ATLANTA — Cox Enterprises on Tuesday offered an update about the transaction concerning its AutoTrader.com subsidiary with Providence Equity Partners, a global private equity firm. The agreement under which Providence took ownership of a 25-percent equity interest in AutoTrader.com now has been completed, according to executives. They stressed that the deal first announced on May 5 […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com shaved down the long list of 2010 models available and assembled a lineup called the Top 10 Dark-Horse Cars, vehicles site analysts believe shoppers should consider more. Three automakers had two units apiece on this list, including Ford, Hyundai and Suzuki. Here are the 10 vehicles Edmunds.com named in alphabetical order: […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel said Wednesday that it has appointed a new executive vice president of product, marketing and analytics. Moving into the post is Jim Helberg, who comes aboard from PHD, where he was executive vice president. In that role, he headed the development and execution of Chrysler's media operations. For his new role […] [Read More]

BURLINGTON, Vt. — One of the founders of Dealer.com was named the company president on Wednesday. Dealer.com chief executive officer Mark Bonfigli relinquished the title of president and appointed Rick Gibbs to the position. The company recounted that Gibbs co-founded the operation in 1998 and has since held the role of chief technology officer. Management praised […] [Read More]

ORANGE, Calif. — TK Carsites revealed earlier this week that it has appointed a new vice president of operations. Named to this post was Brad Highland, whose main duty will be to head up the company's customer-facing operations. Highland has more than eight years of operations experience within the auto industry. He was recently the director of business development at […] [Read More]

PITTSBURGH — Used Cars On-Line, a search-engine for used vehicles for sale by owner, rolled out a new feature on Tuesday that is designed to allow for more tailored and "nontraditional" criteria in searching for used vehicles. By using the "Exploration Search" function, shoppers can filter searches to very specific criteria like "4-door car newer than 2004" or […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — The most recent Cars.com Consumer Lead Index indicates that negative residue from Toyota recalls isn't leaving the minds of potential buyers too quickly, and it might be spilling over to other automakers. Site officials believe recalls continue to have a negative impact on sales activity since leads for Toyota vehicles overall have declined close […] [Read More]

SAN DIEGO — A newcomer to the vehicle history provider segment, instaVIN, is looking to remove the cost to dealers who provide or purchase these kinds of reports — at least for a limited time. Company executives are ready to give individuals a free accident report through quick access via mobile phones. Dealers and consumers can obtain […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — When it comes to improving fuel economy, consumers are more likely to be interested in technologies that help the gas-powered engines become more fuel-efficient — which typically costs less initially — than they are in alternative-fuel engines, which are typically more expensive, according to Harris Interactive. In its 2010 AutoTECHCAST study, Harris also found that, […] [Read More]

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Months after rolling out a payment channel that allows consumers to make lease and loan payments through their mobile phones, Mercedes-Benz Financial has expanded its mobile strategy even further. The company is now providing Apple iPads to Mercedes-Benz dealers, who can use the product to access the MB Advantage point-of-sale dealer system. […] [Read More]