DrivingSales continues to scale growth of its Human Capital Management platform as a natural extension of its industry-leading role in maximizing the value and performance of dealership employees.

SANDY, Utah, March 20, 2018 - DrivingSales LLC today announced that industry SaaS leader Cameron Darby has joined the company as its president and chief operating officer. Darby will be responsible for leading the day-to-day business and scaling the DrivingSales mobile HCM platform.

Darby, who has been on the DrivingSales board of directors since the company was a startup, brings with him a wealth of experience exactly suited to the opportunities DrivingSales faces. Most recently, Darby was the COO of DealerSocket, another automotive SaaS company, where he helped scale operations from serving 50 dealerships to serving more than 11,000 dealerships. Before joining DealerSocket, Darby held senior executive positions with New Horizons Computer Learning Centers and Viking Components.

“I’m thrilled to be announcing that Cameron is joining our team full-time,” said Jared Hamilton, founder and CEO of DrivingSales. “Our new SaaS platform has a lot of momentum, and I am confident that bringing on an experienced leader who knows our business, our industry and our customers will yield great things.” 

DrivingSales leads the retail automotive industry with its products to grow the performance and maximize the potential of dealership employees. Over the last few years, as a complement to its existing products, DrivingSales has developed the industry’s first mobile Human Capital Management platform. The platform automates critical management activities and employee career progression while incorporating the DrivingSales online training, advanced analytics and the industry’s largest automotive learning network. The HCM platform grows dealership performance and reduces turnover while saving managers time. It also maintains employee records for better dealer decision-making, delivering better ROI on dealers’ investments in their people.  

“DrivingSales is one of the most trusted brands serving dealers,” said Darby. “The mobile HCM platform it has built is an industry must-have and a critical tool in helping dealers drive efficiency for bottom-line growth. I’m looking forward to accelerating the growth of DrivingSales as it helps dealers get the most from their teams.”

About DrivingSales

DrivingSales was founded in 2008 by a third-generation dealer and serves thousands of dealerships as the industry leader at helping dealerships maximize the performance and ROI of their people.

DrivingSales offers the industry’s first mobile Human Capital Management platform to maximize performance through the entire employee life cycle. The platform automates new-hire onboarding, career mapping, training and performance reviews, all while acting as a system of record for all things people-performance-related for the dealership.

To extend the value of its core HCM platform, DrivingSales University offers 1,000 online training courses to help dealerships develop their talent. DrivingSales analytics provides advanced benchmarking capabilities, allowing dealers to compare their performance to their market and diagnose areas of improvement. The DrivingSales community is the largest online professional network for auto industry collaboration and DrivingSales events are known as the industry’s top place for innovative, in-person education. 

 CHICAGO, March 20, 2018 -- LotLinx, the industry’s #1 Automotive artificial intelligence (AI) announced today that Jim O’Sullivan will join the company’s board of directors, adding senior leadership and an accomplished background to help its team drive measureable results for dealerships.

O’Sullivan’s career as an automotive executive spans 42 years, with a proven track record at Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation. He previously served as President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, where he was instrumental in the company’s global growth.

O’Sullivan currently serves as Managing Partner of motormindz, an automotive innovation engine focused on the discovery and implementation of emerging solutions and technologies aimed at solving current and future state challenges within all verticals of the industry. O’Sullivan joins LotLinx at a critical time as the company continues to grow into a key AI technology provider to the automotive industry.

“We are pleased to add Jim’s expertise and strategic vision to the team,” says Len Short, Founder of LotLinx. “Jim has been instrumental in helping a range of companies, from major automakers to smaller startups. His diverse background, unique insight and seasoned leadership will benefit us and our mission to help dealers find long-term success.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to provide thought leadership to one of the more innovative companies in the space,” says Jim O’Sullivan. “AI technology has affected every aspect of the car business, including how cars are bought and sold.  LotLinx has built a great organization, business model, and platform that provides real value to OEMs and dealers alike. I look forward to mentoring the team and helping the company build on its already great reputation.”

This month, LotLinx will join key industry players and executives at the 2018 NADA Expo in Las Vegas, March 22-25 at booth 5058C. To learn more please visit www.LotLinx.com

About LotLinx

LotLinx is an award-winning Automotive AI company dedicated to empowering automotive dealers and the agencies that work with them, up to the OEM level. LotLinx-VIN Specific™ AI can transform dealer results, dramatically increasing online engagement and net-new shoppers while eliminating digital advertising waste. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, LotLinx works with thousands of dealers including rooftops under the nation’s Top 100 auto groups, and recently expanded into the Canadian market. For more visit www.lotlinx.com

Account Portal adds feature to handle non-auction purchases and financing

CARMEL, IN (March 19, 2018) –  To streamline and speed up funding for eligible dealers purchasing vehicles through non-auction channels, NextGear Capital is announcing Rapid Pay—a feature withinAccount Portal, NextGear Capital’s account management platform.

For eligible dealers that want to floor plan non-auction inventory, such as dealer-to-dealer purchases or trade-ins, Rapid Pay expedites the process by accelerating funding, simplifying title management and giving dealers full visibility throughout the process – all within Account Portal.

With Rapid Pay, non-auction purchases are given priority for reviewing and processing funding requests. This means dealers receive their funding faster and can view the status of funding requests in real-time. Each non-auction unit floored through Rapid Pay is eligible for a pre-paid shipping waybill, allowing dealers to ship titles directly to NextGear Capital at no additional cost.  Rapid Pay truly makes the funding process simpler and allows vehicle titles to quickly get where they need to go.

“Dealers shouldn’t be limited by a cumbersome process to fund non-auction purchases with their line of credit,” said Sarah Lutey, NextGear Capital Director of Product Strategy. “With Rapid Pay, we give dealers enhanced control of their floor plan and a simplified process to finance the inventory they need to grow their businesses.”

With Rapid Pay, dealers are getting improved functionality, visibility and control over funding of their non-auction purchases. Now equipped with the latest technology for inventory finance, Rapid Pay offers the best real-time information, so that dealers can make the most informed financing decisions to acquire needed inventory.

Headquartered in Carmel, IN, NextGear Capital provides lending products and support services for the automotive remarketing industry in North America. For additional information about NextGear Capital, Rapid Pay and Account portal, please visit nextgearcapital.com or contact your local NextGear Capital representative.

About NextGear Capital

NextGear Capital is the largest independent inventory finance company in North America, providing flexible lines of credit for dealers to purchase new and used inventory at over 1,000 auto and specialty auctions and other inventory sources throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. The company’s products and services allow dealers to floor plan nearly any type of remarketed unit in automotive retail, wholesale, salvage or specialty, including recreational vehicles and trailers, marine, power sports, used heavy trucks, auto salvage and auto daily rentals. With a customer base of more than 20,000 dealers, NextGear Capital also provides a robust array of services and support that allow dealers to acquire and sell more inventory, including state-of-the-art online and mobile account management tools, title services, records management and collateral protection. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana and is part of the Cox Automotive group of companies, which includes Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim and vAuto. Visit nextgearcapital.com to learn more.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, vAuto®, Xtime® and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises’ other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com. 

vAuto Digital Assistant adds Amazon Alexa skill; vAuto’s Nexi To Debut at NADA Next Month

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL (March 12, 2018) – vAuto is announcing another industry first—Nexi, the automotive industry’s first Digital Assistant for dealerships. Nexi will debut at the 2018 NADA Show in Las Vegas.

Through a skill for Amazon Alexa, available on Echo Devices, Nexi helps dealers access their inventory, sell cars and generate profit. The cloud-based service is capable of answering a full range of questions on inventory, local market data, operations and more.

“Dealers are incredibly busy and we’ve arrived at a time when voice-enabled assistance can help them multi-task and make the right decisions more efficiently and effectively,” said Dale Pollak, founder of vAuto and Executive Vice President of Cox Automotive. “Nexi is the industry’s first skill that helps dealers know the critical conditions and tasks that need their attention now. Nexi provides this information in the most efficient manner possible—by voice through the Amazon Alexa skill, as well as emails, text messages and notices within vAuto applications.”

The Boston Consulting Group and MIT Sloan Management Review published a study of more than 3,000 business executives, managers, and analysts in 112 countries and 21 industries, called Reshaping Business With Artificial Intelligence. Of the findings:

• Eighty-four percent of respondents say AI will enable them to obtain or sustain a competitive advantage. 
• Eighty-three percent believe AI is a strategic priority for their businesses today.
• Sixty-three percent believe the pressure to reduce costs will require their organizations to use AI in the next five years.

“Retail automotive is ripe for AI,” Pollak said. “Thanks to margin compression, dealers are working harder than ever while making less money. The answer to this problem is increased operational efficiencies, and Nexi helps dealers take a significant step in this direction.”

The Nexi AI-enhanced service will be offered at no additional cost to all vAuto customers who use Stockwave, vAuto’s proprietary solution to help dealers analyze their current inventory.

With Stockwave, Nexi can alert dealers when wholesale vehicles that meet a dealer’s profile and profit objectives are available. Over time, Nexi will also work with vAuto’s Provision and Conquest solutions to call out general inventory management tasks that need attention or are overdue.

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’s visionary founder, Dale Pollak, the Provision suite guides used vehicle acquisition, appraisals, pricing, merchandising and more based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. In 2014, vAuto combined the Velocity method with the power of incentive management to create the Conquest™ new vehicle inventory management and pricing tool. In 2016, vAuto launched Stockwave to serve as the foundation for a suite of wholesale inventory acquisition solutions. Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto is a Cox Automotive™ brand.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, 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 100+ 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. coxautoinc.com

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Data Cloud today launched an advanced data training and marketing program to help savvy auto dealer agencies better use digital data. Oracle also announced the first nine leading Tier 3 auto marketing agencies to qualify for the rigorous program and receive Oracle Data Cloud's Auto Elite Data Marketer (EDM) designation. Those companies included: C-4 Analytics, Dealer Inspire, Dealers United, Goodway Group, L2TMedia, SocialDealer, Stream Marketing, Team Velocity, and TurnKey Marketing. Oracle's Auto Elite Data Marketer program will help agencies effectively allocate their marketing resources as advertising budgets shift from offline media to digital platforms.

"As the automotive industry goes through an era of transformational change, dealers are literally where the rubber meets the road, and they need cutting edge marketing tools to help maintain or grow market share," said Joe Kyriakoza, VP and GM of Automotive for the Oracle Data Cloud. "Tier 3 marketers know that reaching the right audience drives measurable campaign results. By increasing the data skills of our marketing agency partners, Oracle can help them directly impact and improve their clients' campaign results."

Oracle Data Cloud's Auto Elite Data Marketer Program includes:

1. Education & training - Expert training to the marketing agency and their extended teams on advanced targeting strategies and audience planning techniques
2. Customized collateral - Co-branded collateral pieces to support client marketing efforts, including summary sheets, decks, activation guides, and other materials.
3. Co-branding marketing - Co-branded marketing initiatives through thought leadership, speaking opportunities, and co-hosted webinars.
4. Strategic sales support - Access to Oracle's specialized Retail Solutions Team and the Oracle Data Hotline to support strategic pitches, events, and RFP inquiries.

"We are proud to have worked with Oracle Data Cloud since the beginning, shaping the program together to drive more business for dealers using audience data," said Joe Chura, CEO of Dealer Inspire. "Our team is excited to continue this relationship as an Elite Data Marketer, empowering Dealer Inspire clients with the unique advantage of utilizing Oracle data for automotive retail targeting."

"We are consumed with data that allows for hyper-personalization and better targeting of in-market consumers," said David Boice, CEO and Chairman of Team Velocity Marketing. "Oracle is a new goldmine of data to drive excellent sales and service campaigns and a perfect complement to our Apollo Technology Platform."  According to Joe Castle, Founder of SOCIALDEALER, "We are excited to be one of the few Auto Elite Data Marketers which provides us a deeper level of custom audience data access from Oracle. Our companies look forward to working closely to further deliver a superior ROI to all our dealership and OEM relationships."

Through the Auto Elite Data Marketer program, retail marketers learn how to use Oracle's expansive selection of automotive audiences, which cover the entire vehicle ownership lifecycle, like in-market car shoppers, existing owners, and individuals needing auto finance, credit assistance, or vehicle service. This comprehensive data set allows clients to precisely target the right prospects for any automotive retail campaign. Oracle has teamed up with industry leading data providers to build the robust dataset, like IHS Markit's Polk for vehicle ownership and intent data, Edmunds.com for online car shopper data and TransUnion the trusted source for consumer finance audiences.

Oracle Data Cloud plans to expand the Auto Elite Data Marketer program to include additional dealer marketing agencies, as well as working directly with dealers and dealer groups and their media partners to use data effectively for advanced targeting and audience planning efforts. For more information about the Auto Elite Data Marketer program, please contact the Oracle Auto team at dealersolutions@oracle.com.

Oracle Data Cloud 
Oracle Data Cloud operates the BlueKai Data Management Platform and the BlueKai Marketplace, the world's largest audience data marketplace. Leveraging more than $5 trillion in consumer transaction data, more than five billion global IDs and 1,500+ data partners, Oracle Data Cloud connects more than two billion consumers around the world across their devices each month. Oracle Data Cloud is made up of AddThis, BlueKai, Crosswise, Datalogix and Moat.

Oracle Data Cloud helps the world's leading marketers and publishers deliver better results by reaching the right audiences, measuring the impact of their campaigns and improving their digital strategies. For more information and free data consultation, contact The Data Hotline at www.oracle.com/thedatahotline

About Oracle
The Oracle Cloud offers complete SaaS application suites for ERP, HCM and CX, plus best-in-class database Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from data centers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com.

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Integrates Powerful Suite of Digital Dealer Solutions to Leading Online Marketplace 

Accelerates Cars.com’s Strategic Plan and Adds Significant Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA in 2018 

Company Provides Preliminary 2017 Results and 2018 Outlook 

Conference Call Today at 7:30 a.m. CST 

CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2018 – Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (“Cars.com” or the “Company”), a leading online automotive marketplace, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Dealer Inspire and Launch Digital Marketing (“LDM”), market-leading technology companies that provide digital solutions to automotive dealers, for $165 million in cash at closing with potential additional consideration based on future performance. Cars.com will supplement Dealer Inspire’s and LDM’s sales of innovative dealer technologies by integrating and distributing relevant digital solutions through the Company’s sales network for the benefit of its more than 20,000 dealer customers nationwide. 

“Cars.com is an enabler to the retail dealer system, and with the acquisition of these innovative technology companies, we are well positioned to drive digital dealer solutions forward by providing the most comprehensive set of solutions for dealers to generate sales and efficiencies,” said Alex Vetter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cars.com. “The acquisition of Dealer Inspire and LDM aligns with our strategy of integrating new capabilities and additional talent to accelerate organic growth, strengthen the retail experience, deepen dealer connections and improve clarity of attribution while generating additional cash flow and enhancing shareholder value.” 

Dealer Inspire is an innovative technology leader that has been rapidly increasing its market share by providing progressive dealer websites, digital retailing and messaging platform products. LDM provides digital automotive marketing services, including paid, organic, social and creative services. These proprietary solutions are complementary extensions of Cars.com’s online marketplace platform and current suite of dealer solutions. 

“I’m proud of what Dealer Inspire and LDM have built in the last few years, but we are not even close to reaching our potential,” said Joe Chura, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dealer Inspire and LDM. “Cars.com provides us the data to enhance the intelligence of our current and future product offerings, and a much larger distribution than we have today. Cars.com also shares our mission of innovation and dealer advocacy and together we can drive our industry forward." 

Dealers will have access to even higher quality connections on Cars.com through the expanded offerings of Dealer Inspire with the following sophisticated solutions: 

• • Conversations℠, a powerful messaging platform with A.I. that creates a centralized hub for dealers to communicate with customers, improve quality and length of response time and decrease operating costs. 
• • Online Shopper, an end-to-end digital retailing solution, empowering shoppers to compare a wide range of financial considerations as they complete their purchase. Integrated with Conversations℠, dealers can guide shoppers through the transaction, instantly collaborate on terms and video chat for live, personalized vehicle tours. 

In addition, this acquisition broadens the Company’s suite of dealer solutions with the following innovative offerings: 

• • Fuel, an inventory advertising program that dynamically creates customized ads and keyword lists based on real-time inventory data and logic. This program includes predictive shopper intent, maximizing dollars on what shoppers are most likely to buy. 
• • Website platforms that are custom-designed and flexible, supporting highly personalized digital campaigns. Dealer Inspire websites are built with intelligent technology that is easy to customize and self-manage and supported with preeminent customer service. 
• • LDM, customized marketing and customer acquisition solutions. 

Dealer Inspire and LDM generated revenues of $41 million and adjusted EBITDA of $4 million in 2017 and have 1,700 customers serviced by 400 employees. Upon closing of the transaction, Dealer Inspire and LDM’s top management will join Cars.com and continue to lead these businesses. The Company expects approximately $55 million in annual revenue in 2018, with approximately 15% adjusted EBITDA margins from these businesses. 

Financial Terms of the Transaction 

The acquisition is expected to close in February 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Cars.com will pay $165 million in cash at the close. There are additional incentives up to $40 million for over-performance over a three-year period. 

In addition to benefitting from continuing Dealer Inspire’s and LDM’s rapid growth as noted above, the Company expects to sell between $25 million and $30 million of annual incremental revenue through its existing sales team, contributing at least $10 million of annual incremental adjusted EBITDA by 2020. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted net income per share in 2018 and to GAAP EPS in 2019, reflecting intangible amortization. 

“This acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted net income per share in 2018. Due to the flexibility of our current capital structure, we can borrow on our existing revolving credit facility at closing, while maintaining $155 million of availability,” said Becky Sheehan, Chief Financial Officer of Cars.com. “We generate ample cash flow to service the additional $6 million in annual interest expense from this borrowing.” 

Preliminary 2017 Results 

Today, the Company also reported preliminary unaudited 2017 results, which are in line with its previously issued guidance. Cars.com expects 2017 annual revenue of approximately $626 million, net income of approximately $242 million, which includes a tax benefit of $120 million primarily associated with the adjustment of deferred tax liabilities, and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $239 million, or 38 percent of revenue. Preliminary 2017 revenue reflects strengthening of direct dealer sales offset by softness in national advertising and wholesale revenue in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year. 

Preliminary 2018 Outlook 

The Company expects to achieve approximately 10 to 11 percent revenue growth in 2018, consisting of approximately 3 to 4 percent revenue growth from its organic business, which includes the previously announced transitions of the tronc and McClatchy affiliate markets, and approximately $45 million from the acquisition of Dealer Inspire and LDM, reflecting a partial year of ownership. Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately 34 percent (excluding the acquisition, adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately 35 percent). Dealer Inspire and LDM are expected to deliver approximately 15 percent adjusted EBITDA margin in 2018. 

Conference Call 

Management will hold a conference call and webcast today at 7:30 a.m. CST. This conference call may be accessed by dialing (866) 393-4306, or international participants can dial (734) 385-2616, with the passcode 6176763 and the webcast may be accessed at investor.cars.com. A replay of the webcast and the slide show will be available at the website following the conclusion of the call. 

Advisors 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is the financial advisor to Cars.com, and Seyfarth Shaw LLP is serving as legal counsel. Greenwich Capital is the financial advisor to Dealer Inspire and LDM with Bryan Cave LLP serving as its legal counsel. 

About Cars.com 

Cars.com™ is a leading two-sided digital automotive marketplace that creates meaningful connections between buyers and sellers. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, the company empowers consumers with resources and information to make informed buying decisions around The 4Ps of Automotive Marketing™: Product, Price, Place and Person, by connecting advertising partners with in-market car shoppers and providing data-driven intelligence to increase inventory turn and gain market share. A pioneer in online automotive classifieds, the company has evolved into one of the largest digital automotive platforms, connecting thousands of local dealers across the country with millions of consumers. Through trusted expert content, on-the-lot mobile features and intelligence, millions of new and used vehicle listings, a comprehensive set of pricing and research tools, and the largest database of consumer reviews in the industry, Cars.com is transforming the car shopping experience. 

Cars.com properties include DealerRater®, Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com® and NewCars.com®. For more information, visit www.Cars.com. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

This earnings release discusses adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share. These are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures are presented as supplemental measures of operating performance because we believe they provide meaningful information regarding our performance and provide a basis to compare operating results between periods. In addition, we use adjusted EBITDA as a compensation measure. These non-

GAAP financial measures are frequently used by our lenders, securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. 

Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below. 

We define adjusted EBITDA as net income before (1) interest expense, net, (2) provision for income taxes, (3) depreciation, (4) amortization of intangible assets, (5) stock-based compensation, (6) write-off and impairments of assets, plus (7) certain other one-time or non-cash charges including transaction related costs, restructuring costs and costs related to the headquarters move. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of adjusted EBITDA. 

We define adjusted net income as net income excluding the after-tax impact of (1) amortization of intangible assets, (2) stock-based compensation, (3) write-off and impairments of assets, and (4) certain other one-time or non-cash charges including transaction related costs, restructuring costs and costs related to the headquarters move. Amortization of unfavorable contracts liability is not adjusted out of adjusted net income. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including those statements under “Preliminary 2017 Results” and “Preliminary 2018 Outlook.” All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our business strategies, plans and objectives, market potential, future financial performance, planned operational and product improvements, liquidity and other matters. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “forecasts,” “mission,” “strive,” “more,” “goal” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, estimates, projections and assumptions, based on our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we think are appropriate. These statements are expressed in good faith and we believe these judgments are reasonable. However, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such risks, uncertainties, and other important factors include, among others, risks related to our business, our separation from our parent company and our common stock. For a detailed discussion of many of these risks and uncertainties, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Registration Statement on Form 10, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2017 (the “Registration Statement”). All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary 

statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise. Comparisons of results between current and prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data. 

The forward-looking statements in this press release are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws. 

Cars.com Media Contact: 

Marita Thomas 

312-601-5692 

mthomas@cars.com 

Cars.com Investor Relations Contact: 

Jandy Tomy 

312-601-5115 

ir@cars.com

On Wednesday, leading online automotive marketplace Cars.com announced a definitive agreement to acquire tech companies Dealer Inspire and Launch Digital Marketing (LDM) for $165 million in cash plus other considerations for performance.

Dealer Inspire provides modern websites and a suite of online retailing solutions. Launch Digital Marketing provides advanced digital marketing to automotive dealers. Cars.com will supplement by integrating and distributing the solutions through its extensive sales network.

Dealer Inspire and LDM have grown rapidly over the last few years as the flexibility of their platform and the results of their marketing strategies have gained popularity with dealers. Two executives from Cars.com will join the Dealer Inspire team, Gregg McGivney as COO and Darren Haygood as CRO, to continue scaling the DI business. Joe Chura will remain as CEO, and Dealer Inspire will continue to operate independently, although the Cars.com advertising team will grow the reach of the Launch Digital Marketing products alongside the Cars.com advertising solutions.

There is large potential to expand the AI capabilities of the Dealer Inspire suite with the analytics of the vast Cars.com consumer footprint.

“Cars.com is an enabler to the retail dealer system, and with the acquisition of these innovative technology companies, we are well positioned to drive digital dealer solutions forward by providing the most comprehensive set of solutions for dealers to generate sales and efficiencies,” said Alex Vetter, President and CEO of Cars.com. “The acquisition of Dealer Inspire and LDM aligns with our strategy of integrating new capabilities and additional talent to accelerate organic growth, strengthen the retail experience, deepen dealer connections and improve clarity of attribution while generating additional cash flow and enhancing shareholder value.”

Both Dealer Inspire and LDM, with their digital services ranging from providing progressive dealer websites to digital automotive marketing services, are expected to be complementary extensions to the Cars.com online marketplace platform and add to its suite of dealer solutions.

“I’m proud of what Dealer Inspire and LDM have built in the last few years,” said Joe Chura, co-founder and CEO of Dealer Inspire and LDM, “but we are not even close to reaching our potential. Cars.com provides us the data to enhance the intelligence of our current and future product offerings, and a much larger distribution than we have today. Cars.com also shares our mission of innovation and dealer advocacy and together we can drive our industry forward.”

With the acquisition of Dealer Inspire, customers will have access to new features on Cars.com such as: 

• Conversations℠: a messaging platform with an AI-created centralized hub for dealer-customer communication to improve quality and response time, as well as to cut down on operating costs.
• Online Shopper: an end-to-end digital retailing solution that allows shoppers to compare a wide range of financial considerations as they complete their purchase. When integrated with Conversations℠, dealers can provide a more hands-on approach to guide customers through transactions, collaborate on terms, and even provide a live vehicle tour via video chat.

Additionally, the acquisition will broaden the suite of dealer solutions provided by Cars.com with the following new offerings:

• Fuel: an inventory advertising program used to create customized ads and keyword lists “based on real-time inventory data and logic.” Fuel also includes predictive shopper intent.
• Custom-designed and flexible website platforms for highly personalizable digital campaigns. Dealer Inspire websites use intelligent tech that’s both easy to customize and self-manage as well as supported with customer service.
• LDM: customized marketing and customer acquisition solutions.

Dealer Inspire and LDM earned $41 million in annual revenue and $4 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2017. They have over 1,700 customers and some 400 employees.

The transaction is expected to close this month, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Cars.com will pay $165 million in case at the close with additional incentives up to $40 million for over-performance over the next three years.

Cars.com expects to achieve a 10 to 11 percent revenue growth this year. The company’s 2017 preliminary unaudited results consisted of approximately $626 million in annual revenue, with a net income of about $242 million including a tax benefit of $120 million, and an adjusted EBITDA of about $239 million (38 percent of revenue).

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is the financial advisor to Cars.com, with Seyfarth Shaw LLC acting as the company’s legal counsel. Greenwich Capital and Bryan Cave LLC are acting as financial advisor and legal counsel, respectively, to Dealer Inspire and LDM.

Click here to read the full press release.

VCs Leading the Round Include 8VC, Battery Ventures, SV Angel and CrunchFund

February 1, 2018 9:00AM PDT – San Francisco – Prodigy, an Alchemist Accelerator company providing a unique, full-stack sales solution for the $1.1 trillion dollar automotive retail dealership market, today announced it has closed a $5.4M Seed funding round. Lead VCs include 8VC™, Battery™, SV Angel™ and CrunchFund™ in addition to several private angels in the automotive industry. Funds will be used to market the company’s already-developed automotive sales platform and grow headcount.

Prodigy’s patent-pending SaaS platform has been rigorously engineered and tuned to the specific needs of auto dealerships seeking a next-generation solution that enhances all aspects of the customer experience. Prodigy enables on-line, in-store or a bi-directional blend of sales between the two – it ensures process management compliance, full lender/factory/credit bureau integration and a range of sales experience enhancements such as on-lot driver license scanning for instant drive tests. Prodigy fully integrates with all legacy systems and dealer-specific software.

Customer Quote:

“Car buying is changing and dealers need to adapt if they want to keep up,” said Levan Seperteladze, General Manager of Vann York Toyota and an SET dealer. “Prodigy lets us engage our customers both online and in-store and delivers a consistent, modern experience with one platform. The results have been great and our sales team adopted the technology quickly. We sold cars with Prodigy the first day it went live and in the first month, 96% of our sales went through Prodigy.”

CEO Quote:

“Prodigy’s main advantage is how integral we become to the sale of every car in a dealership. There are many solutions that promise to ‘revolutionize car buying’ for the dealer, but if you look at the actual stats they are only touching 2-3% of all sales. That’s no revolution,” said Michia Rohrssen, CEO of Prodigy. “Consumer buying habits have changed and we want to help the dealerships evolve with them. I joined this industry because of my love for cars. I bought my first car when I was 14 before I could legally drive it, raced cars and ran the car club all through college and have owned about 15 in my life – this isn’t about Silicon Valley trying to disrupt an industry just because it can, it’s about modernizing and giving back to the community.”

About Prodigy:
Prodigy builds innovative solutions to power the future of automotive retail – learn more at www.getprodigy.com.

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All previously cited trademarks and registered trademarks are hereby recognized and acknowledged.

Dominion Dealer Solutions Unveils State-of-the-Art Dealer Management System for Automotive Dealers

NORFOLK, Va.  – Jan. 22, 2018 – Dominion Dealer Solutions announced today the launch of its cloud-based automotive dealer management system (DMS), Dominion VUETM. Hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud, this latest achievement from Dominion features an intuitive interface and bank-level encryption that enable dealership personnel to access all dealer data in real-time, at any location, without an expensive VPN or remote server.

“Dominion VUE secures in the Azure Cloud all current and historical dealer data for all rooftops in the business. This creates unique opportunities to analyze, manage, and improve business metrics against industry standards,” said Van Koppersmith, president of Dominion DMS at Dominion Dealer Solutions.

Without requiring a VPN and associated fees, Dominion VUE runs on most browsers and device types. Loaded with a complete suite of fully integrated dealer management applications, Dominion VUE also contains a STAR-compliant API for third-party integrations. Dominion’s mission is to make dealers’ lives easier, which includes promoting cleaner and better integrations with their favorite third-party applications with little or no extra charges.

 “Dealers have struggled for years on patched DMS programs that mostly frustrate their employees and customers.  In contrast, Dominion VUE provides the first holistic Fixed Ops solution built at one time, on a single platform, with seamless transitions from one step in the operation to the next. And the one-click customization options, even for enterprise-level reporting, allow for targeted, location-specific results,” noted Koppersmith.

Dominion VUE is the only automotive DMS that allows Fixed Ops staff to complete full RO write-up, walk around, and closeout on a single tablet device.  The extensive Fixed Ops capabilities in Dominion VUE include service process tracking, electronic MPI, mobile pay, built-in two-way text and service menus.

Access to and visualization of dealership data is Dominion’s primary goal.  For the first time in the automotive sector, dealers have the ability via Dominion VUE to use advanced predictive search within their DMS, which provides immediate retrieval of all associated data with drill-down capabilities to quickly locate data. Additionally, the user-friendly menus and agile interface enable employees to enjoy smooth, logical workflows with personalized views, reports, dashboards and calendars.

With Dominion VUE’s cross-browser functionality and tablet-friendly user experience, dealership staff can work anytime from anywhere. To schedule a first view of Dominion VUE, visit TransformYourVue.com.

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About Dominion Dealer Solutions

Dominion Dealer Solutions improves dealers’ lives by developing advanced technologies including: reputation and social media management, responsive websites, digital advertising, SEO, SEM, multi-channel marketing, and custom market reports. Coupled with award-winning lead management, inventory merchandising, equity mining, customer relationship (CRM) and dealer management (DMS) solutions, Dominion redefines automotive retail by delivering first-class customer experiences for today’s automotive dealerships. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, every OEM and more than 10,000 U.S. dealers depend on Dominion’s foundation of innovation, integrity, excellence and teamwork to provide them with results at every turn. For more information, visit our website, like us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Youtube, or follow us on Twitter.

About Dominion Enterprises

Dominion Enterprises is a leading online marketing and software services company offering client solutions across multiple targeted business verticals. Our widely recognized B2C web and mobile portals, including ForRent.com and Homes.com, generate nearly 14 million unique visits monthly. Our B2B cloud SaaS solutions directly support clients in establishing their online and mobile brands, generating leads, and managing customer relationships. Dominion Enterprises has more than 40 businesses and 3,000 employees in our Norfolk, Va. home office and across the U.S.