AutoTrader.com, a leading Internet destination and marketplace for buying and selling used cars, today announced a partnership with NetSearch, a division of Aether Systems, Inc., to provide wireless lead tracking and management services to automotive dealer partners across the country. This communications tool will allow dealers to receive and track leads throughout the day, regardless of proximity to a computer, and provide a higher level of customer service and the potential for increased sales, according to Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader.com

As a result of this alliance, AutoTrader.com's 30,000 dealers will now be able to purchase NetSearch's Merchant Notification System(TM) directly from AutoTrader.com. The MNS will allow dealers to access, manage and respond to consumers' requests, anytime and from anywhere. The system will allow them to receive (via a handheld wireless device) and reply immediately to potential online buyers. Dealerships will also be able to track all leads that come through the system, respond to existing customer's requests, and access real time web-based management reports.

"Shoppers come to AutoTrader.com to find their ideal used car in our enormous inventory of 1.5 million listings and to make the shopping process easier and more convenient," said Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader.com. "Those customers who contact dealers who use the MNS service can now be guaranteed a more seamless shopping experience -- now their requests and questions will be answered in a fast and efficient manner."

"As the Internet has improved the car buying process for consumers, it is important that dealers constantly evolve to meet and exceed customer's needs and expectations," said Greg Patrick, corporate accounts director at NetSearch. "MNS can provide AutoTrader.com's thousands of partner dealers with a tool that can improve customer-service and lead to a higher close ratio."