11/11/08

For the next three months, AutoTrader.com is testing a Vehicle Purchase Program in Kansas City, whereby private auto sellers can receive a purchase offer online.

Sellers access AutoTrader's pricing engine at vpp.autotrader.com. They add vehicle information - make, model, year, major factory-installed options, other upgrades, maintenance information, color and details about the car's condition, including major repairs or accident damage.

The price engine calculated a price and produces a printable purchase offer, which sellers can then take to Kansas City dealers who are participating in the pilot program.

The dealer checks the car against the offer, and, presuming reporting accuracy, writes a check.

"AutoTrader.com is always looking for ways to make the buying and selling of cars easier for visitors to our site," said Scott Whiteside, VP of private-seller advertising at AutoTrader.com and head of this project.

The price calculations are derived from data on thousands of automotive transaction, and updated constantly to account for supply and demand.

Twelve KC dealers are participating.

"At the end of this 90-day test in Kansas City, we'll contact car sellers who used this service and the dealers who participated in the service to see how satisfied they are with it," said Whiteside.  "This will help determine our national roll-out plans."