CarGurus revealed Wednesday that it has enhanced its DealFinder online auto shopping tool to include regional pricing data. Basically, DealFinder analyzes more than 2 million vehicle listings each day and utilizes historic pricing models to determine the “live market value" of specific vehicles. Taken into consideration are the individual’s vehicle’s mileage, model, trim and options. [Read More]

R.L. Polk & Co. and Hook — a company that provides incentive programs to help increase traffic for various lead-driven businesses, including auto dealerships — recently conducted a pilot program for a test-drive incentive at MileOne dealerships. Officials said results were quite positive. In fact, dealers who participated saw their closing rates climb 20 percent […] [Read More]

Dealer Specialties said late last week that it will be offering an integration application that is designed to enable its dealer customers to make instantaneous pricing and vehicle comment updates through vAuto. In essence, when a dealer customer uses vAuto to make an adjustment, the change will be instantaneously reflected in the Dealer Specialties inventory management tool, officials explained [Read More]

Dealers could soon be receiving additional online exposure through a new directory set to be launched by AOL Autos. Site officials are aiming to create a comprehensive digital catalog of U.S. dealerships beginning with the nation’s 25 largest cities. They noted this directory is geared to include original video, reviews, consumer ratings and local maps. […] [Read More]

Although auto-related mobile websites are accessed by less than a fifth of in-market vehicle shoppers, the popularity of smartphones keeps on growing. So, these sites are likely to gain more traction, according to J.D Power and Associates director of automotive research Arianne Walker. [Read More]

The federal government lifting fuel-economy standards to levels that are too “aggressive” could run the risk of meeting some resistance from consumers who may not be able to afford the costs that come with, according to Ed Tonkin, the chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association. NADA explained that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz USA dealers now have a new website platform through Motortrak — a company specializing in digital retail marketing — that officials say will be highly beneficial to dealers in several arenas. [Read More]

Microsoft Corp. announced Tuesday the launch of its latest technology platform called Windows Embedded Automotive 7. The new platform is designed to provide automakers with technology that can be integrated into vehicles to enhance communication, entertainment, navigation and information. The new system is now being added to vehicles from a trio of nameplates as well as equipment from […] [Read More]

If a dealership has WebMakerX website through Reynolds Web Solutions,  the store is now being provided a free mobile version of it site, meaning the dealer can now more easily connect with shoppers who are on the go. [Read More]

Another automotive website has become a part of the Jumpstart Automotive Group networking. Joining the 13 existing members is Overstock.com Cars. “Overstock.com earned its reputation as a premier online retailer, which has helped it transition very effectively to the development of a strong automotive audience,” stated Choon Choi, Jumpstart’s vice president of strategy and business development. [Read More]