Cars.com Ranks Highest in Overall Dealer Satisfaction Among Independent Web Sites
CHICAGO--Aug. 15, 2002--J.D. Power and Associates newly-released 2002 Dealer Satisfaction With Online Buying Services Study(SM) reports that cars.com is the leader in dealer satisfaction among independent Web sites. The company received high marks for both quality and service from dealers.
"We make dealer satisfaction with our service a top priority," said Mitch Golub, general manager of cars.com. "It's very gratifying to see that our efforts have been recognized by our dealer customers. We will continue to work at those drivers of satisfaction to ensure that cars.com remains the number one independent choice for dealers."
Cars.com achieved the highest score of all independent online buying services in the industry on 11 of the 14 measurements of dealer satisfaction, including dealer support/service, transmission of leads, advertising, and providing incremental business for dealerships. Further, cars.com delivers the most used vehicle leads per dealership and scores above the industry average for number of used vehicle leads, sales, and closing ratio per dealership.
"Our affiliation with trusted, established media partners in more than 170 markets has enabled us to provide superior service, support, and training to cars.com dealers," Golub said. "We believe this local focus is responsible for the 15 percent growth in cars.com's dealer network from 2001 and is what sets us apart in a highly competitive industry."
The study shows that cars.com outperforms all but one manufacturer site and all other independent services in overall dealer satisfaction. This is significant at a time when manufacturers are gaining prominence in the online space.
"For years we have believed that the best formula for online success consists of a robust dealership Web site linked to the manufacturer's site, a quality lead management/CRM system, extensive training for dealership personnel, and of course, affiliation with a local online partner like cars.com," Golub said.
In its fifth year, the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Dealer Satisfaction With Online Buying Services Study examined independent e-commerce businesses like cars.com, manufacturer Web sites and others in a side-by-side comparison to gauge dealers' attitudes towards the various online car-buying options. The study is based on more than 4,000 interviews with dealers throughout the United States.
About cars.com
Cars.com is the best partner to help dealers increase sales, manage prospects and drive repeat business. Partnered with more than 170 leading metro newspapers and television stations across the nation, cars.com helps dealers promote their dealerships and connect with informed, ready-to-buy local consumers. Cars.com's Online AdPackage offers dealers four different ways to connect with qualified consumers - telephone, e-mail, Web site referral and walk-in. Beyond online advertising, cars.com's SalesCenter enables dealers to manage prospects for maximum sales success. Additionally, cars.com's CustomerCenter helps dealers build lasting customer relationships to capture more revenue and promote loyalty after the close of the sale.
Cars.com also offers integrated solutions to automotive manufacturers and to advertising and e-commerce partners interested in accessing consumers through cars.com's media platform. Offerings include advertising and sponsorship opportunities, lead management, and an eCRM platform currently used by a number of leading automotive manufacturers.
Launched in June 1998, cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (http://classifiedventures.com), which is owned by seven leading media companies. To become a cars.com dealer or learn more about cars.com products and services, visit www.dealers.cars.com or call 1-800-298-1460.
