GREENVILLE, S.C. — Dealer Ignition, a software company geared to help brands and dealers move products online, recently revamped its Web site. Executives explained the basis for the redesign was to serve better as a hub for the company's marketing and sales development. They now believe their site is better positioned to harness growth in an […] [Read More]

WALTHAM, Mass. — IMN, which publishes the Loyalty Driver electronic communication service for dealers, has named a new director of OEM programs. Joining the company is David Rose, who has over 30 years' experience in the industry, including 23 years with BMW of North America. In his new role, Rose's duties include helping the automakers get […] [Read More]

DAYTON, Ohio — Reynolds and Reynolds announced another "competitive advantage" Tuesday for dealer customers who use the Reynolds ERA dealership management system and Web sites from Reynolds Web Solutions. These dealers can now enjoy real-time inventory updates, which can help them build consumers' confidence in what they have to offer. Basically, if a dealer uploads a vehicle […] [Read More]

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Dealer.com recently struck an exclusive partnership with DriverSide to provide vehicle service and retention tools for dealerships' Web sites. The companies are teaming up to roll out a series of products for dealers. The first is designed to augment Dealer.com's platform with fixed operations content. Additional fixed-ops and service marketing products will be added […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Global private equity firm Providence Equity Partners is obtaining a 25-percent share in Cox Enterprise's AutoTrader.com, a move Cox officials said will provide the company more investment capital and expertise to help the site grow further. Executives emphasized that Cox will have majority ownership of AutoTrader.com as well as control over operations. The move […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The "Jeep Tiki Hunt" contest — which wrapped up this week after giving away three 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islanders — apparently did wonders for the brand's social-networking presence, along with another related promotion the brand held earlier this year. Jeep has held two social-media contests since March, and the brand's traffic in that arena has […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf will soon arrive at dealerships as alternative-fuel options that dealers can offer consumers, but many shoppers are still wary about buying electric vehicles, according to a Cars.com survey. In fact, two-fifths of shoppers claimed they don't have a significant grasp on the technology involved with electric vehicles, so […] [Read More]

OAK BROOK, Ill. — vAuto founder and chairman Dale Pollak is now a finalist for the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Midwest, vying with other nominees for the regional honor that will be given out next month. Regional business, academic and community leaders chose the slate of finalists for the […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — In a unique way to reach out to budding auto journalists, Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com is holding a contest where car enthusiasts can make their own vehicle review videos and submit them for the chance to win $10,000 and be a KBB editor for a day. To participate, contestants simply film a two-minute or less […] [Read More]

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — Executives from Auto/Mate Dealership Systems highlighted on Tuesday they completed two crucial integration points intended to help several dealership departments at Mazda franchise stores. The integration connects their Automotive Management Productivity Suite and Mazda North American Operations dealership communication system. The first advancement involved the Mazda Vehicle Invoice Integration, a function the company […] [Read More]