Web site detects 'a pulse' in automotive markets
Published: Wed, Nov. 19, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Wed, Nov. 19, 2008 02:23AM
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closeLOS ANGELES -- Automotive Web site Edmunds.com has picked up a faint sign of life in an industry that just reported its worst sales since 1991.
Based on activity on its site, Edmunds.com said "car purchase intent" has risen 16 percent since Election Day. That's based on site users pricing out options on vehicles -- behavior that typically is followed by a trip to a dealer, said Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl. "It seems there's a pulse at least in the marketplace," Anwyl said.
Autobytel, which operates rival car shopping site MyRide.com, is also seeing an uptick in buyer interest, based both on traffic to its site and the number of visitors who are asking dealers for quotes. It doesn't hurt that dealers are offering big incentives. A Ford dealer in Maryland last month offered a free 2008 Ford Focus with the full-price purchase of a 2007 pickup.
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Staff writer John Murawski
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