Cox Automotive

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Apr 4, 2020

Dealer.com Maintains Commitment to Ad Fraud Protection with TAG Recertification Against Fraud

Helping Dealers Protect Return on Investment as More Shopping and Advertising Shifts Online

BURLINGTON, April 2, 2020  For the third consecutive year, Dealer.com has earned a TAG Certified Against Fraud Seal from the Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG), the leading global certification program fighting criminal activity and increasing trust in the digital advertising industry.  Dealer.com is the only automotive-specific digital advertising company to carry this coveted designation. Since 2016, Dealer.com, a premiere automotive industry end-to-end marketing solution, has been devoted to combating fraudulent advertising activity to ensure the utmost protection for its dealership partners.

With the complexity of ad buying, Dealer.com works closely with dealers and provides access to an integrated platform for advertising. Dealers should be building a plan to counteract digital ad fraud to ensure each dollar spent is reaching a real consumer.

“Advertising fraud remains a threat to dealership budgets—especially in our current environment with online media consumption increasing—and with our third TAG certification, we at Dealer.com are proud to remain a leader in the automotive industry’s fight against malicious digital activity,” said Wayne Pastore, general manager of Dealer.com. “Every ad dollar needs to be spent efficiently and this recertification allows us to provide our dealer and OEM clients with preventative solutions that help detect and disrupt harmful display fraud.”

Today’s U.S. digital advertising market is worth more than $100 billion, making it a significant target for fraudulent activity. In 2018 alone, brands lost an estimated $35 billion to invalid traffic, often perpetuated by deceptive marketing bots and fraudulent impressions[1].

According to a study released by TAG, the use of TAG Certified distribution channels for digital advertising reduced the level of fraud by more than 88% from the broader industry average. Through its certification from TAG, Dealer.com delivers on its promise to provide cost-efficient and effective ads to its dealers while taking steps to limit and prevent display fraud.

“By achieving this certification for the third consecutive year, Dealer.com has demonstrated its long-term commitment to ending digital advertising fraud in the automotive industry,” said Mike Zaneis, CEO of TAG. “We commend Dealer.com for setting the high standards necessary to fight fraud across the supply chain, and we look forward to continuing to work to raise our industry’s standards against fraud and other criminal activity.”

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 the Trustworthy Accountability Group

The Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG) is the leading global certification program fighting criminal activity and increasing trust in the digital advertising industry. Created by the industry’s top trade organizations, TAG’s mission is to eliminate fraudulent traffic, combat malware, prevent Internet piracy, and promote greater transparency in digital advertising. TAG advances those initiatives by bringing companies across the digital advertising supply chain together to set the highest standards. TAG is the first and only registered Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) for the digital advertising industry. For more information on TAG, please visit www.tagtoday.net.

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[1] 2019 Juniper Research, Future Digital Advertising: Artificial Intelligence & Advertising Fraud 2019-2023

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

458

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Apr 4, 2020

Dealer.com Receives Two Automotive Website Awards

Winner of U.S. Websites and Experience Optimization

BURLINGTON, April 1, 2020 – Dealer.com, the premier end-to-end digital marketing solution and partner for automotive dealerships, was recognized for its outstanding website performance and personalization capabilities; winning two categories in PCG Companies 13th annual Automotive Website Awards (AWAs). Dealer.com was honored among many of the industry’s leading automotive digital marketing vendors and most innovative products in 2020.  

“With new technology capable of transforming dealer websites into full-service Digital Storefronts and data optimization that delivers topnotch personalized digital experiences, we are helping dealers make evolving consumer behavior work to their advantage while driving long-term customer loyalty,” said Bob George, assistant vice president of product management at Dealer.com. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized with these AWA accolades in areas that we take so much pride in, our website platform and data optimization.”

Dealer.com solutions received the following awards for U.S. Websites and Digital Marketing, a third AWA win for Dealer.com Experience Optimization:

  • U.S. WEBSITES: Dealer.com Websites 

Dealer.com websites are fueled by user experience research, data science and exclusive integrations with Cox Automotive brands. By leveraging all the data across multiple brands, the Dealer.com website can provide a notably more relevant and personalized experience for the shopper. Responding to consumer demand, these websites are evolving into highly-detailed comparison spaces, delivering a digital storefront that is a true extension of the full-service showroom experience. Websites are designed to meet consumer expectations for personalization, speed, search, inventory comparison, mobile capabilities, merchandising efficiency and ADA accessibility.  

  • DIGITAL MARKETING: Dealer.com Experience Optimization

Dealer.com’s Experience Optimization technology harnesses the power of Cox Automotive data  to connect shoppers with inventory recommendations as well as vehicle and fixed operations specials most relevant to them in real-time. With the ability to understand the buying signals of 75% of automotive consumers, Cox Automotive connects those data points to build consumer profiles of more than 125 million households. This avenue provides a more holistic view of the buying cycle—and allows Dealer.com to serve website content relevant to both inventory and service customers—versus simply responding to prior search behaviors. Personalized inventory recommendations drive 2.5X more VDP views and 12% more leads[1]

This year’s AWAs were presented at the 2020 NADA Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. by hosts Glenn Pasch, CEO of PCG Digital and Beth Braswell. Over 150 industry leaders and outstanding contributors to automotive innovation were in attendance to honor this year’s especially impressive lineup of nominees and winners. For more information and the full list of all AWA award winners, visit  http://awa.autos/.

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


[1] Dealer.com 2017 A/B Shopper Engagement Study

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

1591

No Comments

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Mar 3, 2020

Autotrader Names Best New Cars for 2020

ATLANTA, March 25, 2020 – As shoppers shift online across all categories for both every day essentials and aspirational needs, they are facing a new reality. Within the automotive space, they are experiencing an increasingly crowded virtual marketplace, where visiting multiple dealerships isn’t practical. So, how are new-car buyers to know which vehicles are most worthy of their consideration in today’s environment? While there are several mainstays long-known for excellence in the automotive industry, the truth remains that standout vehicles can be found among a variety of price points, categories and brands. To help car shoppers expand their horizons as they consider which new vehicle to buy, Autotrader recently named the Best New Cars for 2020.

“Our goal was to provide a helpful list of cars that offer exceptional value for their class, regardless of vehicle type or price,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “Anyone in the market for a new car really should look outside their typical go-to brands—they might be surprised what they find. It's also worth noting that out of our 12 best cars of the year, only one is from a luxury brand. That tells you just how good cars from volume brands are now in their top trims when it comes to comfort, technology and design. Every vehicle Autotrader listed as a Best New Car for 2020 has ‘that certain something’ that makes it stand out in a very crowded field.”

Each vehicle on this year’s list was agreed upon unanimously by the entire editorial and data team at Autotrader. To be considered, a vehicle must be of the current or next model-year and available for purchase at the time of the announcement. The editors capped the base price for consideration at $75,000 (although most vehicles on the list are well under), meaning they offer a significant value for the asking price. Not only was value a top priority, but vehicles also were judged on available technology and a rewarding or dynamic driving experience. Each winning car had to score an overall 3.9 or higher on the editors’ 5-point evaluation sheet.

Listed below, in alphabetical order, are the Autotrader experts’ choices for Best New Cars for 2020:

Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2020

Vehicle

Vehicle Category

Sample Editorial Comments

2020 Chevrolet Corvette

Coupe/Convertible

Tremendously well-executed, the Corvette drives well, is nice inside, and it’s roomy, fast and fun. More importantly, the Corvette is affordable, which can seem like a bargain compared to many exotic cars tested.

2020 Ford Expedition

Full-size SUV

The 2020 Ford Expedition is the only car on the list that is not an all-new model or a full redesign for 2020. The Expedition got a big redesign for 2018 and has aged tremendously well ever since as a roomy and capable family hauler. Big SUVs are hard to get just right, as they can feel overwhelming and very truck-like. The Expedition is different – yes big, but it is very manageable from behind the wheel.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Compact SUV

For the first time, a hybrid version of Honda's popular compact crossover is available in the U.S. The CR-V Hybrid is super-efficient and reasonably priced, with plenty of pleasant interior space. It deserves praise for its performance and capability. Acceleration is another high point – it feels quick but the engine sound isn't harsh or overwhelming

2020 Hyundai Palisade

Midsize SUV

The Hyundai Palisade strikes the perfect balance between an affordable volume car and a premium luxury car. Hyundai has stepped up its game big time, emerging as a modern automaker delivering style, features, and value, all in one attractive package.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Midsize Sedan

The Hyundai Sonata makes a strong case as a class leader in a competitive segment. Its redesign brought with it a stunning new look, a roomy, premium interior, and a generous list of standard features, plus some interesting available tech in the higher trims.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Midsize Pickup

The Jeep Gladiator has all the coolness of a Wrangler with the functionality of a pickup bed. This is an off-roader without compromise.  The Gladiator also delivers a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride quality on the street, while displaying all the off-road chops you'd expect when the pavement ends.

2020 Kia Telluride

Midsize SUV

The Telluride is an excellent SUV –  a homerun for Kia. Everything about it is terrific – the look, the ride, the features, the space. It’s a well-executed midsize SUV that somehow manages to be simple, authentic and luxurious all at the same time.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

Luxury Midsize SUV

The Autotrader editors liked the Aviator so much that some boldly declared it the best luxury midsize SUV, period. From the pillowy leather seats to the bevy of tech features to the gorgeously styled front fascia, Lincoln knocked it out of the park on this one. With an exceptionally impressive interior, this is the perfect car for everyday luxury.

2020 Mazda CX-30

Compact SUV

The Mazda CX-30 is just Mazda doing what Mazda does –  clean lines inside and out, good acceleration and an overall vibe that makes you do a double-take on the price. If sporty handling and a premium interior are important to you in a small SUV, check out the CX-30.

2020 Nissan Sentra

Compact Sedan

The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a very good compact sedan for buyers looking for comfort and value. Nissan has been making big strides in interior quality and design in recent years, and it shows on the new Sentra – which also has improved exterior styling and a quiet ride.

2020 Subaru Outback

Wagon

At first glance it is hard to tell that the exterior of the 2020 Subaru Outback is all-new – but step inside and the redesign becomes much more apparent. It’s the perfect SUV alternative for those who want a rugged family car without the bulky size of a more truck-like vehicle.

2020 Toyota Highlander

Midsize SUV

The Highlander is a good SUV and has been a leader in this segment since it was first introduced almost 20 years ago and its dominance continues with the freshly redesigned fourth generation. The new Highlander has more interior space, more standard tech, and it finally has a standard V6. Toyota might be the expected choice, but the driving dynamics and handling with the new Highlander are anything but expected.

For more details about Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2020, including full editorial commentary, pricing information and more, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/12-best-new-cars-2020-281474979998703.  

If you are looking for a vehicle at this time, many dealers can accommodate your buying needs—shopping from your couch or having an advisor just a text or phone call away.  Check out the latest on how to shop for your next vehicle online at https://www.autotrader.com/how-to-buy-cars-online.

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 $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

545

No Comments

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Mar 3, 2020

Autotrader Debuts Dealer Home Services

Offers Virtual Vehicle Tours, Test Drives at Home and Local Vehicle Delivery

ATLANTA, GA, March 24, 2020 – As consumers continue to social distance and shelter in place, Autotrader is helping dealers stay connected to shoppers with the rollout of Dealer Home Services. This suite of solutions assists with “no contact” interactions by offering consumers virtual vehicle tours, test drives at home and local vehicle delivery at no additional cost to dealers.

Today’s car shopper spends 61% of their time online, according to the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey Study, and recent Cox Automotive consumer research shows that 37% of six-month intenders are less likely to visit a dealership in person due to COVID-19 concerns. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary service where online merchandising and digital retailing are more important than ever before. Autotrader is helping provide dealers with tools to reach customers in a way that is both safe and convenient by delivering an easy, informational and virtual shopping and buying experience.

“Just like other small businesses in cities and towns across the United States, automobile dealerships are rapidly mobilizing and adapting to a changing consumer landscape. Autotrader’s new Dealer Home Services tools aren’t a radical departure for most dealerships but rather an expediting of products, services and ways of doing business that were already on the way,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president and general manager, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “This new form of communication can help consumers get needed, reliable transportation without leaving home and risking excessive in-person contact while promoting business as usual for dealers amid this unique situation.”

Dealer Home Solutions include the following:

- Virtual Walk-Around: Starting the virtual sale with a personalized video chat allowing consumers to ask questions and get a feel for the vehicle.

- Test Drives From Home: Bringing the car to the customer with a no-obligation test drive at their location.

- Local Vehicle Delivery: Providing the option to start a local shopper’s purchase online and have the car delivered directly to their location to complete their purchase.  

If consumers are looking for a vehicle at this time, many dealers can accommodate their buying needs through at-home services. Whether researching from the couch or scheduling a car to be delivered to their front door, Autotrader is giving local dealers the tools to promote these services to in-market shoppers.  Additionally, as online media consumption increases, shoppers can start the car-buying process in the comfort of their own home using digital tools from Autotrader like Accelerate. While no one can predict the future, staying informed is important and Autotrader is offering ongoing updates and answers to your potential questions like, “How to clean your car,” “Is it a good time to finance,” and “Is it better to lease or buy?” Check out 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 on Autotrader Home Services for dealers visit https://b2b.autotrader.com/dealer-home-services.

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 $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

479

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Feb 2, 2020

Dealer Satisfaction with DealShield Contributes to Two Key Milestones

Purchase protection solution gives dealers greater confidence, peace of mind with vehicle purchases.

ATLANTA – February 20, 2020 – What do the numbers 30 billion and two million have in common? They’re both key milestones that DealShield, the wholesale industry’s best purchase protection solution, surpassed recently—all due to dealers’ ongoing satisfaction with the guarantee. In January, DealShield’s DS360 issued its two millionth guarantee and in December, reached $30 billion in vehicle value guaranteed. Launched nationally in 2014, DS360 Return Guarantee helps dealers reduce reconditioning costs, eliminate costly mistakes, redeploy capital quickly and gain greater confidence in their wholesale purchases by offering a truly hassle-free return experience.

The two millionth DS360 guarantee was issued on a 2017 GMC YUKON in Dark Sapphire Metallic Blue, bought at Manheim Pennsylvania on January 10. Gary Coppa of Jim Price Chevrolet in Charlottesville, VA, a DS360 client since 2015, made the milestone purchase.

“We’ve been on DealShield for five years and love the no-hassle process,” Coppa shared. “Knowing that I can get money back, including the buy fee, if I make a mistake gives me extra peace of mind. On top of that, it saves me time and transport fees by letting me return vehicles to the location closest to me—even if it’s not where I purchased.” 

With the DS360 Return Guarantee, dealers can purchase a vehicle at a participating location in-lane or online. If it doesn't meet their expectations, they can return it to any of the 125 locations within the DealShield Network for a full refund of the vehicle purchase price and buy fee — no arbitration required. With these two major milestones, it’s clear that dealers across the nation are finding great value in DealShield’s DS360 guarantee. 

In fact, a recent survey showed that client satisfaction is strong among current DealShield clients, driven by their recognition of its impact to their bottom line. Of those surveyed, 72% said they are extremely satisfied, 89% reported that the solution gives them peace mind and the vast majority said that DealShield makes them more confident buying online. 

“DealShield’s number one goal has always been to help dealers buy more confidently in the wholesale marketplace,” said Brett Woods, vice president of Assurance at Cox Automotive. “And as more and more dealers buy digitally, that confidence will become even more important, as it gives them an easy out if a vehicle isn’t what they expected.”

Using DealShield’s DS360 Return Guarantee, dealers can opt for a 21-day guarantee or upgrade to a 30-day guarantee. Either way, subscribing dealers can easily return a protected vehicle and quickly redeploy that capital to acquire another unit. DS360 subscribers can extend their protection window even further when they transport their purchases with Ready Logistics through a partnership solution called “Ready. Set. Pause.” which enables dealers to effectively stop the clock on their days of DealShield coverage while a vehicle is in transit. 

For more information about the DealShield DS360 Return Guarantee, visit DealShield.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 countries 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

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

485

No Comments

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Feb 2, 2020

Autotrader Names 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 for 2020

ATLANTA, Ga., February 19, 2020 – A new car’s exterior design may get noticed first, but in reality, drivers spend most of their time inside their vehicle. An expensive, high-performance sports car can feel cheapened by a lackluster interior, and an economy car with an above-average cabin can feel much more expensive than it really is. To help car buyers look beyond a new car’s outward appearance and focus more on the beauty within, the experts at Autotrader recently named the 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 for 2020.

“Most people spend several hours inside their vehicles each week, so interior features are extremely important when determining which new car to buy,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. “While you could shell out big money and get an interior that fits the price tag, a little research can reveal many new cars that cost less and give you more when it comes to cabin fit and finish. We placed the price cap for this list at $50,000, with many of the selected vehicles coming in well below that figure. You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a nice interior.”

Any of the models on this year’s list of the 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 will make driving more enjoyable, whether for a daily commute or an extended road trip. Check out the latest selections for 2020 (unranked and listed below in alphabetical order):

Autotrader’s 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 for 2020

Year

Make

Model

Sample Editorial Comments

2020

Genesis

G70

The G70 offers an upscale interior, complete with contrast stitching, available diamond pattern seating surfaces and a pleasing mix of leather, rubber and brushed aluminum. Factor in its exceptional driving dynamics and dollar for dollar, the G70 is probably the best performance sedan on the market.

2020

Hyundai

Sonata

All-new for 2020, the Sonata represents the latest evolution of Hyundai's design language, inside and out. What really stands out to us is the sharpness of Hyundai’s new screens. They're truly a level above the competition and will help the vehicle feel new for years to come.

2020

Jeep

Gladiator

Gladiator buyers are now treated to higher-end materials in the form of a soft-touch dashboard, rubberized controls and aluminum trim pieces. Chrysler's excellent UConnect infotainment system is available throughout much of the model range and comes encased in a water-resistant rubberized frame. Leather seating surfaces, great storage solutions and loads of USB and USB-C connectivity ports round out the offering.

2020

Kia

Telluride

Kia’s Telluride arguably is the best execution of the three-row SUV formula to date. While any Telluride offers a modern interior complete with forward-looking features, it’s the SX model that really wows us. The top-spec Telluride comes with Nappa leather seating available in four different upscale hues, a premium headliner and simulated wood trim.

2020

Lincoln

Corsair

The newest compact luxury SUV from Lincoln looks to be a hit right out of the gate, due in large part to its upscale interior that shares many design cues with its larger brethren. The 2020 Corsair incorporates clean horizontal lines across its dashboard and a pleasing mix of glossy and matte surfaces. There are even five different interior colors available: black, beige, brown, gray and -- believe it or not -- blue.

2020

Mazda

CX-5

Pretty much every Mazda could be included on a list of the best car interiors, but we're partial to the 2020 CX-5. It feels downright luxurious, despite carrying an economy SUV price tag. In addition to upscale design and plush leather seats, the CX-5 excels at the little things. The windows are all one-touch up and down, the button for the hazard lights is unbelievably precise, and the doors close with a hearty, satisfying thud.

2020

Mercedes

GLB

The GLB is Mercedes' new compact three-row SUV -- and that's the first thing we love about it, as few SUVs of this size actually come with a third row. Beyond that, it offers the latest application of Mercedes' small-car interior design language, which features rounded, chrome air vents along with a wide panel across the dashboard that incorporates both a digital gauge cluster and infotainment display.

2020

Ram

1500

In redesigning its line of full-size trucks for 2019, Ram clearly prioritized interior design and comfort, and as a result, Ram trucks are now known for offering the nicest interiors in the segment. While all full-size trucks can be had with premium leather seating and high-end audio systems, Ram focused on the little things when it comes to its new truck interior. Materials quality, touchpoints and ergonomics are all top-notch in Ram's recent lineup.

2020

Toyota

RAV4

The RAV4's interior is -- to put it simply -- just a nice place to be. Its rubberized HVAC dials are pleasing to handle and rotate with an upscale precision. Ergonomics are fantastic, while clever storage solutions abound, such as a shelf running the width of the dashboard. Different trim levels get different colors and finishes, too.

2020

Volvo

V60

Part of Volvo’s appeal is in its calming, minimalist Scandinavian design language, and the V60 offers a good balance of value and utility. While it comes with a great cabin regardless of how it's optioned, we're especially partial to the newly available wool interior, which is more sustainable and comes in a charming plaid pattern.

For more details and information about Autotrader’s 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 for 2020, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-car-interiors-under-50000-2020-281474979988774.

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/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

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 $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Feb 2, 2020

Autotrader Donates Vehicle to Nonprofit Organization in Collaboration with Turner Sports

ATLANTA, Ga., February 18, 2020 – Autotrader teamed up with Turner Sports and the National Basketball Association for the fourteenth consecutive year to empower a deserving organization with the donation of a new vehicle, presented this year to recipients from the Business Women Empowerment Project, Inc. (BWEP).

During the regular NBA season, hosts of the Emmy® Award-winning Inside the NBA studio team – Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley – faced off in the Autotrader All-Star Drive fantasy basketball challenge. During TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by Autotrader, hosts selected the player that they thought would be the top performer during that night's TNT double-header with the winner receiving a donation of a new vehicle to the charity of his choice, courtesy of Autotrader.

This year's winner, Shaquille O’Neal, chose to benefit BWEP, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women with access to resources that explore and expand their business through a network of knowledgeable and successful achievers. BWEP is launching a new leadership program in 2020 for high school girls (ages 16-18) who may not have a clear path or direction on what they want to do after graduating high school. This new program will help teen girls learn leadership and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and other abilities that will guide them toward success.

Members of BWEP were completely surprised with an appearance by O’Neal during a recent meeting for their organization. O’Neal then furthered their astonishment by personally delivering the good news about the donation of a brand new 2020 Kia Sorento courtesy of Autotrader to further enable their charitable efforts. BWEP plans to use the new car in conjunction with the mentorship events they facilitate for teenage girls in the metro Atlanta area. 

“At Autotrader, donating a new vehicle to help empower an organization making a difference in our community is one of our favorite things we get to do every year,” said Greta Crowley, vice president of marketing for Autotrader. “We understand what a game-changer it can be for a nonprofit to receive a new car as a donation, and we get excited thinking about how the winning organization can further its mission and goals with help from new transportation. Meaningful partnerships allow us to give back through charitable organizations, highlighting Autotrader’s ongoing commitment to serve our local communities.”

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 $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Feb 2, 2020

Manheim Introduces All-New Manheim.com Experience for Clients

Digital gateway offers unmatched access and personalization, enabling smarter and faster decisions.

ATLANTA (February 15, 2020) – The digital revolution is here and is responsible for nearly half of Manheim’s wholesale vehicle transactions. With more and more clients choosing digital channels for a more personalized experience and one-stop access to anytime and anywhere solutions, Manheim created the all-new Manheim.com—the ultimate digital gateway to a more connected world of automotive wholesale and remarketing.  

“Reflecting on 75 years of serving clients this year, we’re excited about helping dealers meet the complex challenges of the digital transformation era,” said Grace Huang, president of Manheim. “The new Manheim.com experience combines the type of personalization, physical auction excitement and learning resources that clients are looking for so they can better compete.”   

With the most wholesale buyers, sellers and vehicle inventory, the new Manheim.com provides clients the industry’s most expansive and connected wholesale marketplace experience.  Manheim worked closely with clients throughout the process of building the new Manheim.com, and the efficiency of the new layout was driven by in-depth analysis of the most frequently used areas of the legacy site. For example, if buyers and sellers used a feature a lot—like MMR—Manheim brought it to the homepage, one click away.

The new Manhiem.com now provides unmatched connectivity, offering solution-oriented features that will further enable buyers and sellers to do business the way they want to. With faster access to favorite tools, new standards for vehicle information across channels and an enhanced Simulcast experience, clients can transact more confidently and efficiently—whether at their desks or on the go.

One of the biggest time savers for buyers in the new Manheim.com is its personalization, which makes searching for inventory faster and smarter. New search enhancements drive velocity by reducing the time it takes to find inventory through recognizing a dealer’s transactional history and offering enhanced filtering capabilities. And best of all, the site’s new AI capabilities serve up smart vehicle recommendations based on clients’ one-of-a-kind search and purchase history. These features combine to make finding the right inventory a breeze, which is a good for buyers as it is for sellers looking to move inventory quickly.

For sellers, a completely reimagined Selling Center provides them with a snapshot of their overall inventory at-a-glance, enabling them to confidently track, optimize and execute their vehicle portfolio management strategy across channels. The all-new Selling Center introduces new data points and inventory groupings that allow sellers to quickly see inventory totals across channels, as well as specific inventory counts that highlight listings that may need attention or action. All of these enhancements are designed to help sellers save time and maximize profits.

“As more dealers adopt digital channels, we have the opportunity to reinvent the industry and foster more confident and efficient transactions for our clients,” said Zach Hallowell, vice president of Manheim Digital. “The new Manheim.com is a huge leap forward—setting a new standard in the wholesale industry—but we’re not stopping there. We will continue to enhance the experience and add new tools and solutions as we move forward.”

In addition to collecting feedback during development of the new Manheim.com, the company has been testing the site with an increasing number of buyers and sellers. Clients have shared that they appreciate how the personalization, vehicle recommendations and flexibility to move seamlessly across devices in particular help them wholesale faster and better.

Ultimately, the new Manheim.com experience is a one-stop destination, offering easy access to Manheim’s collection of best-in-class wholesale tools, products and services, complemented by an enhanced Learning Center designed to support every step of a dealer’s wholesale vehicle strategy. The Learning Center offers clients buying, selling and services tutorials that make it easier and faster to find information to enhance their digital experience, and additional training materials will be posted as Manheim continues to evolve its digital properties.

Clients who want to experience the next generation of auto wholesale first-hand will be able to access the new Manheim.com by clicking on a banner at the top of the current site in early February. Manheim will progressively roll out the new experience to clients throughout 2020, enabling users to switch between the previous and new sites for a period of time as they become familiar with the new experience.  

About Manheim

Manheim®, the nation’s leading provider of end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions, is celebrating 75 years as an industry innovator, driving success for clients, the company, its team members and the industry. The dream of five men who auctioned off a handful of cars in 1945 from a single-lane location in Manheim, Pennsylvania launched a company that today offers 7 million used vehicles annually and facilitates transactions representing nearly $67 billion in value with the grit and determination of 17,000+ team members. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for decisioning, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. Operating the largest vehicle wholesale marketplace, Manheim enables clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

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Driving Sales

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Bryant Gibby

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Feb 2, 2020

Dealertrack and NCC Unveil Enhanced Financing Process with New Credit Bureau Service Integration

NCC credit bureau service now integrates directly into Dealertrack’s online deal jacket with access to exclusive new capabilities

NORTH HILLS, N.Y. and LAS VEGAS, N.V., February 14, 2020 – Dealertrack is announcing an enhanced partnership with National Credit Center (NCC) in a push to improve the automotive financing process for dealers and to help lenders approve credit decisions faster and more efficiently. Through the partnership, NCC’s credit bureau service will now integrate directly into Dealertrack’s online deal jacket, giving dealers access to a completely new and enhanced credit bureau report as well as other exclusive features they can subscribe to.

“Dedicated to delivering one seamless workflow for enhanced efficiency and productivity, Dealertrack is continuing to double down on its efforts to enable faster funding for dealers by partnering with industry-leading providers across the F&I process,” said Cheryl Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Dealertrack F&I Solutions. “With the new NCC integration, dealers can make smarter and immediate credit decisions without ever having to leave the Dealertrack platform, ultimately enabling them to derive greater value from the industry’s largest lender credit application network.”

Dealertrack dealers with a basic NCC subscription will be able to access more robust and easier to read reporting formats, such as HTML, TTY and CV2, with Military Lending Act (MLA) inclusion on reports. As an incremental benefit, add-on features now available include:

Credit Model 6.3 summaries on reports, giving dealers deeper insight into a customer’s car buying history.

Smart Default capabilities (coming in March 2020) that secure better finance terms and provide the ability to automatically pull an additional bureau if a higher score is available.

“At NCC, it has been our company’s focus to equip dealers with the credit insights they need to confidently work with their customers to close deals faster,” said Robert Granados, CEO of NCC, LLC. “Integrating NCC credit bureau services into Dealertrack’s online deal jacket helps us further this commitment to dealers by bringing them the information and history they need to make quicker credit decisions.”

For more information about Dealertrack and to schedule a demo at NADA 2020, visit https://us.dealertrack.com/ or visit us at the conference at Booth #2336C. For more information about NCC, visit https://www.nccdirect.com/.

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 NCC

National Credit Center LLC (NCC) is a data driven company leveraging credit and financial attributes that fuel customer decisioning and acquisition for retail automotive. Founded in 1996, NCC has been providing the automotive industry with comprehensive credit reporting and target marketing solutions that enable dealerships to increase sales, drive user engagement and improve operational efficiencies. For more information on the Company, its products and services, please visit www.nccdirect.com.

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Feb 2, 2020

vAuto Announces a New Way to Look at New Car Inventory with Conquest Enhancements at NADA 2020

Enhancements provide insights to make more profitable trades for dealers

Oakbrook Terrace, IL. – February 13, 2020 – vAuto announces enhancements to Conquest, its new car inventory management solution, that provide dealers with a new way to efficiently manage their new car inventory. The enhancements include an Improved Dealer Trade ToolNew Investment Comparison and Dashboard upgrades.

“We talk to dealers and evaluate market trends constantly to determine the product innovations needed to keep our inventory management solutions performing at the highest level,” said Randy Kobat, senior vice president of Inventory Software Solutions at Cox Automotive. “We’re confident these enhancements will directly solve the challenges dealers face.”

Economists are predicting on-going challenges in the new car market as sales continue to level off or decline1, along with the prospect of rising interest rates. 

“At vAuto, we’re seeing that one of the biggest opportunities for dealers is hidden in plain sight—that’s better managing the capital investment tied up in new car inventory. These new Conquest enhancements help dealers proactively manage their inventory as an investment by minimizing expenses and growing profits,” said Brian Finkelmeyer, senior director of new car solutions at vAuto. 

The 2020 Conquest upgrades include: 

Enhanced Dealer Trade Functionality: Trading on intuition supported by insights to reduce losses and improve inventory. 

Dealer trade insights are now grouped based on dealers’ own splitter for same-make dealer trades.

Filtering is no longer based on subscribed makes, but rather on the make from which the vehicle is searched.

Stocking action is now included. Sort by the highest positive stocking action to lowest negative stocking action.

The upgrades to the Dealer Trade functionality seamlessly integrate into Conquest and use third-party data to identify which vehicles would perform best in each dealer’s market, creating an efficient trade process and resulting in faster turning inventory.

“We know new car managers today have a lot on their plates. So, when a dealer receives an inbound request for a trade, they need to be sure they’re getting the right car back, and quickly,” said Finkelmeyer.

In a limited study conducted by vAuto in 2018, dealers reported they averaged 22 trades per month and 17.7% of those trades were losses.2

Those losses are the reason that vAuto enhanced the trade functionality in the platform—to take out the guesswork, helping Inventory Managers, like Turner Silk, avoid losses.

“The new Dealer Trade tool in Conquest takes the hassle out of trades by having all of the information and relevant inventory available without having to manage the back and forth often associated with manufacturer-provided OEM tools. Having the necessary information readily available prevents us from taking the wrong vehicle back in exchange and keeps our inventory flowing smoothly, not to mention the overall time it saves with the transaction,” said Turner Silk, Inventory Manager at Glenn Ford Lincoln/Glenn’s Freedom CDJR.

New Investment Comparison: Know when you’re selling the oldest inventory with new, easy-to-interpret visuals.

A simple bar graph compares dealers’ active inventory to their sold inventory by dollar amount and vehicle age.

Dealers will be alerted when inventory fresh off the truck is being sold before vehicles that have been sitting on the lot, jeopardizing floor plan credits.

“We know from continued market research and conversations with our clients that dealers feel they’re doing the best they can with new cars and there’s no room to improve. We at vAuto feel differently and we’re confident that with enhancements like these and those to come, we can position dealers to out-think, not out-spend the competition,” continued Finkelmeyer.

Dashboard Upgrades: Minimize the time and effort it takes for you to check in on new vehicle inventory, identify potential issues and execute strategic adjustments. 

Updates include the following:

New Investment Comparison

Per Model Summary Update

​​​​​​​- Need Attention Redesign

​​​​​​​- Stocking Actions Redesign

​​​​​​​- Addition of Digital Frontline Ready

​​​​​​​- Separation of Inventory Summary from Inventory Metrics

  • ​​​​​​​- Collapsible Widgets

 

To see the enhancements in action, stop by booth #2316C at NADA. For more information, call 888-536-4086 or visit https://www.vauto.com/products/conquest/.

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1Sources: https://www.nada.org/NADA-2020-Economic-Forecast/ andhttps://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/obczpthzbdumupsf8bostw2

2vAuto Fall 2018 Dealer Trades Study November 6, 2018 (page 8)

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. 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.

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.

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 exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

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