DES MOINES, Iowa — Automotive Web technology provider Dealer Impact is the latest company attempting to harness the marketing capability of Facebook as a way to promote vehicle inventory.

Late last week, Dealer Impact rolled out its Facebook Inventory App, a tool specifically designed to be integrated into the wildly popular social networking Web site.

Company executives described their Facebook Inventory App as a way for a dealership to have a second Web site. They explained that the tool can allow dealers to display current inventory on their Facebook fan pages as well as add inventory videos and specials to Facebook.

Dealer Impact also pointed out that the application can update a dealer's own Web site and Facebook fan page simultaneously.

For an example of the Dealer Impact Facebook Inventory App, dealers can visit http://www.facebook.com/karlchevrolet.

To learn more about Dealer Impact's new Facebook Inventory App, dealers can call (877) 334-9638 or e-mail sales@dealerimpact.com.

Dealer Impact highlighted its past digital marketing products, which include video test drives, mobile Web sites and social network marketing. Executives noted they began building Web sites in 1998 and contend that they produced the auto industry's first online inventory publishing tool in 2000.

"Dealer Impact Systems assists automotive dealerships nationwide to attract, close and retain more customers through a variety of innovative digital marketing technologies and strategies," company officials emphasized.

"These tools and strategies are combined in Dealer Impact's iDeal Digital Marketing System, a comprehensive suite of digital marketing tools," they added.

GOSO, a Web and social media marketing suite headquartered in Washington, D.C., launched its Facebook application earlier this year. GOSO coordinated with Minnesota dealership BMW of Minnetonka on a pilot program before showcasing the tool during last month's National Automobile Dealers Association Convention.