ESPN.com and Autobytel to Launch ESPN Cars on ESPN.com
(ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) August 2, 2005 -- Sports fans share a passion for the games and teams they love, and often share another passion as well -- cars.
With that in mind ESPN.com and Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL) today launched ESPN Cars powered by Autobytel - a new section of ESPN.com powered by Autobytel where sports fans can access new vehicle pricing, ratings, photos, specifications, videos and reviews, and utilize tools that let them configure, compare and view new models across brands.At its launch the new ESPN Cars section will exclusively contain content provided by Autobytel, with future content being provided by both sites, including features about sports personalities and their cars. The site will also allow fans to receive no-haggle price quotes for new and used cars through Autobytel.com's thousands of accredited dealers nationwide. "ESPN.com's core audience is young, dynamic men, and we want to serve their interests as completely as possible," said John Kosner, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN New Media.
"Cars, trucks and the sports stars who drive them are a particular passion for our fans.
This collaboration with Autobytel allows us to provide fans with the information they seek.""We're pleased to extend our vehicle information and buying program to the leading sports destination on the Web, giving ESPN.com users access to world-class automotive content and access to thousands of dealers to help them get great deals on cars," said Autobytel President and CEO Rick Post. "We are excited to provide this prime car-buying audience with the research tools and automotive information they need to make smart, confident and convenient buying decisions through our network of dealers." Under the agreement, the ESPN Cars section will be co-branded and maintained through cooperative efforts from both parties.
Autobytel will manage all e-commerce functions and will host the pages on its servers.About AutobytelAutobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL), a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising, data and CRM (customer relationship management) products and programs.
The Company owns and operates the automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, Car.com, AutoSite.com, Autoahorros.com, and CarTV.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a trusted industry source of automotive marketing data and technology for over 20 years. Autobytel is also a leader in dealership lead management and CRM solutions and owns and operates AVV, Inc., a top provider of dealership CRM and sales management products, and Retention Performance Marketing, Inc., (RPM?), which powers dealerships with cutting-edge customer loyalty and retention marketing programs. Autobytel was the most visited new car buying and research destination in 2004, reaching millions of car shoppers as they made their vehicle buying decisions. Autobytel Inc. is the only company to achieve top rankings for both its lead management and lead generation services among the nation's top100 Internet dealers.
About ESPN.comESPN.com, a division of ESPN Inc., is the leading provider of sports on the Internet. ESPN.com, which is also home to ESPNdeportes.com, ESPNsoccernet.com and ABCSports.com, also works in conjunction with the Walt Disney Internet Group. ESPN, Inc. is the world's leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of seven domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU (launching March 2005), ESPN Today), ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD (launched January 2005), ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN 360 (broadband), ESPN Mobile, ESPN Video-on-Demand, ESPN Interactive and ESPN PPV.
Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.CONTACT:
???Autobytel Inc. Media RelationsMelanie Webber, Autobytel Inc. ???949.862.3023 or melaniew at autobytel.com ??????Joe Foster, RBI Communications???323.960.1360 x13 or joe at rbicom.comESPN Communications???
???860.766.2000 ??????.
Used Cars:
Thinking about a used car extended warranty? Nervous about what's under the hood? Used car dealers are feeling your pain all the way to the bank. In an ironic twist, "pre-owned vehicle" dealers have found a way to profit from their bad reputation.
No, they're not just selling overpriced used car extended warranties anymore. They're charging a 10%-25% markup on used cars "certified" (by them) not to be pieces of junk. The accompanying "certified" used car warranties in fact usually carry much less protection than the best used car warranties, which you can buy yourself online.
Who needs a used car warranty if your jalopy is a "certified" machine?
But even paying 10%-25% more won't eliminate risk. Thorough extended warranties for used cars are necessary, "certified" or not. In some cases, a half-hearted inspection means the certification may not be worth the paper it's written on. Used car problems often only appear months or years after purchase....
Used cars > Used Cars:
Collectible Cars
Collectible cars top the list of collectibles. Ever since the advent of cars, there has been a craving in many a heart to own a cool, fast, trendy, classic or sporty car. Cars speak a language of their own and its owner needn't speak a word. Above their monetary value, the collectible cars you possess can get you applause from far and near.
The latest technology in the mechanical field and the creativity of car manufacturers has given cars a new definition. Changes have been made, from the seats to the tires to colors to the dashboard.
There are luxury cars, sports cars, two seaters, trucks, jeeps and even the new solar cars that haunt the collectors' dreams.
Though there are large varieties of cars available on the market, demand persists for rare and classic cars that are no longer in production. The key points that you have to keep in mind before you buy a classic car is the year of manufacture, its make (which company has manufactured it), the model,...
Used cars > Collectible Cars
Where to Buy Cheap Used Cars at Bargain Prices!
One of the most important things you can do to purchase a cheap used car at bargain prices is to do your homework. You should check your local classified ads and see what the asking price is for the type of vehicle that you are in the market for. Make sure to get the high and low Blue Book Price on the vehicle that you are interested in. Here are some excellent sources for getting pricing: NADA GUIDESwww.nadaguides.comKELLEY BLUE BOOKwww.kbb.comEDMUNDSwww.edmunds.com Other resources to check with is CARFAX. They can supply you with the vehicle history report.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a research area to check recall history on cars. We recommend that you have the vehicle you are interested in purchasing be inspected by your own mechanic prior to purchase.
Newspaper Classified Ads are a excellent place to find cheap used cars at well below retail prices. Many times, people take their cars to dealers for trade ins and are offered below wholesale...
Used cars > Where to Buy Cheap Used Cars at Bargain Prices!
More Searches Equals More Sales For Cars?
According to a newsletter sent out in the automotive world, NADAguides.com has conducted a study to see if there is indeed a connection between searches done by customers and the actual sales.
Mark Perleberg is the lead auto expert for the NADAguides.com web site. And he explains, "There are definite correlations between the cars people research and the cars people actually buy."
The study showed that customers are searching for the vehicles that they are interested in purchasing or are simply interested in knowing its specifics. This is very much explanatory. After all, you would most certainly be looking for information on a certain vehicle which catches your fancy or which you are considering to purchase for yourself.
It would be just like looking logging in into the Internet and typing in "Pontiac auto parts" so as to find the right kind of parts for your trusty old Pontiac....
More Searches Equals More Sales For Cars?
Used cars > More Searches Equals More Sales For Cars?