IRVINE, Calif., January 13, 2021 – As cars become more advanced, electronic technology and integrated systems are musts to consider when shopping for a new vehicle. The array of safety, security, connectivity, and communication systems available in today’s cars makes life on the road easier without causing driver distraction. Today, Kelley Blue Book names the 10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021 to help consumers make sense of what to look for when it comes to the latest and greatest car tech this year.

“In 2021, we continue to be amazed by the incredible advancements made by automakers, as the technology within a vehicle deserves as much consideration as the mechanics under the hood,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “Kelley Blue Book prepared this list of technologies to provide car buyers with a handy reference as they evaluate the systems that make their trips safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.”

10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021

Advanced Driver Assist Systems

These systems can react to hazards, reduce driver fatigue, and even park the car. Shoppers seeking technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert or reverse brake assist can secure these services as standalone options or in bundled suites, such as Ford's Co-Pilot360, Subaru’s EyeSight, and Toyota Safety Sense, among others.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB is a part of many advanced driver-assist systems, and it’s becoming more common. Often a standalone feature, it can sense a potential accident before the driver does and immediately apply full brake pressure to stop the vehicle quickly, possibly preventing a collision.

Connected Mobile Apps/Digital Key

Carmakers continue to offer the next evolution of connected smartphone apps that can remotely lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel level and tire pressure, and even remotely start the car. Additionally, the digital key has extra security measures built in to link individual vehicles to owners.

Teen Driver Technology

Teen Driver – offered exclusively by General Motors – serves as a safeguard for new drivers, allowing owners to be notified if the car is driven over a certain speed or if seatbelts aren’t in use, and to set a volume limit on the sound system. There is even a report card that will tell parents if safety systems like ABS or forward collision alert have been triggered.

Exit Warning to Protect Cyclists

The exit warning alert uses rear-looking sensors to detect approaching bicycles and traffic, ensuring that a passenger doesn’t open a car door as a cyclist passes. The most advanced systems will even physically lock the door to prevent it from being swung open into the path of the approaching object.

Wireless Smartphone Charging and Connectivity

Most vehicles today offer audio connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Wireless connectivity allows drivers to stow their phone anywhere within the vehicle instead of tethering it to a USB port. These features can also be enhanced through wireless charging, which typically uses a charging pad that is easy to set up and use.

360-Degree Camera

A 360-degree camera changes the way drivers park cars by providing increased confidence, visibility, and safety. Cameras on every side of the car combine to show a virtual top-down view of a vehicle’s surroundings. This enhanced visibility can prevent dents and scratches – and can even reduce insurance claims from low-speed crashes.

Video Rearview Mirror

A video rearview mirror uses a rear-mounted camera to display the view behind the car in the same position as a rearview mirror, allowing drivers to toggle between the mirror view or the video setting as needed. This is particularly helpful for drivers when their view may be impeded by distractions or objects within the car preventing clear line of site.

Stolen Vehicle Tracking Software

With hundreds of thousands of vehicles stolen each year, built-in tracking technology affords a new level of security for car owners. In addition to its ability to locate a vehicle’s exact location for law enforcement to recover it, this software also provides diagnostics, concierge, and post-crash notifications for rescue services.  The technology is part of assistance and security systems, such as Subaru Starlink, Kia UVO, Hyundai Blue Link, and GM OnStar.

Blind-Spot View Monitor

A video-based blind-spot view monitor uses a small camera on either side of the car to display traffic in adjacent lanes, which aide in the prevention of collisions during lane changes. Genesis, Kia, and Hyundai vehicles each offer particularly easy-to-see displays within the gauge cluster.

For additional information on the 10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-car-technologies/.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb  and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) 
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand. 

About Cox Automotive 
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

Media Contact:
Brenna Buehler                                                                               
949-473-6595

brenna.buehler@coxautoinc.com           

IRVINE, Calif., December 8, 2020 – What better time than end-of-year to expand your horizons and embark on the car shopping journey? Following head-to-head testing, evaluation and data analysis of 2021 model-year vehicles across 17 major categories, Kelley Blue Book® revealed today the 2021 Best Buy Award winners—with the coveted trophy for the Best New Model for 2021 awarded to the Kia Seltos.  

Following a year like no other, where cars have become a safe haven and even an escape, Kelley Blue Book is giving consumers an exciting new way to experience the 2021 Best Buy Awards with the launch of KBB.com HQ, a fully immersive virtual island created within the popular video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Players who visit the island can snap share-worthy photos, grab cool merchandise from the shop and participate in games and activities like virtually fishing in the ocean and rivers. As players fish out items to keep the water clean, Kelley Blue Book will donate up to $10,000 to American Rivers to help preserve rivers across the country.  

“Car buying is meant to be an enjoyable experience, and what better way to celebrate the 2021 Best Buy Awards than through engaging with consumers in a way we’ve never done before with an activity that’s not only fun, but has also been a small escape from everything going on during 2020,”said Greta Crowley, vice president of marketing for Kelley Blue Book. “Games based on life simulation have surged during this time and we’re excited to venture into the gaming world for the 2021 Best Buy Awards. For those on the hunt for their next vehicle, we’ve designed the Best Buy Awards to instill confidence in the car shopping journey and help buyers narrow down their consideration set by defining the best of the best, so there is sure to be a car for everyone.” 

Players can visit KBB.com HQ in Animal Crossing: New Horizons from December 8 through December 17 between 3:00 p.m. – midnight ET each day to celebrate the 2021 Best Buy Awards with “Kelley,” the island tour guide. Visit Kelley Blue Book's Twitter to get more information on how to get a custom code to enter the island. 

The annual Best Buy Awards are determined based on a year-long regimen of expert vehicle evaluation and testing of nearly every new vehicle available in the U.S., along with analysis of a broad array of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing, 5-Year Cost to Own data—which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new cars—consumer reviews and ratings and vehicle sales information. To be considered for Kelley Blue Book’s highest accolade, Best New Model, the vehicle must be an all-new or redesigned vehicle and offer a strong value proposition to consumers based on pricing, innovation, and available standard technology and safety features.   

2021 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners 

Best New Model: 2021 Kia Seltos 

The 2021 Kia Seltos has become the new benchmark in the subcompact SUV segment. The Seltos is full of surprises, starting with its stylish, refined interior. Not only is the Seltos available with class-above convenience and connectivity features like a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation and Bose premium audio, but there is plenty of rear-seat legroom, even for tall passengers.  

Compact Car: 2021 Hyundai Elantra 

In a tough segment, the all-new Elantra has come out on top. How? Hyundai has brought the refinement and quality of its larger siblings (the Sonata and the Palisade SUV come to mind) into the realm of the compact sedan. In addition to a stout chassis and attractive styling, the new Elantra boasts excellent driving manners and a thoroughly modern interior.  

Midsize Car: 2021 Honda Accord 

The Honda Accord continues to stand out for its roomy cabin, particularly the rear seat, large trunk, and advanced powertrains, including a hybrid that delivers up to 48 mpg. The Accord is the complete package, from its affordable price through to its traditionally high resale value. 

Subcompact SUV: 2021 Kia Seltos 

The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos is this year’s winner, thanks to its impressive roster of modern tech, a choice of two excellent engines, and striking good looks. It also has plenty of space – boasting best-in-class cargo area and excellent rear-seat legroom.  

Compact SUV: 2021 Toyota RAV4 

No matter which RAV4 you choose, they have something in common: Easy manners and great practicality. The RAV4 is a pleasant partner in both the city and beyond. Non hybrid models use a well-matched 8-speed automatic transmission that feels more natural than the CVTs of competitors.  

Midsize SUV – Two-Row: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 

The Hyundai Santa Fe was all new just two years ago and already an excellent choice among 2-row/5-passenger midsize SUVs, proved by its Best Buy Award win last year. But for 2021, Hyundai has made it even better with significant revisions.  

Midsize SUV – Three Row: 2021 Kia Telluride 

The 2021 Kia Telluride is our Best Buy not just because of all the bells and whistles available here, but that many of these features come with such an affordable price tag. The base price for the Telluride is below the average transaction price of all new vehicles, which is pretty remarkable when you consider the size of the Telluride and the class in which it competes. 

Full-Size SUV: 2021 Ford Expedition 

The 2021 Ford Expedition continues with a proven formula based on a rugged ladder frame with independent rear suspension. As such, the big aluminum-bodied Ford shines as a comfortable truck-based family hauler that’s at home in the daily grind or when doing work like towing a trailer to a campsite.  

Pickup Truck – Midsize: 2021 Toyota Tacoma 

The tough, rugged Toyota Tacoma is built to last. Even as newer models have arrived on the scene, the Tacoma remains a favorite, thanks to its reliability, excellent resale value, and wide range of models designed to suit the needs of just about every midsize truck buyer. 

Pickup Truck – Full-Size: 2021 Ford F-150 

The Ford F-150 has been a Best Buy Award winner seven years in a row, staying in this top spot because it continues to advance the full-size truck segment. New for 2021, the F-150 has best-in-class towing and payload capacity. It also offers the only full hybrid powertrain available in a pickup, with 430 horsepower and more than 700 miles of range.  

Minivan: 2021 Toyota Sienna 

The 2021 Toyota Sienna assumes the crown this year on the strength of its new design, standard hybrid powertrain that racks up some impressive mileage, available all-wheel drive, and the comfort and flexibility of its interior. Beyond the mechanical changes, Toyota also boasts a good track record when it comes to quality, reliability and solid resale value at the end of your ownership experience. 

Electric Vehicle: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric 

Hyundai's secret is that it managed to make it simple to forget that you were driving an electric car. The Hyundai Kona Electric is certainly a spirited little ute with instant-on acceleration that allows you to light up the front tires almost at will. The rest of the time, while commuting, shopping, heading into the big city at the end of the day to see a drive-in movie, or just cruising along the coast for a few hours, you'll find yourself completely satisfied. 

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime 

With the combination of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and tri-motor setup checking in with a total of 302 horsepower, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime sprints to a very impressive zero-to-60-mph time of just 5.7 seconds. When you pair that truth with the little SUV's fuel economy of 40 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway, you've got an AWD "performance" SUV that can also take you towards 600 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas. 

Luxury Car: 2021 Lexus ES 

The 2021 Lexus ES continues to offer a blend of elegant styling, a high-quality interior, refined road manners, and pricing that makes it a value in a segment where the competition is only getting stiffer. There are plenty of choices among luxury 4-door models, even as the mass market midsize sedan competitive set continues to shrink.  

Subcompact Luxury SUV: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 

At a time when this segment is hotter than ever, Mercedes committed itself to doing great things at the entry level, replacing the old GLA with a model that's shorter, but roomier, and packed style and substance. The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA strikes a modern look that is more SUV than ever, while still lathering lots of Mercedes-Benz elegance and ability. 

Compact Luxury SUV: 2021 Audi Q5 

The 2021 Audi Q5 has the goods to satisfy a wide variety of buyers. Whether you desire innovative technology, great safety systems, engaging driving manners or all-around practicality – all awash in the premium experience expected in an Audi – the Q5 delivers. 

Midsize Luxury SUV: 2021 Genesis GV80 

The GV80 is the first SUV from Genesis, and it’s a big hit. This 2- or 3-row SUV exudes elegance inside and out, and its outstanding chassis blends excellent daily ride comfort with great composure on winding roads. Available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, the rear- or all-wheel-drive GV80 also has a robust infotainment system (with a 14.5-inch touchscreen) and a thorough standard safety suite that includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. All that, plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

For full coverage of the 2021 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, including additional editorial comments about each model, photos, video reviews, pricing details, listings and more, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-buy-awards/. 

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb  and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com). 

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)  
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.  

About Cox Automotive  
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com 

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IRVINE, Calif., November 18, 2020 – While this year’s holiday season may look vastly different than years past, Black Friday is still considered to be the biggest shopping day of the year. From 0% financing to “Employee Pricing,” this year’s car deals can save you thousands of dollars on a new vehicle. Whether you are shopping online or staying socially distant at your local dealership, this year’s Black Friday deals are shaping up to last into the first weeks of 2021.  

To help car shoppers find the best year-end deals, Kelley Blue Book has compiled its list of the Best Black Friday Car Deals for 2020. These deals can sometimes be difficult to navigate with their fine print and different rules, so Kelley Blue Book has made the process easier by putting all of the information in one place for consumers. Not only does this list provide information on the best car deals from each manufacturer, but it also gives shoppers tips on how to look for sales while also remaining safe and compliant.  

“Even though production has resumed, and inventories are beginning to climb, makers are seeing strong demand still for hot models,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “They are seeing fairly healthy margins as reflected in average transaction prices, which continue to climb. While we may not see a lot of big discounts this year like we have in the past, many manufacturers are offering 0% and low interest-rates and lease deals.” 

Tips for Black Friday Car Shopping:  

• If shoppers decide to visit the dealership on Black Friday this year, know what you want before you get there and be prepared for longer-than-normal waits as the dealership sanitize vehicles and safely work with customers.  

• It will be best to schedule test drives and appraisals early to avoid crowding and to be sure you have enough time to check out a particular vehicle. Shoppers also can leverage Dealer Home Services to do research, book test drives and take local delivery of their new car.  

• It always pays to come with a pre-approval for financing or a loan in hand for the car you want, which can be done online.  

• Do your research and be sure to read the fine print of any deal before you sign on the dotted line. Many of these deals come with lots of limitations, so be sure you understand the details before you buy or lease. 

To see the full list of Best Black Friday Deals for 2020 on Kelley Blue Book, visit https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/best-black-friday-car-deals/.  

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com). 

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)   

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.   

About Cox Automotive 

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com 

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IRVINE, Calif., November 5, 2020 – Kelley Blue Book, with Upper Diamond, today announced its coveted Brandon Hall Group Gold award win for “Best Sales Training Program for Extended Enterprise” and Silver award win for “Best Use of Video for Learning” for its Instant Cash Offer training program delivered by The Learning Academy e-Learning Platform. Since launching the program in early March 2020, enrollment has surpassed 900 dealerships, equating to more than 6,000 dealership employees.  

The Learning Academy e-Learning Platform solves a real need for an easy-to-use, well-priced custom system designed to deliver extended enterprise learning to any network of dealers, affiliates or franchises, who buy the Instant Cash Offer product and require training. It offers quick onboarding, especially for individuals who do not spend much time on computers and prefer the use of mobile devices.  

“The team set out to build a best-in-class training program for our dealership clients, investing in the opportunity to enhance and strengthen the already existing virtual and in-person dealership training efforts and drive overall dealership success,” said David Berry, senior manager of operations for Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. “The Learning Academy e-Learning Platform allows dealerships to access Instant Cash Offer content at any time and on any device to onboard a new employee until the virtual or in-person training is scheduled.” 

With this program, dealership staff can be onboarded at a faster rate. The program establishes a standard to certify an employee in the use and application of the Instant Cash Offer product and processes, as well as be interactive, engaging and relevant. This illustrates best practices for turning a car inspection into a lead for a vehicle sale, all while integrating Kelley Blue Book’s trusted brand into the dealership experience and prestige in the mind of consumers.  Through the mobile-friendly platform, dealership staff experience how to be successful with Instant Cash Offer across multiple customer touchpoints, including in-showroom, online, home and remote services, how to follow-up, the walkaround inspection, and more.  

The Instant Cash Offer training program helps create fast, easy conversations that alleviate price anxiety and leverage the Kelley Blue Book brand in conversations with customers. Dealership personnel also have the ability to manage and monitor their staff performance across multiple dealerships, helping each employee move from proficiency to trade-in mastery with ease.  

Award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts and executives based upon the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation and overall measurable benefits. Excellence Awards winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group’s HCM Excellence Conference, January 26-28, 2021, at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida.  

“The Excellence Awards serve the critical function of reinforcing the essential business benefit of creating great experiences for candidates and employees,” Brandon Hall Group CEO Mike Cooke said. “All award winners must demonstrate that their HCM programs drive bottom-line business results. That’s what sets our awards program apart from all others.” 

For more information about Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer, visit https://b2b.kbb.com/ico/. To see the Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer program in action, visit https://vimeo.com/upperdiamond/review/401087434/3c9fbc6b09. For more information about The Learning Academy e-Learning Platform, visit https://thelearning.academy/. For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/.                                                                           

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)  
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.  

About Cox Automotive  

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com  

About Upper Diamond (www.upperdiamond.com)

Upper Diamond is strategy driven 14-year-old digital agency dedicated to elevating conversations that deliver maximum results in learning, sales enablement and marketing. Our development of thelearning.academy is a result of our legacy of innovation in the marketing, technology, and content creation space.  When it comes to supporting sales-centric organizations, we know that a single-digit percentage increase in conversions can lead to substantial gains in revenue and sales force retention.

From our experience in automotive, we know that your salesforce is your most valuable resource and that keeping them motivated, prepared, and engaged is the key to not only the company’s success but their own success.  We’ve produced numerous assets, designed curriculum, and created tools tailored to support recruitment, retention, personal development as well as decreasing the time needed for new salespeople to be proficient. Upper Diamond’s learning and development focus includes an expertise in promoting diversity and enhancing understanding of organizational inclusion opportunities.

About Brandon Hall Group

Brandon Hall Group is an HCM research and advisory services firm that provides insights around key performance areas, including Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition and HR/Workforce Management.

With more than 10,000 clients globally and 25 years of delivering world-class research and advisory services, Brandon Hall Group is focused on developing research that drives performance in emerging and large organizations, and provides strategic insights for executives and practitioners responsible for growth and business results.

Our mission: Empower excellence in organizations around the world through our research and tools each and every day.

At the core of our offerings is a Membership Program that combines research, benchmarking and unlimited access to data and analysts. The Membership Program offers insights and best practices to enable executives and practitioners to make the right decisions about people, processes, and systems, coalesced with analyst advisory

services which aim to put the research into action in a way that is practical and efficient. (www.brandonhall.com)                                                                                                          

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Top Finance, Lease Offers Now Available on New and Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs

ATLANTA, and IRVINE, Calif., October 22, 2020 – Choosing a good car is easier than ever but getting the best deal can be tricky. To provide consumers with the most recent information on the best car deals monthly, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book are rolling out a variety of new lists—rounding up standouts and bringing them together in lists that help make car shopping easier. Purchasing a car can be a stressful process, and trusted brands Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book are looking to alleviate any consumer uncertainty.

With the changing of the seasons comes a new batch of new and used car deals for the month. Now more than ever, it is essential to be informed when making large purchases, such as a vehicle. Not only do the latest lists from Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book highlight new types of deals to meet consumers’ specific needs and interests, but these resources will also be updated monthly to ensure they include the most up to date and accurate information.

A sample of the expanded coverage of top new and used car deals includes:

• Best SUV Lease Deals Under $300

• Best Truck Lease Deals

• Best Used SUV Deals

• Best Used Car Deals

• Best Luxury Car and SUV Deals

“With so many good cars to choose from nowadays, it’s okay to start your car shopping by first seeking out the most enticing incentives,” said Jason Allan, editorial director for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “The automakers typically update their deals near the beginning of every month and staying on top of these offers is an important part of the shopping process for buyers looking to get the most car for the money.”

To view this month’s Autotrader lists, visit https://www.autotrader.com/car-deals. To view the most recent Kelley Blue Book lists, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/awards-best-cars-and-top-10-lists/ for new car deals and https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-used-cars/ for used car deals.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

New Advertising Delivers Hyper-Targeted Video Ads in the Age of “Cord-cutting” and Internet TV
 

Burlington, Vt., October 22, 2020 – Video consumption is at record levels, but reaching the right shopper is no longer as simple as securing a cable TV spot. As consumers tune-out of traditional TV and diversify where they watch, advertisers need the ability to precisely target in-market shoppers wherever they consume digital content. To give clients the access they need, Dealer.com announces Connected Video, a solution that uses advanced targeting and Cox Automotive data to reach in-market shoppers watching connected television or over-the-top content providers across any device or network.  Leveraging these high-impact content providers with first-party audience intelligence only available through Cox Automotive, Dealer.com’s holistic advertising portfolio delivers optimal relevance along with transparent reporting across all devices and platforms.

Video is reshaping the car buying journey —13 billion videos are viewed each day on Facebook and YouTube combined[1]. These proven channels only encompass part of video consumption. Dealer.com’s latest capabilities go beyond Facebook and YouTube, allowing dealers to efficiently target consumers consuming content on Connected TVs—those that are connected to the internet via SmartTVs or through devices like Roku or Apple TV—and over-the-top (OTT) content providers.

With its unique targeting and reporting advantages, Connected TV access complements current TV budgets, given the migration away from cable by consumers called “cord-cutting.” Seventy-four percent of 18-34-year-olds have never subscribed to cable, already cut the cord or are planning to[2].

“It’s not just about being on the right video platform, it’s about targeting the shopper, not the device,” said Wayne Pastore, vice president and general manager of Dealer.com. “Our audience-first approach delivers high-quality scalable video content to an audience that is up to five-times more likely to purchase. This turns views into sales opportunities regardless of where they are browsing—multi-channel capabilities are a significant competitive advantage.”

Major benefits of Dealer.com’s holistic advertising portfolio includes:

• - Smarter investments across every platform. Capture existing demand and drive new interest in inventory and services.
• - Access to the most relevant shoppers. Campaigns leverage Cox Automotive business intelligence, targeting shoppers who have researched similar vehicles on Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.
• - A portfolio that adjusts to your changing needs. Backed by digital marketing expertise and the proprietary Compass Advertising Intelligence engine, build an advertising portfolio that can pivot when necessary and focus on the set strategy.
• - Fraud protection. Industry-exclusive partnerships with White Ops and the Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG) monitor and protect digital advertising investment from bots, artificial traffic, and ad fraud. 

“We currently have a very successful and highly recognizable traditional video strategy in place across the six states of New England, going on five decades now,” said Guy Mitrano, director, Digital Operations, Subaru of New England. “Via our partnership with Dealer.com, we can now elevate that strategy through their expansive video ecosystem and exclusive data integrations. This allows us to continue to take our consistent marketing messaging to digitally target local New England shoppers we know have a propensity to purchase a new vehicle to be sure it’s a Subaru at one of the sixty-four retailer locations.”

To learn more, visit https://www.dealer.com/products/advertising/video/#connectedvideo.

About Dealer.com
Backed by unmatched expertise and unrivaled consumer behavior data, Dealer.com is the premier digital marketing solution for the automotive industry. Providing an integrated platform of Websites, Advertising, Digital Retailing and Managed Services, Dealer.com allows OEMs, dealer groups, retailers and agencies to leverage advanced digital technology, data and insights to deliver the shortest, fastest and most personalized path to customer engagement, delivering over 43M unique visitors monthly across 15,000 plus Dealer.com websites. The company practices a deep commitment to its culture of progress, with a focus on community, health, and wellness. Based in Burlington, Vermont, Dealer.com is a Cox Automotive brand. For more information, visit www.dealer.com.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

IRVINE, Calif., September 22, 2020 – For car owners with a vehicle past its prime and an interest in contributing to a charitable cause, Kelley Blue Book is expanding on its commitment to help owners gift their vehicle for a good cause with Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS), a full-service non-profit organization.

On KBB.com, consumers can choose to donate almost any vehicle to a nonprofit, and through September 30, Kelley Blue Book will donate an incremental $100 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for every car donated, up to 250 vehicles, to raise an additional $25,000 to support lifesaving research and treatments.

This third annual fundraising campaign runs through the rest of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September and honors those with pediatric cancer.

“Owners may choose to donate their vehicle for a variety of reasons,” said Michael Wulf, vice president of product for Kelley Blue Book. “If there isn’t value left in an old vehicle, and the owner doesn’t want to go through the hassle of trying to sell it for little return, donating the vehicle to a charity offers tax benefits while supporting a good cause. It’s a win-win to get your used car off your driveway and an opportunity to positively impact your community.”

Since partnering with CARS in 2017, Kelley Blue Book visitors have helped raised $2.5 million for 945 different non-profits, including St. Jude who has to date received nearly $1 million in total revenue through KBB.com.1

To learn more, visit https://www.kbb.com/donate-your-car/. To make a monetary donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, visit https://www.StJude.org/donatecox.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb  and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com). 

1 Charitable Adult Rides & Services data from April 2017 to August 2020

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) 
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand. 

About Cox Automotive 

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com 

About CARS

CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) is a 501(c)(3) social enterprise nonprofit based in San Diego, California. CARS manages thousands of vehicle donation programs for some of the nation’s most respected nonprofits and public media stations throughout North America and Canada. Through its car donation program, CARS supports JFS’s On the Go, a local program providing affordable transportation solutions to San Diego seniors. Since 2003, CARS has returned more than $300+ million to its nonprofit partners and reinvests in communities through meals and transportation solutions each year. www.careasy.org

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

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IRVINE, Calif., September 15, 2020 – The fall season brings new beginnings and opportunities, even for car shoppers. Now is a great time for potential buyers to decide if they want to jump on a 2020 vehicle purchase that they have had their eye on for a while or wait for a highly anticipated brand-new model. To help shoppers make that decision, Kelley Blue Book studied the marketplace and unearthed which 2020 models will be heading into retirement, and which all-new vehicles are worth waiting for in 2021.

“For car buyers looking for a bargain, shopping for vehicles that will no longer be available after this year is the way to go,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “The list runs the gamut from an efficient hatchback in the Honda Fit up through a luxury sedan like the Lexus GS. You can also end up owning a piece of automotive history in the last of the Chevrolet Impalas or Dodge Grand Caravans. ”

Last Call: 12 Discontinued Cars in 2020

On the contrary, if you are someone who loves to have the latest shiny new toy, there are plenty of new and redesigned models going on sale in the 2021 model year.

“This has been an interesting and innovative year for the market overall. The vehicles on this list were showcased completely virtually rather than at shows, which is new for the industry,” said Allyson Harwood, associate editor for Kelley Blue Book. “Our experts at Kelley Blue Book picked out a few favorite models for 2021, based on their value, capability, and innovation.”

12 Best Cars Worth Waiting For

To see KBB.com's complete coverage, including photos and editorial commentary, of the Last Call: 12 Discontinued Cars in 2020, or for the 12 Best Cars Worth Waiting For. Visit our site today for a Kelley Blue Book® Value on your current vehicle, or Instant Cash Offer.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/kelley-blue-book/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb  and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com). 

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) 
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand. 

About Cox Automotive 

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues of $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com 

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ATLANTA, September 2, 2020 – We live in a country built on diversity of thought and culture – one that derives its success from inclusion. Cox Automotive, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book’s parent company, believes a thriving democracy should reflect the mosaic of its people, which is why the company is taking action to Drive the Vote this year.

Starting September 2, visitors to the Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book websites, which reach 6-in-10 new car shoppers[1], will be greeted with resources for registering to vote and information on how to get out to the polls in November. With only two months remaining until the November 3 election, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book are committed to educating consumers on how they can cast their vote and make sure their voice is heard in this crucial time. Through the Drive the Vote campaign, Cox Automotive hopes to help create a more inclusive, reflective country.

To coincide with this initiative, Cox Automotive will also give its employees flexibility on Election Day, November 3, encouraging them to take paid time off to vote. “2020 has been an incredible year full of changes — in how we work, live and relate to one another,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president of consumer solutions for Cox Automotive. “We recognize that it is now more important than ever to support our employees. The best way to move the needle on creating a more diverse, more accepting community is to improve inclusive voting.”

To learn more about Cox Automotive’s Drive the Vote campaign, visit Autotrader.com/drive/the-vote and Kbb.com/drive/the-vote.

ATLANTA, July 16, 2020 – With record temperatures sweeping the nation, this summer is shaping up to be a scorcher. For those who would rather soak up the sun than search online for a new car, Autotrader has made it simple to find the 10 Hottest Cars of Summer 2020. Based on the most-searched vehicles on Autotrader, if you are someone who wants to enjoy the summer in the latest and greatest new ride, this list is for you.

“This year brought a lot of changes to the automotive industry, but we can always count on consistency with the Hottest Cars for Summer,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “This tried and true list highlights the biggest car trends of the summer. This list is a good place to start if you’re looking for a car that’s popular among shoppers, and these are some of the top picks because people continue to return to them year after year.”

Autotrader’s 10 Hottest Cars of Summer 2020*

1. Ford F-150/250

New or used, the Ford F-Series pickup is popular. It’s been the best-selling new vehicle for decades and continues to impress buyers with a wide variety of engine choices, off-road-ready models, budget-friendly basic models and high-end, tech-heavy luxury versions. We’re not saying the F-150 is perfect, but it’s such a consistent best-seller we can’t see how so many people can be wrong.

1. Jeep Wrangler

If you’re looking for a quintessential American vehicle, it’s got to be the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler’s popularity isn’t surprising – Americans love to get out and have fun, away from the confines of city life and the Wrangler is just the thing to get them there.

1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500

Americans love pickups. Also, Chevrolet pickups. Redesigned in 2019, the Silverado is nearly as popular with shoppers as Ford’s full-size pickup. The Silverado has typically had a nicer interior and a less utilitarian look outside. The Silverado is also offered in a wide variety of trim levels. Work Truck, Custom, LT, RST, Custom Trail Boss, LTZ, LT Trail Boss and High Country are the current levels – then add bed length, two or four-wheel drive plus regular, double or crew cab and there are plenty of Silverados to pick from. 

1. Ford Mustang

Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Ford Mustang is just one of those purely American cars. It has a history, it’s fun, it’s affordable and it’s popular. You can find a high-mileage Mustang for as little as $2,000 or you can spend $100,000 on a high-performance Shelby GT500. The best compromise is probably a V8 powered GT 2015 or newer with average mileage for its age.  

1. Chevrolet Corvette

The C7 Chevrolet Corvette has turned out to be the swan song of the front-engine Corvette. The arrival of the C8 Corvette could mean some great deals on the previous model. Or, it could mean a lot of C7 owners believe they have some kind of rare instant classic and “won’t be tricked” into selling it for a reasonable price. Either way, the C7 is an outstanding send-off to the ‘Vette’s front-engine layout. 

1. Ram 1500

With each passing model year, the Ram 1500 is becoming increasingly well-known for its plush interior, smooth ride and excellent towing capacity. The current Ram 1500 is the best one yet but even going back a few years will get you a nice truck. 

1. Toyota Tacoma

For years, the Toyota Tacoma has been built in Texas. Maybe that’s why the Toyota Tacoma feels as American as the Chevy Silverado or Ford Mustang. The truck can do it all – daily driver, off-road, haul junk, last forever. The new 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a perfectly fine truck.

1. GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra has matured to the point where it’s tangibly different from the full-size Chevy. Many Sierras have unique features, trim and equipment. Fewer people are looking for a Sierra as compared to an F-150 or Silverado but not by much. One thing we like about the Sierra: It has fewer variations. That makes shopping a little easier. We like the SLE for a capable and affordable full-size truck.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Our theory is that all the interest in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is fueled by Wrangler research. We imagine these shoppers asking, “How can I have the authenticity of the Wrangler but with more interior space and comfort?” Jeep Grand Cherokee is the answer.

1. Toyota 4Runner

In a way, the 4Runner is kind of a throw-back to a simpler era. It is an SUV and those are wildly popular, but the 4Runner has been, essentially, the same for many years. Its tough construction is better for deep mud and rugged trails than it is for highway road trips.

*The vehicles are listed in search order by popularity.

Autotrader’s Hottest Cars of Summer 2020 list features the most-searched cars, trucks and SUVs on Autotrader’s website from January 1, 2020 to July 6, 2020 (ranked by search volume).  To learn more about the Hottest Cars of Summer 2020, including photos, vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/popular-cars-for-summer.

Extraordinary times demand extraordinary service where online services are more important than ever before. Autotrader is reaching car shoppers in a way that is both safe and convenient by delivering an easy, informational and virtual shopping and buying experience. For more information on Autotrader’s Dealer Home Services, visit https://www.autotrader.com/information/dealer-home-services.

Consumers can stay up-to-date on the latest Coronavirus news and advice for car owners and shoppers from Autotrader editors at https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/coronavirus-news-and-advice-car-owners-and-shoppers-281474980000716.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com),
at https://www.linkedin.com/company/autotrader-com, and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. 

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues of $21 billion. coxautoinc.com

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