Autoblog

Carfax slapped with $50M antitrust suit by 120 dealers

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

In December 2012 Automotive News published a piece on dealers unhappy with Carfax, alleging that the most well known used vehicle history reporting company had maneuvered itself into a monopolistic position. Dealers were paying the price for it by being charged more for Carfax reports than they'd have to pay for those from similar agencies, and there was nothing they could do about it. Now it will be for a judge to figure out: Automotive News reports that 120 dealers have joined a class-action lawsuit against Carfax over anti-competitive practices and violations of anti-trust law, and more are signing up to join the suit.

As to that alleged monopolistic position, Carfax is the provider of record for the certified pre-owned programs of 37 out of 40 manufacturers, so if a dealer wants to be part of the program he has to buy Carfax reports. Carfax also has exclusive deals with Cars.com and AutoTrader.com, so when a dealer lists a car on either site he can only use reports from Carfax. That's how, even though there are ten companies accredited by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to provide used vehicle reports, some that are less expensive than Carfax, it isn't in a dealer's best financial interest to consider them.

Leo Bellavia out of Mineola, NY, who also handled cases for Saab dealers trying to compel the Swedish firm to enter bankruptcy and Chrysler dealers fighting their involuntary franchise terminations, is the attorney of record for the plaintiffs. The dealers want more than $50 million in damages. Carfax has said it can't comment on the suit.

Carfax slapped with $50M antitrust suit by 120 dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Carfax has cornered the market on car history reports

George Kennedy — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Ever wonder why Carfax seems to be the only company you ever hear about that offers vehicle history reports?

According to an Automotive News report, Carfax has created undeniable brand cachet, and it has also arranged some deals that make it difficult for the competition to gain footing. Marketing agreements, inked with sites like AutoTrader.com and Cars.com, mean that dealers who would like to advertise on these sites are forced to use Carfax instead of less expensive competitors. AutoCheck, from Experian Automotive Inc, provides a similar service, and Cars.com allows for the use of AutoCheck, causing a battle between it and Carfax. At the moment, Carfax has roughly 32,000 dealers, compared to AutoCheck's 12,000.

Those dealers using Carfax are paying much more than those using AutoCheck. Pressure from clever ad campaigns and slogans like "Show me the Carfax," lead customers to think that Carfax offers the only legitimate vehicle history report available. That said, other dealers contend that Carfax has far more comprehensive reports, and favorable in-dealership support.

According to Automotive News, there are ten vehicle history report providers, including Carfax and AutoCheck, but in a market where the only competition is a near-unknown, Carfax can afford to do business like it is the only show in town.

How Carfax has cornered the market on car history reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoTrader is filled with fast machines, some might even call them furious

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

What happens to former movie cars? If they weren't turned into a balled-up hunk during the on-screen action then they'll most likely find their way to a sales lot. A good place to find vehicles for sale is AutoTrader.com, so it's no surprise that a few star cars have found a home on site's servers.

With the release of Fast Five (the fifth installment in The Fast and the Furious franchise), the folks at AutoTrader decided to pull out a few fast and curious vehicles that have graced the silver screen. The list ranges from a 1996 Acura Integra GS-R to a replica 1973 Chevrolet Camaro F-Bomb. Head on over to AutoTrader.com to sample the furious machines.

[Source: AutoTrader.com]

AutoTrader is filled with fast machines, some might even call them furious originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoTrader buys Kelley Blue Book for undisclosed sum

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Earnings/Financials

Consumer car search website AutoTrader.com is now the owner of a brand new (to them) Kelley Blue Book and KBB's CDM Data and CDM Dealer Services. The amount of the transaction hasn't been divulged, but at least on the face of it, it makes perfect sense: once integrated, Kelley's valuation tools will practically be stuck to the pixelated windows of all those used cars of suspect value. KBB will continue as a subsidiary of Auto Trader and remain based in Irvine, California.

Those interested in all the nitty-gritty details can click past the break for the complete press release.

[Source: AutoTrader.com via Ward's Auto]

Continue reading AutoTrader buys Kelley Blue Book for undisclosed sum

AutoTrader buys Kelley Blue Book for undisclosed sum originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, Hybrid, Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet, Celebrities, Specialty

The Redster by Fireball Tim Lawrence - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any time Hollywood's current go-to car guy, Fireball Tim Lawrence, is involved in a project, you know it's going to be a rolling masterpiece. So when AutoTrader Classic invited us to see Fireball's latest creation ahead of its public debut at the SEMA show in November, we jumped at the chance. Make the jump for yourself to get up close and personal with The Redster.

Gallery: Fireball Tim's Redster Unveiling

Continue reading AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA

AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Camaro, Equinox and Hyundai Sonata top AutoTrader research in March

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, SUV, Etc., Crossover, Chevrolet, Hyundai

For now, at least, car sales seem to be on an upward trajectory in the States, and according to AutoTrader, Chevrolet and Hyundai seem likely to be beneficiaries of the newfound consumer interest. In March, the most viewed new car on AutoTrader remained the Chevrolet Camaro, outpacing the Ford F150 and Mustang. Now that Ford is releasing all new powertrains for the 2011 Mustangs it will be interesting to see if the Camaro can retain its momentum.

Speaking of momentum, Hyundai continues to pick up velocity with its new Sonata. While the Sonata was only ranked 10th overall, it was #1 among mid-sized sedans for the first time ever, beating the standard-bearing Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion. The Sonata jumped from 22nd place in March 2009, while the Accord dropped from seventh to 12th. Another big winner was the new Chevy Equinox, with a 186 percent increase in pageviews, taking it from 12th to eighth place overall.

[Source: AutoTrader]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro, Equinox and Hyundai Sonata top AutoTrader research in March

Chevy Camaro, Equinox and Hyundai Sonata top AutoTrader research in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If Saab dies, who stands to benefit? AutoTrader thinks it's BMW and Audi

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Saab

When General Motors announced it was sending Saab to that great Viking longboat in the sky, AutoTrader.com dug through its search database to see where bereft Saab customers would turn to for consolation. This will be a surprise to almost no one, but other European marques top the list of substitutes.

BMW was the most cross-shopped vehicle among people at AutoTrader's site looking for Saabs, with Audi a very close second, beating Volvo and Volkswagen for the next spots. The only mild surprise is that Toyota took the number five slot, ahead of two other Japanese brands, and Mercedes-Benz in eighth You can read the press release after the jump for the complete ranking of Saab alternatives. In case you were wondering, Spyker didn't make list...

[Source: AutoTrader.com]

Continue reading If Saab dies, who stands to benefit? AutoTrader thinks it's BMW and Audi

If Saab dies, who stands to benefit? AutoTrader thinks it's BMW and Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We say BMW, you say... Part 2

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW, Humor

Hot on the heels of the recent brandtag exercise that saw BMW drivers labeled as a-holes (and a lot of explanations and justifications in the comments), we have this classified ad from an M3 owner in Peoria, Arizona. Its starts off rather plainly, with a rundown of the aftermarket components with which the seller has graced.

And then the listing takes a left turn and heads straight for Mars when the seller writes "This car has gotten me laid so much it is ridiculous." After that, you get a rundown of his success with women, copious use of the word "pimp" as both noun and adjective, his workout routine and testosterone regimen, his success with women, tidbits on his "killer" anatomy, instructions on how to become "a Jedi pimp," and more of his success with women. And in case you didn't realize it, he states explicitly: "I'm a winner." A few subtle clues dropped here and there in the description reveal that the owner is parodying Brucie from Grand Theft Auto IV, but you wouldn't know it if you've never played the game.

We at Autoblog have a few questions: Who is this ladies' man they call John Connor? With the miraculous powers of this car, why isn't it at auction with Bonham's or RM? And what do they put in the water in Peoria, AZ? In the mean time, we're going to add "jedi pimp" to BMW's brandtag to save you the trouble. Thanks for the tip, Kirk!

[Source: AutoTrader]

We say BMW, you say... Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial

John Neff — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

We try to only show you the commercials we think are really cool because, let's face it, we're only giving away free advertising when we post these things. We had to show you this one that debuted today from AutoTrader, however, because it reminds us a lot of the coolest video we've ever posted on Autoblog, the 1K Project II. Like that video, AutoTrader's commercial, called "Armada", uses CGI to place an unreasonabe amount of vehicles on the road at one time. Considering AutoTrader is in the business of putting people in touch with the right car, those thousands are eventually narrowed down to one red Mustang that does a 180 into the new owner's driveway (that part's not CGI). The video above is a short "Making of" type feature that is followed immediately by the commercial itself. The new spot is much better than the current "Find Your Car" ones being aired by the website.

Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial

AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy Holiday... from the cars

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Ah, the Holidays. While most of us may be focused on gift giving (and receiving), travel plans and food, it's easy to overlook our 4-wheeled friends shivering in the driveway. Here's a cute greeting card from the folks at AutoTrader reminding us that even our cars, trucks and SUVs like to celebrate. In this animated e-card, they remind us of all the things they do for us throughout the year, and especially during the Holiday season.

[Source: AutoTrader]

Thanks for the tip, James!

Happy Holiday... from the cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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