The Internet presence of U.S. automobile dealers has reached an all-time high this year, according to new survey research from the National Automobile Dealers Association's Industry Analysis Division.

NADA's annual survey of Internet utilization found that nearly nine in 10, or 89 percent, of new car and truck dealerships have Web sites - up from 82 percent last year and 74 percent in 1999.

Of these sites, 98 percent are interactive, with most allowing car shoppers to view stock

and MSRPs, fill out finance forms, and schedule sales and service appointments. Many others provide customers the convenience of ordering

online and linking directly to related financial, insurance and auto sites.

"The survey confirms that dealers increasingly recognize the Web as a key element of their business," said NADA Chief Economist Paul

Taylor. "They are using the Internet to communicate with new car and truck customers, suppliers and other dealers."

Dealers report their most common Web site interactions with customers are responding to requests for price quotes, and setting up service and sales appointments.

Of the 11 percent of all dealerships that currently do not have Web sites, the NADA survey found that close to half, or 47.5 percent, plan to have an Internet presence within the next six months.