Cox Auto Trader Makes Strategic Moves to Improve Online Automotive Advertising Business

[Dominion]

Where does Dominion fit into all of this - are you guys still delivering their mags?

 

[Shelly Peacock]

Hey Dennis-
Where are you located?

 

[Trader Hokie]

Has anyone heard anything about Dominion Enterprises launching their own AUTO search portal? AutoFind.com was a property of the old Trader Publishing company that was left to the wayside for a long, long time. Now all of a sudden, they have begun beta-testing.
Go to www.autofind.com
I know that they probably had an agreement about competing with AutoTrader.com, at the split, but why would they suddenly need to launch a new site if they already had GetAuto.com running, hosting Dealer Specialities listing? Now obviously, it looks like the listings are just feeding from Dealer Specialties much like GetAuto.com, but it seems suspicious that they are developing another site, behind the scenes... Anyone have any insight on this?

 

[Trader Hokie]

I also thought this was interesting. Their source code tag gives the following description: "Find a new or used car or truck using AutoFind Search. Better and faster results than cars.com or AutoTrader. Ajax technology makes this the best vehicle search out there."

 

[Former Automart Employee]

I'm still hearing rumors about books starting up all over the place. Do you all know of any that have launched yet?

 

[Dan Stapleton]

I heard from sources that Dominion will be rolling out Auto mags in Texas, Virginia, Florida, and Mississippi in phase one of their rollout. Apparently they are going to be in violation of their non-compete with Cox. Looks like a legal battle is brewing.

 

[Longtime Cox/Traderpub employee]

If cox does not want to do print magazines anymore, why would they care? Well, we know why but still...

 

[Trader Hokie]

That may be Cox's way of getting out of the original lawsuit regarding the distribution agreement... Let them have their auto magazine, as long as Cox is allowed to cease its involvement in distribution. Who knows? Dan... On a scale of 1-10, how reliable are these sources, regarding the books in VA, FL, TX,etc.?

 

[Longtime Cox/Traderpub employee]

where did this info come from as far as dominion and auto mags? I still have some contacts at dominion, maybe I should see if they know anything.

 

[Ex-Gal]

I read the string about Bill Reith and Richard Jamin. Like you I miss the days where these guys were leading the charge. Bill retired because he hated seeing the changes taking place and felt his ideas fell on deaf ears.

Jamin was a smart leader who pulled the Employment Guide out of tough times after 9-11. In fact, they ran higher margins on the business after 9-11 on lower revenues. I know for a fact that Jamin was fighting for several strategies that would have worked and kept the publising units operating well beyond today. He was also an inspirational leader who understood the value of good local management and strong sales teams. I was at the national meeting where he stood up and SINCERELY celebrated the success of the top reps. Hell, half the room was in tears. This guy got it!

It seems that anyone who had a different viewpoint than Cox was quickly transitioned out.

As for the IC's, check your contracts, you should receive cancellation information in writing, it's the law. Also, CA distribution people were employees not contractors, they would recieve severance.