Technology

CINCINNATI — Dealer Specialties recently launched Mobile Marketing Solutions, a Web site and text messaging lead generator for dealers that can be integrated into an existing marketing strategy. Company officials explained that Mobile Marketing Solutions can deliver an informed and relevant lead resulting in a more profitable and faster sale. They noted that the solution includes […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Mirroring trends from other industry outlets, officials from Cars.com spotted sharp declines in consumer interest sparking contact with dealers for several Toyota vehicles when analyzing February Web traffic. In fact according to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index, six of the top 10 decreases were for Toyota models including RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, Prius and […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Starting on Friday, Chevrolet executives plan to launch three social-media applications at South by Southwest, a well-known interactive music and film conference and festival in Austin, Texas. They hope the strategy serves as a way to introduce more than 185,000 attendees to vehicles like the Camaro, Volt and Cruze. Brand executives also believe the […] [Read More]

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — HomeNet recently revealed a new enhancement to its Video Online Marketing suite. Dealers now can take their live video ads for their vehicle inventory and create hundreds of still images. Company officials contend that the depth of still images can be used throughout a dealer's Web site or online classifieds. When dealers […] [Read More]

PITTSBURGH — Dealers can learn what vehicles women might want as well as better ways to serve their female customer base thanks to a new partnership between MotorMouths.com and Women-Drivers.com. Women-Drivers.com explained that its Web site is a destination for consumer ratings where women can rate their dealership experience and find tips and insights. Site executives cited research that […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com on Monday launched a mobile version of its popular Web site, InsideLine.com. Site officials stressed the mobile version features much of the content that users can find on the full site. That list includes reviews, photos and videos of vehicles and comprehensive coverage of the Geneva Auto Show all optimized for […] [Read More]

MIAMI — Taking a similar path as auction and rental companies, LeaseTrader.com has halted any transactions involving Toyota vehicles involved in the sales stoppage. Site officials said that the this move will continue until documentation proving inspection or repair of the respective Toyota vehicles are completed. [Read More]

PORTLAND, Ore. — Chrome Systems announced on Wednesday that it is now providing an enhanced vehicle comparison tool for the BMW USA Web site. Executives from the DealerTrack subsidiary explained that BMW's Web site now can enable visitors to highlight the features, specifications and advantages of the manufacturer's vehicles in side-by-side comparisons. The enhancements also can […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Officials from AutoTrader.com recently learned that Feb. 15 marked a new all-time record day for site traffic. They indicated that 986,052 unique visitors reviewed dealer listings and other information that day. Site executives attributed the record traffic count to three reasons — a resurging market, a jump in new-vehicle shopping activity and strong marketing. AutoTrader.com […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Deloitte has moved one of its longtime executives Craig Giffi into a new position. Giffi now will be the leader of the company's U.S. automotive practice, effective immediately. Company officials indicated that Giffi succeeds Michelle Collins, who leads Deloitte's audit practice in Michigan. In his new role, Deloitte explained that Giffi will be […] [Read More]