AutoTrader.com Partners With Chrome to Bring New Vehicle Research Capabilities to Market

by Staff

January 15, 2002

3 min to read

AutoTrader.com, an Internet auto classifieds destination and marketplace, and Chrome Systems Corporation, a provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, announced Jan. 15 that AutoTrader.com will offer its consumers advanced new car and truck research and configuration capabilities with AutoBuilder, Chrome's application for the automotive Industry.

Using AutoBuilder, AutoTrader.com's visitors will be able to research a full range of new car and truck configurations including pricing, options, trim, make, model, engine and transmission. They will also have the ability to compare vehicle options side-by-side and seek price quotes from local dealers. In addition, once a consumer configures a new car they are able to search through over 250,000 new cars listed on AutoTrader.com, according to the company.

"The AutoTrader.com - AutoBuilder tool is much more than a configuration and price quote application," said Chip Perry, CEO and president, AutoTrader.com. "By providing consumers with these expanded research tools, AutoTrader.com will be filling an unmet need and reinforcing our position as a one-stop resource for all automotive research from the beginning of purchasing process when multiple vehicles are still under consideration all the way to the point where the buyer is selecting the dealership at which their purchase will be made."

According to AutoTrader.com, the research section powered by Chrome's configurator will be an expansion within AutoTrader.com's new vehicle offerings. While it will help consumer's research and configure the perfect vehicle for their needs, it will also bring more leads to the thousands of dealers with listings in AutoTrader.com's new car marketplace.

"AutoTrader.com continues to be the leader in the automotive Internet space and Chrome is proud to help bring expanded research capabilities to its customers," said Chrome's President, David Mingle.

According to the company, AutoBuilder is an Application Programming Interface (API) and developer's tool that enables Chrome's clients to create custom vehicle configuration and comparison applications. By using a sample set of Chrome technology including automotive pricing and technical data, AutoTrader.com is able to not only develop its customized offering, but also take it to market quickly.

About AutoTrader

AutoTrader.com is an Internet auto classifieds marketplace and a source for consumers interested in buying or selling a new or used vehicle, or seeking information on price comparisons, safety tips, financing, insurance or warranty information. Through its alliances with Manheim Auctions, Trader Publishing Company, ADP, Inc., America Online and eBay, AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location a comprehensive database of nearly 2 million vehicle listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private owners, which provide consumers the largest selection of used vehicles in their local market.

AutoTrader.com was created in 1997 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc., an operator of wholesale auto auctions since 1945. Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of media conglomerate Cox Enterprises, Inc., is AutoTrader.com's principal stockholder and a key investor along with Landmark Communications, ADP, Inc., eBay, Inc, and the venture capita firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. For more information, visit www.autotrader.com or call 404/269-7359.

About Chrome

Chrome provides vehicle content, configuration technology, software and professional services to produce complete enterprise solutions for all segments of the retail automotive industry, including manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers and Internet sites. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for the past 15 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers. Chrome serves 15 of the 17 largest fleet leasing companies. The company is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, contact www.chrome.com, 800/936-8906.

Topics:Small Fleet

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