CarsDirect.com
Created by car-buyers for car buyers, CarsDirect.com is a leading direct online provider
of new automobiles and related products and services, including loan and lease financing
and extended warranties. CarsDirect.com was conceived by Bill Gross, idealab! chairman,
after Gross became frustrated with his own efforts at online car buying. Gross realized
that current Internet options were not only inadequate, but did nothing to leverage
available technology on behalf of the consumer.
Launched in May 1999, CarsDirect.com enables consumers to research, price, configure,
order, purchase and finance a new vehicle online. The company's user-friendly, intuitive
Web site offers consumers product information for more than 2,500 different makes and
models of new automobiles available in the United States today, as well as the ability to
simultaneously compare the specifications of competing vehicles. CarsDirect.com offers an
online shopping experience that features competitive, up-front, no-haggle pricing on new
vehicles.
CarsDirect.com works closely with more than 2,500 franchised dealers in its Priority
Dealer Network and automobile manufacturers to ensure the best possible car-buying
experience for consumers. A strategic alliance with UnitedAuto Group, Inc. (NYSE: UAG),
and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. enables CarsDirect.com to serve its customers locally
and more conveniently by enhancing its vehicle sourcing and fulfillment capabilities. |
