SAN FRANCISCO — Usually, revamped or new models are unveiled at auto shows and industry events, but Ford went against the grain recently for one of its vehicles and it paid off in the form of major online traction, according to Jumpstart Automotive Group. The 2011 model-year Ford Explorer was introduced via Facebook on July 26, […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO — Honk, a social-media-driven automotive shopping website, rolled out new enhancements Wednesday geared to make the process even more interactive for users. The site's new Dashboard now is meant to give potential buyers a central location to manage their entire vehicle-shopping process from discovery to purchase. As users identify their needs and track opinions […] [Read More]

SHANGHAI — General Motors and the SAIC Motor Corp. in China will work together to build a new small-displacement gasoline engine and an advanced transmission, two technologies officials said can help boost fuel efficiency and cut down on carbon-dioxide emissions in vehicles. GM vice chairman of global product operations Tom Stephens and SAIC president Chen Hong […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO — Jumpstart Automotive Group believes its recent study explains how blending two kinds of online consumer targeting can significantly boost factors such as brand awareness, favorability, message association and purchase intent. Simply put, group executives explained contextual targeting focuses solely on content by presenting consumers with advertising messages that are deeply relevant to the […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Automotive Internet Media announced it has been selected by the LemonFree.com auto search engine to be the exclusive distributor for the launch of the website's Dealer Certification Program. The first participants in the program will be dealerships chosen by LemonFree.com based on their reputation for employing best practices. The program is designed to help dealers who gain […] [Read More]

PALO ALTO, Calif. — High Gear Media revealed its new chief revenue officer Monday, announcing that it is bringing in David Armitage, who is a former executive with both Autobytel and Edmunds.com. In his new role, Armitage's responsibilities will cover all revenue initiatives. His duties will hone in on boosting brand advertising throughout the company's auto websites. […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO and IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel has teamed up with DriverSide for a re-launch of its MyGarage in the fourth quarter of this year. DriverSide is powering the service, which will be housed in a personalized ownership section on Autobytel.com. The re-introduction of MyGarage will kick off a series of products and services from Autobytel […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford recently announced that for 2010, the automaker has awarded 13 University Research Program grants to 12 different schools throughout the world. The research funding is designed to support exploration of a wide range of new ideas and technologies that could benefit future Ford vehicle development, according to the automaker. The newly added […] [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO — Jumpstart Automotive Group recently announced it has added PluginCars.com to its portfolio of automotive website publishers.   PluginCars.com becomes the 13th exclusive publisher in a group that currently consists of Vehix.com, Consumer Guide Automotive, JD Power Autos, Shopping.com Autos, Car and Driver, Road & Track, Cycle World, CarSoup.com, U.S.News Autos, HybridCars, CarGurus and TrueCar.   […] [Read More]

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Nissan North America will soon offer a new Dealer Business System to help its dealers with added functionality and better organizational flow thanks to a multi-year applications services agreement with HP Enterprise Services revealed Wednesday. The DBS will include new features and upgraded functionality, as well as what officials call a "state-of-the-art" platform built with […] [Read More]