Dealer.com—Car Dealer Website Solutions, SEM and SEO

November, 2009

• Automotive Search Marketing Report Highlights Dealer.com for Industry Excellence

  November 1, 2009 – The Pasch Consulting Group's (PCG) 2009 Automotive Search Marketing Architecture (ASMA) study released at this year's Digital Dealer Conference recognizes Dealer.com as one of top industry leaders in automotive website platforms. Dealer.com was one of only three vendors to receive a special second award for their automotive marketing platform.

  Read the full release at information-online.com.

• National Used Vehicle Paid Search Advertising Study Finds the Majority of Paid Search Results Do Not Match Consumer Searches

  October 6, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the results of the Sorgenfrei, LLC, comprehensive study, “Optimizing Paid Search—Used Vehicle Market in the U.S.” The findings suggest that while some companies may be adept at providing a high quantity of ads, most have much room for improvement in terms of the quality of ads. The national study examined ads that displayed in search results for the top 10 used vehicles in 10 major markets to determine the leaders in effective paid search, in terms of both quantity and quality of results produced. The results included a total of 87 companies that produced 992 ads with varying degrees of relationship to the searches. The research was commissioned by Dealer.com.

  A recent Netpop Global Automotive Study found that the majority of online vehicle searches are for used cars. Data also suggest that over 90% of consumers view paid search results. Therefore, properly executed paid search advertising can be an extremely effective method to reach these shoppers and provide more used vehicle sales opportunities. However, the recent Sorgenfrei study found that the majority of paid search results do not match consumer searches.

  The study measured quantity by the sheer number of ads that appeared in paid search results. Quality was measured by paid search results that included "deep links." For example, if a consumer used the search term "2007 Dodge Ram Cleveland," a deep link would land the shopper directly on a page with information about that exact available inventory in Cleveland. Deep links are important because they offer a more efficient shopping experience, minimizing the amount of time and clicks it takes for consumers to find exactly what they are looking for.

  If a consumer saw an ad for a sporting good item on sale and then upon arriving at the store had to hunt around to find it, it would not be as effective or as efficient as if they were able to walk into the store and find the sale item immediately. This inefficiency was found to be the case with paid search for used cars. While there is a high adoption rate of paid search by the automotive industry, 87% of the study's 992 ads displayed did not produce the results the user sought, with only 13% deep-linked directly to the search items entered. This would seem to indicate that companies building the websites and the people responsible for SEM and paid placement are not working together efficiently.

  Peter Sorgenfrei, founder of Sorgenfrei, LLC, commented, “Clearly some companies are doing a better job at paid search than others. Overall, however, the study indicates that the industry could do a much better job of matching paid search ads and deep links with the search terms that consumers use. When a shopper searches for a specific make and model, linking them to a generic home page and making them spend more time looking for the vehicle wastes consumers' time and advertisers' money. ”

  In terms of the quantity of the 992 ads that resulted, OEMs were responsible for 15% of the total. Rounding out the top five for quantity were Dealer.com with 11%, The Cobalt Group with 9%, CarMax 6% and AutoTrader 5% of the total. The OEMs that led in quantity of ads that appeared in search results were as follows: Toyota with 27% of total ads, Ford with 26%, Chrysler 16%, Honda 15% and GM 9%. Further, Toyota, Honda and Ford were the only OEMs that included any deep links in the paid search results, in all cases linked directly to Certified Pre Owned vehicles. For deep-linked quality ads, Dealer.com produced the highest volume with 38% of the total results. OEMs and eBizAutos followed with 22% and 8% of quality results respectively.

  “The study results underscore the need for a unified operating system for website SEO and paid search, coordinated at all automotive retail tiers, with all agencies involved," commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com CMO. "Although it wasn't available in the past, the technology now exists for a fully-integrated platform to efficiently coordinate online search results and deliver the content automotive consumers seek. Innumerable millions of dollars are currently being spent to deliver paid search content that is at best peripherally related to shoppers' online searches. This huge inefficiency wastes both marketing dollars and sales opportunities. ”

  Read the complete study results at: Optimizing Paid Search—Used Vehicle Market in the U.S.

  About Sorgenfrei (www.SorgenfreiLLC.com)

  Sorgenfrei, LLC is a consulting, competitive intelligence, and market research firm based in New York. The firm's principals come from the automotive, financial services and consumer goods industries with experience in corporate strategy, marketing, market research, finance, and investment banking. Our focus on client responsiveness and precise data analysis has helped us generate a client list consisting of some of the world's most influential companies, such as Toyota, Mazda, Sony and American Express.

October, 2009

• Dealer.com Ranked Number 214 Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte's 2009 Technology Fast 500™ Attributes its 629 Percent Revenue Growth to Employee Dedication
  and Advanced Technology Platform

  October 20, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that it ranked number 214 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte LLP's ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the five year period from 2004–2008. Dealer.com grew 629 percent during this period.

  Dealer.com's CEO, Mark Bonfigli, credits employee dedication and the company's advanced technology platform with the 629 percent revenue growth over the past five years. He said:

  “We are honored to again rank in this prestigious competition. We continue to grow because everyone at Dealer.com focuses on helping our automotive customers succeed, even through challenging times. Our dedicated and talented work force drives our business and ensures our clients' success. Further, our comprehensive online marketing platform keeps our clients two to four years ahead of the competition.”

  “Technology Fast 500™ recognizes innovative companies that have broken down barriers to success and defied the odds with their remarkable five-year revenue growth,” said Phil Asmundson, Vice Chairman and U.S. Technology, Media and Telecommunications leader, Deloitte LLP. “We congratulate Dealer.com on this accomplishment.”

  “With its impressive five-year growth, Dealer.com has earned its position among the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America,” said Mark Jensen, Managing Partner, Technology and Venture Capital Services, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “Deloitte is proud to honor Dealer.com for its achievement.”

  Dealer.com previously ranked 236 as a Technology Fast 500™ award winner for 2008.

  Overall, Technology Fast 500™ award winners for 2009 had growth rates ranging from 212 to 146,050 percent over five years, with an average growth rate of 2,486 percent.

  Technology Fast 500™ Selection and Qualifying Criteria

  Technology Fast 500™ provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. This ranking is compiled from nominations submitted directly to the Technology Fast 500™ website, and public company database research conducted by Deloitte. Technology Fast 500™ award winners for 2009 are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth during the five year period from 2004 to 2008.

  In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500™ recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues. Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not satisfy this requirement. Consulting companies, professional service firms, etc. are not eligible unless they have proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of their operating revenues.

  Technology Fast 500™ award eligibility requirements also include base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD or CD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD or CD. These revenues must have more than doubled between 2004 and 2008. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of five years, and be headquartered within North America.

  About Deloitte

  As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

• National Used Vehicle Paid Search Advertising Study Finds the Majority of Paid Search Results Do Not Match Consumer Searches

  October 6, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the results of the Sorgenfrei, LLC, comprehensive study, “Optimizing Paid Search—Used Vehicle Market in the U.S.” The findings suggest that while some companies may be adept at providing a high quantity of ads, most have much room for improvement in terms of the quality of ads. The national study examined ads that displayed in search results for the top 10 used vehicles in 10 major markets to determine the leaders in effective paid search, in terms of both quantity and quality of results produced. The results included a total of 87 companies that produced 992 ads with varying degrees of relationship to the searches. The research was commissioned by Dealer.com.

  A recent Netpop Global Automotive Study found that the majority of online vehicle searches are for used cars. Data also suggest that over 90% of consumers view paid search results. Therefore, properly executed paid search advertising can be an extremely effective method to reach these shoppers and provide more used vehicle sales opportunities. However, the recent Sorgenfrei study found that the majority of paid search results do not match consumer searches.

  The study measured quantity by the sheer number of ads that appeared in paid search results. Quality was measured by paid search results that included "deep links." For example, if a consumer used the search term "2007 Dodge Ram Cleveland," a deep link would land the shopper directly on a page with information about that exact available inventory in Cleveland. Deep links are important because they offer a more efficient shopping experience, minimizing the amount of time and clicks it takes for consumers to find exactly what they are looking for.

  If a consumer saw an ad for a sporting good item on sale and then upon arriving at the store had to hunt around to find it, it would not be as effective or as efficient as if they were able to walk into the store and find the sale item immediately. This inefficiency was found to be the case with paid search for used cars. While there is a high adoption rate of paid search by the automotive industry, 87% of the study's 992 ads displayed did not produce the results the user sought, with only 13% deep-linked directly to the search items entered. This would seem to indicate that companies building the websites and the people responsible for SEM and paid placement are not working together efficiently.

  Peter Sorgenfrei, founder of Sorgenfrei, LLC, commented, “Clearly some companies are doing a better job at paid search than others. Overall, however, the study indicates that the industry could do a much better job of matching paid search ads and deep links with the search terms that consumers use. When a shopper searches for a specific make and model, linking them to a generic home page and making them spend more time looking for the vehicle wastes consumers' time and advertisers' money. ”

  In terms of the quantity of the 992 ads that resulted, OEMs were responsible for 15% of the total. Rounding out the top five for quantity were Dealer.com with 11%, The Cobalt Group with 9%, CarMax 6% and AutoTrader 5% of the total. The OEMs that led in quantity of ads that appeared in search results were as follows: Toyota with 27% of total ads, Ford with 26%, Chrysler 16%, Honda 15% and GM 9%. Further, Toyota, Honda and Ford were the only OEMs that included any deep links in the paid search results, in all cases linked directly to Certified Pre Owned vehicles. For deep-linked quality ads, Dealer.com produced the highest volume with 38% of the total results. OEMs and eBizAutos followed with 22% and 8% of quality results respectively.

  “The study results underscore the need for a unified operating system for website SEO and paid search, coordinated at all automotive retail tiers, with all agencies involved," commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com CMO. "Although it wasn't available in the past, the technology now exists for a fully-integrated platform to efficiently coordinate online search results and deliver the content automotive consumers seek. Innumerable millions of dollars are currently being spent to deliver paid search content that is at best peripherally related to shoppers' online searches. This huge inefficiency wastes both marketing dollars and sales opportunities. ”

  Read the complete study results at: Optimizing Paid Search—Used Vehicle Market in the U.S.

  About Sorgenfrei (www.SorgenfreiLLC.com)

  Sorgenfrei, LLC is a consulting, competitive intelligence, and market research firm based in New York. The firm's principals come from the automotive, financial services and consumer goods industries with experience in corporate strategy, marketing, market research, finance, and investment banking. Our focus on client responsiveness and precise data analysis has helped us generate a client list consisting of some of the world's most influential companies, such as Toyota, Mazda, Sony and American Express.

September, 2009

• Sonic Automotive Group Partners with Dealer.com in Mobile Initiative to Expand Reach of Auto Dealership Websites to Consumers

  September 28, 2009 – CHARLOTTE, NC – Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), the nation's third-largest automotive retailer, today announced the launch of a customized mobile initiative that expands website reach for all 154 Sonic dealerships. Anticipating consumer needs, the group's websites now automatically format dealership website content for the specific mobile devices shoppers use to view dealership information. Automotive shoppers on-the-go now have expanded access to auto dealership information, including inventory and high definition vehicle videos, specially optimized for their particular hand-held devices. Working in partnership with Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, the unique new mobile website initiative launched on September 1.

  Historically, consumers have had limited access to dealership website information on hand-helds because sites were not optimized for the Internet browsing formats of the devices. In the recent past, Sonic Automotive dealership websites have included a mobile format by merely "shrinking" the website for smaller viewing screens or by providing a format that was specific to a single hand-held device such as the iPhone. While this was an improvement, it still limited the consumer experience because each hand-held device has its own particular viewing specifications and full mobile website access, regardless of hand-held type, was not available. Now, with Sonic's recent mobile initiative, dealership website content is optimized to provide consumers quick access to site content that is relevant to mobile users including: new and used inventory, parts and service departments, directions and dealership contact information.

  “Effective marketing demands that your message appear where your consumers are. And increasingly, automotive shoppers are online, using mobile devices,” commented Rachel Richards, Sonic Automotive Vice President, Retail Strategy. “Sonic sought a method to deliver expanded dealership website content to consumers, regardless of the device used to view it. We were able to develop this new consumer-focused offering quickly and easily because of the operating system and data infrastructure we have created with Dealer.com over the past 18 months. Our partnership helps us keep our leadership position in the market today and strengthens our development in the future.”

  The innovative, comprehensive online operating system created by Dealer.com and Sonic has enabled the advanced mobile application development, including integration of performance metrics into existing online reporting tools. This technology partnership helps position Sonic's dealerships to stay at the forefront of the consumer experience, anticipating user needs and delivering website content where, when and how consumers seek it.

  “It is outstanding to work with auto retailers that understand that they are not just buying a website,” commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com CMO. “Online retail marketing success requires a full-service operating system that can address all automotive consumer needs as they change with technological advancements. And this is exactly what we have created with Sonic. As mobile device use becomes ubiquitous, all dealership information must be quickly and easily accessible, no matter the particular hand-held device used. Dealerships that can effectively deliver this content have a huge competitive advantage that will only grow over time.”

  About Sonic Automotive

  Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is the nation's third-largest automotive retailer, operating 154 franchises. Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

• Dealer.com Wins 2009 Web Marketing Association “Automobile Standard of Excellence” WebAwards

  September 21, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced it received two “Automobile Standard of Excellence” 2009 WebAwards from the Web Marketing Association. Dealer.com auto dealership clients Ed Voyles Acura and Flatirons Subaru were entered into the prestigious international competition that honors outstanding achievement in website development. More than 2,000 sites from 47 countries were entered in 96 industry categories during this year's competition. Entries were judged on design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copy writing and ease of use. This is the second consecutive year that Dealer.com has received the WebAwards Automobile Standard of Excellence.

  The Ed Voyles Acura website was designed in conjunction with Dealer.com's overall online marketing solution for Acura of North America's U.S. dealer network. The Flatirons Subaru site was also created as a part of Dealer.com's solution for Subaru of North America's U.S. dealer network. Both sites were designed to create consistent brand experience, capability and quality. In addition, the sites re-enforce the respective brands and styles, ensuring the brand interaction is consistent throughout the dealer network, while showcasing each dealership's unique characteristics and personality. Most importantly, the sites offer consumers an improved shopping experience at the dealerships' websites.

  Brian Scaglia, I.T. director of Flatirons Subaru, stated, "I have been with the dealership for over 14 years and have seen many vendors come and go. Our work with Dealer.com has been a refreshing experience and we made a huge leap forward when we partnered with them. They are constantly evolving and driving technology and service advancements. And the people at Dealer.com are great. There is a personal touch that you just don't find with most vendors. This award is a testament to what we already knew: Dealer.com is one of the very best companies in online automotive retail."

  Ryan Dunn, Dealer.com creative director, also commented, "What is most rewarding, is to see the spirit, talent and philosophy of Dealer.com epitomized by these solutions and the effort by all teams involved to bring them to market. Each project represents the unique capacity for our system to be adapted and designed for the intended audience, while building upon the strengths of a common foundation."

  About the WebAwards

  The Web Marketing Association is the producer of the WebAward Competition. Now in its 13th year, the WebAwards is the premier annual website award competition that names the best websites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all website development. More information about the WMA and the WebAwards can be found at www.webaward.org.

August, 2009

• Dealer.com Launches Company-Wide Employee Training and Development to Provide the Automotive Industry's Leading Workforce

  August 31, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the launch of comprehensive employee training and development programs. Already renowned for keeping auto dealership clients two to four years ahead of the competition, the new training initiatives further ensure that Dealer.com team members lead the industry in knowledge and skills at all levels of the organization. The customized, unrivaled training programs are also designed to preserve the company's unique culture and provide growth opportunities for all employees. This extensive investment in development benefits Dealer.com auto dealership customers of all sizes and types, by ensuring thought and service leadership throughout the organization.

  Central to the development initiative is uFuel, Dealer.com's new online learning management system, selected and implemented over the last 14 months. The technologically innovative system was specifically designed to assess staff knowledge and skills at all levels of the organization, including executive. The analysis is then used to provide training to raise the overall knowledge level of the company and consistently provide the industry's best service and technology. uFuel contains interactive simulations, measures success and knowledge gaps, and creates training programs for areas of improvement.

  All new employees also participate in an extensive training program, designed around the new uFuel standards of excellence. Based on this training, new Dealer.com employees achieve Pro-level certification. This training and certification ensures that all employees have extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, leading online marketing strategies and techniques, and dealership best practices. Further, all current employees are scheduled to reach Pro-level certification by the end of 2009. Recertification will then be required on an ongoing basis to reflect technology and industry changes.

  Dealer.com is also launching the innovative new Leadership Development Program in conjunction with a grant from the state of Vermont and a partnership with Champlain College business school. This exclusive, customized management training has been in development for the past 16 months. The inaugural program begins this fall and will include high-potential staff members who will engage in 52 weeks of MBA-level course work, tailored to maintain Dealer.com's unique culture. The management program will develop the company's future leaders internally and ensure the highest level of management quality throughout the organization.

  “We have the best and brightest employees in the industry and take pride in our strategic technology and marketing leadership. We have a proactive approach to providing training to make sure that every Dealer.com employee offers our customers the best industry knowledge and service,” commented Mike Lane, Dealer.com COO. “Our training and development programs are yet another initiative to keep our dealers ahead of the competition.”

• Dealer.com Recognized on 2009 Inc. 5000 as a Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Advertising and Marketing Company

  August 24, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Inc. magazine today recognized Dealer.com (www.dealer.com) with a rank of 88 among the top 100 fastest growing private advertising and marketing companies. Dealer.com, the global leader in online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, experienced a three year sales growth of 307.2% between 2005 and 2008. Overall, Dealer.com was ranked number 996 on the third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. 2009 marks the third consecutive year that Dealer.com has been recognized in the ranking. The Inc. 5000 list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy–America's independent-minded entrepreneurs.

  “Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That's why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year. ”

  Commenting on the ranking, Mark Bonfigli, Dealer.com CEO, stated:

  “Our employees are the heart of our business and they are responsible for our growth and this top ranking — for the third consecutive year. I am excited about our ranking and give credit to the entire Dealer.com team. Their talent and dedication to our clients' success is what drives our business and our continued growth. In fact, we are currently on track to have our most successful year ever in 2009.”

  Methodology

  The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent — not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies — as of December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 28th year.

  About Inc. Magazine

  Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at Inc.com.

July 2009

• Dealer.com Announces Strategic Internet Marketing Platform Updates to Increase Visibility and First-Party Lead Generation for Automotive Dealers

  July 13, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced strategic updates to their proprietary full spectrum Internet marketing solution. These updates boost search engine and online visibility, resulting in increased first-party lead generation. The latest offerings include video optimization, social media links, advanced search engine marketing and more. As automotive consumers increasingly spend time online, successful automotive retail sales requires continuous enhancements to keep dealerships in front of shoppers. The combination of Dealer.com's latest updates maximizes first-party leads for Dealer.com clients. These leads are the most valuable to dealers because they are the least expensive to acquire and tend to close at high rates.

  As millions of automotive consumers search for vehicles online every day, dealership information must appear in front of them - where ever they are online. Relevant, first page search engine rankings, both paid search (SEM) and organic search (SEO), are imperative. Further, as consumers spend significant time on social media sites, Dealer.com now offers direct links from dealership websites to leading networking sites such as FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace. In addition, CarFlix vehicle videos are now indexable, which improves organic search engine results. Videos are also optimized, enabling yet another opportunity for placement on first page search results. These video links on Google send users directly to the video on the dealership's website, instead of third-party sites like YouTube; again increasing the likelihood the dealer will generate a higher quality and measurable lead. Dealer.com also now offers more dynamic vehicle page creation for all used vehicles. Depending on the dealership, this can include 1,000s of dynamically generated pages for all pre-owned inventory. The new managed SEO service also increases relevancy and organic search engine rankings and saves the dealership potentially thousands every month on payroll by having Dealer.com do their optimization, rather than a third party. When combined, all services and features help dealers dominate the first page of search engine results and maximum overall online visibility.

  “Today, success is all about owning the first page of search results,” commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com CMO. “That is where the vast majority of shoppers find what they are looking for online. Our strategic focus is to help dealers get the best rankings and be in front of automotive consumers where they are online. This includes social media sites, where consumers of all ages, increasingly spend more time. Ultimately, our actions are aimed at helping dealers generate more first-party leads. These leads, from the dealership's own website, have the highest close rates of all lead sources.”

June 2009

• Dealer.com CEO Mark Bonfigli Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award Winner in New England Award Recognizes Entrepreneurial Excellence in Technology Category

  June 17, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that Mark Bonfigli, CEO, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award in the technology category in New England. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Mark Bonfigli was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Marriott Newton Hotel on June 16th.

  “I am excited to receive this great honor. I accept it on behalf of the Dealer.com team members who help our clients succeed every day,” commented Bonfigli. “Their hard work, dedication and creativity are the driving force behind our industry leadership. From the beginning, we have always had a strong research and development focus to keep our clients two to four years ahead of the competition and this strategy is a significant reason for our success and our clients' success”

  The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 23rd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

  “We are proud to recognize the achievements of Bonfigli,” said Kristin Keating, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Co-Chair for New England. “Winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award build leading businesses and contribute significantly to the strength of our region's economy. Their success helps our area grow stronger.”

  As a New England award winner, Bonfigli is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2009. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

  Sponsors

  Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

  In New England, local sponsors include Bowne, Curran & Connors, Boston Magazine, J.Robert Scott, Marsh, Nixon Peabody and AMS.

• Dealer.com Doubles 2009 R&D Investment

  June 15, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry based in Burlington, Vermont, today announced that the company has increased research and development (R&D) spending by over 100% for 2009. In a time of great challenges for the industry, Dealer.com has increased the commitment to keeping their clients two to four years ahead of the competition by investing at this level, at this crucial time. As the rate of change in technology and Internet marketing best practices continues to accelerate, Dealer.com recognizes that continuously increasing R&D investment is the key to staying at the forefront of technology and helping their dealers achieve even more success.

  In the current year when the 2009 R&D Funding Forecast estimates that overall R&D spending in the U.S. will decrease by 1.6% when corrected for inflation, Dealer.com is investing more than ever before both in terms of percentages and actual dollars. The company holds strong in the belief that the focus on R&D will make the company and their clients emerge from the recession even further ahead. The 2009 increase in this investment includes people and technology. Dealer.com firmly believes that these areas are crucial for advanced R&D growth, and while the company has always had a strong focus on this area, the increase is strategically planned, at a time when many companies are losing money and decreasing their R&D spend.

  “R&D has always been a key strategic focus, a true foundation of Dealer.com. And as the rate of technological change continues to speed up, investment in R&D is critical,” commented Rick Gibbs, Dealer.com chief technology officer. “Technology and automotive companies that do not have this strategy will lose ground and not be able to provide their clients leading-edge solutions. We're doubling our investment in R&D to help all of our dealers thrive while the industry is facing difficult conditions. As Dealer.com's technology chief since day one, over ten years now, I continuously strive to keep our dealers at the forefront of the latest advancements and best practices.”

• Automotive Industry Veteran Tom O'Leary Joins Dealer.com as Head Sales Chief

  June 8, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that industry veteran Tom O'Leary will join the Dealer.com team as vice president of sales. In the new role, O'Leary will lead the company's sales operations for North America's leading dealerships, dealer groups and OEMs. With almost two decades of demonstrated professional success in automotive, IT and online marketing best practices, O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge and direct insight to Dealer.com's clients, staff members and management.

  “We are honored to add the experience and expertise Tom brings to the Dealer.com senior management team,” commented Dealer.com CMO Dean Evans. “We are dedicated more than ever before in our history to our direct retail sales efforts and O'Leary is a leader who will help drive our continued successful momentum. He can speak to our retail customers from a consultative role, with a very high level of detail. Plus, he understands the nuts and bolts of our most advanced automotive Internet marketing platform. We are more dedicated than ever to helping our retail dealers in North America achieve success and O'Leary will be another great resource for our clients.”

  O'Leary's most recent career highlights have been as a managing partner of eBizAutos and as director of retail sales operations for Tesla Motors. While at Tesla, he managed all aspects of development of the first two retail installations in southern California, serving as interim general manager at both stores. He has also served as the senior manager for eBay Motors' Dealer Marketplace where he was responsible for the entire passenger vehicle dealer vertical. As vice president for Jumpstart Digital Marketing, O'Leary managed strategic marketing programs for OEMs, Vehix.com and NADAguides.com. In addition, he served as the director of the SoftAd Group's Ford Dealer Connection.

  O'Leary's depth of experience includes work with dealer ad networks, direct sales and marketing, OEM dealer website programs, third party lead providers, OEM retail sales and national consumer automotive portal retail sales. His unique experience includes work directly with OEMs, dealerships and online marketing companies, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry and the world of online retail sales and marketing. In his new role, he will head up the sales operations for Dealer.com and report directly to CMO Dean Evans.

  “I couldn't be more excited to join the Dealer.com team,” commented O'Leary. “I have been familiar with their online marketing platform for many years and have seen them grow into the major industry leader, helping more and more dealers and OEMs improve their online retail operations. In my new role, I want to share my knowledge and experience with Dealer.com clients and help bring more dealers on board to maximize their online marketing activities. I see my job as being an advocate to help all current and future Dealer.com clients be more successful.”

• Dealer.com Partners with Leading Automotive Ad Agencies to Offer Auto Dealers the Best Creative and Technological Online Solutions

  June 1, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced strategic relationships with key automotive advertising agencies to provide maximum benefit for auto dealer websites and online marketing. Dealers can now work with website providers and ad agencies in a collaborative partnership to capitalize on the strengths of the different vendors. Open lines of communication between ad agencies, website providers and dealerships increases efficiency and consistent integrated marketing communication.

  Dealer.com partnerships with leading automotive advertising agencies include: Zimmerman Advertising, The Titan Agency, Moore & Scarry Advertising and Blue Flame 6. Dealer.com offers dealers the most powerful websites with the most effective backend tools and reporting, and top ad agencies provide the most cutting-edge creative and marketing strategy. Dealers benefit from working together as a team and sharing information to maximize the dealership's investment. Ad agencies help dealers merchandise their brand and drive more traffic to the website from traditional and digital media. Dealer.com's focus remains on leading technology and staying ahead of the continual changes and advancements of the Internet.

  In the past, some automotive advertising agencies considered expansion into dealership website development, but most now opt to focus on their clear strength: providing dealerships with the most creative, branded content.

  “It is imperative that dealers keep their offline and online advertising consistent. No matter how compelling the message is, most consumers will still visit the dealer's website before going to the dealership," commented Dan Kissell, Zimmerman Automotive Division EVP. "Our strategy takes advantage of this and puts our offline message on the dealer's website. In fact, our traditional creative sends consumers to the dealer's website. We chose Dealer.com as our partner because they understand the importance of what we are doing offline and created websites that allow us to put our ad message on the dealer's home page. While a few other web providers have this capability, Dealer.com allows us more flexibility with the creative, and more importantly, quick turnaround. We can make creative changes in just a few hours as oppose to days or weeks.”

  Specific ways that agencies and website providers can work together to help dealerships get the most out of their online marketing include: branding the dealership on the website; creating interesting, credible, searchable website content; producing informative and interesting website videos; highlighting local cultural and community characteristics; creating text, Twitter, direct mail and email campaigns tied directly to the dealership's website or microsite.

  “We are excited to continue developing our relationships with the industry's leading ad agencies,” commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com CMO. “The power of these partnerships for dealers is clear and helps ensure maximum benefit and return. For example, we partner with Blue Flame 6 to provide the Van Tuyl Group the most innovative, creative and analytical solutions to get the highest return, both online and off. Integrated marketing communication is more important than ever to make sure that the physical dealership and the virtual dealer (the website) are consistently represented online and offline. When we work together and focus on our strengths, we create an outcome for the dealer that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

May 2009

• Majority of Ward's Megadealer 100 Automotive Dealer Groups Rely on Dealer.com's Online Marketing Solutions

  May 18, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that the majority of the leading dealer groups ranked on the 2009 Ward's Megadealer 100 list are Dealer.com clients. 70 out of the top 100 dealer groups choose Dealer.com to serve their online marketing needs, as ranked by the Ward's Megadealer list. Top dealer groups value Dealer.com's strategic full spectrum online marketing platform, which includes complete ROI reporting. Dealer.com's work with these larger groups helps drive the technological advancements that benefit dealerships of all sizes.

  In addition, nine out of the top ten dealer groups ranked are Dealer.com clients. With the launch of the Enterprise Solutions Division, Dealer.com is uniquely suited to provide large dealer groups leading-edge services and solutions. The company's strong focus on R&D and many years of industry experience help keep their dealers two to four years ahead of the competition.

  "We are proud to serve the nation's largest dealer groups and our work with them directly benefits all of our clients because the larger groups tend to push technology and service boundaries," commented Dealer.com CMO Dean Evans. "So our partnerships with them generally involve the most cutting-edge advancements in both. And the addition of our Enterprise Solutions Division gives large dealer groups special leverage and service, specifically designed to meet their unique needs. Dealers are currently facing some of the most difficult challenges in the industry's history and we are here to help maximize their online marketing investment and get the best return possible, no matter the size of the dealership."

  In another recent dealer group ranking by Automotive News, 70% of the Top 125 Dealer Groups are Dealer.com clients, 87 of the 125 groups listed in the ranking.

April 2009

• 70% of the Nation's Top 125 Automotive Dealer Groups Choose Dealer.com

  April 28, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com (www.dealer.com), the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that more of the leading dealer groups use Dealer.com's full spectrum Internet marketing solution than any other web service provider, as ranked by the 2008 Automotive News list of the Top 125 Dealer Groups. Dealer.com's leading-edge technology and outstanding service are attributed to the extensive use of Dealer.com's platform. Dealer.com's work with these larger groups helps drive the technological advancements that benefit dealerships of all sizes.

  70% of the leading dealer groups are Dealer.com clients, 87 of the 125 listed in the Automotive News rankings. Further, nine out of the top ten dealer groups work with Dealer.com. The country's leading dealer groups increasingly rely on Dealer.com to provide their online marketing solutions. A partial listing of leading dealer group clients added in 2008 includes: Burt Automotive Network, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, Sheehy Auto Stores, Sonic Automotive and Van Tuyl Group. Dealer.com's technology focus keeps their clients two to four years ahead of the competition, with significant resources continuously devoted to research and development.

  Matthew Garff, vice president of Ken Garff Automotive Group, commented on the group's work with Dealer.com, "We listened to a lot of people, considered many factors and made sure we fully exhausted all possibilities. It came down to this: Our search committee felt that Dealer.com was the vendor that could help us take our Internet marketing activities to the next level. Dealer.com is the best match to meet our requirements today and as we move forward."

  For over a decade, Dealer.com has pioneered customized web solutions for dealerships of all sizes in markets across the nation. This extensive work enables a highly targeted approach to attracting and retaining consumers on the dealership website, based on the powerful combination of advanced website technology to drive traffic and the flexibility to allow each dealer customer the individuality needed to promote their unique value propositions in their local markets.

  To best serve large clients, Dealer.com began the development of the Enterprise Solutions Division in 2007, a specialized group devoted to meeting the needs of large dealer group clients. The department has since grown into a unique team that provides unmatched flexibility, scalability, speed to launch, network reliability and proven success.

  “Dealers of all sizes benefit from our extensive work with major dealer groups, as this helps drive our leading-edge technology and services,” commented Mark Bonfigli, Dealer.com CEO. “We have a single, fully-integrated platform that delivers the best ROI for dealers' online marketing activities. And this powerful platform serves Dealer.com clients of all sizes. We are proud that we serve the majority of the top dealer groups and we are just as proud to serve dealers of all types: small or large, franchise or independent.”

March 2009

• Dealer.com CEO Mark Bonfigli Selected as 2009 Vermont Business Person of the Year

  March 30, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com (www.dealer.com), the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that CEO and founder Mark Bonfigli has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2009 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year. Bonfigli was selected for outstanding leadership related to Dealer.com's staying power, employee growth, increase in sales, innovation and contributions to the community.

  Bonfigli founded Dealer.com in 1997 to offer automotive dealers a "best in class" solution for their Internet marketing needs. At the time, the Internet auto market was dominated by two large companies, but Bonfigli persisted. Despite difficult times in the automotive industry, 2008 saw the highest annual revenue increase in the company's eleven-year history, for a five-year growth rate total of 1,225%. According to Bonfigli, more of the top 125 largest dealer groups in North America use Dealer.com Internet marketing services than those of any other provider.

  Bonfigli attributes the company's success to employee creativity and hard work, under his guidance, and Dealer.com provides over 200 full-time employees with competitive compensation, training and the potential for career growth. The company recently opened the doors to its new headquarters in a refurbished factory building. The revitalized facility is LEED certified, meaning it is environmentally responsible, and incorporates solar panels and natural light to help limit carbon emissions. Firmly committed to helping improve the community by giving back, Dealer.com also supports local charitable events and holds regular fund raisers to benefit local charities.

  “Dealer.com employees drive our success and are the heart of the business,” commented Bonfigli. “The company would not be so successful without the many talented and hard-working people dedicated to offering our clients the best service and technology. I am honored by the award and share it with everyone who is part of the Dealer.com team.”

  Bonfigli has more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience in the auto industry, including 10 years as the co-founder of EARTHCARS, Inc., a New England-based automotive retailer. Bonfigli was named as a Finalist in the 2007 and 2008 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the New England Region and his company has received numerous recognitions including the Deloitte & Touche Tech Fast 50, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, the Inc 5000 fastest-growing companies in the U.S., and several automotive industry awards for being the leading Internet marketing solution for auto dealers.

  As Vermont's Small Business Person of the Year, Mark Bonfigli will compete for the national title at National Small Business Week ceremonies in Washington, D.C., May 17-22.

• Dealer.com Announces Enterprise Solutions Division Unique Service for Automotive OEM and Large Dealer Group Online Marketing

  March 17, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com (www.dealer.com), the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the full-scale launch of the Enterprise Solutions Division, a specialized group devoted exclusively to meeting the needs of OEM and large dealer group clients. The development of the division began over a year and a half ago and has since grown into a unique team that provides OEMs and large dealer groups unmatched flexibility, scalability, speed to launch, network reliability and proven success. The investment in the research and development required to envision and perfect the division is an important part of the continuous development Dealer.com engages in to keep all clients, regardless of size, two to four years ahead of the competition.

  As a testament to the effectiveness of the Enterprise Solutions Division and the account management services for clients of all sizes, Dealer.com ranks at the top of the rigorous Net Promoter(R) Score (NPS) survey of customer service in the nation's software industry. The Enterprise Solutions Division advanced strategically as new automotive consumer needs and markets developed. The division provides both technology and marketing prowess for clients, and a unique understanding of OEM and large dealer group operations. The division has been perfecting and formalizing its processes and services for more than a year and a half and provides seamless integration at both corporate and dealership levels. As a discrete division, the group delivers fast, flexible, scalable results for OEMs and large dealer groups. Dealer.com chief technology officer Rick Gibbs heads the group's executive leadership and has been involved in its development from inception.

  “We are dedicated to the success of all of our clients,” commented Gibbs. “We developed a customized Dealer.com solution to service OEMs and large dealers groups as we extended our consulting and work with our larger clients. Strategically we developed the technology and service solutions required to provide an extremely flexible and customizable solution for both decision makers at the corporate level and dealers at an individual level. We now have a truly unique, specialized, dedicated division to meet OEM and large dealer group needs, while simultaneously providing leading-edge online marketing solutions to clients of all sizes.”

January 2009

• Dealer.com Launches First Comprehensive Mobile Integration for Automotive Dealer Websites

  January 26, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the launch of mobile-specific dealership websites, designed for use on hand-held devices. The new mobile web solution lets on-the-go shoppers quickly and easily browse dealerships' new and used online inventory and includes complete video integration. The mobile-specific user interface makes it more convenient than ever for automotive consumers to find and search dealership websites, any time, anywhere.

  The new interface drives more mobile usage through its attractive and intuitive design, enabling hand-held devices to become lead conversion points to increase the number of leads and sales generated from dealership websites. The new mobile search capability is enabled via microsites that are optimized for smart phones, meaning these devices automatically detect the dealership's mobile-specific website. Dealer.com's new offering also integrates mobile and video searches; dealerships can successfully merchandise their inventory on hand-held devices and provide consumers rich media experiences. In addition, the new solution integrates with Dealer.com's CarFlix™ HumanVoice online videos to generate increased consumer engagement and lead conversion.

  CarFlix™ HumanVoice videos include the following features and benefits:

  “We take research and development very seriously and devote significant resources to keep our dealers at the leading-edge of the most effective and relevant online marketing capabilities,” commented Rick Gibbs, Dealer.com chief technology officer. “Our dealers stay two to four years ahead of the competition. Integrating mobile media into the Dealer.com Full Spectrum Internet Marketing Solution is yet another way we're addressing the future for dealerships. Our mobile web and video integration lets dealerships cater to the fast growing market of mobile web users, and provides additional competitive advantage.”

• Dealer.com Introduces CarFlix™ HumanVoice Videos, the Next Generation Online Video Solution for Automotive Vehicle InventoriesPatent Pending Technology Automatically and Instantly Creates High Quality Videos with Real Human Voices

  January 25, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today introduced CarFlix™ HumanVoice, a patent pending online video solution that ushers in a new generation of videos for vehicle inventory on auto dealer websites. For approximately the same cost as other video solutions, CarFlix™ HumanVoice automatically and instantly creates high quality videos with real human voices from pictures and data in a dealer's inventory system.

  “Dealers are frustrated by the slow turnaround time associated with professionally produced videos, and by the lack of quality in videos created with computer generated voices,” said Rick Gibbs, Dealer.com chief technology officer. “CarFlix™ HumanVoice offers dealers the best of both worlds. It's the only solution that automatically creates unique, realistic videos of every vehicle in a dealer's inventory.”

  CarFlix™ HumanVoice produces a professional video within minutes of vehicle information being loaded into an inventory system, and is able to produce videos for a dealer's entire inventory in less than an hour. The process is comprehensive and completely eliminates any busywork or obligations associated with creating videos by dealer employees, freeing up valuable time to focus on selling cars.

  CarFlix™ HumanVoice videos include the following features and benefits:

  • Real Human Voices—Part of Dealer.com's patent pending process includes the ability to pre-record human voices and seamlessly blend words and phrases together to form realistic voice overs for video. Multiple male and female voices ensure a dealer's inventory will provide viewers with a variety of engaging, professional sounding videos.
  • SmartScript—Dealer.com worked with industry analysts to determine which features on different vehicles are most important to potential buyers. CarFlix™ HumanVoice leverages this information by scanning features in the inventory system, then prioritizing them in the resulting video; i.e. a video for a truck might emphasize four-wheel drive and a V8 engine, while a video for a luxury car might emphasize its leather interior and heated seats.
    
    Additionally, CarFlix™ HumanVoice's SmartScript technology takes this advanced intelligence one step further and offers benefits associated with each of the emphasized features; i.e. 34 mpg will save you money at the fuel pump, or security and safety are emphasized with dual airbags. Offering both features and benefits creates a video so persuasive, it's like having a digital salesperson built right into the website.
  • High Quality Video—CarFlix™ HumanVoice takes images of vehicles from an inventory system and seamlessly stitches them together to form a smooth, high resolution video with a variety of special effects. Viewers will stay engaged with compelling presentations that include enhanced effects such as panning, scrolling, zooming in and out, picture in picture effects, text effects and more. High and low bandwidth options cover all potential customers' needs.
  • Context Sensitive Music—CarFlix™ HumanVoice includes a large library of music tracks and automatically assigns appropriate music to different types of vehicles. A video for a truck might have music that generates a mood of ruggedness and power, while a luxury car might have music with a jazzy feel to it. Appropriate music provides additional variety and increases the level of professionalism.
  • Dealer Branding—Every CarFlix™ HumanVoice video ends with a call to action and a picture of the dealership with the dealer name and contact information prominently displayed in the frame. This increases branding presence and makes it easy for viewers to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment.
  • Built-In Lead Forms—Every CarFlix™ HumanVoice video produced includes built-in lead forms so the viewer can instantly schedule a test drive or receive a quote. Viewers can also browse options or view similar videos. Built in lead forms leverage a customer's enthusiasm for a vehicle and increase conversion rates.

  To view CarFlix2's advanced, patent pending technology, please click on the following link for sample videos: www.dealer.com/dealer-websites/carflix.htm

• Dealer.com's New LeadMachine™ Increases Sales Conversion and Automotive Dealership Efficiency

  January 24, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the release of the latest version of its LeadMachine™ that transforms the lead management tool into a complete Internet sales system. This next generation Internet Lead Management (ILM) system now offers comprehensive dealership lead management, in a single online location, with a new interface that is faster and easier than ever to use. LeadMachine™ lets dealers capture, track, organize and follow-up on leads to ensure the highest sales conversion while also improving dealership personnel efficiency.

  Trigger-based sales rules are a fundamental part of the new LeadMachine™ enhancements. This means that lead follow-up activities are scheduled based on the specific actions each prospect takes. Each lead is automatically given a unique path through the sales cycle, based on the shopper's actions and responses to communication. Further, the dealership can monitor lead response times and respond to customers faster with web-based email and customer centric auto-responders. Lead distribution policies can be defined, in addition to unique sales processes that include scheduled tasks, appointment scheduling and automated follow-up emails for every profit center at the dealership. Click stream tracking on all form submissions is also now available.

  Key benefits of the LeadMachine™ upgrades include:

  • Lead Tracking—Automatically tracks and organizes leads from the dealership's websites, AutoTrader.com, Cars.com, Autobytel, regional websites or any third-party provider. Plus, full systems integration for both inbound and outbound leads.
  • Email Tracking—Allows fast response with web-based email and email bouncing and creates customized template blasts using upgraded PowerMail™ Broadcast Email System.
  • Activity Tracking—Automatically tracks all activities for each contact, including email, third-party leads, phone calls and trade-in leads.
  • Salesperson Tracking—All activities are stored and time/date stamped for management review. Success and closing rates measured with detailed sales reporting.
  • Intuitive User Interface—Easier and faster than ever to use, with no more pop-up windows.
  • Mobile Device Integration—Communication with customers via mobile devices automatically recorded and tracked, with no log into ControlCenter™ required.
  • Dealer Group Functionality—Allows dealer groups to track each store's sales process and create real accountability.

  “Usability was a main focus of the new LeadMachine™ enhancements; the new interface is really fast and easy to use," commented Dean Evans, chief marketing officer with Dealer.com. "Also, we kept the scope of the development firmly concentrated on creating the best dealership ILM, with none of the feature creep that can distract product development. LeadMachine™ is not a 'jack of all trades;' it excels at doing its well-defined, invaluable job-- managing leads to increase sales throughout the dealership.”

• Dealer.Com Launches Full Spectrum Internet Marketing Solution for Automotive Dealers Online Marketing Guesswork Is Over

  January 23, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the launch of the Full Spectrum Internet Marketing Solution, the revolutionary platform that provides dealerships comprehensive online marketing and sales management. The fully integrated online solution allows dealers to drive new business, capture more sales opportunities, manage Internet operations and prove the results of marketing efforts-- all from a single online login. The industry-leading platform is the result of more than ten years of best practices, product development and analysis, focused exclusively on online automotive retail. Further, complete ROI calculation now eliminates the guesswork that plagued online marketing efforts in the past.

  The Dealer.com platform even includes the ground breaking tool, Live Visitor & Lead Calculator™ (LVLC 2.0), that enables dealers to estimate potential leads and sales from the Dealer.com solution before making the investment. Based on a decade of data collected from more than 7,000 dealer websites across the country, LVLC 2.0 can predict the approximate number of visitors a site will attract. Version 2.0 of the product enables dealers to see how much business they can expect from both paid and organic search efforts. Plus, based on the dealership's average closing rates, LVLC 2.0 can even estimate potential sales revenue for the dealership.

  In today's tight economy it is particularly important to be able to accurately gauge ROI and once dealers have received an up-front estimate of the sales and service traffic they can expect, the platform then enables them to manage and analyze all online marketing activities to drive traffic, capture more leads, manage online operations and prove results.

  • Drive Traffic: Traffic generators such as PowerMail™ email marketing, Dynamic SEO™, TotalControl DOMINATOR™ SEM and Automated Inventory Marketing enable dealers to drive new business.
  • Capture Leads: Once visitors reach the virtual dealership, the platform enables dealers to capture more sales opportunities with NADA award winning SmartSites™ that include multiple lead-generating forms, SpecialsBuilder Pro™, CarFinder™ and more.
  • Manage Operations: Internet operations and leads can then be managed with features such as Control Center, LeadMachine™ Internet Lead Management, Inventory Management, SmartSites™ Composer, Website Content Management and Digital Media Management.
  • Prove Results: Finally, the platform lets dealers prove the results of online marketing efforts with 360° Analytics, Advertising ROI, Sales Rep Performance and Website Performance Analysis.

  Throughout the Dealer.com platform, client and prospect information can be shared and acted on, enabling faster, more accurate decisions and actions.

  The Dealer.com platform addresses all dealership online sales and marketing needs with a seamless virtual structure, built from the ground up by a single vendor--unlike other platforms with features bolted on or pieced together from multiple vendors or third-party services. This helps make the full spectrum solution more cost-effective, allowing dealers to replace multiple vendors with one vendor, making marketing dollars go further, while simultaneously driving dramatic productivity gains. All platform tools and features can be accessed from a single login, even for dealer groups with numerous websites.

  “The foundation of automotive retail marketing is still the dealership website, but so much more than a mere website is required for sustained competitive advantage and success today," commented Mark Bonfigli, Dealer.com CEO. "The Dealer.com platform changes the game by seamlessly incorporating all of the essential elements of leading-edge online marketing. Our comprehensive solution is the result of over a decade's worth of automotive, IT and marketing knowledge and development, enabling dealers to drive online productivity, accountability and sales as never before.”

• Trader Corporation Announces Strategic Agreement with Dealer.com

  January 21, 2009 – MONTREAL, QC – Trader Corporation (Trader), the vertical media business of Yellow Pages Income Fund (TSX: YLO.UN), announced today it has entered into a strategic agreement with Burlington, Vermont-based Dealer.com (www.dealer.com) that will deliver a suite of marketing technology solutions to Canada's new and used vehicle industry.

  Trader and Dealer.com have signed a long-term, exclusive commercial agreement making Dealer.com's web solutions available to Trader's extensive customer base in Canada served under its AutoTrader™ brand. Concurrent with the commercial agreement, Trader will also take a 20 per cent equity interest in Dealer.com for US$ 35 million, with the option to increase its ownership in the privately held company over time.

  Dealer.com is the leading provider of online marketing solutions to the US vehicle industry including website development and management, as well as search engine marketing and optimization. It has a client base of approximately 8,000 dealers representing one-third of the new car dealerships in the United States.

  “Trader will provide the Canadian vehicle industry with immediate access to proven online solutions at a time when dealerships of all kinds are looking for opportunities to more effectively manage their inventory levels and advertising spending,” said Douglas A. Clarke, President of Trader Corporation. “This strategic agreement with Dealer.com gives Trader greatly enhanced capabilities, enabling us to offer a one-stop integrated solution to Canadian auto dealers.”

  Trader is already the undisputed leader in Canada through its number one AutoTrader.ca™ online car destination. Dealer.com's best-in-class technology will strengthen Trader's existing offering by providing complementary capabilities in the dealer services value chain, such as web site development and management.

  Dealer.com's products will include a French-language solution. The deployment of Dealer.com's technology to Trader's network of Canadian dealers will start in the second quarter of 2009.

  Alexander Capital Group and TD Securities Inc. advised Trader on the strategic agreement and investment in Dealer.com.

  Fact Sheet of the agreement (23K PDF)

  About Trader Corporation

  Trader Corporation is a Canadian leader in print and online vertical media with approximately 200 publications and 20 web sites covering four product verticals: automotive, real estate, general merchandise and employment. Its main brands include Auto Trader™, Auto Hebdo™, The Bargain Finder™, Buy & Sell™, Renters News™, and Home Renter's Guide™. Trader Corporation is owned by Yellow Pages Income Fund (TSX: YLO.UN). For more information about Trader Corporation, visit www.tradercorporation.com.

• Dealer.Com Attributes Success to Proactive Account Management for Automotive Clients

  January 19th, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that the company's restructured proactive account management program has significantly contributed to a higher level of customer service and increased loyalty. As a testament to the effectiveness of the new account management structure and services, Dealer.com ranks at the top of the rigorous Net Promoter® Score (NPS) survey of customer service in the nation's software industry, scoring in a higher range than software powerhouses such as Adobe Systems. Many large Fortune 500 companies rely on the NPS score as an indicator of customer loyalty and future success.

  Dealer.com is one of the only software vendors in the automotive industry to use the NPS' notoriously tough standards to gauge its own customer service performance, and has consistently scored high since it began using the NPS indicator in 2006. The most recent results reflect a continued trend of improvement and the highest score to date for the company.

  “We have changed the definition and expectation of what 'customer service' means for dealers," commented Dean Evans, Dealer.com chief marketing officer. "Service for our clients doesn't just mean that someone quickly answers the phone when dealers need help. Our Rapid Response team is fast and can support any of our customers who need technical support around the clock, but unlike most of our competitors we also provide on-going, proactive consultation for our dealers to make sure they get maximum results from their Internet marketing. Running a successful Internet operation requires continuous work and using this personalized approach helps our dealers achieve the best results.”

  Regularly scheduled meetings with clients are the foundation of the account management program. In these meetings, highly trained, personalized account managers and their assigned dealers review the flagship Executive Report that assesses all major Internet marketing metrics, including website performance and paid search success. They also review new tools, platform upgrades, and ways to continuously improve the dealership's online marketing effectiveness. In addition, Dealer.com measures each account manager's performance, relative to their clients' success.

  Dealer.com clients are also supported by teams that provide specialized service based on dealership type, with devoted account management for each client. Focused account management teams are in place for OEM programs, dealer groups, franchise dealers and independent dealers, allowing for more personalized service. No matter the size or specific needs of the client, Dealer.com has a dedicated account management team to deliver the best service and maximum results.

  “Dealer.com is the clear winner for more reasons than I could list here, a few are: customer service with site development, initial and ongoing training, ease of site and email marketing maintenance, great details for tracking Internet customers and directing advertising dollars (made available through the use of the Web Reports), and ongoing technological upgrades provided to keep pace with an ever-changing virtual world for online shoppers”, commented Mike Poulin, eCommerce Manager of Shearer Pontiac Cadillac Hummer.

• Dealer.com Closes 2008 with Highest Annual Growth to Date Year characterized by new partnerships, technological advancements, enhanced customer service and prestigious awards

  January 12th, 2009 – BURLINGTON, VT – Dealer.com, the leading provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that 2008 saw the highest annual revenue increase in the company's eleven year history, for a five year growth rate total of 1,225 percent. In addition to the boost in financial strength, Dealer.com further solidified its industry leadership with OEM and leading dealer group partnerships, cutting-edge research and development, customer service expansion and prestigious product and service awards.

  “Achieving simultaneous high growth and high customer satisfaction in 2008 was no accident; we proactively planned for it," commented Mark Bonfigli, Dealer.com president and CEO. "We have systematically scaled our internal resources, chiefly people and technology, to grow with our client base. Because of this careful planning, we are both large and nimble, uniquely qualified to provide top service for all dealerships, from OEMs to single rooftops, and every size dealership in-between. 2008 has been our best year yet because we plan our growth, based on providing dealerships the best online marketing solutions available, two to four years ahead of any competitor in the auto, advertising or software industries.”

  Dealer.com secured multiple OEM partnerships in 2008, including Chrysler North America and Subaru. The reliability of their network, quality of products and services, proven industry experience and speed to launch were cited as key reasons for partnering with Dealer.com. The 2008 enterprise-grade enhancements were specifically designed to increase web traffic and leads, and provide a flexible platform that conforms to the specific needs of different manufacturers. Further, the introduction of OEM SmartSites™ and EasyLaunch™ offers the industry's most powerful manufacturer website platform and enabled the fast launch of hundreds of new websites. Dealer.com also undertook a comprehensive organizational restructuring, with dedicated teams to facilitate the needs of larger clients, without affecting smaller retail customers. The restructuring enables industry-leading proactive account management for all clients, regardless of size or the service model needed, at no extra charge.

  In 2008 partnerships were also sealed with many of the nation's top 100 automotive dealer groups, as ranked by Automotive News and Ward's Dealer Business. The country's leading dealer groups now increasingly rely on Dealer.com to provide their online marketing solutions. Specific dealer group clients added in 2008 include: Burt Automotive Network, Fields Automotive Group, Hansel Automotive Group, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, Sheehy Auto Stores, Sonic Automotive, Van Tuyl Group and Walser Automotive Group.

  Leading-edge technology research and development in 2008 enabled Dealer.com's significant growth and included:

  • TotalControl DOMINATOR™ — no-contract, no-fee search engine marketing
  • EasyLaunch™ — fast, easy transition to new websites
  • SmartSites™ — increased lead conversion with fastest, most reliable, secure network for clients of all sizes
  • Live Visitor & Lead Calculator™ — calculates website visitor and lead generation before purchase
  • Video Streaming Toolkit™ — revolutionary solution for fast, easy video uploads
  • Employee Wellness Program — promotes and grows the leading culture of innovation
  • Google AdWords Certification and Reseller Status — one of 20 recognized organizations around the world with this level and type of relationship

  The company's industry-leading products and services were recognized by the following awards and rankings in 2008.

  • Net Promoter® Score Survey — top customer service ranking in the nation's software industry – in a higher ranking than Adobe Systems
  • Auto Dealer Monthly's Dealers' Choice Awards — Gold Award for Web Site Design/Provider (third consecutive year)
  • Automobile Standard of Excellence — Web Marketing Association WebAward
  • Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 — ranked number 236 of fastest growing companies
  • Inc. 5000 Rankings — ranked in top 20 percent of nation's fastest growing companies
  • Summit Emerging Media Awards — Leader Award for work with Checkered Flag Motor Car Corporation (www.checkeredflag.com)
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award — CEO Mark Bonfigli named Finalist (second consecutive year)