Consumer News--The Post:>>>U.S. Auto Dealers Launch Internet Dealer Web Site
>>> driversseat.com ---allows consumers to search the world's largest online vehicle inventory of 550,000 new cars and light trucks.
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washingtonpost.com
Monday , June 26, 2000
The U.S. new-car dealer group said on Monday it has launched an Internet portal that will allow car buyers to check out what vehicles are sitting on dealer lots near them.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), which represents 19,500 U.S. new-car dealers, said DriversSeat.com ( driversseat.com ) will provide access to all its members' Web sites, allowing consumers to search the world's largest online vehicle inventory of 550,000 new cars and light trucks.
The dealer Web site also offers direct links to thousands of dealer Web sites, vehicle invoice prices, used-car listings and prices, and consumer advice, NADA said.
It was developed by the Cobalt Group Inc., in which German-U.S. automaker DaimlerChrysler AGhas an option to buy a 10-percent equity stake.
The plan for the site, originally named nadadealers.com, was announced in late January and is meant to ensure dealers aren't cut out of the car-buying process by third-party Internet Web sites.
"We think it's best for the consumer if they're working directly with the dealer," NADA spokesman Mike Morrissey. "Also, it's another option the consumers to have."
Consumers have the option of searching dealer inventory for a specific vehicle or they can search for a dealership near them, NADA said. The customer then works directly with the dealership--online, by phone or in person--to get additional information or to complete a vehicle purchase.
Also on Monday, General Motors Corp.'s Saturn division announced an alliance with Autobytel.com Inc.'sCarSmart.com subsidiary in an effort to expand Saturn's online referral network, which was rolled out last December.
CarSmart.com will provide online car-buyers with comprehensive specifications and comparative vehicle information for new and used Saturns through its Web site, Saturn said. CarSmart also will send consumer purchase inquiries through Saturn to nearby Saturn retail facilities.
¸ 2000 Reuters<<< |
