AutoTrader.com, an Internet auto classifieds destination and marketplace, on June 14 announced the launch of Certified Vehicle listings on its site.

Toyota, Lexus and Honda are among the leading manufacturers who have already signed on to offer their certified inventories on AutoTrader.com. With this added service, shoppers searching for a used vehicle on AutoTrader.com will be offered the option to search exclusively from a database of thousands of certified vehicles currently listed on the site.

Through AutoTrader.com's Certified Vehicle program, consumers will be able to conduct a search for the make and model of the vehicle they choose and specify that they are interested in viewing certified vehicle results only, from among more than 1,700 nationwide Toyota, Lexus and Honda dealers participating in the certified program. All certified search results include detailed vehicle descriptions, as well as color photos of the vehicles.

Consumers have the benefit of an easy and convenient search experience for high-quality, factory-backed, certified used vehicles from top

manufacturers.

In addition, consumers can learn more about each

manufacturer's certified program through a hyperlink to their homepage. Auto manufacturers and dealers who post their certified listings on

AutoTrader.com also receive more exposure for their inventory across AutoTrader.com's monthly user base of more than five million unique

visitors, resulting in increased leads and potential sales, according to Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com.

"In today's economy, both auto manufacturers and dealers are finding that there is an increased opportunity for certified used vehicles, as they have proven to be extremely popular with consumers who are looking for the

benefits of a like-new car at an affordable price," Perry said. "AutoTrader.com's certified program is one more option that we are offering our customers, based on their desire for quality cars. We are continually trying to meet the needs of both dealers and consumers and this program provides a benefit to both."

Through enabling certified-only vehicle searches on its Web site, AutoTrader.com will receive a data feed from its manufacturers, containing a list of certified vehicles that have been registered by their dealers. AutoTrader.com then matches this data with

the information the company has independently obtained from the dealers, to enable consumers to search for certified-only vehicles. By matching data from two sources, AutoTrader.com allows consumers to efficiently search all

vehicles or certified vehicles only, at their option.

According to recent industry research, used-car sales are rising, with more than 41 million used cars sold in the United States last year alone. A growing portion of these sales include low-mileage, certified used vehicles, backed by the manufacturer, which undergo a thorough inspection and are available to consumers with financing options and a certified limited

warranty.

According to AutoTrader.com's own research, three-fourths of the site's 5 million unique monthly visitors are searching only for used cars, while half of them indicate that they are interested in certified cars.

Toyota, Lexus and Honda are among the manufacturers leading the way in offering certified vehicle programs to consumers, marking record growths in their individual certified programs. Recently, Toyota announced more than 73,000 units sold year-to-date, with a record sales month in May. Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, recorded more than 27,000 certified vehicles sold in 2000 with its own best-ever sales month in May 2001, subsequent to signing on with AutoTrader.com. In addition, Honda recorded more than 25,000

cars sold this year.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com is the Internet's largest auto classifieds marketplace and a comprehensive main source for consumers interested in buying or selling a new or used vehicle, or seeking information on price comparisons, safety tips, financing, insurance or warranty information.

Through its strategic alliances with Manheim Auctions, Trader Publishing Company, ADP, Inc.,

America Online and eBay, AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location a database of 1.5 million vehicle listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private owners, designed to provide consumers the largest selection of

used vehicles in their local market.

AutoTrader.com was created in 1997 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc., operator of wholesale auto auctions since 1945. Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of media conglomerate Cox Enterprises, Inc., is AutoTrader.com's principal

stockholder and a key investor along with Landmark Communications, ADP Inc., eBay Inc., and the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

For more information, visit www.autotrader.com or call 404-269-7359.

0 Comments