Automakers Partner with Internet Giants to Reach New Markets

In a move to bridge the gap between traditional automobile manufacturing and the digital age, General Motors Corporation and Ford Motor Company have announced partnerships with America Online and Yahoo, two of the largest internet portal companies. The deals aim to facilitate communication and sales between car manufacturers and consumers. By registering on special pages on these internet platforms, customers can receive periodic messages from carmakers or dealers, including information on oil changes, recalls, and rebates. Additionally, consumers can access car information and pricing from dealerships through these websites.

Key Takeaways:

• General Motors has partnered with America Online, while Ford Motor Company has partnered with Yahoo, aiming to facilitate communication and sales between car manufacturers and consumers.
• Registered customers will receive periodic messages from carmakers or dealers, including information on oil changes, recalls, and rebates.
• The partnerships allow consumers to access car information and pricing from dealerships through the internet portal websites.
• The deals do not preclude the internet portal providers from doing business with other automakers, with other alliances potentially being announced in the future.
• General Motors will pay America Online for advertising and sales leads generated.
• The financial terms of Ford's partnership with Yahoo were not disclosed.
• Ford's partnership with Yahoo is expected to reach 105 million consumers.
• DaimlerChrysler A.G. is considering partnerships with other automakers, including Renault, Fiat, and Honda, to build vehicles and possibly further links.

Statistics:

• 105 million: the number of consumers expected to be reached through Ford's partnership with Yahoo.
• Tens of millions: the value of General Motors' deal with America Online, with the company paying for advertising and sales leads generated.

Sources:

• "Auto Makers Form Partnerships with Internet Firms" by The New York Times (no publication date provided)