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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2017 Holiday Sales Event with General Motors up 50 percent compared to 2016 

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20, 2018 – Affinity Auto Program, which manages Costco Auto Program, announced its 2017 calendar year results. More than 520,000 vehicles were sold through its program to Costco members – a more than 6 percent increase over 2016 in comparison to the total industry sales, which dropped 1.8 percent, according to Automotive News. Additionally, preliminary Holiday Sales Event data indicates the promotion with General Motors in the last quarter of 2017 was up 50 percent compared to 2016. Surpassing two company records in 2017 – the total unit sales for the program overall and total unit sales during the three-month Holiday Sales Event – Affinity Auto Program attributes its success to Costco member demand for quality vehicles at a great value and its dedication to providing a best-in-class car-buying experience for Costco members. 

“Costco members are at the forefront of everything we do,” said Beth Chaponis, company representative. “From providing online resources that help Costco members make an informed buying decision to the experience at the dealership, and even after they drive their vehicle home, Costco Auto Program works with both members and participating dealerships to ensure an exceptional and transparent car-buying experience.” 

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.

ATLANTA, January 29, 2018 – Autotrader, which became the first nationwide online car shopping site more than 20 years ago, will undergo a dramatic transformation throughout 2018, resulting in a faster, more personalized online shopping experience that delivers true price confidence for today’s consumers. These enhancements also will result in more engagement, higher quality leads and actual car sales for Autotrader’s dealer clients.

“Car shoppers have set clear expectations of how they like to shop and transact online: to have a trusted and transparent experience that’s fast and enjoyable,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president and general manager of Autotrader. “At Autotrader, we’ve made bigger, smarter and bolder investments to create a more modern and complete digital shopping experience that will improve site satisfaction with consumers and generate more opportunities for dealers to connect with local, ready-to-buy shoppers.”

The following enhancements will deliver solutions that better serve Autotrader’s consumers and clients:

• Seamless Shopping Across Device: Shopping all the cars on Autotrader will be easier than ever before with a sleek new look that is consistent across desktop, tablet and mobile, offering faster loading times and a more efficient shopping journey that connects more consumers with the cars they want to buy.

• Price Confidence with Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor: Autotrader will be the only third-party car shopping site to feature the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Market Range on all eligible vehicle inventory listings, giving car shoppers the confidence to purchase with expert, up-to-date and data-driven pricing information from the industry’s most trusted resource.

• Online Deal Making: Through digital retailing, Autotrader is providing all-new opportunities to move shoppers from searching to buying when they are ready, empowering consumers to start the deal online, reducing the time it takes to complete the purchase, and making it faster and easier than ever for dealers to close sales.
• Refined Search Experience: A modernized search experience to drive relevance and speed – up to 25 percent faster – will sort listings by shopper search criteria, previous shopping history, and a combination of distance, value and merchandising. Increased user engagement and enhanced inventory results will help shoppers find what they are looking for sooner, connecting them to nearby dealers. 
• Personalized Shopper Content: For an even more personalized connection with today’s car shopper, Autotrader will leverage the power of Cox Automotive data to provide every visitor with a personalized, frictionless experience that will help them find the right car and feel confident in their choice.

The new Autotrader will go live in January 2018 with the launch of a new, mobile-first homepage, and will have a staged roll-out throughout the calendar year.

Leung Brings 20 Years of Digital Media and Technology Experience to Complement LotLinx’s Growing Executive Team

CHICAGO, January 17, 2018 -- LotLinx, the industry’s #1 Automotive AI, today announced Gee Leung has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer. Leung has been a trusted advisor to hundreds of digital media and technology companies over a career spanning multiple decades. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most exciting companies in the world, from the largest global technology leaders to rapidly growing companies at the cutting edge of innovation. Leung joins LotLinx at a pivotal time in the Company’s development as it transitions from an innovative start-up to an established technology leader in the automotive digital marketing sector.  He brings a unique view of best practices across a wide range of companies to help LotLinx continue to deliver on its mission of driving dealership success.

Leung began his technology banking career in the late 90s, and had a front row seat during the early internet technology boom. Most recently he served as Partner at AGC Partners, one of the leading boutique technology investment banks in the country. Prior to AGC, Leung held senior banking positions at both MESA Global as well as Montgomery & Co. Earlier in his career, he was a technology M&A banker at Friedman Billings and prior to that was a part of the technology investment banking team at Citigroup.

Leung will work out of LotLinx’ newly expanded Chicago headquarters.

“We are extremely pleased to add Gee’s caliber of experience to the team,” says Len Short, Founder of LotLinx. “I’ve known Gee a long time and he has an unparalleled insight into what drives success for technology companies. I am confident his energy and dynamic background will resonate with our customers, and our team will greatly benefit from his skillset and unique perspective.”

“I have been covering the automotive digital marketing sector for years and have always admired LotLinx for its innovation and dedication to the dealer,” says Gee Leung, Chief Operating Officer of LotLinx. “Len and the team have built something special, creating a platform that’s truly revolutionizing the way dealers and OEMs conduct digital marketing. I’m excited to bring my expertise and background to LotLinx, and look forward to helping our customers and partners succeed.”

LotLinx continues to add digital marketing and automotive industry veterans to the team following the recent additions of VPs Bob Sherman and Kim DePalma. In addition, LotLinx recently enhanced its Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs) to provide dealerships with high-conversion VDPs that improve the user experience for mobile shoppers. LotLinx leverages the power of Automotive AI to give dealers data-driven digital strategies, and continues to develop best-in-class tools to convert high-quality sales leads and optimize website conversions on a VIN-specific level. 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. The LotLinx TURN platform 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

Spireon Demonstrates Mobility as a Service Capabilities with Kahu
at CES 2018

“Drive On Demand” demo leverages SmartDeviceLink APIs for an innovative, flexible alternative to purchasing or leasing vehicles from dealerships

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 9, 2018—Spireon, Inc., the vehicle intelligence company, will demonstrate new Mobility as a Service (MaaS) capabilities with its Kahu® solution at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) taking place in Las Vegas, Jan. 9-12, 2018. The demo features an innovative car-sharing service, which Spireon calls Drive On Demand™, that would allow dealers to offer customers an affordable and secure alternative to purchasing or leasing vehicles.

Drive On Demand is built using Kahu, the industry’s first connected car solution specifically designed for dealers, and SmartDeviceLink (SDL), an open source platform for car connectivity. By extending Kahu with the vehicle data exposed by SDL, Spireon will show a unique MaaS capability that leverages in-vehicle telematics to create a convenient and secure vehicle subscription service for consumers.

“Dealerships are facing pressure from shrinking margins, difficulty differentiating themselves from competitors and the increasing popularity of rideshare services,” said Jason Penkethman, chief product officer at Spireon. “The Drive On Demand concept introduces a compelling new consumer experience that can create new revenue streams for dealers and allow them to attract a wider customer base, which is critically important as consumer expectations and preferences evolve.” 

With Drive On Demand, new car dealerships could leverage their vehicle assets to offer a monthly subscription that allows consumers to drive any car made available to them from a dealership’s inventory. Additionally, the service would allow consumers who may be considering a vehicle purchase to drive the vehicle for much longer than a typical test drive, and experience different models and trim levels before committing. At CES, Spireon will demonstrate how consumers could use Drive On Demand to search, reserve and locate dealer rental vehicles, and even unlock the doors to access the vehicle, all through the Kahu mobile app.

Drive On Demand demonstrations will take place at booth #3910, located in Tech East, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall during exhibit hours, Jan. 9-12. Media interested in meeting Spireon at CES to see Drive On Demand may email Spireon@HavasFormula.com or call 619-234-0345. 

About Spireon

Spireon, Inc. is North America’s leading connected vehicle intelligence company, providing businesses and consumers with powerful insights to track, manage and protect their most valuable mobile assets. The award-winning Spireon NSpire platform supports nearly 4 million active subscribers across the company’s growing suite of products for new and used car dealers, lenders and financial institutions, rental car agencies, commercial and local fleet operators, and consumers. Learn more at www.spireon.com.  

For more information, contact

Emily Lynn Ashley
Havas Formula for Spireon

Spireon@HavasFormula.com 
619-234-0345

Dealers Report December U.S. Sales Figures

Alexandria, VA (January 4) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released December sales figures for the international nameplate auto industry. Brands sold by America's 9,600 international nameplate franchises accounted for 55.1 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States last month, down from 56.2 percent a month earlier. International brands sold 55.6 of all vehicles purchased in the United States last year. 

AutoData Corp. reports that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for December was 17.9 million units versus 18.2 million units a year ago. Total industry unit deliveries, unadjusted for business days and including all brands, decreased 5.2 percent compared to last December and 1.8 percent from 2016, marking the first year since the Great Recession that auto sales did not grow. International nameplate brands were down six percent from December 2016 and 0.69 percent when compared to the whole of 2016. 

"Dealers are entering 2018 with an optimistic outlook," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Despite the expected slip in sales, the auto market remains healthy and consumer interest in new vehicles, particularly trucks and crossovers, is high." 

International brands were led last month by Audi (up 16.3 percent from last December), Hyundai (up 1.8 percent), and Mercedes-Benz (up 9.4 percent). Subaru's sales rose 0.3 percent in December to 63,342 vehicles, making 2017 its best year ever with a total of 647,956 vehicles sold. Despite being down seven percent in sales from December 2016, American Honda, which includes the Acura division, set an annual sales record in 2017 of 1,641,429 vehicles sold, up 0.2 percent from 2016. Light trucks continued to drive demand last month, rising 4.3 percent as a segment for the year, while cars continued to lag, slipping 10.9 percent. 

International auto sales in the U.S. totaled 882,393 units in December, up from 782,288 units in November and 748,614 units in October, but down from 939,324 vehicles sold in December 2016. Asian brands occupied 44.7 percent of the December auto market, down from 45.9 percent in November. Overall, Asian nameplate dealers sold 715,897 vehicles in December, a 7.3 percent drop from December 2016. 

European brands sold 166,496 units in December, up from 143,065 units in November and 130,171 units in October, but down slightly from 166,903 vehicles sold in December 2016. They held 10.4 percent of the December U.S. auto market, up just 0.1 percent from November. Overall sales for European brands were down 0.2 percent from last December but up two percent for the year. 

To read AIADA's complete coverage of December's international nameplate auto sales, click here. 

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About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America's international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.