LONG BEACH, Calif. — There is a new game on Facebook in the "FarmVille meets Hot Wheels" mold, according to its developers, that gives automakers the chance to not only connect with consumers via social networking, but showcase their products, as well. Cie Games developed Car Town, which can be accessed at www.cartown.com or www.facebook.com/cartown. Explaining […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates believes 77 percent of new-vehicle buyers use the Internet during the shopping process. So which websites do these potential buyers use the most? Turns out, more than two-thirds of these shoppers visit at least one manufacturer website in the six months leading up to purchase. J.D. Power pinpointed […] [Read More]

PORTLAND, Ore. — Chrome Systems has rolled out a new online tool designed to help dealers develop on their website a "virtual accessories department" to move these items, which can certainly help to raise profits for stores when added to car sales.  Accessories Essentials can be incorporated into a dealer's website, officials noted, and is meant to be a […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — MobiDrives shared recent data that indicates 40 percent of all mobile devices in use today are smartphones, with that saturation expected to climb to 90 percent by 2012. Company executives believe they have a technology platform that can help dealers better harness business development possibilities created through consumer smartphones. MobiDrives contends its […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Liquid Motors recently became the exclusive provider of inventory management and digital marketing services for a Texas-based franchise dealer group. Executives from the Randall Noe Automotive Group selected the Liquid Motors Inventory Marketing Platform to handle the online marketing of both new and used vehicles. The solution is meant to handle any needs from […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Auction123, an inventory management and marketing provider, launched a new a Facebook application to support dealerships as well as commercial truck, motorcycle, marine and powersports operations. Company officials contend the application is designed to offer a complete inventory display providing multiple opportunities for dealers to generate qualified leads from their page visitors. […] [Read More]

ST. LOUIS — Headed up by industry veterans, MetroGistics recently became another option for vehicle transportation, storage and ancillary services in the industry. Managing partners William Billiter and Scott Naz highlighted the brisk beginning the company has enjoyed. They noted MetroGistics has already shipped more than 1,000 vehicles for various clients. Specializing in city-to-city transport, MetroGistics […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book is looking to aid any vehicle owner who wants to unload a unit through a new tool launched last week to enhance sales activity through numerous online sites and social networks. KBB believes its Seller's Toolkit, featuring the all-new LiveValue system, is the first of its kind. Officials explained the […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Owners of most new 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles won't need the key to start their vehicle if they have their smartphone with them. On Thursday, OnStar executives indicated that owners of these General Motors models soon will be able to control key vehicle functions through applications the company is set to launch. […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — FordDirect has teamed up with OneCommand to deliver a database marketing service specifically tailored and built for the automaker's dealer body.  This new tool, Targeted Marketing, can help lead dealers to increased sales and service business by helping to foster, improve and maintain relationships with customers. Targeted Marketing is an automated service that helps Ford dealers […] [Read More]