CHICAGO, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com announced today that it will partner with NIADA to produce an online training program specifically developed for independent dealers. The free DealerADvantage Bootcamp sessions are designed to help dealers more profitably manage their operations. Topics range from balancing floorplan debt-to-equity ratios to implementing effective online advertising and internet sales processes. "Given the daily demands of running their business, independent dealers typically find themselves with little time to attend conventions and workshops for the ongoing training they need," said Ralph Ebersole, director of automotive consulting and dealer training at Cars.com. "The DealerADvantage Bootcamp series allows them to discuss and learn the latest strategies and tactics without cost or having to leave their stores." "We value partners such as Cars.com who show a true commitment to our dealers and the success of their business," said Mike Linn, CEO of NIADA. "Particularly in the current economy, only by working together can we as an industry move forward." The 2009 DealerADvantage Bootcamp sessions begin on July 24 and continue through Dec. 4. The 45-minute workshops include: -- July 24: Balancing Debt-to-Equity Ratio in Your Floorplan -- Aug. 21: Building the Right Inventory -- Sept. 25: Bringing Your Brand Online: Making the Transition to a Digital Dealership -- Oct. 16: Optimizing Your Process -- Nov. 20: Measuring Your Investment -- Dec. 4: Web 2.0: Advanced Brand-Building Techniques The DealerADvantage Bootcamp sessions will be led by a Cars.com automotive consulting and dealer training expert. Automotive retail industry panelists also will participate to provide their perspective and practical tips dealers can use at their stores. Dealers do not have to be Cars.com customers to attend the webinars, but they must download free WebEx software (http://www.webex.com/) to participate. In addition to DealerADvantage Bootcamp, Cars.com offers a comprehensive dealer training program, at no cost, that includes in-market and web-based training workshops and a monthly enewsletter. Information can be found at http://www.dealers.cars.com/dealer_resources.php. About NIADA The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) http://www.niada.com/, founded in 1946, has represented quality independent automobile dealers for more than 60 years. NIADA assists its members in becoming more successful within the used motor vehicle industry. Through membership in NIADA, members join with more than 20,000 other professional automobile dealers who share the dream of financial prosperity for their business. NIADA is the industry's legislative representative -- working hard every day to protect dealer and consumer interests. The association consistently brings forward industry education, valuable industry information along with services and benefits designed to prepare members for an ever-changing marketplace. As a consumer friendly association, automotive consumer information can be found on http://www.autoconsumer.tv/. About Cars.com Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO). DATASOURCE: Cars.com CONTACT: Brian R. Hannan, Trade Communications Manager of Cars.com, direct, +1-312-601-5519, mobile, +1-312-218-0788, Web Site: http://www.cars.com/ http://www.niada.com/

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