Online set to take the title this year at local dealer level

There is no doubt about it, 2007 is set to be a monumental year for Automotive online, a year that sees the end of the traditional, a year that sees the crowning of a new king.

We commented back in April "Automotive Online Marketing Communications Sales" that online sources have already claimed 4 out of the top 5 spots as information sources for the car buyer,  and now a report released by Borrell Associates earlier this week shows online set to become the top marketing channel for used car marketers at the local ad level, surpassing newspapers for the very first time.

We always knew this was going happen, but the speed in which it has marks a significant shift in paradigm. Local level used car advertising for car dealers has always been the tried and tested method of advertising. “You’ve gotta be in the local papers..” is a comment heard around used car lots nationwide, but now it seems that the final out post for traditional media has been conquered.

With online advertising spend set to increase by a predicted 13% this year, both dealers and marketers alike should consider whether or not that half page ad in the local press is now such a wise investment!