AutoTrader.com Partners with Aether Systems' NetSearch to Offer Wireless Lead Tracking and Management System for Dealer Partners
1 November 2000
AutoTrader.com Partners with Aether Systems' NetSearch to Offer Wireless Lead Tracking and Management System for Dealer Partners
ATLANTA & OWINGS MILLS, Md.--Nov. 1, 2000--AutoTrader.com, the leading Internet destination and marketplace in the United States for buying and selling used cars, and NetSearch, a division of Aether Systems, Inc. today announced a partnership to provide wireless lead tracking and management services to automotive dealer partners across the country. The NetSearch Merchant Notification System(TM) (MNS) allows dealers to receive and track leads throughout the day via a handheld wireless device - resulting in the ability to provide a higher level of customer service and the potential for increased sales.
AutoTrader.com's 30,000 dealers will now be able to purchase NetSearch's Merchant Notification System directly from AutoTrader.com. The MNS allows dealers to access, manage and respond to consumers' online requests, anytime and from anywhere. Dealerships will also be able to track all leads that come through the system, respond to existing customers' requests, and access real-time web-based management reports.
"Shoppers come to AutoTrader.com to find their ideal used car in our enormous inventory of 1.5 million listings and to make the shopping process easier and more convenient," said Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader.com. "Those customers who contact dealers who use the MNS can now be guaranteed a more seamless shopping experience -their requests and questions can be answered in a fast and efficient manner."
"As car buyers expectations continue to change, it is important that dealers continue to meet and exceed these expectations," said Greg Patrick, Corporate Accounts Director at NetSearch. "This alliance demonstrates AutoTrader.com's commitment to providing their dealer partners with the best service possible which now includes access to a timely response system to on-line requests."
Patrick continued, "This agreement provides NetSearch with an opportunity to significantly increase market share in the automotive industry, and provides AutoTrader.com dealers with a system to give online shoppers a speedy response to their requests and the potential for increased sales."
About AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com (www.autotrader.com), the world's largest used car marketplace, fundamentally improves the way people buy and sell cars by providing a comprehensive source of credible information and a selection of more than 1.5 million used vehicles for sale. AutoTrader.com is the exclusive online distributor of the automotive listings contained in the Auto Trader(R)and AutoMart(R)print magazines published by Trader Publishing Company. AutoTrader.com is also the exclusive online distributor of used car listings data collected by Manheim Auctions, Inc. and the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. . AutoTrader.com's investors include Cox Enterprises, Inc., Manheim Auctions, Inc., Landmark Communications, Inc., the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing, Inc., Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and eBay Inc.
About NetSearch
NetSearch, a division of Aether Systems , is a leader in increasing Internet sales productivity through the use of wireless applications and advanced wireless technologies. NetSearch's Merchant Notification System (MNS) allows merchants to receive and reply to their on-line requests instantly, via a handheld wireless device. In addition to instant wireless response, the MNS offers merchants comprehensive, tracking and accountability tools. For more information, please contact NetSearch, online at www.aethersystems.com/netsearch.