I reported on this a few weeks ago “AOL Autos and Vast partner – something a little different?“. After AOL Autos dropping AutoTrader.com and selecting Vast to power their used car marketplace, the changes have finally happened.

I don’t usually post announcements but since I had been following this from the beginning and even interviewing Doug Eddy, Director of business development for AOL Autos and Kevin Laws, CEO Vast.com about their joint venture, I thought I would share the actual PR announcement.

DULLES, VA – April 2, 2008 – AOL Autos,http://autos.aol.com, today announced an open marketplace for used cars, providing car buyers with access to more than 2.5 million vehicles for sale in the United States and a new set of search and filter tools to more easily find a car that fits their needs.

The AOL Autos used car marketplace features a new intuitive search function that enables users to search for used, certified pre-owned, and private-seller listed cars using natural language queries (e.g., “black Honda Civic”). Users can filter results based on make, model, price, body style and more, resulting in more relevant listings. In the coming months, additional enhancements to the site will include Spanish language listings, video listings and more posting services for sellers.

“For the first time, consumers will have completely unrestricted access to the biggest U.S. inventory of used cars on the Web, coupled with user-friendly search tools, enabling buyers to find the exact car they’re looking for,” said Rudi Thun, general manager of AOL Autos. “The development of an open marketplace signifies our commitment to creating an environment in which everyone can participate, resulting in a better experience for both buyers and sellers.”

The AOL Autos used car site now operates on a flexible platform, powered in-part by Vast.com, that allows sellers to post cars for sale, and include details such as photos, comments and even a car’s history.  Buyers can contact the sellers directly through the site by email or phone.  In addition, dealers and service providers have the option to participate in a pay-for-performance program for the used cars they list.

“AOL is the first major portal to shift to an open marketplace model for buying and selling cars via the Web,” said Kevin Laws, CEO of Vast.com.  “AOL is able to design their experience around helping the consumer find the best vehicle easily and helping dealers sell more cars in the process.”

AOL Autos, http://autos.aol.com,
offers car shoppers a multitude of resources to research and compare prices, features, specifications and photos of new and used cars.  The site also features the latest automotive news, including reviews and advice from industry experts on topics such as car buying, ownership and repair, hybrid trends and more.

Dealers interested in putting their inventory into the new AOL Autos used car marketplace can contact their marketing partner or provide a feed directly to Vast (http://www.vast.com/info/submitcontent).

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Contact:
Chris Savarese
AOL Corporate Communications
chris.savarese@corp.aol.com
212-206-4589

Share the wealth!

April 1, 2008 – We are pleased to announce today Google has agreed to acquire DealerRefresh.com, the choice of blogs for Automotive Internet Sales Professionals across the United States, for $1.2 million in cold hard cash.  Following the acquisition, DealerRefresh.com will operate independently to preserve its successful brand and passionate community.

Kershner seemed too excited about the acquisition "I never thought it would ever come to this. DealerRefresh was just a quick idea 3 years ago. Having the opportunity to grow a small blog into one of the most respectful communities in the automotive industry has been truly exhilarating!. I only hope is that we can continue on with the success. DealerRefresh would not be what is has turned out to be if it were not for the readers, the contributors, the whole community. ..WERD!"

"Id love to give a shout out to EVERYONE that helps make this community what it is. A big thanks to Alex Snyder for all of his help and contribution – you bring a balance to DR that we all appreciate!"

When the acquisition is complete, DealerRefresh will retain its distinct brand identity, strengthening and complementing Google’s own fast-growing business. DealerRefresh will continue to be based in the basement office of Jeff Kershner’s house. With Google’s technology, advertiser relationships and global reach, DealerRefresh will continue to build on its success as one of the most popular blogs for todays Automotive Dealers and Internet Sales Professionals.

Oh yea…APRIL FOOLS!!

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