eBay’s one month trial program selling new GM vehicles has resulted in 2,400 offers, according to GM (as reported by The Los Angeles Times). eBay’s trial, which could be extended nationwide, has been set up for 225 of GM’s 250 dealerships in California (Cadillac dealers are not participating.) If it is deemed successful, the program may be extended to GM dealers nationwide, and expanded to other auto manufacturers.
Foothill Ranch Chevrolet in Orange County, for instance, told The Times that it has seen a 20 percent jump in leads since the program was introduced. “People are calling up and coming in from all over,” said Nicole Easton, the dealership’s Internet director. “We haven’t been this busy in a long time. She added that the dealership has had a relationship with eBay for used cars for over a year. Sales didn’t start picking up, however, until customers began posting positive comments.