Experian Automotive, a division of global business solutions company Experianâ, on Nov. 24 announced the integration of its AutoCheck vehicle history solution for consumers and dealers with CarsDirect.com, an Internet car-shopping service.

CarsDirect.com has added links to Experian's AutoCheck Web site, www.AutoCheck.com, to allow consumers interested in purchasing a vehicle to click a link to buy an AutoCheck vehicle history report. In addition, CarsDirect.com has deployed AutoCheck FreeLink, a service that allows dealers to sponsor a link to a free vehicle history report.

The dealer's potential customers can view the vehicle's details, a photo provided by CarsDirect.com and additionally, thanks to AutoCheck FreeLink, see the vehicle history report at no charge to the customer - driving more qualified leads to the dealership.

"CarsDirect.com required an innovative, integrated approach to vehicle history, and I am pleased that we could deliver," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "The fact that they offer AutoCheck FreeLink to their dealers along with the links to the AutoCheck consumer site gives them a complete solution that provides significant value to all of their customers."

The AutoCheck service leverages Experian's National Vehicle Database, exposing possible undisclosed or unknown problems, such as salvage and flood damage history that can affect an automobile's safety and resale value.

"CarsDirect.com offers a wealth of vehicle pricing and research information to help consumers make more informed purchase decisions," said Bob Brisco, CEO of CarsDirect.com. "By adding Experian's AutoCheck to our online Used Car research options, we help our dealers market their vehicles more effectively and assist our Web site visitors in making an informed decision on the vehicle that's right for them."

In addition to the AutoCheck services, Experian is providing CarsDirect.com with a custom suite of marketing services that leverage Experian's expertise in direct marketing and marketing information services. According to the companies, the custom suite of services allows CarsDirect.com to broaden its current dealer base and introduce new services to its existing dealers through multi-channel direct marketing. Experian will also help CarsDirect.com measure the performance of services it provides to dealers.

About Experian Automotive

Experian Automotive delivers information solutions to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers.

Experian says it helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing almost 450 million vehicles, along with Experian's credit, consumer and business information assets, is designed to meet the industry's growing demand for an integrated information source.

Experian says its advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results.

For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of solutions, visit www.experianautomotive.com.

About CarsDirect.com

Los Angeles-based CarsDirect.com (www.carsdirect.com) is an Internet car-shopping service, providing new and used automobiles and related products and services, such as loan and lease financing and in-demand aftermarket products including extended warranties.

CarsDirect.com says it is the first online car provider to offer visitors three distinctive car buying options: buying a new car online through the company's award-winning direct channel; being matched with a top-quality new car dealer of their choice via the CarsDirect Connect channel; or locating and purchasing a previously owned vehicle through the CarsDirect Used channel.

CarsDirect.com has been named one of the "50 Best Websites" by Time Magazine, chosen a "Forbes Favorite" three times by Forbes Magazine and selected as a "Top 100 Internet Site" for three consecutive years in PC Magazine.