SAN FRANCISCO -

Another search engine website aimed at connecting shoppers and dealers touting millions of vehicle listings named its chief operating officer on Tuesday.

Coming on board to join Chug is Christopher Gross, who has been charged with running the day-to-day operations of what site officials describe as a rapidly growing company that helps consumers find vehicles for sale at more than 40,000 dealers nationwide.

Chug claims to contain more than 3.5 million active online listings.

The site also contends it can provide shoppers with access to a comprehensive and accurate view of vehicles currently for sale and listings sorted to precisely match consumer preference.

“Created by a veteran team of technology, Internet and media innovators to remove the barriers that frustrate both online car buyers and sellers, Chug accelerates the connection between consumer and dealer,” Chug founders said on their site.

“Buyers benefit because they can easily search for any make, model, year, and/or color, then click directly to the dealer site to learn more — or opt to interact without surrendering personal information,” they continued.

“Dealers benefit from broad exposure of their active vehicles to in-market car shoppers, and immediate connection to interested car buyers,” officials added.

Gross comes to Chug from Cartelligent, a vehicle buying and advisory service, where he served as vice president of sales. Officials highlighted that under Gross’ leadership, Cartelligent broke records for revenue and new clients in 2010. 

Prior to Cartelligent, Gross worked at OQO, a manufacturer and marketer of mobile personal computer. At OQO, he was responsible for successfully building the company’s retail business from the ground up.

Previously, Gross served as a vice president at Saints Capital and held various sales and operations roles at Financial Engines. 

“Chris is a proven leader who brings a wealth of sales, operations, finance and automotive expertise to Chug,” stated Len Short, chief executive of Chug.

“Chris understands the pain points for both consumers and dealers,” Short emphasized. “This, combined with his solid track record building successful channel and B2C organizations, makes him a perfect match for Chug and its goal of providing consumers with a more comprehensive search experience, and auto dealers with what they want — in-market buyers linked directly to their virtual showrooms.”

Gross commented that “I love that Chug is not just another car research website, but is instead focused solely on the most critical part of the car buying process: finding a vehicle for sale in the exact make, model, color and option package a consumer wants — and without the hassle of going to 20 different websites.”

For more information, visit www.chug.net.