Buick, Dodge, Chrysler and Honda First to Take Advantage Of New Edmunds.com Advertising Units
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 29 Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com), the Web's leading consumer resource for unbiased automotive information, announced today the launch of a new, innovative online advertising initiative -- a radically different business approach for Edmunds.com, which has never carried advertising on its site. Edmunds.com decided to adopt rich media ad units because of their enhanced interactivity and functionality available through new technology. For example, some advertising messages will not appear unless the users request them, allowing individuals to filter the type of information they receive. "Some advertising, such as rebates and special offers, is actually valuable content to the savvy shopper," according to Britt Johansson, Director of Web Site Advertising Initiatives. "These ads allow us to deliver targeted, relevant information at every stage of the car purchase and ownership experience, perfectly in line with Edmunds.com's mission to educate shoppers and drivers." Interested parties can check out pilot ads by following the below links: Buick Regal http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/features/littleknownbutimportantinsuranceis sues/45093/index.html Chrysler Town & Country http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/features/frommexicowithlovetheglobalization ofthe/43001/index.html Dodge Grand Caravan EX http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/features/theentrylevelluxurysedanmarkethea tsup/44695/index.html Honda Accord at: http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/features/whatisnhtsa/44918/index.html The launch of the ads coincides with next week's launch of Edmunds.com's new site design, which sets up Edmunds.com offerings chronologically for the consumer, from general to targeted research, then through purchase, ownership and finally into the trade-in process. Advertisers have already reacted positively to the opportunity to speak directly with consumers at specific points in their experience. Additionally, the new interactive ad units provide advertisers with more real estate to work with, addressing a common complaint with current online advertising methods. Edmunds.com offers the rich media advertising after years of inquiries by potential advertisers, who have long recognized Edmunds.com traffic as a highly desirable audience. As well as being highly educated and relatively affluent, 90 percent of people who express an interest in buying an automobile on the site actually purchase one within 90 days, according to Edmunds.com internal data. The ads in place this week and rolling out throughout the early spring are part of a pilot program so that Edmunds.com and its advertisers can best determine what works in this new environment. The ad program officially kicks off in mid-May, with many advertisers expected to sign on for extended contracts at that time. Ms. Johansson heads the project for Edmunds.com as a follow-up to her successful management of last summer's test-drivable auto show EdmundsLIVE!, another unique undertaking that enhanced the experience of car shoppers across the country. About Edmunds.com Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Edmunds.com, Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com) is the Internet's pioneer and leader in providing free, third party automotive information, tools and services for consumers. Edmunds.com empowers, educates, and engages visitors by providing them with straightforward information on key aspects of buying, selling, and owning a vehicle. For example, Edmunds has launched its True Market Value products to inform the general public of the actual transaction prices of cars and trucks while the Edmunds.com Powershopper(SM) offers car shoppers the opportunity to research and pursue online and offline purchase options in the informative, consumer-friendly environment of the Edmunds web site. Visitors are also provided extensive automobile reviews, consumer information, safety updates, incentive and rebate news, expert analysis of developments in the automotive world, and the Town Hall, an interactive community of more than 500,000 active members. Edmunds.com received Yahoo! Internet Life's Gold Star Site honor for excellence in the category of "Best Car-Buying Tips," was ranked number one in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites as reported by The Wall Street Journal, rated number one automotive and second overall web site in the Dialscore loyalty study, was named as one of Yahoo! Internet Life's 50 Most Incredibly Useful Sites, one of Money's 50 Most Useful Financial Websites, named both a Digital Favorite and one of the Top 10 Editors' Picks in TIME's On Magazine, among Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 100 Web Sites for Entrepreneurs and is regularly mentioned as a valuable resource in these and other publications.