Upgraded Search Capabilities Put Customers On A Faster Path To The Right Vehicle

Burlington, Vt., August 31, 2020 – The increase in online car shopping activity demands an upgraded user experience. That’s why Dealer.com is introducing an all-new search results page experience with strategic new upgrades that improve inventory search, browsing and digital tool usage for Dealer.com clients and their customers. Dealer.com’s new search results page (SRP) enhancements help different types of shoppers find the right vehicle faster by guiding them to the critical inventory information they need, and ultimately making it easier for consumers to reach their destination—the vehicle deal page (VDP)—from any device, anywhere.

“Today, nearly every shopper spends time researching cars online with hopes of landing on the perfect VDP, but every customer’s journey is different—from their approach to what device they are using,” said Katie Wilkins, senior director Product Management at Dealer.com. “With this in mind, we built the new SRP experience to drive a faster more convenient path to the right vehicle across all device and shopper experiences.”

Now, shoppers can make more vehicle comparisons and informed selections sooner in the shopping process—no matter the device they are using. The majority of shoppers—82%—engage with search results on a dealership’s website.[1] The features of the new SRP experience benefit customers and dealers alike:

• - A free-form inventory search bar provides multiple ways for consumers to shop and select their vehicle of choice.

- Auto-complete suggestions within the search bar guide shoppers to the right vehicles and attributes.

- Mobile-friendly faceted search means fewer clicks for consumers to reach the vehicle information they want.

- Larger inventory photos and a convenient photo carousel allow shoppers to view multiple photos before visiting the VDP, eliminating back and forth and helping them more quickly identify their vehicle preferences.

- Tabbed Content areas, including standard vehicle specifications, OEM and dealership incentives, and stacked pricing make key inventory details organized and accessible.

- Responsive, redesigned listings deliver a more intuitive user experience. ​

- Flexible list view or grid view design allows consumers to customize their experience.

"What really stood out to us about the new SRPs is that they were created with a mobile first design. They perfectly capture the details the customer is looking for in a clean layout," said Jeffrey Ramsey, eCommerce Director at Jones Junction. "Being able to easily scroll through the images from the SRP has created a more valuable VDP visit. This has led to more leads and a higher percentage of our traffic converting. After spending the time and money it takes to get a customer to our site, you don’t want to lose them when they’re looking for a vehicle. With the easy to use sort and filter functionality, it allows shoppers to navigate our inventory seamlessly. Overall, the new SRPs have improved our customers shopping experience and helped create more sales opportunities for the Jones Junction organization.”

The launch of the new SRP experience will begin in September and is a no-cost upgrade to all Dealer.com customers. For more information on the all-new SRP experience, visit Dealer.com/SRP.

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., August 27, 2020 – In this age of uncertainty, car buyers are looking for vehicles and brands they can trust to take on the road ahead. With an overwhelming amount of choices on the market, consumers are looking for a simple way to identify their best options. For shoppers wanting to search for a new vehicle with ease and confidence, the editors at Kelley Blue Book have named the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2020 and the 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2020.

To compile this list, Kelley Blue Book's experts sorted through the winners from all of the company's 2020 awards programs, tallying the cars and brands that were awarded most often. Kelley Blue Book's major annual awards programs include the Best Buy Awards, Best Auto Tech Awards, Best Resale Value Awards, 5-Year Cost to Own Awards and Brand Image Awards. Also factored into the final count are the various car accolade lists created by Kelley Blue Book's editorial staff this year – such as the 12 Best Family Cars, 10 Best Family Cars Under $25,000, 10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000, and many more.

“Our expert editorial team has a deep knowledge of every new car that comes out in a single year. Add in the tremendous amounts of vehicle and market data from Kelley Blue Book, and we are able to evaluate an extensive list of factors before finalizing the top picks,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “For 2020, the Kia Telluride landed among all cars as the Most Awarded with its impressive combination of value, elegance and capability, while Toyota lead the Most Awarded Brands for 2020.”

10 Most Awarded Cars of 2020

10 Most Awarded Brands of 2020

To see KBB.com's complete coverage of the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2020, visit https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/most-awarded-cars-2020/. For full coverage of the 10 Most Awards Brands of 2020, visit https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/most-awarded-brands-2020/.  

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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Burlington, Vt., August 6, 2020 -- As the demand for home services rises among car buyers, an overwhelming majority of dealers have quickly adjusted to offer a variety of at-home conveniences. While dealers rapidly adopt the tools and adapt their sales processes to bring the showroom to the living room, a communication gap has surfaced. For every two consumers interested in at-home services like vehicle pick up or at-home service technician visits, only about one is aware that their dealership is offering them.[1] To address this gap, Dealer.com developed a customizable new widget that allows dealers to communicate their at-home capabilities to their customers at the most critical decision point in the online car buying journey today—the vehicle details page (VDP).

With more than half of customers still reluctant to visit a dealership as of late July, strategically promoting at-home alternatives on the VDP is one way give confidence to shoppers planning to delay their vehicle purchase.[2] Additionally, 30% of auto intenders selected at-home test drive/vehicle delivery as the best alternative to visiting a dealership.[3] The new customizable VDP widget allows every dealership to address their customers’ safety concerns, and ensure confidence in the car buying process in one easy step.

Dealers have adapted to the new preferences of millions of automotive consumers looking for contactless sales and service options in record time. The at-home services VDP widget is a simple but effective tool to support these efforts, close the communication gap with customers, and allow dealers’ hard work to pay off. Dealers interested in learning how to activate and customize this tool on their site can contact their Dealer.com Performance Manager. For more information visit https://www.dealer.com/insights/give-your-customers-confidence-in-the-car-buying-process.

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

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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MISSION, Kan., July 7, 2020 – Many service customers struggle to pay for auto repairs out of pocket, making it difficult for dealerships to sell service recommendations in a way that maximizes fixed ops revenue. In fact, 71% of additional service recommendations and 29% of primary service lines go unsold.[1] To help increase dealer revenue per repair order and provide customers with more flexible service financing, Xtime is integrating with DigniFi to launch FlexPay, an easy-to-use payment option offered directly through the Xtime platform. With FlexPay, dealers can help boost service department revenue while making comprehensive auto repairs more affordable to customers.

“Our research shows 63% of customers are unable to pay for a $500 auto repair out of pocket, so advisors are having difficulty selling not just additional service recommendations, but also regularly scheduled maintenance,” said Tracy Fred, vice president of operations at Xtime.[2] “These unsold services present a missed opportunity that dealers can reclaim by offering a simplified and streamlined service financing process.”

To fill this gap in the market, many forward-thinking dealers have already adopted service financing options to help make vehicle service more accessible to customers and lessen the impact of unexpected repairs on consumers’ budgets. However, until FlexPay, service financing solutions required their own separate systems, complicating the sales process for service advisors and depreciating the customer experience. FlexPay offers a more streamlined service financing option from within a dealer’s existing appointment scheduling and inspection process. The payment option is displayed to consumers at every digital touchpoint throughout the service process.

“Today, making a service experience easy and contactless are the keys to success, so excluding financing solutions as part of the process is no longer optional,” said Richard Counihan, CEO at DigniFi. “By integrating with Xtime to create FlexPay, our dealer clients can provide a better customer experience while enjoying easy processing and potentially higher profitability.”

Dealers will discover the following competitive advantages by offering Xtime’s FlexPay:

• -Increased revenue per repair order: Customers are 76% more likely to make purchases if a simple and seamless payment plan is available, making it easier for advisors to sell primary and additional service recommendations.[3]
• -Simplified service financing sales process: By integrating seamlessly into dealerships preexisting scheduling and inspection systems, FlexPay provides more efficiency through the sales process and a better customer experience.
• -Higher repair order close rates: Xtime’s FlexPay has a consistent presentation of offerings across multiple customer touchpoints that drives wider knowledge of the service financing option and in turn, increases business opportunities for the dealer as well as more comprehensive service for the customer.  

“The option for flexible service financing through Xtime’s FlexPay is a real game changer for a lot of our customers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford their repair order upfront,” said Jay Helbert, Operations Director at Town East Ford. “It’s also a big advantage for our service advisors who no longer have to toggle between systems to process financing and technicians can perform the full level of service recommendations that they make for a vehicle, which at the end of the day, means better service and a better experience for the customer too.”

Xtime’s FlexPay is currently available at no additional cost to all U.S. Xtime dealers with a DigniFi account through Xtime’s Schedule, Inspect and Engage products. For more information, visit www.xtime.com/flexpay.

About Xtime

Xtime increases customer retention for automotive dealer service departments by using technology to transform the ownership experience. Improving customer satisfaction and retention drives dealer revenue and profitability. Xtime is committed to delivering the experience consumers demand – an experience which emphasizes value, convenience and trust. In 2019, Xtime booked 55 million service appointments and processed more than 100 million repair orders annually. Forty-four global OEMs have chosen Xtime to drive that same type of success for their businesses, converting more than $23 billion in service revenue last year for more than 7,300 dealerships.

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 exceeding $20 billion.www.coxautoinc.com

About DigniFi

DigniFi is a platform company that connects consumers with lenders for car repairs, tires, accessories, and other auto-related needs. The automated, contactless process serves up financial products through the point of sale at car dealerships and independent repair shops. DigniFi provides consumers with fixed payment plans from 12 to 36 months. The loans are originated through WebBank, an FDIC-regulated bank. To date, DigniFi has provided access to over $120 million in loans in partnership with more than 5,000 auto service centers. For more information, please visit www.dignifi.com.

Media Contact:

Brenna Buehler
Brenna.Buehler@coxautoinc.com
949-473-6595

ATLANTA, June 30, 2020 – Finding yourself in the market for a new car during a pandemic might have you asking if now is even the right time to buy or how you can get a good deal on your next purchase. The all-new version of any given car will likely offer safety and technology improvements over the previous version, but if getting a “new to you” car at the lowest price is your goal, you might want to look at a lightly used car. To help car buyers find the best, highly-rated, value-oriented and well-equipped vehicles, the experts at Autotrader recently named the 10 Best Used Cars of 2020 that are great alternatives to a new car.

“Budget-friendly doesn’t have to be boring. Buying used can reduce your monthly car payment, while still getting the latest in safety, convenience and technology in a fun-to-drive model,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “Our selections are highly-rated and spotlight some of the best vehicles for overall value, performance and popularity with Autotrader shoppers.”

Saving up to buy a car can be hard. The cost of new cars is rising — the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the U.S. for May was $38,940 — and that has many drivers seeking more affordable used options. Check out the latest selections (unranked in alphabetical order) from the editors at Autotrader.

Autotrader's 10 Best Used Cars of 2020

Audi Q7

New or used, this is one of the world’s most perfect SUVs. However, you have to get the right year to get the best version of the Q7. We recommend the 2017–2019 version. The previous Q7 is lacking the elegance of other Audi vehicles. Regarding the redone Q7, our editors said things like, "This is the definition of luxury,” "What a modern luxury SUV should be" and "Perfectly executed."

Chevrolet Malibu

Forget everything you’ve known about past versions of the Chevrolet Malibu. The well-known sedan was totally updated for 2016 and our editors called it "surprisingly competitive" and "one of the best-looking cars in the class.” The Malibu also feels agile and light on its feet, and then there’s the fact that you can get a well-equipped new Malibu LT for a fairly reasonable $29,000 with shipping. That makes the used versions even more affordable. Our verdict: If you’re shopping for a used Camry, Accord, Fusion or Sonata, you need to try out the Malibu too. Look for a 2016 or newer model to get the best looking one and the most features for your money.

Chrysler Pacifica

An all-new and very luxurious minivan for the 2017 model year, the Chrysler Pacifica turns a lot of heads. This van is nothing like the previous versions — the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Our editors said, simply, it’s "the best minivan on the market." Also, there’s a plug-in hybrid version, if fuel-sipping is your thing. Look for a 2017 or newer Pacifica for the best deal.

Ford F-Series Pickup

It’s popular for a reason and an all-new version is about to show up at your local Ford dealer. The F-150 as well as the F-250 are consistently in the top three when it comes to the most researched vehicles on Autotrader. Also, these Ford pickups are typically the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. year after year. Sitting pretty at the intersection of popular and good is the Ford F-150 Raptor. It’s now been 10 years since the Raptor was introduced, and the competition has yet to catch up. Look for 2015–2017 models for the best deals. 

Honda Accord Hybrid

Like the F-150, the Honda Accord is consistently what car shoppers search for on Autotrader. While the 2013 to 2017 models are the best in terms of value, features and style, we really like the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid has a spotty availability record, as it was introduced, then dropped, then re-introduced. If you want a hybrid sedan that’s comfortable, quick, reliable and attractive, look for a 2015 or newer Accord Hybrid. New or used, the Accord Hybrid is simply the best hybrid sedan available.

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has been quietly building a stellar reputation, thanks to great cars like the Sonata and Elantra as well as the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs. If you’re thinking a used Hyundai is going to be permanently in the bargain-bin, you might be surprised. Savvy shoppers are getting the idea that these cars are nicely equipped and reliable. Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is great. However, Autotrader just named Hyundai as the Best Certified Pre-Owned Program for non-luxury cars. If you're researching sedans, we think the 2018 or newer Sonata is worth a look.

Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue gets a major update for 2021, but the previous version is a perfectly good small SUV. It's similar in size to other compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V; however, find the right year and the Rogue is available with a third-row seat. And when you look around the Rogue’s interior, you get the sense that Nissan’s giving you a premium product at a regular price. There’s a lot of crossover goodness here for the money. Look for a 2015 or 2016 model for the best compromise of comfort and price.

Porsche Macan

When Porsche’s groundbreaking Cayenne first came out, there was much hand-wringing by enthusiasts who couldn’t bear the thought of an SUV wearing the Porsche crest. Fast-forward a decade or so, and it turns out that the Cayenne was ahead of its time. These days, sport-luxury crossovers are all the rage, and a Porsche Macan (Porsche's compact crossover slated beneath the Cayenne) would be a great used car choice. Best of all, the head-turning Macan will likely be the most affordable four-door Porsche you can find, making it an appealing alternative to a wide range of vehicles. We like the 2016-2018 Macans due to their appealing price and safety features.

Toyota Highlander

Legendary Toyota reliability combined with a comfortable, three-row SUV — that's the Toyota Highlander in a nutshell. We recommend a 2015 or newer version for the most modern conveniences. Then, even the base Highlander LE came nicely equipped with a rear backup camera, 18-in alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, eight-passenger seating and Bluetooth. If you’re looking for a certified pre-owned car, Toyota has one of the better programs. Certified used Toyota customers get 12 months or 12,000 miles of limited bumper to bumper warranty which starts the day you buy your used Toyota. The program also extends the powertrain warranty to a total of seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Volkswagen GTI

The GTI has always been more about overall excellence than jaw-dropping acceleration, but thanks to a new engine under the hood for the 2015 model year, the Mk7 can build some serious speed. A used GTI offers one of the most space-efficient cabins in the business. Though it’s definitely a compact car, the GTI can easily accommodate a pair of 6-footers in its roomy back seat. It’s like having a compact SUV in your garage, except the GTI’s a whole lot sportier than one of those. One thing we like about the GTI over the Volkswagen Golf is the much larger 8-in touchscreen, which tilts toward the driver for ease of use.

To learn more about the 10 Best Used Cars of 2020, including photos, vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-used-cars-of-2020.

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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Denver, Colorado June 16, 2020 – Blinker today announced an exciting long-term collaboration between Autotrader, a leading automotive marketplace, and Blinker, the award-winning tech company that created the premier digital platform for vehicle transactions between consumers.

Autotrader brings more trust and speed to online car shopping and buying, helping car shoppers browse the widest variety of vehicle options all in one place. Autotrader continues its commitment to deliver effective digital retail offerings to consumers and dealers. Blinker will help expand Autotrader's existing marketplace capabilities by integrating innovative transactional capabilities that include improved communication between private sellers and their buyers, financing options, and fraud prevention tools, providing great value to their audience. Blinker is the only peer-to-peer e-commerce platform that provides an end-to-end solution for anyone buying, selling or financing cars. Complex vehicle transactions can happen with ease, including financing and loan payoff confirmation, at the point of sale in parking lots and at the end of driveways over mobile phones – more safe and secure than ever before.

“The Blinker team is very excited to team up with Autotrader to provide an e-commerce marketplace for private sellers. Combining Autotrader's industry-leading website with Blinker's proven transactional platform, we are delivering amazing value and simplicity for private sellers who use Autotrader. Further, we will be able to offer integrated financing solutions to create efficiencies for both consumers and lenders." said Blinker Founder and CEO Rod Buscher.

“By leveraging Blinker’s groundbreaking technology with our platform, we are simplifying the purchase process for vehicle transactions with private sellers and facilitating financing at the point of sale,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president and general manager for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book.

About Blinker 
Blinker’s fintech enabled solution supports identity verification, digital loan fulfillment, eContracting, lien perfection and title transfer. Blinker patented AI-powered vehicle recognition technology makes everything from getting pre-qualified for financing to selling a car with a lien as easy as snapping a photo. Launched in 2016, Blinker is privately-owned and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.blinker.com.

ATLANTA, June 8, 2020 – Over the past few months, consumers have adjusted to managing nearly all aspects of life from home, including everything from working to shopping. Even the most difficult tasks can get done from home, like buying a car. Autotrader today announced its latest national advertising campaign, "Dealer Chats,” to show shoppers how surprisingly easy car buying can be in the new normal. 

Building on the “Still Moving” campaign, “Dealer Chats” was developed with global creative agency 72andSunny New York to help car shoppers navigate the different challenges they face in the age of COVID-19. The commercial was filmed entirely remote on an iPhone 11 by Tool of North America and “Saturday Night Live” director Paul Briganti. From virtual vehicle tours to delivery at your doorstep, shoppers are looking for digital assistance for every part of their life and need the tools to help them weigh their options from home to order, test drive and eventually purchase. The spot brings the dealership showroom experience to a shopper’s home, with scenes of buyers video chatting and texting with dealers, allowing them to ask all the questions they may have about a car’s features. 

“We have seen the way we shop change drastically and many consumers are not aware of the options available to them to purchase a vehicle safely,” said Greta Crowley, vice president of marketing for Autotrader. “We introduced Dealer Home Services in March to give car shoppers a way to see what options they do have from dealers while they are at home. Now you can take a virtual tour of a car from the comfort of your own couch, take a test drive from your front door and even buy the car from home with touchless delivery.” 

View the “Dealer Chats” commercials at Corporate Policy and What Is Today. 

Autotrader’s latest national campaign will air nationally across cable, network and streaming television platforms, with a focus on premium content across entertainment, late night and sports. The campaign also will include a digital-first approach through social media, paid search, custom sponsorships and content on Hulu, YouTube, Roku and Amazon, among other platforms—offering interactive and engaging experiences to online audiences. 

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 exceeding $21 billion. coxautoinc.com 

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ATLANTA, May 27, 2020 – A certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle offers some of the advantages of both new and used cars. CPO is a pre-owned car, meaning a lower price for shoppers, and the car is also certified, which means it’s gone through a thorough inspection and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and often a few other perks. Nearly every carmaker offers a CPO program, making it difficult to know which CPO programs are the best. To save a little time and energy during the car shopping process, the editors at Autotrader evaluated all of the available certified offerings on the market and picked the best CPO programs for 2020 in both the non-luxury and luxury categories. 

“Today, car shoppers are really focused on value and affordability. For those who have decided a new car is too expensive but are unsure of the long-term prospect of buying a used car, certified pre-owned vehicles are an excellent alternative,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “We selected Hyundai and Lexus CPO programs due to their outstanding model availability, incentives offered, long powertrain warranty, good bumper-to-bumper coverage and a few other ownership perks. The bottom line is that both Lexus and Hyundai offer the kind of program and the kind of cars you can count on for many years to come.” 

Best Non-Luxury CPO Program for 2020 – Hyundai 

Best Luxury CPO Program for 2020 – Lexus L/Certified 

Autotrader selected the Lexus CPO program as the best among luxury carmakers. Among luxury brands, L/Certified checks nearly all the boxes of what a CPO program should offer. To the remaining balance of the original 4-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new-car warranty (which includes powertrain coverage), the CPO warranty adds 2 years and unlimited mileage. That works out to a total of six years with unlimited mileage. Its unlimited mileage puts L/Certified over the top in our voting. Other programs have unlimited mileage but the time cap is usually around 2 years. In this case, Lexus knows they have a quality product and stand behind it with unlimited mileage AND a long warranty period. Unlimited mileage is a real advantage, particularly for anyone who does a lot of driving. Lexus doesn't require a deductible for covered repairs and provides a complimentary loaner car during those repairs estimated to take more than eight hours.  

Hyundai continues to standout as the top pick for the non-luxury CPO program. Hyundai's CPO program advantage is built upon its 10-year/100,000 mile new-vehicle powertrain warranty. Hyundai's CPO program reinstates the full term of the original powertrain warranty. Hybrid and electric CPO cars also qualify for a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. Whatever remains of the original 5-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited new-car warranty also transfers to the CPO vehicle. Other CPO benefits include full transferability if you sell your CPO car to a private buyer, a $35 per day rental-car allowance during covered repairs, complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance and trip-interruption benefits when covered repairs are required more than 150 miles from home.  

CPO vehicles come with manufacturer-backed warranties and additional extras, such as roadside assistance and free trial subscriptions to satellite radio, over a typical used car. All CPO cars undergo extensive, manufacturer-required, multi-point inspections and repairs, as needed, to restore all functions back to factory settings. This gives the buyer peace of mind that they are buying the best the brand has to offer when it comes to a pre-owned vehicle. The CPOs will have extended warranties that provide protection for additional years, and in many cases unlimited mileage, during the time the second buyer has the car. 

The 2020 Best Non-Luxury and Best Luxury CPO Programs were identified based on a series of factors, including powertrain warranty length (with a minimum of six years or 100,000 miles of coverage from the original sale date), available inventory, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage and transferability to future vehicle owners, special financing terms, highest volume and broadest possible spectrum of CPO vehicle types and price ranges currently listed for sale, and ease of understanding warranty overall. 

To learn more about the Best Non-Luxury and Best Luxury Certified Pre-Owned Programs from Autotrader’s expert editors, including full coverage and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/best-cpo-programs-of-2020. For more information on the Hyundai Best Non-Luxury CPO program, visit https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/hyundai-cpo-program-tops-among-mainstream-automakers-for-2020. Find more information on the Lexus L/Certified Best Luxury CPO program, visit https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/lexus-cpo-program-tops-among-luxury-automakers-for-2020.  

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 exceeding $21 billion. coxautoinc.com 

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ATLANTA, May 12, 2020 – The class of 2020 is facing unprecedented times during this global pandemic.  While bittersweet, graduating is a tremendous achievement and worth commending students’ hard work as they move on to the next phase in their lives. With many seniors preparing for the real world, they might find themselves in need of their own car. Keeping practicality and affordability in mind, the editors at Autotrader have identified the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2020.

“If you just graduated from college there is still plenty to celebrate. Unfortunately, grads will be entering one of the toughest job markets in recent memory. Our advice is not to overdo it when it comes to getting a new car,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “To help, this year’s list includes several good used car models that should be easy to find for $10,000 or less. No matter which car you choose, your local dealer will certainly be offering ‘social distancing’ services like virtual walkarounds, remote or online paperwork and, in some cases, test drives at home.”

The experts at Autotrader have a few suggestions for both new and used vehicles for recent college graduates. These rides offer stylish looks, high-tech features, excellent fuel economy, or some combination of all of the above. One thing they all have in common is affordable pricing.

10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2020[1]

2011-2015 Chevrolet Volt

The first-generation Chevrolet Volt was a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid. The Volt has an all-electric range of up to 38 miles which is still pretty impressive today meaning that if you have a place to plug in every day, you can do a lot of your driving around town without burning any gas at all. These can be found for less than $10,000 making them a strong value in used PHEVs.

2012-2017 FIAT 500

A used FIAT 500 can be a great little city car for college grads with an eye for style. This FIAT is a breeze to drive and park on urban roads thanks to its small footprint. The base engine doesn't have much punch to it, but the available turbocharged engine gives it some more guts while still being good on gas. You can get a lot of style for your money with prices under $10,000 for used 500 models.

2015-2017 Ford Mustang

Few cars have a better "smiles-per-gallon" factor than the Ford Mustang and early examples of the current version of the iconic pony car can be found for less than $20,000. The V8-powered GT models are a riot, but the more affordable EcoBoost Mustang models strike a fantastic balance of performance and efficiency by making 300 horsepower and achieving over 30 mpg on the highway.

2016-2018 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a car that always comes up in conversations about practical, affordable compact cars for good reasons. It's a segment leader for its safety, reliability, efficiency, and a surprising level of refinement for the price. Used current-generation Civic models can be found pretty easily for less than $20,000 and it's one of the best values in compact cars today. College grads simply can't go wrong going with a used Honda Civic to drive them into the next stage of life.

2018-2019 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a cute subcompact crossover with head-turning style and an equally attractive price tag. The Kona just came out in 2018, but they're already easy to find under the $20,000 mark. Tech-savvy college grads will appreciate the excellent UVO infotainment system which comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a USB port.

2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has a well-deserved reputation as an off-road icon. Surveys have shown that it's one of the top dream cars in America and it's more within reach than you might think. The current JL generation of the Wrangler is still a little pricey on the used market, but there are many used JK Wrangler models out there for under $20,000. The Wrangler finally got standard four-wheel drive starting in 2012 which makes that a good model year to start your search.

2021 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is an all-new subcompact crossover that manages to be both cute and rugged. It has an affordable starting MSRP of $21,990 and even the higher-end trims with the optional turbocharged engine keep the price under the $30,000 mark. The Seltos has a bigger interior than you might expect for such a small SUV and a level of interior quality that might surprise you at this price point.

2020 Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is all-new for 2020 and it's a massive improvement over its aging predecessor. It gets a sharp new design inside and out that looks muscular on the outside and upscale on the inside. The Sentra offers a strong value with an affordable starting MSRP of $19,090 and generous standard technology that includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

2010-2015 Toyota Prius

A used Toyota Prius is one of the best financial decisions a college grad can make. If you have student loan debt you want to aggressively pay off, a used, third-generation Prius can help you do that. These can easily be bought for less than $10,000 and you won't be making a lot of trips to the gas station because this car has a combined fuel economy rating of 50 mpg. The Prius is surprisingly roomy for a compact hatchback and it has the stellar safety and reliability ratings you'd expect from Toyota.

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback

The subcompact Toyota Yaris gets a hatchback variant for 2020 and it's an affordable, practical car that would be a great choice as a new car for a college grad. It starts at just $17,750 and it only has two trim levels making it an easy car to shop for. Upgrading to the XLE trim for an extra $1,000 gets you LED automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, leatherette-trimmed seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise, and phone controls.

To learn more about the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2020, including photos, vehicle information and available inventory, visit www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-cars-recent-college-graduates-281474980013135.

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 exceeding $21 billion. coxautoinc.com

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