsche reported its November sales figures, the automaker also announced it surpassed a new threshold of fans on its official Facebook page. Porsche says it now has more than 1 million Facebook fans worldwide. Company officials mentioned they have special plans for their 1 million devotees on Facebook. As part of a continued celebration, […] [Read More]

In the latest move in a whirlwind of purchases during the last few months, AutoTrader.com revealed Wednesday morning that it is buying HomeNet Automotive, a provider of online inventory management and merchandising solutions. The transaction is likely to close by year’s end, according to officials. AutoTrader.com plans to run HomeNet as an independent subsidiary. It will be headed up by […] [Read More]

CarGurus joined a crowded fray Monday by launching a free online vehicle listings tool that combines a price-guide element into the solution. Site executives explained its vehicle listing tool includes “Live Market Value” pricing guidance. Based on the analysis of more than 2 million active vehicle listings, CarGurus contends “Live Market Value” can take into account numerous […] [Read More]

Along with driving an increase of new unique buyers to its member base, Copart announced this week that its Facebook fan base has doubled in size in just three weeks since its Nov. 1 launch. After kicking off a new marketing strategy using social networking as an additional platform to reach new audiences, Copart tested the approach by teaming up […] [Read More]

Bank of America has rolled out a new Web-based resource for consumers to conduct vehicle research, buy used and new cars and obtain financing. Zag, which is part of TrueCar, powers the website. “Bank of America is committed to developing innovative products and services that meet our customers’ changing needs,” noted Ellie Clarke, president of […] [Read More]

Kelley Blue Book revealed last week that it has launched a mobile application that can be utilized on the Windows Phone 7. Car buyers and sellers can use the app to check out KBB Values for both new and used vehicles. This information consists of such details as MSRP, invoice, fair purchase values, certified pre-owned […] [Read More]

Executives and engineers who develop complex online marketing initiatives and maintain multifaceted information infrastructure received a glimpse of what it’s like to be a dealer. AutoTrader.com chief executive officer Chip Perry gained the opportunity to be one of the presenting speakers Thursday at the Internet Summit in Raleigh, N.C., a trade show gathering some of […] [Read More]