BURLINGTON, Vt. — Last year was enormously successful for Dealer.com, according to company officials. In fact, the company posted the highest growth rate in its 12-year history, they said.

To be specific, company executives calculated that Dealer.com's five-year revenue growth rate spiked to a whopping 675 percent in 2009.

Besides the financial standing, Dealer.com also touted its growth of partnerships with dealer groups.

The company indicated that now 85 percent of the leading dealer groups ranked by Ward's Dealer Business now utilize its online marketing services.

To serve that growing client base better, Dealer.com pointed out that it doubled its investments in research and development last year. The company also noted that it launched its enterprise solutions division, designed to serve the needs of automakers and dealer groups. 

"As we continue to grow, we proactively expand our resources to offer all of our customers the best technology and service," explained Mark Bonfigli, Dealer.com president and chief executive officer.

"We doubled our R&D investment, launched comprehensive employee training and development programs, and expanded our relationships with leading industry groups," Bonfigli continued.

"These strategic initiatives help keep our dealerships, no matter the size or type, years ahead of the competition," he added.

Furthermore, Dealer.com highlighted that it expanded relationships with the majority of all North American based auto manufacturers as well as with leading advertising agencies.     

"We have partnered again this year with the most prestigious and fast forward auto retailers in North America," stressed Dean Evans, chief marketing officer for Dealer.com.

"The market share increase this year is a testament to word of mouth from our customers, that we are the right partner to have moving into this new decade of auto retailing," Evans noted

"Next year is going to be a banner year for our customers," he predicted.

In recapping the company's growth success in 2009, Dealer.com also listed the awards and honors that came from third-party organizations. Those accolades include:

— Net Promoter Score Survey: Top customer service ranking in the nation's software industry.

— Auto Dealer Monthly's Dealers Choice Awards: Gold Award for Web Site Design for fourth consecutive year.

— Web Marketing Association WebAwards: Automobile Standard of Excellence for Web site development work with Ed Voyles Acura and Flatirons Subaru.

— Summit International Emerging Media Awards: Leader Award for work with the Brandon Ford Web site, marking second consecutive year of placement.

— DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings: Top-ranked Web site provider.

— Deloitte's Technology Fast 500: Ranked No. 214 of fastest-growing companies in North America.

— Inc. 5000 Rankings: ranked No. 88 among the nation's top 100 fastest growing private advertising and marketing companies, marking third consecutive year of placement.

— Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: Gold Award for success of worksite wellness program.

— Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: CEO Mark Bonfigli named finalist and award winner in the technology category in New England, marking third consecutive year of honor.

— U.S. Small Business Administration: Bonfigli named Vermont Small Business Person of the Year.