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{{Short description|American automotive resource company}}
{{redirect|Inside Line|the [[NASCAR]] [[List of NASCAR video games|video game]]|NASCAR The Game: Inside Line}}
{{infobox company
{{infobox company
|name = Edmunds
| name = Edmunds
| logo =
|logo = [[File:Edmunds_Logo.png|250px]]
| logo_size = 250px
| founder =
| founder = Ludwig Arons
| industry = Automotive, Information services
| industry = Automotive information services
| products =
| revenue =
| products =
| parent =
| revenue =
| parent =
| website = {{URL|https://www.edmunds.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.edmunds.com/}}
| company_type = Private
| type = Private
| foundation = {{Start date|1966}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1966}}
| location_city = [[Santa Monica, California]]
| location_city = [[Santa Monica, California]], U.S.
| location_country =
| location_country =
| area_served = [[United States]]
| area_served = United States
| key_people = Avi Steinlauf, {{small|(CEO)}}
| key_people = Avi Steinlauf (CEO)
| subsid =
| subsid =
| former_name = Edmunds.com
| former_name = Edmunds.com
}}
}}


'''Edmunds.com Inc.''' (stylized as '''Edmunds''') is an American online resource for [[automotive]] information. The company is headquartered in [[Santa Monica, California]] and maintains an office in downtown [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2014/09/edmundscom_moves_to_downtown_d.html|title=Edmunds.com Moves to Downtown Detroit, Launches Rebuild Hart Plaza Campaign|publisher=MLive|first=David|last=Muller|date=11 September 2014|accessdate=9 December 2016}}</ref> Edmunds is [[privately held company|privately held]], with the Steinlauf family holding a majority stake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbnonline.com/article/edmunds-com-gives-unlimited-vacation-but-employees-treat-it-with-discipline/|title=Edmunds.com Gives Unlimited Vacation, But Employees Treat it With Discipline|publisher=Smart Business|date=31 March 2014|accessdate=9 December 2016}}</ref>
'''Edmunds.com Inc.''' (stylized as '''edmunds''') is an American online resource for [[automotive]] inventory and information, including expert car reviews based on testing at the company's private facility. The company is headquartered in [[Santa Monica, California]], and maintains an office in downtown [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2014/09/edmundscom_moves_to_downtown_d.html|title=Edmunds.com Moves to Downtown Detroit, Launches Rebuild Hart Plaza Campaign|publisher=MLive|first=David|last=Muller|date=11 September 2014|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> After making a minority investment, [[CarMax|Carmax]] purchased the whole company at an enterprise value of $404 million in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoremarketing.com/retail/carmax-acquire-full-ownership-edmunds|title=CarMax to acquire full ownership of Edmunds
|publisher=Auto Remarketing|date=1 April 2021|access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Edmunds was founded in 1966 as Edmunds Publications, a publisher of printed booklets consolidating automotive specifications to help car shoppers make buying decisions.<ref name="busweek">{{cite web
Edmunds was founded by Ludwig Arons in 1966 as Edmunds Publications, a publisher of printed booklets consolidating automotive specifications to help car shoppers make buying decisions.<ref name="busweek">{{cite web
|title=Maintaining Edmunds' Edge
|title = Maintaining Edmunds' Edge
|work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]]
|work = [[Bloomberg Businessweek|BusinessWeek]]
|date=November 26, 2007
|date = November 26, 2007
|last=Vella
|last = Vella
|first=Matt
|first = Matt
|url=http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2007/id20071119_291589.htm?campaign_id=rss_innovate
|url = http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2007/id20071119_291589.htm?campaign_id=rss_innovate
|url-status = dead
|deadurl=yes
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206005818/http://www.businessweek.com:80/innovate/content/nov2007/id20071119_291589.htm?campaign_id=rss_innovate
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071206005818/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2007/id20071119_291589.htm?campaign_id=rss_innovate
|archivedate=2007-12-06
|archive-date = 2007-12-06
|df=
}}</ref> In 1988, the company was purchased by Peter Steinlauf whose family has owned a majority stake since.<ref name="inc"/>
}}</ref> In 1988, the company was purchased by Peter Steinlauf whose family has owned a majority stake since.<ref name="inc"/>


By the 1990s, Edmunds published its data to CD-ROM while also publishing books such as ''Edmunds New Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide'', ''Edmunds Used Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide'' and ''Edmunds Strategies for Smart Car Buyers''. In 1994, the company posted on a [[gopher (protocol)|gopher]] site known as the Electronic Newsstand.<ref name= "bweek">{{cite book |last=Sviokla |first=John J. |title=Information Technology and Industrial Competitiveness: How IT Shapes Competition |editor-last=Kemerer |editor-first=Chris F |year=1998 |chapter=Chapter 3 Marketspace Markets: Factors for Success and Failure |publisher=Kluwer Academic Publishers |location=Norwell, Mass. |isbn=0-7923-8020-7 |page=41 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=K66WzNQWHogC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA40#v=twopage&q&f=false |accessdate= May 31, 2010}}</ref> The company launched the Edmunds.com website in 1995.<ref name="inc"/> By 1996, the company had formed web commerce agreements with [[Autobytel]], a site linking buyers to nearby dealers, and the auto insurance company, [[Geico]]. As part of the agreement, each time a lead was generated from the Edmunds.com website, it would get paid a fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/28/business/kelley-blue-book-tests-the-world-wide-web-as-a-distribution-source.html|title=Kelley Blue Book Tests the World Wide Web as a Distribution Source|publisher=The New York Times|first=Andrea|last=Adelson|date=28 October 1996|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In June 1999, the company changed its name to Edmunds.com, Inc.<ref name="inc">{{cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/20021201/24902.html|title=This Year's Model|publisher=Inc. |first=Anne |last=Stuart|date=2002|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref>
By the 1990s, Edmunds published its data to CD-ROM while also publishing books such as ''Edmunds New Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide'', ''Edmunds Used Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide'' and ''Edmunds Strategies for Smart Car Buyers''. In 1994, the company posted on a [[gopher (protocol)|gopher]] site known as the Electronic Newsstand.<ref name= "bweek">{{cite book |last=Sviokla |first=John J. |title=Information Technology and Industrial Competitiveness: How IT Shapes Competition |editor-last=Kemerer |editor-first=Chris F |year=1998 |chapter=Chapter 3 Marketspace Markets: Factors for Success and Failure |publisher=Kluwer Academic Publishers |location=Norwell, Mass. |isbn=0-7923-8020-7 |page=41 |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=K66WzNQWHogC&pg=PA40 |access-date= May 31, 2010}}</ref> The company launched the Edmunds.com website in 1995.<ref name="inc"/> By 1996, the company had formed web commerce agreements with [[Autobytel]], a site linking buyers to nearby dealers, and the auto insurance company, [[Geico]]. As part of the agreement, each time a lead was generated from the Edmunds.com website, it would get paid a fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/28/business/kelley-blue-book-tests-the-world-wide-web-as-a-distribution-source.html|title=Kelley Blue Book Tests the World Wide Web as a Distribution Source|work=The New York Times|first=Andrea|last=Adelson|date=28 October 1996|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In June 1999, the company changed its name to Edmunds.com, Inc.<ref name="inc">{{cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/20021201/24902.html|title=This Year's Model|publisher=Inc. |first=Anne |last=Stuart|date=2002|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref>


The company introduced True Market Value, a service that analyzed a variety of factors to offer a suggested transaction price for vehicles in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20000612/ANA/6120725/edmunds-offers-net-prices|title=Edmunds Offers Net Prices|publisher=Automotive News|first=Ralph |last=Kisiel|date=12 June 2000|accessdate=17 December 2016}}</ref> That same year, the company introduced simple websites for web-ready mobile phones and PDAs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20000221/ANA/2210762/edmunds-adds-to-its-services|title=Edmunds Adds to its Services|publisher=Automotive News|first=Mark |last=Rechtin|date=21 February 2000|accessdate=17 December 2016}}</ref> In 2005, Edmunds.com launched ''Inside Line'', a free online magazine for automotive enthusiasts.<ref name="bweek"/> ''Inside Line'' delivered automotive content in the form of videos, photos, blogs, news articles, discussion boards and road tests,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/apr/07/business/fi-kelley7|title=Websites Aim to Rev Traffic|publisher=Los Angeles Times|first=Martin|last=Zimmerman|date=7 April 2007|accessdate=17 December 2016}}</ref> before being discontinued in 2013. In 2010, the company launched its first mobile phone apps, 10 years after introducing its mobile website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobile-apps-that-help-you-unlock-your-car-or-buy-a-new-one/|title=Mobile Apps That Help You Unlock Your Car Or Buy A New One|publisher=CBS Money Watch|first=Jerry|last=Edgerton|date=15 November 2010|accessdate=17 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2010/12/28/smart-phone-apps-car-shopping.html|title=5 Smart Phone Apps For Car Shopping|publisher=Fox Business|first=Margarette|last=Burnette|date=28 December 2010|accessdate=17 December 2016}}</ref>
The company introduced True Market Value, a service that analyzed a variety of factors to offer a suggested transaction price for vehicles in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20000612/ANA/6120725/edmunds-offers-net-prices|title=Edmunds Offers Net Prices|publisher=Automotive News|first=Ralph |last=Kisiel|date=12 June 2000|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> That same year, the company introduced simple websites for web-ready mobile phones and PDAs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20000221/ANA/2210762/edmunds-adds-to-its-services|title=Edmunds Adds to its Services|publisher=Automotive News|first=Mark |last=Rechtin|date=21 February 2000|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> In 2005, Edmunds.com launched ''Inside Line'', a free online magazine for automotive enthusiasts.<ref name="bweek"/> ''Inside Line'' delivered automotive content in the form of videos, photos, blogs, news articles, discussion boards and road tests,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/apr/07/business/fi-kelley7|title=Websites Aim to Rev Traffic|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Martin|last=Zimmerman|date=7 April 2007|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> before being discontinued in 2013. In 2010, the company launched its first mobile phone apps, 10 years after introducing its mobile website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobile-apps-that-help-you-unlock-your-car-or-buy-a-new-one/|title=Mobile Apps That Help You Unlock Your Car Or Buy A New One|publisher=CBS Money Watch|first=Jerry|last=Edgerton|date=15 November 2010|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2010/12/28/smart-phone-apps-car-shopping.html|title=5 Smart Phone Apps For Car Shopping|publisher=Fox Business|first=Margarette|last=Burnette|date=28 December 2010|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>


In 2011, two years after launching a similar service for new vehicles, the company launched a used car inventory search tool, allowing users to compare vehicles in their market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ctwatchdog.com/finance/edmunds-com-launches-inventory-search-tool-for-used-car-shoppers|title=Edmunds.com Launches Inventory Search Tool For Used Car Shoppers|publisher=CT Watchdog|first=George|last=Gombossy|date=8 September 2011|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> Edmunds.com launched its first ever TV advertising campaign in select markets in 2012, before expanding nationally in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/dalebuss/2012/07/09/cars-on-their-minds-as-edmunds-debuts-first-television-ads/#31f018366956|title=Cars On Their Minds As Edmunds Debuts 1st TV Ads|publisher=Forbes|first=Dale|last=Buss|date=9 July 2012|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> That same year, the company announced the Edmunds Price Promise, a feature that allowed users to see the accurate price of a vehicle online and guaranteed by a local dealer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20130605/RETAIL/130609940/edmunds-launches-price-guarantee-for-online-car-shoppers|title=Edmunds Launches Price Guarantee For Online Car Shoppers|publisher=Automotive News|first=David|last=Barkholz|date=5 June 2015|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Edmunds.com acquired CarCode, a mobile messaging startup that won one of the company's Hackomotive challenges and participated in the company's accelerator program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2014/oct/28/edmundscom-acquires-carcode/|title=Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode|publisher=Los Angeles Business Journal|first=Melissah|last=Yang|date=28 October 2014|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xconomy.com/detroit-ann-arbor/2014/10/30/edmunds-com-acquires-carcode-to-help-further-its-mobile-strategy/#|title=Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode to Help Further Its Mobile Strategy|first=Sarah |last=Schmid Stevenson|date=30 October 2014|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref>
In 2011, two years after launching a similar service for new vehicles, the company launched a used car inventory search tool, allowing users to compare vehicles in their market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ctwatchdog.com/finance/edmunds-com-launches-inventory-search-tool-for-used-car-shoppers|title=Edmunds.com Launches Inventory Search Tool For Used Car Shoppers|publisher=CT Watchdog|first=George|last=Gombossy|date=8 September 2011|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> Edmunds.com launched its first ever TV advertising campaign in select markets in 2012, before expanding nationally in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dalebuss/2012/07/09/cars-on-their-minds-as-edmunds-debuts-first-television-ads/#31f018366956|title=Cars On Their Minds As Edmunds Debuts 1st TV Ads|work=Forbes|first=Dale|last=Buss|date=9 July 2012|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> That same year, the company announced the Edmunds Price Promise, a feature that allowed users to see the accurate price of a vehicle online and guaranteed by a local dealer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20130605/RETAIL/130609940/edmunds-launches-price-guarantee-for-online-car-shoppers|title=Edmunds Launches Price Guarantee For Online Car Shoppers|publisher=Automotive News|first=David|last=Barkholz|date=5 June 2015|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Edmunds.com acquired CarCode, a mobile messaging startup that won one of the company's Hackomotive challenges and participated in the company's accelerator program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2014/oct/28/edmundscom-acquires-carcode/|title=Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode|publisher=Los Angeles Business Journal|first=Melissah|last=Yang|date=28 October 2014|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xconomy.com/detroit-ann-arbor/2014/10/30/edmunds-com-acquires-carcode-to-help-further-its-mobile-strategy/#|title=Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode to Help Further Its Mobile Strategy|first=Sarah |last=Schmid Stevenson|date=30 October 2014|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref>


In 2016, the company relocated its headquarters to the Colorado Center in Santa Monica.<ref name="labus">{{cite web|url=http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2016/jul/27/edmundscom-opens-massive-new-headquarters/|title=Edmunds.com Opens Massive New Headquarters|publisher=La Business Journal|first=Garrett |last=Reim|date=26 July 2016|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, as part of a rebranding effort, the company officially dropped the .com from its name, unveiled a new logo, and redesigned its website to aid mobile users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20170104/RETAIL/170109956/edmunds-ramps-up-mobile-strategy-redesigns-site|title=Edmunds Ramps Up Mobile Strategy, Redesigns Site|first=Stephanie|last=Hernandez McGavin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/292373/edmunds-remodels-its-own-brand.html|title=Edmunds Remodels Its Own Brand|first=Larissa|last=Faw}}</ref>
In 2016, the company relocated its headquarters to the Colorado Center in Santa Monica.<ref name="labus">{{cite web|url=http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2016/jul/27/edmundscom-opens-massive-new-headquarters/|title=Edmunds.com Opens Massive New Headquarters|publisher=La Business Journal|first=Garrett |last=Reim|date=26 July 2016|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, as part of a rebranding effort, the company officially dropped the .com from its name, unveiled a new logo, and redesigned its website to aid mobile users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20170104/RETAIL/170109956/edmunds-ramps-up-mobile-strategy-redesigns-site|title=Edmunds Ramps Up Mobile Strategy, Redesigns Site|first=Stephanie|last=Hernandez McGavin|date=4 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/292373/edmunds-remodels-its-own-brand.html|title=Edmunds Remodels Its Own Brand|first=Larissa|last=Faw}}</ref>


==Events==
==Events==
Edmunds.com announced that it would begin hosting a Hackathon event in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socaltech.com/edmunds_com_plans_hackathon/s-0044981.html|title=Edmunds.com Plans Hackathon|date=12 September 2012|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> The event, named Hackomotive, was held in March 2013 and awarded the winners a combined $28,000. The resulting ideas were published on the Edmunds Hackomotive website and some ideas were further evaluated by the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/michellekrebs/2013/03/19/should-car-buying-be-like-online-dating-versus-a-dental-visit/#363fa2bf6702|title=Should Car Buying Be Like Online Dating Versus a Dental Visit|publisher=Forbes|first=Michelle|last=Krebs|date=19 March 2013|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> Edmunds.com ran the Hackathon from 2013-2015 before taking a year-long break from the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latechdigest.com/edmunds-com-continues-to-innovate-with-third-annual-hackomotive/|title=Edmunds.com Continues To Innovate With Third Annual Hackomotive|publisher=LA Tech Digest|first=Scott|last=Perry|date=27 March 2015|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hackomotive.com/|title=Hackomotive Website|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Edmunds.com launched Car Week, a seven-day event to connect car dealers with buyers and offering prices below the Edmunds.com True Market Value.<ref name="carweek">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2014/06/10/q-a-edmunds-com-ceo-avi-steinlauf-kicks-off-car.html|title=Q&A: Edmunds.com CEO Avi Steinlauf Kicks Off Car Week|publisher=L.A. Biz|first=Annlee |last=Ellingson|date=10 June 2014|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://time.com/money/2838759/if-you-hate-haggling-this-is-the-week-to-buy-a-car/|title=If You Hate Haggling, This Is The Week To Buy A Car|publisher= Money Magazine|first=Brad|last=Tuttle|date=8 June 2014|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref>
Edmunds.com announced that it would begin hosting a Hackathon event in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socaltech.com/edmunds_com_plans_hackathon/s-0044981.html|title=Edmunds.com Plans Hackathon|date=12 September 2012|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> The event, named Hackomotive, was held in March 2013 and awarded the winners a combined $28,000. The resulting ideas were published on the Edmunds Hackomotive website and some ideas were further evaluated by the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michellekrebs/2013/03/19/should-car-buying-be-like-online-dating-versus-a-dental-visit/#363fa2bf6702|title=Should Car Buying Be Like Online Dating Versus a Dental Visit|work=Forbes|first=Michelle|last=Krebs|date=19 March 2013|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> Edmunds.com ran the Hackathon from 2013–2015 before taking a year-long break from the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latechdigest.com/edmunds-com-continues-to-innovate-with-third-annual-hackomotive/|title=Edmunds.com Continues To Innovate With Third Annual Hackomotive|work=LA Tech Digest|first=Scott|last=Perry|date=27 March 2015|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hackomotive.com/|title=Hackomotive Website|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Edmunds.com launched Car Week, a seven-day event to connect car dealers with buyers and offering prices below the Edmunds.com "True Market Value".<ref name="carweek">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2014/06/10/q-a-edmunds-com-ceo-avi-steinlauf-kicks-off-car.html|title=Q&A: Edmunds.com CEO Avi Steinlauf Kicks Off Car Week|publisher=L.A. Biz|first=Annlee |last=Ellingson|date=10 June 2014|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Brad |date=June 9, 2014 |title=If You Hate Haggling, This Is The Week To Buy A Car |url=https://money.com/if-you-hate-haggling-this-is-the-week-to-buy-a-car/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508100141/https://money.com/if-you-hate-haggling-this-is-the-week-to-buy-a-car/ |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=Money}}</ref>


==Services==
==Services==
The Edmunds.com Web site includes prices for new and [[Used car|used vehicles]], dealer and inventory listings, a database of national and regional incentives and rebates, vehicle test drive reviews, and tips and advice on all aspects of car purchases and ownership. Edmunds.com provides data through its "True Market Value" pricing tools, which launched in 2000.<ref name="cohistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/about/profile.html|title=Company Profile and History|publisher=Edmunds.com|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The Edmunds.com True Market Value New Vehicle Calculator displays the estimated average price consumers are paying when buying new vehicles. The Edmunds.com True Market Value Used Vehicle Appraiser estimates the actual transaction prices for used vehicles bought and sold by dealers and private parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/your-money/car-dealers-wince-at-a-site-to-end-sales-haggling.html|title=Car Dealers Wince at a Site to End Sales Haggling|publisher=The New York Times|first=Tara |last=Seigel Bernard|date=10 February 2012|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>
The Edmunds.com Web site includes prices for new and [[Used car|used vehicles]], dealer and inventory listings, a database of national and regional incentives and rebates, vehicle test drive reviews, and tips and advice on all aspects of car purchases and ownership. Edmunds.com provides data through its "True Market Value" pricing tools, which launched in 2000.<ref name="cohistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/about/profile.html|title=Company Profile and History|publisher=Edmunds.com|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The Edmunds.com True Market Value New Vehicle Calculator displays the estimated average price consumers are paying when buying new vehicles. The Edmunds.com True Market Value Used Vehicle Appraiser estimates the actual transaction prices for used vehicles bought and sold by dealers and private parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/your-money/car-dealers-wince-at-a-site-to-end-sales-haggling.html|title=Car Dealers Wince at a Site to End Sales Haggling|work=The New York Times|first=Tara |last=Seigel Bernard|date=10 February 2012|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>

In 2020, Edmunds launched a partnership with CarMax that allows a driver to receive a no-obligation cash offer for their vehicle which can be redeemed at any CarMax location.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sell My Car - Sell Your Used Car Online for Cash Today {{!}} Edmunds|url=https://www.edmunds.com/sell-car/|website=[[Edmunds.com]]}}</ref>


==Recognition==
==Recognition==
In 1997, the Edmunds.com website earned a [[Webby Awards|Webby Award]] in the Money category at the inaugural event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webbyawards.com/winners/1997/web/general-website/living-health/ |title=1st Annual Webby Awards Nominees & Winners |year=1997 |work= |publisher=[[Webby Awards]] |accessdate=May 30, 2010}}</ref> The company has been ranked as one of the best places to work by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' and the [[Los Angeles Business Journal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestplacestoworkla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67|title= 2015 Best Places to Work in Los Angeles|publisher=Los Angeles Business Journal}}</ref> Edmunds.com was named to ''[[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company's]]'' World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Automotive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3041642/most-innovative-companies-2015/the-worlds-top-10-most-innovative-companies-of-2015-in-automo|title=The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies Of 2015 In Automotive|publisher=Fast Company|date=February 9, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Edmunds.com was ranked 26th on ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune's]]'' Best Small and Medium Companies list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/best-medium-workplaces/edmunds-com-26/|title=Best Small & Medium Companies 2016}}</ref>
In 1997, the Edmunds.com website earned a [[Webby Awards|Webby Award]] in the Money category at the inaugural event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webbyawards.com/winners/1997/web/general-website/living-health/ |title=1st Annual Webby Awards Nominees & Winners |year=1997 |publisher=[[Webby Awards]] |access-date=May 30, 2010}}</ref> The company has been ranked as one of the best places to work by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' and the ''[[Los Angeles Business Journal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestplacestoworkla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67|title= 2015 Best Places to Work in Los Angeles|publisher=Los Angeles Business Journal}}</ref> Edmunds.com was named to ''[[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company's]]'' World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Automotive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3041642/most-innovative-companies-2015/the-worlds-top-10-most-innovative-companies-of-2015-in-automo|title=The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies Of 2015 In Automotive|publisher=Fast Company|date=February 9, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Edmunds.com was ranked 26th on ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune's]]'' Best Small and Medium Companies list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/best-medium-workplaces/edmunds-com-26/|title=Best Small & Medium Companies 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.edmunds.com/ Edmunds.com Home Page]
{{official|https://www.edmunds.com}}
*[http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b02/en/common/item_detail.jhtml?id=701025 Harvard Business School: Edmunds.com Case Study]


{{Webby Awards|year=1997|cat=Money|type=winner}}
{{Webby Awards|year=1997|cat=Money|type=winner}}

{{authority control}}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Edmunds.Com}}
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[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Automotive websites]]
[[Category:Automotive websites]]
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[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Publishing companies established in 1966]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1995]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1995]]
[[Category:Online companies]]
[[Category:Online automotive companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Used car market]]
[[Category:Webby Award winners]]
[[Category:Webby Award winners]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in California]]
[[Category:1988 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions]]

Latest revision as of 01:38, 20 January 2024

"Inside Line" redirects here. For the NASCAR video game, see NASCAR The Game: Inside Line.
Edmunds
FormerlyEdmunds.com
Company typePrivate
IndustryAutomotive information services
Founded1966; 58 years ago (1966)
FounderLudwig Arons
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Area served
United States
Key people
Avi Steinlauf (CEO)
Websitewww.edmunds.com

Edmunds.com Inc. (stylized as edmunds) is an American online resource for automotive inventory and information, including expert car reviews based on testing at the company's private facility. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains an office in downtown Detroit, Michigan.[1] After making a minority investment, Carmax purchased the whole company at an enterprise value of $404 million in 2021.[2]

History[edit]

Edmunds was founded by Ludwig Arons in 1966 as Edmunds Publications, a publisher of printed booklets consolidating automotive specifications to help car shoppers make buying decisions.[3] In 1988, the company was purchased by Peter Steinlauf whose family has owned a majority stake since.[4]

By the 1990s, Edmunds published its data to CD-ROM while also publishing books such as Edmunds New Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide, Edmunds Used Cars & Trucks Buyer's Guide and Edmunds Strategies for Smart Car Buyers. In 1994, the company posted on a gopher site known as the Electronic Newsstand.[5] The company launched the Edmunds.com website in 1995.[4] By 1996, the company had formed web commerce agreements with Autobytel, a site linking buyers to nearby dealers, and the auto insurance company, Geico. As part of the agreement, each time a lead was generated from the Edmunds.com website, it would get paid a fee.[6] In June 1999, the company changed its name to Edmunds.com, Inc.[4]

The company introduced True Market Value, a service that analyzed a variety of factors to offer a suggested transaction price for vehicles in 2000.[7] That same year, the company introduced simple websites for web-ready mobile phones and PDAs.[8] In 2005, Edmunds.com launched Inside Line, a free online magazine for automotive enthusiasts.[5] Inside Line delivered automotive content in the form of videos, photos, blogs, news articles, discussion boards and road tests,[9] before being discontinued in 2013. In 2010, the company launched its first mobile phone apps, 10 years after introducing its mobile website.[10][11]

In 2011, two years after launching a similar service for new vehicles, the company launched a used car inventory search tool, allowing users to compare vehicles in their market.[12] Edmunds.com launched its first ever TV advertising campaign in select markets in 2012, before expanding nationally in 2013.[13] That same year, the company announced the Edmunds Price Promise, a feature that allowed users to see the accurate price of a vehicle online and guaranteed by a local dealer.[14] In 2014, Edmunds.com acquired CarCode, a mobile messaging startup that won one of the company's Hackomotive challenges and participated in the company's accelerator program.[15][16]

In 2016, the company relocated its headquarters to the Colorado Center in Santa Monica.[17] In 2017, as part of a rebranding effort, the company officially dropped the .com from its name, unveiled a new logo, and redesigned its website to aid mobile users.[18][19]

Events[edit]

Edmunds.com announced that it would begin hosting a Hackathon event in September 2012.[20] The event, named Hackomotive, was held in March 2013 and awarded the winners a combined $28,000. The resulting ideas were published on the Edmunds Hackomotive website and some ideas were further evaluated by the company.[21] Edmunds.com ran the Hackathon from 2013–2015 before taking a year-long break from the event.[22][23] In 2014, Edmunds.com launched Car Week, a seven-day event to connect car dealers with buyers and offering prices below the Edmunds.com "True Market Value".[24][25]

Services[edit]

The Edmunds.com Web site includes prices for new and used vehicles, dealer and inventory listings, a database of national and regional incentives and rebates, vehicle test drive reviews, and tips and advice on all aspects of car purchases and ownership. Edmunds.com provides data through its "True Market Value" pricing tools, which launched in 2000.[26] The Edmunds.com True Market Value New Vehicle Calculator displays the estimated average price consumers are paying when buying new vehicles. The Edmunds.com True Market Value Used Vehicle Appraiser estimates the actual transaction prices for used vehicles bought and sold by dealers and private parties.[27]

In 2020, Edmunds launched a partnership with CarMax that allows a driver to receive a no-obligation cash offer for their vehicle which can be redeemed at any CarMax location.[28]

Recognition[edit]

In 1997, the Edmunds.com website earned a Webby Award in the Money category at the inaugural event.[29] The company has been ranked as one of the best places to work by The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Business Journal.[30] Edmunds.com was named to Fast Company's World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Automotive.[31] In 2016, Edmunds.com was ranked 26th on Fortune's Best Small and Medium Companies list.[32]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Muller, David (11 September 2014). "Edmunds.com Moves to Downtown Detroit, Launches Rebuild Hart Plaza Campaign". MLive. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  2. ^ "CarMax to acquire full ownership of Edmunds". Auto Remarketing. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  3. ^ Vella, Matt (November 26, 2007). "Maintaining Edmunds' Edge". BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on 2007-12-06.
  4. ^ a b c Stuart, Anne (2002). "This Year's Model". Inc. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  5. ^ a b Sviokla, John J. (1998). "Chapter 3 Marketspace Markets: Factors for Success and Failure". In Kemerer, Chris F (ed.). Information Technology and Industrial Competitiveness: How IT Shapes Competition. Norwell, Mass.: Kluwer Academic Publishers. p. 41. ISBN 0-7923-8020-7. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
  6. ^ Adelson, Andrea (28 October 1996). "Kelley Blue Book Tests the World Wide Web as a Distribution Source". The New York Times. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  7. ^ Kisiel, Ralph (12 June 2000). "Edmunds Offers Net Prices". Automotive News. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  8. ^ Rechtin, Mark (21 February 2000). "Edmunds Adds to its Services". Automotive News. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  9. ^ Zimmerman, Martin (7 April 2007). "Websites Aim to Rev Traffic". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  10. ^ Edgerton, Jerry (15 November 2010). "Mobile Apps That Help You Unlock Your Car Or Buy A New One". CBS Money Watch. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  11. ^ Burnette, Margarette (28 December 2010). "5 Smart Phone Apps For Car Shopping". Fox Business. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  12. ^ Gombossy, George (8 September 2011). "Edmunds.com Launches Inventory Search Tool For Used Car Shoppers". CT Watchdog. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  13. ^ Buss, Dale (9 July 2012). "Cars On Their Minds As Edmunds Debuts 1st TV Ads". Forbes. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  14. ^ Barkholz, David (5 June 2015). "Edmunds Launches Price Guarantee For Online Car Shoppers". Automotive News. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  15. ^ Yang, Melissah (28 October 2014). "Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode". Los Angeles Business Journal. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  16. ^ Schmid Stevenson, Sarah (30 October 2014). "Edmunds.com Acquires CarCode to Help Further Its Mobile Strategy". Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  17. ^ Reim, Garrett (26 July 2016). "Edmunds.com Opens Massive New Headquarters". La Business Journal. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  18. ^ Hernandez McGavin, Stephanie (4 January 2017). "Edmunds Ramps Up Mobile Strategy, Redesigns Site".
  19. ^ Faw, Larissa. "Edmunds Remodels Its Own Brand".
  20. ^ "Edmunds.com Plans Hackathon". 12 September 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  21. ^ Krebs, Michelle (19 March 2013). "Should Car Buying Be Like Online Dating Versus a Dental Visit". Forbes. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  22. ^ Perry, Scott (27 March 2015). "Edmunds.com Continues To Innovate With Third Annual Hackomotive". LA Tech Digest. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  23. ^ "Hackomotive Website". Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  24. ^ Ellingson, Annlee (10 June 2014). "Q&A: Edmunds.com CEO Avi Steinlauf Kicks Off Car Week". L.A. Biz. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  25. ^ Tuttle, Brad (June 9, 2014). "If You Hate Haggling, This Is The Week To Buy A Car". Money. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  26. ^ "Company Profile and History". Edmunds.com. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  27. ^ Seigel Bernard, Tara (10 February 2012). "Car Dealers Wince at a Site to End Sales Haggling". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  28. ^ "Sell My Car - Sell Your Used Car Online for Cash Today | Edmunds". Edmunds.com.
  29. ^ "1st Annual Webby Awards Nominees & Winners". Webby Awards. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  30. ^ "2015 Best Places to Work in Los Angeles". Los Angeles Business Journal.
  31. ^ "The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies Of 2015 In Automotive". Fast Company. February 9, 2015.
  32. ^ "Best Small & Medium Companies 2016".

External links[edit]

Official website

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