kcar (aka grasshopper),
You're up for another "Lesson's Ol' Uncle Joe".
Uncle Joe Rule #34: If there is a big need AND there is money to be made... SOMEONE is after it... look HARD for that someone and observe what they're up to.
A pretty simple Rule. That takes us to...
Uncle Joe Rule #115: "Just because it's a good idea, doesn't me it'll work"
Grasshopper, if it's such a hot idea, then where are all of the boutique vendors building custom solutions that you propose is needed? Hell, the barriers of entry are very low, the hardest part of the auto dealer web publishing task is inventory collection and hosting and that's already done (e.g. homenet)!
You've convinced yourself that vendors are at fault and yet you cannot create a solution yourself. Think about that statement. If its so damn easy, then with that same growling passion you drop on vendors, explain why YOU cannot create this solution.
If it's so easy, they build it yourself, either by your own efforts, or by becoming your own project manager. Draft the scope of work, hire the player(s) to execute your vision, manage it's evolution, launch the platform, market it, service it... nothing to it.
I TOTALLY get your passion, but blaming others for not executing your vision actually puts the responsibility on YOU, not on the vendors.
