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AutoTrader.com Agrees to Buy HomeNet Automotive

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#81
I can't help myself! I love the tactical side of business & marketing. This is the biggest automotive business news since Jerry Thibeau paid for my lunch ;-)

Here is my latest spin:

If AT Top Management gets all properties to share its resources & align its goals, you have everything needed to completely renovate the AT shopping experience as we know it.

--Better AT VDPs from Homenet and KBB

--Better Marketing Data and Ideas from vAuto

Its more than possible for AutoTrader to re-invent itself with these elements.
 
#82
HomeNet(HN) Opens its Window.

The content and information on AT VDP's are all over the map (inconsistent) and limited to text only. AT may want to "enrich" it's VDPs but they are forced to make it work for everyone, so, AT currently offers a VDP reduced to the least common denominator. Owning HN gives AT the ability to choreograph a far superior VDP (and leave the text only VDP for everyone else). The HN & AT bond will further solidify HN's

"mission critical" position to all the players in our space.

vAuto Opens its Window

Dale P. tells us of a treasure trove of data that he has seen that is so compelling he took the short deal. Dale has earned his rock-star status by his character, so he gets a free pass on details. When it comes to AT, I believe Dale and his team will uncover many undiscovered jewels that will find its way back to AT.

KBB opens its window

From my seat, This is the weak link to help AT's site. Although KBB is important while shopping, IMO, KBB is not an anchor brand that shoppers NEED and demand. Everyday, our men in the trenches easily "de-certify" KBB's prices all because no-one knows what a KBB price is. Bottomline: it's easy to blow KBB off.

KBB must have traffic, ad revenue, SEO leverage and brand good will to make it stand alone. AutoTrader has a lot of TV advertising, now it can enhance it's retail message with the KBB brand.
 
#83
Kelly Blue Book can forever change the Marketplace.

How? It won't be long before someone creates a certified used vehicle condition report. Wholesale Auction houses are wrestling with this right now.

I'm on the record (before the merger) that "certified used vehicle condition reports" are a perfect fit for KBB's brand. If (and when) that happens, everything you know about our used car market is gone.

Search Criteria
Choose:
Year: 2009
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Avalanche
Trim: LTZ 4x4
Price: <33,000
Miles: <15000
Color(s):
-then-
Choose: Exterior Grade = >90
Choose: Interior Grade = >80
Choose: Tire Grade => pass

Choose Sales Service Level: SelfServe or Concierge
(selfserve= NO sales rep, deduct 20% sales reps commission)

Insert Credit Card Here:--->________

AutoTrader and Manheim are jointly owned by Cox Enterprises. Thats an Uncle Joe Crystal Ball Guess... kinda spooky isn't it?
 
#84
Its called monopoly - like microsoft. They are trying to stop any other websites like AutoLibrium.com because they are better looking and cheap compared to them.

A monopoly will only have the system come after you. In the end, they will have to comply and get pwned. They are trying to stick people with their high prices to post Ads.
 
#88

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