![Guide to the [Free] Resource Every Auto Dealership Should Be Using](https://i2.wp.com/thirdauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Trends-1.jpg?resize=800%2C500&ssl=1)
Auto dealerships have had to adapt at a rapid clip over the past decade as digital platforms have overtaken traditional media as the primary mechanism for reaching auto shoppers. The role of print ads has rapidly diminished, replaced with tactics like geo-fencing, search engine marketing, social advertising, and website retargeting. A marketing plan that might have included just television and newspaper ads less than 10 years ago now must extend across at least half a dozen other platforms. Keeping messaging…
Category: Article
Why Your Dealership Should Go Organic
At a time when car shoppers have access to more research, reviews and vehicle data than ever before, auto dealerships are faced with the challenge of standing out from the crowd, especially on the search engine result pages of Google and Bing. The battleground for auto dealerships is the search engine results page. If your dealership isn’t showing up, or is being outranked by a competitor it can lead to lost sales. Often the final stop before a car shopper…
Let’s Golf! Third Auto Builds a 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is famous for combining performance without sacrificing practicality. By thoughtfully integrating performance upgrades into the efficient and roomy Golf platform, the brand has been able to build a reputation for the GTI has as a fun car with few compromises and a reasonable price. For 2019 Volkswagen made some trim line changes and added more horsepower and more powerful brakes as standard equipment across the line. Let’s build one of these storied GTI’s to find the…
Building a 2019 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series sedan has been completely redesigned for the 2019 model year. As we previously covered, the 3 Series has carefully evolved throughout the decades and has traditionally placed an emphasis on sporty driving dynamics, technology and crisp design. Styling has generally been conservative, and the seventh-generation model carries on that theme. The exterior is handsomely rendered and features luxury styling cues, like chrome window surrounds, combined with aggressive bodyside sculpting and an integrated decklid spoiler. It all…
![Building a [Big Money] 2019 BMW X7](https://i2.wp.com/thirdauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019-BMW-X7-2.png?resize=800%2C500&ssl=1)
Building a [Big Money] 2019 BMW X7
For 2019 BMW has introduced the X7, its largest ever SUV, which slots above the mid-size X5 and X6 in the brand’s massive crossover lineup. The full-size X7 is designed to comfortably seat up to seven passengers, with a far more hospitable third-row seat than can be had in the X5. Competing head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lincoln Navigator and Land Rover Range Rover, the X7 carries a starting price of $73,900. As with most vehicles within the full-size luxury…
Discovering Automaker’s Awesome Original Websites: Japanese Luxury Roundup
In the mid-1990’s most automotive brands that existed at the time began launching websites as digital was rapidly becoming the next frontier and offered an opportunity to showcase products and influence consumers as they perform research. Early examples of auto manufacturer websites provide a unique window into brand identity as there were wild variations in style and tone compared to the much more uniform websites of today, where virtually all have a nearly identical layout and user experience. Lexus: The…
Tumbling Dice: Gambling On Tailfins
At a time when only the flashiest and most unique luxury sedans are postured to thrive in a market increasingly shifting toward SUVs, a strong case can be made for Cadillac to go balls to the wall with their sedans. Bring back the names, like Fleetwood and DeVille, bring on the chrome and tailfins. Make Cadillac sedans look bespoke, eye-catching and stylish beyond compare. Make the design proudly American, with bold lines and fearlessly shaped sheet metal. A Cadillac emblem…
2018 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a popular sedan that competes with the Honda Civic and other compacts. Priced from $18,550, the Corolla is slotted above the subcompact Toyota Yaris and below the midsize Toyota Camry in the brand’s lineup. The Corolla is a basic and reliable choice, but not very engaging. As an efficient commuter car it does its job well, however this might not be the best choice to take on a long road trip. Pros: Efficient, Low Price, Roomy Interior, Durable,…
2018 Ford Escape
Among the best-selling vehicles in America, the Escape nameplate has been extremely popular ever since its launch in the early 2000’s. The reason for its success is that it combines utility with a comfortable and car-like ride. The 2018 Ford Escape is the brand’s compact SUV, with prices start at an MSRP of $23,850.
2018 Ram 1500
The 2018 Ram 1500 enters its final year before a redesign. Routinely among one of the best-selling automobiles in America, the Ram competes directly with the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Prices start from an MSRP of $27,095 and, like most large pickups, it is available with multiple cab configurations and several special editions. Pros: Available Diesel, Comfortable Ride, Available V-8, Nice Design, Special Editions Cons: Outdated Infotainment, Missing Latest Safety Tech Looks Best In: Granite Crystal/Brilliant Black exterior/ Black/Red interior…
2018 Chevrolet Impala
One rung above the midsize Chevrolet Malibu in Chevy’s lineup you’ll find the full-size 2018 Chevrolet Impala. Offering more space and features, it has stretch-out space front and rear and its long wheelbase allows for a smoother ride than those found in the midsize class. It’s an ideal road trip car. Prices start at an MSRP of $27,895. Pros: Huge Interior, Fuel-Efficient, Luxurious Cons: No Available V-8 Looks Best In: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat exterior/ Dark Atmosphere/Jet Black/Light Wheat interior What You Should…
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is the brand’s midsize sedan, ranked in the Chevy lineup between the compact Chevrolet Cruze and the full-size Impala. It is available with several powertrain options are available, including a hybrid. Prices start at $21,680. Pros: Efficient, Comfortable, Available Hybrid, Roomy Cons: Not Very Sporty, Expensive Optional Safety Features Looks Best In: Blue Velvet exterior/ Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray interior What You Should Know: The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has available built-in WiFi, which can be used to connect up…
2018 Hyundai Sonata
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is the brand’s popular midsize sedan and is based on the same platform as its cousin, the Kia Optima. With a starting MSRP of $22,935, it competes with heavyweights like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Sonata offers a range of powertrain options, including a hybrid model. Pros: Roomy, Comfortable, Long Warranty Cons: Tight Rear Headroom, No V-6 Looks Best In: Scarlet Red exterior/Gray interior What You Should Know: The Hyundai Sonata was refreshed for…