AutoTrader.com, an Internet auto classifieds destination and marketplace, on Aug. 29 announced the addition of Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned cars and trucks to the site's Certified Vehicle listings program.

This announcement comes on the heels of a partnership agreed upon last month that employs

AutoTrader.com to power FordDirect.com's Used Vehicle Search Platform. Ford joins a growing list of leading automotive companies, including Audi,Toyota, Lexus and Honda, which are signed on to offer their certified inventories on AutoTrader.com.

Participating manufacturers will be able to

advertise their inventory of certified used cars across AutoTrader.com's monthly user base of more than five million unique visitors, resulting in increased leads and potential sales, according to AutoTrader.com. With this added service, consumers searching for a used vehicle on AutoTrader.com will be offered the option to search exclusively from a database encompassing thousands of certified Ford

vehicles currently listed on the site.

Through AutoTrader.com's Certified Vehicle program, consumers are able to conduct a search for the make, model and year of the vehicle they choose and specify their interest in viewing certified vehicle results only, from

nationwide Ford dealers participating in the certified program. All certified search results include detailed vehicle descriptions with 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, according to AutoTrader.com.

In addition, consumers can learn more about the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned program through the hyperlink that appears on the Web page when searching for a Ford vehicle on AutoTrader.com.

"These days, consumers are increasingly demanding the security and peace of mind that certified used vehicles offer," said Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com. "Ford vehicles are among the most frequently searched on AutoTrader.com, therefore by instituting an added value such as our certified program and leveraging the certified inventory of this popular manufacturer, we are continuing to raise the bar for the quality of resources and services we are providing to our dealers and consumers."

"Most customers who purchase pre-owned vehicles are savvy, time-conscious consumers, many of whom shop the Internet, compare certified programs and want the same high quality they would find in a brand-new vehicle," said

Mike Dennis, Ford's manager of used vehicle certification. "By finding a Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned vehicle on AutoTrader.com, consumers are able to experience the same level of service and excellence they come to expect when making a Ford their vehicle of choice."

Through what it calls a one-of-a-kind technical approach to enable certified-only vehicle

searches on its site, AutoTrader.com will simply receive a data feed from Ford containing a list of certified vehicles that have been registered by its dealers. AutoTrader.com then lists the cars in both the basic and featured listings format, depending on whether or not the dealer is a paying customer, as well as in a certified-only search. This allows consumers the option to search for certified-only vehicles only or for all Ford vehicles listed on AutoTrader.com.

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 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 vehicles, while half of them indicate that they are interested in certified vehicles. "Ford

along with Audi, Toyota, Lexus and Honda are leading the way in offering certified vehicle programs to consumers through AutoTrader.com, helping to fuel record growths in their individual certified programs.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com bills itself as 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 Co.; 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, which, according to AutoTrader.com, provides 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 cal (404) 269-7359.