ATLANTA — An online chat session using ContactAtOnce software not only helped a Utah dealer complete a sale, it pushed the company to a significant milestone. ContactAtOnce recently surpassed 2 million chat sessions powered by its live dealer chat service. The conversation actually took place just before 2009 ended on Dec. 30. "It was a happy […] [Read More]

OAK BROOK, Ill. — vAuto announced recently that it has named a senior director of performance management. Appointed to the role was Larry Beasley, who was previously the Eastern and Western used-vehicle director and regional used-vehicle director for Sonic Automotive Group.  Before that, he worked as vice president of operations for Budget Car Sales. In his […] [Read More]

MIAMI — LeaseTrader.com said that the time it takes to transfer a lease through the site has almost been cut in half thanks largely to new services and efficiencies from the company. Specifically, LeaseTrader.com contends that the average lease transfer on the site currently takes 13.4 days, compared with 26.2 days last year. The company pointed to […] [Read More]

SAN ANTONIO — USAA recently announced that it has enhanced its online car-buying service program by adding new-car pricing reports from TrueCar.com. Basically, this will provide shoppers with actual transaction prices for specific vehicles in their area, when that data is available. "At USAA, we're committed to demystifying the car-buying process to make it easier […] [Read More]

DAYTON, Ohio — Since launching CarLocate.com three months ago, Reynolds and Reynolds said the vehicle-search Web site has seen solid growth in consumer traffic as well as leads generated for dealers from these visits. CarLocate.com — which includes vehicle inventories from dealers that use either Reynolds ERA or Power dealership management systems — made its debut in October […] [Read More]

LAFAYETTE, Colo., and ORANGE, Calif. — Two vendors dealers have utilized to improve various for parts of operations are joining forces to better serve their clients. KPA and TK Carsites announced Monday that they have entered into a strategic partnership. Basically, this will blend KPA's environmental, health, safety and HR compliance and risk management services with the front-end marketing […] [Read More]

McLEAN, Va. — At the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo next month in Orlando, Fla., NADA and American Truck Dealers are introducing an online education and technology resource for NADA members that can help boost dealers' performances. The launch of NADA University will feature free training and services for dealer members, who will be […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com officials said Monday that Bill Visnic, who has been a senior contributing editor for the AutoObserver publication the past two years, has become full-time senior editor for AutoObserver.com. In his new role, he will report to Michelle Krebs, who is the senior analyst and editor-at-large for AutoObserver.com. He has been a freelance […] [Read More]