Jumpstart Automotive Group

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., MAY 20, 2009 — Jumpstart Automotive Group today announced a partnership with Sonic Automotive that will consolidate a portion of Sonic Automotive’s localized digital marketing efforts into highly focused and consistent display campaigns delivered to Jumpstart Automotive Group’s diverse network of in-market car shoppers.

The third largest dealer group in the U.S., Sonic Automotive’s 149 local dealerships sell 33 automotive brands, and to date have managed all advertising efforts at the individual dealership level. Facing the need to build a consistent and efficient digital strategy, Sonic Automotive has partnered with Jumpstart to provide an online, in-market digital solution for its dealers. The deployment will align Sonic’s dealers with their local marketing offer and result in greater budget efficiencies for Sonic as a whole.

“In today’s economy, our focus is simple: finding the right car buyers at the right time, and delivering the right message to them in the most direct and cost effective way possible,” said Rachel Richards, VP of Retail Strategy, Sonic Automotive. “Our partnership with Jumpstart helps us do just that by advertising online to customers that are ‘in the market’ for an automobile. Most importantly, this allows our local dealers to do what they do best: sell cars, trucks, and service and manage our valued customer relationships.

“In today’s market, all automotive marketers need to make every dollar work harder. That starts by sharing their respective messages with people who are actively shopping for a vehicle or have great passion for the industry,” said Steve Wilhite, CEO, Jumpstart Automotive Group. “In-market shoppers are a strategic investment for the auto industry, and Sonic Automotive’s new direction makes sound business sense. With a new level of consistency across it brands, the Sonic network can be assured that buyers will see consistent and highly effective messaging from its dealers online.”