SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

In an attempt to harness the popularity of online consumer discount programs such as Groupon and LivingSocial, Edmunds.com recently rolled out its own initiative to send more potential buyers to dealers.

The site is aiming to offer exclusive vehicle discounts that go beyond existing purchase incentives.

Officials contend “Edmunds Exclusives” is the first program of its kind to share exclusive offers from both dealers and automakers. Consumers who sign up through Edmunds.com can use the program to cash in on deals for new or used models they may be interested in buying or for vehicles they have not yet considered.

Edmunds.com believes the program will make it easier for dealers to appeal to the 70 percent of buyers who enter the market undecided on their next vehicle purchase.

Using the full-service group buying and social commerce platform from Group Commerce, site officials highlighted “Edmunds Exclusives” promises to bring the same consumer enthusiasm to the automotive market that Groupon and LivingSocial have delivered to the hospitality and service industries.

Edmunds.com mentioned consumers can expect valuable cash-back, financing and leasing offers from participating dealers and automakers. The program may also include deals from other auto-specific businesses such as dealer repairs and parts, maintenance and body shops, aftermarket audio dealers and auto broker services.

The program kicked off with pre-registration in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Edmunds.com indicated select markets will be added later this summer.

“Edmunds.com long ago set the standard for empowering consumers to find the best deal on a new or used car,” stated Michelle Denogean, vice president of business operations at Edmunds.com.

“The launch of ‘Edmunds Exclusives’ now brings more purchase power to car buyers, while at the same time giving dealers and automakers a new channel to market their products as they look to meet sales targets and make room for new models,” Denogean continued.

Jonty Kelt, chief executive officer of Group Commerce, added, “In many ways, Edmunds.com is a perfect candidate to launch this new vision of the daily deal.

“Their stellar reputation, outstanding content, vertical focus and deep relationship with their audience are the essential cornerstones of a successful program,” Kelt went on to say.

Consumers can learn about the exclusive new deals in their markets by pre-registering at www.edmunds.com/deals/register.html.