Web Wise

Selling Cars Online

If you're in the market for a car you may have turned to the Internet for research purposes. Car reviews, ratings, comparisons and top picks can be found on most news and search engine Web sites. Many prospective car buyers are searching through online classifieds for pre-owned cars, studying national Web companies that specialize in online auto sales and visiting local dealership Web sites.

According to survey results released last month from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), 80.3 percent of dealerships have Web sites, an increase of 8.4 percent in just six months. Ninety-three percent of the sites surveyed are interactive, allowing the customer to send e-mail, order online or obtain financing.

Leaders in online automotive commerce, Autobytel.com and AutoWeb. com claim to offer hassle- and haggle-free alternatives for buying new and pre-owned cars. Web site features include car reviews, lemon checks, financing, auctions, maintenance, warranties and insurance quotes. After you complete your research, you can fill out an online request form indicating the make, model, colors and features you desire. Your request will be sent to participating dealers in your area and you will receive a phone call within 24 hours with a competitive price. Autobytel.com has more than 3,000 dealers in their North American Accredited Dealer Network and AutoWeb.com works with more than 5,000 member dealers.

Autobytel.com was launched in 1995 and reported $40.3 million in revenue for 1999, a 69 percent increase over revenue of $23.8 million in 1998. Autobytel.com is also getting into business-to-business dealings. The wholesale market accounts for more than 10 million autos sold annually, representing $93 billion in total market value. They provide buyers and sellers with the opportunity to reduce the typical costs associated with purchasing pre-owned wholesale vehicles at traditional auto auctions. By using the Internet, both buyers and sellers can streamline a process that typically involves travel, labor fees, transportation fees and unnecessary administrative costs.

ASA Web Ways

New Online Surveys

Have you visited the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Web site (http://www.asashop.org) lately? The new ASA home page survey asks, "What is the single most important factor when selecting an automotive repair shop?" Multiple choice answers are: availability of loaner or rental car, convenience, positive previous experience with shop, quick turnaround, referral from trusted and knowledgeable individual, or training and certification of technicians.

The new ASA member survey asks: What products have made an impact on your business? The responses will be used in next month's annual technology issue of AutoInc. This survey is located in the password-protected Members Only Area. ASA members should use their six-digit ASA member number as name and password to enter the section.

Hot Sites

American International Automobile Dealers Association: http://www.aiada.org
AutoBoard.com: http://www.autoboard.com
Autobytel: http://www.autobytel.com
AutoFind.com: http://www.autofind.com
AutoNet.USA: http://www.autonetusa.com
AutoWeb.com: http://www.autoweb.com
CarBusters.com: http://www.carbusters.com
CarsDirect.com: http://www.carsdirect.com
CarPoint.com: http://www.carpoint.com
eAuto: http://www.eauto.com
iMotors: http://www.imotors.com
Kelley Blue Book: http://www.kbb.com
National Automobile Dealers Association: http://www.nada.org
Wheels Directory: http://www.wheels_directory.com

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