SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

Edmunds.com is expanding its “Hack Days” program to invite auto industry professionals in to share their ideas on improving the car-buying experience for dealers, consumers and automakers.

Edmunds.com has set the date for this two-day “Hackathon” as Nov. 29–30. It will be at the company’s Santa Monica, Calif., headquarters.

Industry insiders and other innovative thinkers are encouraged to attend, in an event meant to inspire them to identify challenges in the car-buying process, brainstorm solutions and draw up blueprints for products or processes to execute those solutions.

Judges will evaluate the presentations of these blueprints, the company said, with prizes to be awarded for winning ideas.

“Edmunds.com’s internal ‘Hack Days’ have long been an important part of our culture, which constantly strives to innovate solutions for the car-buying space,” said Philip Potloff, chief information officer at Edmunds.com. “But we know that our employees are not the only ones in the automotive space with great ideas, so we’re excited to invite others to apply for a chance to participate in this rewarding exercise.”

In previous internal Hack Days events, Edmunds.com said its employees have created real-world solutions for common challenges encountered by car buyers, dealers and automakers.

For example, during the company’s most recent Hack Days held in August, teams developed proposals for car-buying social media apps and solutions to address frustrations associated with new-car price quote requests.

The winning submission is now in product development, and the company says it will offer an easier way for dealers to offer special prices for their inventory to car shoppers on Edmunds.com.

The company plans to issue further details about the November Hackathon in upcoming weeks; those interested may also email conference@edmunds.com.