Edmunds.com Announces "Groupon"-like Exclusive Discount Program for New Car Buyers

Edmunds.com Announces "Groupon"-like Exclusive Discount Program for New Car Buyers

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — June 13, 2011 — Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, announced today a new online consumer program in the spirit of Groupon and LivingSocial that offers exclusive automotive discounts that go beyond existing purchase incentives.

"Edmunds Exclusives" is the first program of its kind to share exclusive offers from car dealers and automakers. Consumers who sign up through Edmunds.com will be able to use the program to cash in on deals for new or used cars they may be interested in buying or for vehicles they have not yet considered. The program will make it easier for dealers to appeal to the 70 percent of buyers who enter the market undecided on their next vehicle purchase.

"Edmunds.com long ago set the standard for empowering consumers to find the best deal on a new or used car," said Michelle Denogean, vice president of business operations at Edmunds.com. "The launch of 'Edmunds Exclusives' now brings more purchase power to car buyers, while at the same time giving dealers and automakers a new channel to market their products as they look to meet sales targets and make room for new models."

Using the full-service group buying and social commerce platform from Group Commerce Inc., "Edmunds Exclusives" promises to bring the same consumer enthusiasm to the automotive market that Groupon and LivingSocial have delivered to the hospitality and service industries. Consumers can expect valuable cash-back, financing and leasing offers from participating dealers and automakers. The program may also include deals from other auto-specific businesses like dealer repairs and parts, maintenance and body shops, aftermarket audio dealers and auto broker services.

"In many ways, Edmunds.com is a perfect candidate to launch this new vision of the daily deal," said Jonty Kelt, CEO of Group Commerce. "Their stellar reputation, outstanding content, vertical focus, and deep relationship with their audience are the essential cornerstones of a successful program."

The program kicked off with pre-registration this week in Miami-Fort Lauderdale, and select markets will be added later this summer. Consumers can be the first to learn about the exclusive new deals in their markets by pre-registering at http://www.edmunds.com/deals/register.html.

About Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html)

Edmunds publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site and hosts the most established automotive community online. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com, makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com, features the wireless Web's highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds.