FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — AutoUSA Internet Sales Solutions claimed its service has contributed to the sale of approximately 1.3 million since 2000. The estimate is based on the total number of leads AutoUSA has delivered from independent auto shopping website and the average closing percentage collected from AutoNation.

According to a survey the company recently conducted, 89 percent of the 180 dealer marketing personnel studied indicated that their dealership purchases Internet leads from at least one independent (third-party) provider. Additionally, 31 percent of respondents reported that more than 30 percent of their total Internet leads come from independent (third-party) providers.

AutoNation’s dealerships have been using leads delivered by AutoUSA since before the auto retailer purchased the company in May 2000. “The value in independent leads lies with the fact that you can capture customers who visit independent sites for research, and who might otherwise not find your dealership,” said Mark Taylor, director of business development at AutoNation. “Our company is very focused on results-oriented marketing with measurable results, and AutoUSA’s leads have always delivered proven ROI.”

In addition to an improving economy, DuPree observed that more dealers are investing more time and money into online marketing, staff training and process improvements. “The investment is paying off as Internet sales metrics continue to improve,” DuPree said. “More dealerships are embracing new technologies that help to increase their show and close rates, and drive more traffic to their web and social media sites.”

For more, visit www.autousadealers.com.