New process enhancements help enable dealership staff to spend more time optimizing the customer experience

Draper, UT – August 13, 2020 – As dealerships across the country look to regain momentum, many are also seeking higher efficiency and productivity as they re-board, re-hire, and rethink staffing needs for today’s more virtual world. To help optimize operations and ease dealers’ daily workloads, Dealertrack DMS is introducing a series of new integrations geared toward helping dealership staff – regardless of whether they are working in-store or remotely – root out time-intensive, manual processes slowing down workflows and hampering the customer experience.   

Spurred by less foot traffic and a shift from in-person to online sales and digital services, the auto retail industry, like many others, will have to work through an all-new set of staffing challenges as well as the process retooling that comes with them.

“Time is money and the stakes have never been higher for dealers to optimize their workflows,” said Mandi Fang, vice president of operations, Dealertrack DMS. “Whether working with a reduced or remote staff or bringing employees back on board, the new Dealertrack DMS integrations ensure dealers are getting the support they need to eliminate inefficiencies and navigate the uncertainty of the current environment.”

Committed to giving dealers the flexibility necessary to keep business operations moving forward, Dealertrack DMS is introducing the following integrations spanning marketing, sales, and fixed operations:

- Enhanced Integration with VinSolutions: Focused on providing solutions that work better together, the enhanced integration between Dealertrack DMS and VinSolutions helps enable dealers to more seamlessly share customer and deal data between two of the most critical dealer technology platforms – the DMS and CRM. Helping to consolidate data entry, the enhanced integration ensures only active and applicable tax groups are displayed in the dropdown of selectable tax settings from the DMS – creating more accurate payments. Additionally, physical damage insurance information, equity allocation, dealer cash, One Pay lease information, and negative trade equity data all now automatically sync between platforms.

- Scan Solutions Pick-It Integration: Dealertrack DMS and Scan Solutions came together to help increase efficiency in the parts department with Pick-It, an integrated and user-friendly inventory control and processing solution. Using printers and mobile scanners, Pick-It automates the historically manual workflow of processing orders and picking, pulling, and staging parts inventory, helping dealers save time and eliminate errors.

- Dealertrack DMS Managed Network Services Powered by Proton: Providing dealers with a more fully outsourced and comprehensive IT service solution tailored to Dealertrack DMS, Managed Network Services Powered by Proton addresses the unique needs and complexities of each dealership and dealer group to help keep in-store and remote systems optimized for today’s digital-first environment. Offering 24/7 expert-level remote support, the managed services solution delivers all the capabilities of an in-house IT department at a fraction of the cost.

“Sharing information between VinSolutions and Dealertrack DMS has never been so seamless,” said Dustin Marriott, internet sales manager at Nate Wade Subaru. “With a more streamlined approach to data entry, my managers can feel confident in the numbers they see.”

For more information about Dealertrack DMS, visit DMSDealertrack.com/DTDMS.

About Dealertrack

Dealertrack provides industry-leading software solutions that give dealerships, lenders, and partners the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing automotive market. The company’s integrated suite of powerful easy-to-use products and services helps dealerships and their lending partners grow by increasing efficiency and improving decision-making. Dealertrack is part of the Cox Automotive family, a company that is transforming the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars. Dealertrack—along with its unmatched network of dealership and lending partners—is improving the car buying experience by embracing the technologies that will shape the future of automotive retail. For more information about Dealertrack, visit www.dealertrack.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. www.coxautoinc.com

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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Burlington, Vt., June 23, 2020 – Dealer.com today announced it has been selected as a premier partner in the FordDirect Advantage Digital Advertising Program. Fueled by Cox Automotive’s unparalleled insight into the behaviors of in-market shoppers, key integrations, and more than a decade of digital advertising expertise, Dealer.com gives Ford and Lincoln dealers the opportunity to maximize sales through more precise, consistent advertising portfolios aligned to their strategies.

During these unprecedented times, market forces are challenging dealers to make more accurate investments. Through Dealer.com’s Digital Advertising program, Ford and Lincoln dealers will now enjoy the flexibility and business intelligence needed to reach consumers at all stages of their journey, displaying the right ad to the right shopper and on the right channel at the right time. Dealer.com’s secure advertising solutions are right-sized for every dealer.

“We are seeing record-breaking online traffic and dealers have to spend smarter on every channel to reach consumers wherever they are digitally," said Wayne Pastore, vice president and general manager of Dealer.com. "Our customers are facing market uncertainty, changing consumer behaviors and advertising fraud in a very competitive industry. We have the data and partnerships to drive Ford and Lincoln dealer businesses forward by helping them optimize their advertising portfolio and thrive amid disruption.” 

While digital advertising technologies may seem complex, the Dealer.com approach begins with supporting individual dealer needs. Leveraging the proprietary Compass Advertising Intelligence engine,  a portfolio is built to a dealer’s goals and budget and will flex with a dealer’s changing needs. Dealer.com’s business intelligence and insights will help steer Ford and Lincoln dealers toward smarter advertising investments.

Dealer.com Advertising Solutions Key Advantages:
- Leverage shopper data from Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book to help dealers capitalize on existing demand in a dealer’s market. 
- Filter inventory for advertising through Paid Search with vAuto data, including Market Day Supply, Price Rank, vRank, and Price to Market, ensuring a dealer spends the right budget on the appropriate vehicles.
- Apply relevant pricing data from Xtime Schedule in paid search ads, driving more applicable ad copy promoting a dealer’s service department.
- Provide turnkey video creation and delivery service for dealers no matter their budget, driving compelling, offer-based video content to high value, high engagement video channels like Facebook and YouTube.
- Detect and combat advertising fraud and ensure dealer investments are protected with a partnership with White Ops and the Trustworthy Accountability Group.

The Dealer.com platform deploys personalized, integrated ad campaigns that use artificial intelligence and impactful creative to reach prospective vehicle buyers and owners through paid search, display, social media and video channels. The digital marketing solutions at Dealer.com have earned several automotive industry awards, including Automotive Website Awards and Driving Sales Dealers' Choice Awards.

To learn more about Dealer.com Advertising, visit https://www.dealer.com/products/advertising.

About Dealer.com
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. 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 revenues exceeding $21 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

About FordDirect
FordDirect is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchised dealers to create a comprehensive Web presence for dealers and provide digital marketing and advertising services that help dealers sell more cars and trucks. FordDirect provides dealers new and pre-owned digital marketing and advertising services, call tracking, lead management solutions, dealer websites, search optimization and marketing, database marketing, marketing services for regional dealer advertising groups and other digital services. FordDirect is headquartered in Dearborn, Mich.

Media Contact:
Nichole Mrasek                                               
404-568-6352                                                    
nichole.mrasek@coxautoinc.com         

Burlington, Vt., Jun. 23, 2020 – Dealer.com announced it has been selected as a choice Honda website and digital advertising provider through the Honda Digital Customer Experience. Today, through Dealer.com’s Website Choice program, Honda dealers receive customized, strategic and secure management of a dealer's advertising strategy and investment to connect with in-market shoppers across the digital channels that drive performance.

Dealer.com is aiding Honda dealers to deliver a personalized, efficient car shopping experience, which customers expect now more than ever before.  Fueled by user experience research, data science, and exclusive integrations with Cox Automotive brands, Dealer.com websites deliver a full service, personalized digital storefront experience that complement a dealer’s individual business goals. 

“We are better positioned to help dealers now and invest in the long-term to respond to the new model of car shopping," said Wayne Pastore, vice president and general manager of Dealer.com. "Through Honda’s Website Choice Program, we provide all the levers dealers can pull in the digital marketing ecosystem whether it’s on their website, through social channels or video. These tools have impact and will allow dealers to connect in a meaningful way to their customers."

Through unsurpassed insight into human behavior, supported by data from Cox Automotive brands like Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Dealertrack, Homenet, and more, Dealer.com’s Website Choice program offers professional services that address and solve the challenges faced by dealers and their customers. Participating dealerships will receive a strategic advantage in content creation, SEO ranking, advertising, social strategies and more. Dealer.com’s innovations, with extensive consumer intelligence, bring dealers the tools to build their best digital storefront. The award-winning platform delivers personalized experiences that attract, engage and help convert online shoppers at every stage of their journey.

The digital marketing solutions at Dealer.com have earned prestigious automotive industry awards, including two consecutive Automotive Website Awards, the Highest Rated SEO Provider and Driving Sales Dealers' Choice Award for Top Rated Website Provider.

Dealers who would like to learn more can visit https://www.dealer.com/honda/.

About Dealer.com
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. 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 revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

Media Contact:
Nichole Mrasek                                               
404-568-6352                                                    
nichole.mrasek@coxautoinc.com        

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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Introducing a new and more user-friendly look, feel and functionality to help dealers get used inventory front-line ready faster

Oakbrook Terrace, IL. – June 2, 2020 – iRecon announces a fully revamped reconditioning platform to help dealers gain transparency and eliminate bottlenecks keeping inventory from reaching the front line. Equipped with a new and intuitive user interface, dealer-vendor mobile application and location tracking, iRecon’s enhanced solution was developed through client feedback and market research, taking into consideration what dealers want and need to further optimize the reconditioning workflow in today’s environment.

As the auto retail industry continues to adapt to a new way of working and shopping in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, time and cost efficiency have never been more important. This is particularly pertinent to the reconditioning process – every day a used vehicle sits in service or waits on a vendor for reconditioning, dealers lose valuable sales opportunities. By enabling more informed and calculated decisions, the iRecon platform helps dealers spend the right money on the right vehicle for the right reason to take reconditioning from an expense to an advantage.

“Amid today’s uncertain economy, dealers may only have one shot to win a sale. Spending money wisely to better streamline reconditioning and get quality vehicles in front of customers faster will be vital to finding success and getting stores back to profitability,” said Mike Boyd, senior director of business enablement and founder of iRecon. “At iRecon, we are focused on providing dealers with the tools they need to help turn pennies into dollars by enhancing communications with vendors, boosting productivity and ensuring transparent time to front-line ready.”

The revamped iRecon platform features five major tool and capability enhancements for dealers:

- Recon Dashboard: View the status of any vehicle and take action based on valuable reconditioning metrics that can be tailored to a dealership’s unique workflow.

- iRecon Mobile: Communicate with reconditioning vendors in real time on the go through push, workflow and comment notifications from any iOS or Android device. Introducing more transparency into the reconditioning process, dealers can also send and receive photos and use VIN scanning to maintain efficiency.

- Location Tracking: Save time and quickly pinpoint where physical vehicles are on the lot through GPS technology.

- Recon Templates: Build custom plan templates to get the reconditioning process started in only two clicks.

- Provision Integration: Make more informed used car decisions by leveraging industry-leading vAuto data throughout the reconditioning process. With appraisal notes and reconditioning estimates automatically flowing from Provision into iRecon, dealers also gain early insight to help improve each vehicle’s time to front line.

“Greater visibility into the reconditioning workflow, costs and how long it will take to get a vehicle front-line ready is crucial to making sure every dollar counts right now,” said Jim Farkas, General Manager, Germain Honda of Ann Arbor and MINI of Ann Arbor in Michigan. “The refreshed iRecon platform makes communicating with internal team members and vendors simple and provides our team with the strategic insight and easy navigation necessary to ensure accountability and seamlessly track and complete reconditioning work.”

For more information on iRecon, visit https://www.vauto.com/products/irecon/.

About vAuto

vAuto® provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Founded in 2005, vAuto revolutionized dealers’ used vehicle operations with the groundbreaking Provision® suite of tools. Leveraging The Velocity Method of Management®, pioneered by vAuto founder, Dale Pollak, Provision helped dealers adopt a more transparent- and turn-focused approach to used vehicle acquisition, appraising, pricing and merchandising based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. vAuto’s solutions also include Conquest, a new vehicle inventory management and pricing system, and Stockwave, which enables dealers to efficiently find and purchase vehicles from leading wholesale sources via a single platform. In 2018, vAuto released the Provision ProfitTime metric and methodology to help dealers maximize inventory turn and gross profit based on the investment value or profit potential of each vehicle. The same year, the company expanded its integrations with Cox Automotive’s HomeNet unit and acquired iRecon, an online reconditioning workflow platform. The moves extend vAuto’s efficiency-focused used vehicle management solutions into vehicle merchandising and reconditioning.

Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto 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