Technology

YONKERS, N.Y. — ConsumerReports.org recently unveiled on its Cars Blog what it considers to be the top vehicles for teen drivers. The site recognized 13 models across three categories: small cars, family cars and small SUVs. Each of the vehicles was "recommended" by the publication. As most know, to gain this tag, vehicles must have a […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — To help generate more leads and improve conversion rates, AutoUSA is offering dealers Kelley Blue Book's LeadDriver, which is designed to incorporate KBB Trade-In Values into a dealership's Web site while, at the same time, obtaining lead information. LeadDriver provides dealers with a shopper's contact information, as well as details about trade-in, how much it […] [Read More]

DAYTON, Ohio — Reynolds and Reynolds said Wednesday it has rolled out a few upgrades to its WebMakerX 2.0 dealership Web site program that can help dealers improve the functionality and flexibility of their Web sites.  Reynolds Web Solutions' enhancements to the product include improved organic search-engine optimization and a new blogging solution.  Basically, these upgrades […] [Read More]

ATLANTA and SEATTLE — Contact At Once, a provider of dealer chat software, and Cobalt announced a new partnership on Tuesday. The deal means an enhanced version of Contact At Once's chat solution can be integrated into Cobalt's dealer Web site suite. Executives highlighted that dealers now can support more shoppers' natural communications preferences with the […] [Read More]

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — AVV, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions, launched two new products this week in what executives called part of a larger initiative to increase lead conversions. The first product is WebResponse, e-mail templates that AVV said can offer personalized message customization for dealers. Executives explained that dealers can select from multiple style variations […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel navigated several issues during the first quarter of 2010 to ensure its financial footing and compile some positive results. Examples the company gave on Monday were the elimination of some affiliates to improve the quality of leads for dealer customers and matters relating to Toyota's recalls. Executives highlighted that its net income turned upward to a total […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — A trio of industry veterans is aiming to put more power to generate productive online leads into dealers' hands. By recently launching the Automotive Advertising Network, these executives believe member dealers can secure unlimited leads and online promotion of their inventory on national, regional and local Web sites. They contend the placement would […] [Read More]

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Dealer.com is expanding its facilities by almost 50,000 square feet and plans to add 200 new jobs by the end of next year, the company revealed Friday during a press conference with state and local leaders present.  The company's Burlington, Vt., headquarters is a 63,000-square-foot LEED-certified building that includes such employee amenities as […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Automotive Internet Media recently launched a new program so dealers can better track when consumers search for vehicles and stores online using the myriad of search engines and other tools now available. Executives stressed that the basis for DealerLocal is to provide dealers with information and ratings about their dealership across more than 1,200 […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO — When Ford officially rolls out the highly promoted 2011 Fiesta to dealers, the automaker revealed the vehicle also will have SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software program that allows for hands-free control of smartphone applications. The program can allow for access and control of Android and BlackBerry smartphone applications with voice commands and vehicle […] [Read More]