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Web developer Webzter Corp. announced on August 19 that it has completed the development of Automotive.comiBased in Newport Beach, Calif.) |
In the U.S., online auto trade is becoming more popular every day while big investors are acquiring many auto dealerships under their huge sales network. I will show you some examples today.
The World's Largest Online Auto Parts Super Store (source: company press release on August 19)
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Web developer Webzter Corp. announced on August 19 that it has completed the development of Automotive.comiBased in Newport Beach, Calif.) |
Josh Speyer, Automotive.com President and CEO stated, "We intend to directly compete with firms such as Pep Boys, Discount Auto Parts, Inc., Delphi Automotive Systems, CSK Auto Corp., Hahn Automotive Warehouse, Inc., United Auto Group, Inc." Webzter CEO, Dean Shafer said, "Automotive.com will compete directly with large firms that own, or are affiliated with such firms as DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford, Toyota, GM and Honda Motor Co. These large firms are far from even considering an Internet strategy for auto parts. Automotive.com is easely more than two years ahead."
Will online sales will control auto parts sales market?
Ford Motor Co. is investing in "carclub.com", an online automotive site trader
| Automotive News August 2, 1999 reported Ford would make an investment of less than $50 million in an online automotive site "carclub.com" just to get in on the floor of a promising e-commerce site. Ford says the investment does not undermine the dealers or its current Web activities. |
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It should be watched that a huge auto manufacturer established a bridgehead in online auto trade.
Auto dealerships under independent huge sales network
| UnitedAuto Group, Inc. (U.S.'s second largest independent publicly-traded automotive retailer(NYSE: UAG) announced Roger S. Penske(owner of a biggest America's auto dealership in California, President of Detroit Diesel Companyjbecame its Chairman and CEO by $83.0 million investment and took control of it on August 3. |
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UnitedAuto announced on August 4 agreements to expand relationships and enhance customer service with GMAAmerican Honda and Toyota. On August 3, it announced $1.0 billion financing arrangement with Chrysler Financial Company.
Through the prudent acquisition of dealerships across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, UnitedAuto operates over 100 franchises. Their combined inventory represents more than 30 American, Asian and European brands.
It is noticeable that big investors came into auto sales and servicing business.