05.17.08
CarsDirect
The Internet sells everything today. Not only consumer electronics can be found in the online shops, but also anything ranging from foods to vehicles and real estate.
Retailers. Motor vehicle and spare part manufacturers as a rule distribute their products via networks of distributors. As far as motor vehicles are concerned, these distributors are known as dealers. Motor vehicle manufacturers operate networks of authorized repairers. Such a distribution or repair network encompasses a bunch of similar agreements between the manufacturer and the individual distributors or repairers. As a rule, these agreements are called vertical agreements, because the manufacturer and distributor or repairer each operates on a different level of the production or distribution chain. A vertical agreement actually restricts competition and in that case the benefits outweigh the anti-competitive effects. At the present time, online car dealers are numerous. They enable people to get as much information as they need about this or that specific vehicle, then visit the showroom and instantaneously buy the one they like.
CarsDirect.
CarsDirect is one of the leading online multi-brand car buying services. The company offers new and pre-owned automobiles as well as related products and services. The corporate office of the company is based in Los Angeles. CarsDirect is a division of Internet Brands, Inc. CarsDirect operates a network of more than 3,000 premier authorized dealers. This alliance includes the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Here belong UnitedAuto Group/Penske Automotive and Asbury Automotive. Using the web site, the consumers can research order, price, and purchase, insure and finance information about a vehicle of nearly every make, model and style of automobile available in the United States. The CarsDirect Connect referral channel was launched in 2001. It gives customers the option of being matched with a member of the CarsDirect authorized dealer network. This service connects a customer with an experienced Internet representative at a local dealer. In 2002, CarsDirect launched its comprehensive Used Car Channel. This provides used car buyers with fast comparison and pricing tools, a free in-depth research, expert purchase advice as well as instance access to more than 500,000 late-model cars. In 2005 CarsDirect became the largest special finance lead service in the United States with the acquisition of 1-800 Communications.