WO2001052154A2

WO2001052154A2 - Automotive sales method and system

Info

Publication number: WO2001052154A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/001154
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Bonnani; Stephen Douglas Lind; Charles William Luczo; Timothy Edward Nelson
Original assignee: Autobytel.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-01-14
Filing date: 2001-01-10
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: AU2001227899A1

Description

AUTOMOTIVE SALES METHOD AND SYSTEM Background The invention relates to automated sales systems, and is particularly applicable to automated new vehicle sales systems. In a conventional vehicle sales environment, customers visit a new vehicle dealership and initiate contact with a salesperson. The customer may make several preliminary visits to obtain vehicle information and pricing before deciding to make a purchase. Once the decision is made, negotiations between a salesperson and the customer take place to decide on a specific vehicle and price. This process can be quite inefficient, as a preliminary customer visit to a vehicle dealership is a time and labor intensive way to obtain vehicle information. Maintaining sales and support staff to handle these customer visits is expensive for dealers. Furthermore, the negotiation process is notoriously unpleasant for a large number of vehicle customers.

To deal with these issues, a variety of computer based vehicle sales systems have been recently implemented. In these systems, a computer network may be used by the customer to obtain vehicle information and initiate contact with vehicle dealers electronically. Unfortunately, even with such computer implemented systems, the overall buying process can retain many of its disadvantageous characteristics. Generally, the customer still must communicate extensively with a dealer associated salesperson. These contacts may include dealer visits for test drives, for example. Communication with a sales person regarding price is also typically still required. Thus, even though systems implemented prior to the present invention have assisted automotive purchasers and dealers to a certain extent, additional improvements are needed to further reduce inefficiencies in the car buying process and to improve the experience for customers.

Summary Embodiments of the invention relate to vehicle sales methods. One embodiment comprises a method of purchasing a new vehicle comprising entering a set of new vehicle characteristics into a client computer system, routing them to a network server computer system, retrieving a list of new vehicles described by the characteristics which are in the current available inventory of at least one new vehicle inventory zone, and displaying said list of new vehicles on said client computer system. The method further comprises selecting one of the new vehicles from the list and routing a purchase request directed to the selected new vehicle to the network server without initiating purchaser interaction with any new vehicle dealer.

Another embodiment comprises a method of handling an electronic new car purchase request comprising receiving the new car purchase request in a network server and routing the new car purchase request to a pre-defined request handler based on membership of the selected new vehicle in a pre-defined new vehicle category regardless of manufacturer, wherein the request handler is an unbiased expert in the pre-defined new vehicle category.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of processing a purchase request for a new vehicle comprising entering information regarding a new vehicle to be purchased into a client computer system, entering information regarding a used vehicle to be sold into the client computer system, and routing the information from the client computer system to a network server.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle sales system in accordance with the invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a computer network implemented vehicle sales system illustrating one embodiment of the information flow of Figure 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a software program which runs on the network server system of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a computer network implemented vehicle sales system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operation of a computer network implemented vehicle sales system in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the request handling component of Figure 4. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a computer network implemented vehicle sales system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 is a web-page retrieved by a purchaser when initiating the purchase process in one system embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a vehicle make and model selection web-page retrievable by a purchaser during the purchase process in one system embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second vehicle make and model selection web-page retrievable by a purchaser during the purchase process in one system embodiment.

FIG. 1 1 is a web-page displaying a first set of vehicle models from a purchaser selected manufacturer retrievable by a purchaser during the purchase process in one system embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a web-page displaying a second set of vehicle models from a purchaser selected manufacturer retrievable by a purchaser during the purchase process in one system embodiment.

FIG. 13A-13C is a web-page displaying detailed information about a specific vehicle model retrievable by a purchaser during the purchase process in one system embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a web-page displaying a list of specific actual vehicles in dealer inventory within 50 miles of a purchaser zip code. FIG. 15 is a web-page displaying a list of specific actual vehicles in dealer inventory within 100 miles of a purchaser zip code.

FIG. 16 is a web-page displaying information about one of the specific actual vehicles on the vehicle list of Figure 15.

FIG. 17 is a web-page containing a purchase request form for initiating a purchase transaction for the specific vehicle of Figure 16. Detailed Description Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein like, numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

Referring now to Figure 1, a block diagram of one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. New vehicles are initially manufactured on manufacturing lines 10a, 10b, which are under the control and management several different vehicle manufacturers. After manufacture, the new vehicles enter a distribution network 11 which transfers the vehicles from the site of manufacture to a variety of geographically separate zones 12a, 12b, 12c at which the new vehicles are stored, displayed to potential customers, and often sold.

To help eliminate many of the drawbacks associated with conventional vehicle sales techniques, a system in accordance with the invention comprises a central database 14 which is in communication with one or more of (1) the manufacturing locations 10a, 10b, (2) elements of the distribution channel 11, and/or (3) the local vehicle inventories

12a, 12b, 12c. The central database 14 comprises a list of selected new vehicles currently being manufactured or scheduled to be manufactured by the manufacturing lines 10a, 10b. The central database 14 also advantageously comprises a list of new vehicles currently in transit from a manufacturing facility to a local inventory location. In addition, the central database comprises a list of new vehicles in each of the local inventories 12a, 12b, and 12c. The database advantageously stores a list of substantially all vehicles being manufactured, distributed, and present at all of the local inventory locations. In one advantageous embodiment, personnel located at the manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, and inventory zones have hand-held computing devices into which vehicle information, photographs, etc. can be loaded as vehicles arrive at selected distribution points or at inventory zones. This information can be forwarded substantially immediately to update the central database with vehicle information. Although the invention finds especially advantageous application to new vehicle sales, it will be appreciated that local vehicle inventories 12a, 12b, 12c may also include pre-owned vehicles, and the list of vehicles in the central database could include these vehicles as well.

In one advantageous embodiment, a purchaser 15 communicates with the central database 14 so as to retrieve all or selected portions of the vehicle information stored there. As described in additional detail below, with this information, the purchaser can select a desired automobile for purchase that actually exists or is actually in the process of being manufactured or shipped to an inventory zone, and complete the purchase process without the unpleasant aspects of conventional vehicle sales. As one example, visits to multiple inventory locations can be avoided when using sales systems in accordance with these principles. As shown by arrow 16 in Figure 1, if the purchaser is geographically proximate to one inventory zone 12a, but locates a desired vehicle in another inventory zone 12b, the vehicle can be shipped between zones, for convenient delivery to the purchaser. The manufacturing locations 10a, 10b, and distribution channels 11 are advantageously under the control and management of vehicle manufacturers, the local inventories 12a, 12b, 12c are advantageously under the control and management of independent vehicle dealers, and the central database 14 is advantageously under the control and management of an entity specializing in automated vehicle sales systems. In this case, information from vehicle dealers and new vehicle manufacturers regarding available vehicles is forwarded to the central database for access by purchasers. It will be appreciated, however, that different elements illustrated in Figure 1 could be under common management and control. For example, the entire system could be operated by a single vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, a single business entity could control the central database and all of the local inventory, while separate vehicle manufacturers control manufacturing and distribution. In Figure 2, a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention utilizing conventional new vehicle dealers as a source of vehicle inventories is shown. In this embodiment, a network 18 provides a communication path between several system components. The network 18 may be any type of electronically connected group of computers including, for instance, the following networks: Internet, Intranet, Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wide Area Networks (WAN). In addition, the connectivity within the network 18 may be, for example, remote modem, Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Token Ring (IEEE 802.5), Fiber Distributed Datalink Interface (FDDI), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), or any other communication protocol. The computing devices linked to the network 18 may be desktop, server, portable, hand-held, set-top box, personal digital assistant (PDA), a terminal, or any other desired type or configuration. Depending on their functionality, the network connected devices may vary widely in processing power, internal memory, and other performance aspects. Communications within the network and to or from the computing devices connected to the network may be either wired or wireless. Wireless communication is especially advantageous for network connected portable or hand-held devices. In one advantageous embodiment, the network 18 is the global wide area computer network commonly referred to as "the Internet."

Connected to the network 18 is a computer system 20 which is physically available to the potential automobile purchaser, usually at their home or residence. For clarity of illustration, only one system is illustrated, although it will be appreciated that many individual users have access to the network 18 to utilize the vehicle sales system simultaneously from their home or business. The computer system 20 may have a variety of configurations such as are described above, but may advantageously comprise a personal computer (PC), such as are available from International Business Machines, Compaq Computer Corporation, Sun Microsystems, and many others. These computer systems normally include at least one microprocessor, a display screen, a keyboard, and a storage medium such as a hard disk. The computer system 20 further includes software for communicating with another computer system 22 via the network 18. When the network comprises the global Internet, such software is commonly referred to as a web-browser. Currently, many network communications within the global Internet are performed using the TCP/IP format. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a transport layer protocol used to provide a reliable, connection-oriented, transport layer link among computer systems. The network layer provides services to the transport layer. Using a two-way handshaking scheme, TCP provides the mechanism for establishing, maintaining, and terminating logical connections among computer systems. TCP transport layer uses IP as its network layer protocol. Internet Protocol (IP) is a network layer protocol used by many corporations, governments, and the Internet worldwide. IP network layer supports many personal, technical and business applications, such as electronic mail, electronic fund transfers, medical records processing and similar data transfers. IP is a connectionless network layer protocol that performs addressing, routing and control functions for transmitting and receiving datagrams over a network.

Another network connected computer system 22 will typically be a network server which includes software for receiving requests for information and automotive purchase requests from potential buyers as well as information from vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and vendors of related services. As such, the network server will be assigned a network address for identification during communications between elements of the network 18. Communications from other network connected systems to the computer system 22 will include the network address of the computer system 22 as part of the communication so that the computer system 22 is identified as the recipient of the data. When the network 18 is the global Internet, the network address is an IP address in the TCP/IP format which may, at least in part, route data to an e-mail account, a web-site, or other Internet tool resident on the computer system 22. In this way, information and services which are resident on the network server 22 may be available to the web browser of the user computer 20 through a domain name (e.g. www.site.com) which maps to the IP address of the network server 22.

Of course, it will be appreciated that even though the server 22 is illustrated in Figure 1 as a single computer, it may comprise a LAN coupled to the network 18. The LAN may advantageously comprise the Data Center System described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09/231,525 and 09/231,415 entitled "Computer Implemented Purchasing System With User Accessible Purchase Request Status" and "Real Time Vehicle Purchase

Request Management Method and System" respectively, both filed on January 14, 1999. This Data Center system comprises a LAN connecting servers, personal computers, and mass data storage devices. The above described application Serial Nos. 09/231,525 and 09/231,415 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Also coupled to the network 18 are one or more new vehicle dealers 24, 26 and one or more new vehicle manufacturers 30, 32. Using the network 18, information is transferred from the dealers and manufacturers and to the network server 22, where at least some of that information may be made accessible to potential purchasers through their own personal computer 20.

Each dealer 24, 26 stores data (designated 24a and 26a respectively in Figure 1) including detailed information concerning the specific vehicles in the actual inventory present on the vehicle dealers' 24, 26 lots. This information will generally include one or more of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make and model, interior and exterior colors, upholstery type, information on installed accessories, price information, a photograph of the vehicle, as well as other information relevant to each specific vehicle in dealer inventory. In one embodiment of the invention, this information is routed to the network server 22 and is stored there in an inventory database. In some embodiments, the routing is not direct. In these embodiments, a third party collects this information from a wide variety of dealer computer systems, and transfers it to the server system 22. Once in this database, all or selected portions of this inventory data may be made available to potential purchasers via the network 18. In some advantageous embodiments, software resident on the server 22 can include search tools that the potential purchaser can use to search through the inventory database for new automobiles with desired characteristics. In one embodiment described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8- 17, a database search is made for all vehicles of a specific make and model located within a purchaser defined geographic location. It will be appreciated, however that different or additional search criteria could be used, including price range, color, accessories, etc. In some embodiments, search tools could be used to perform searching with purchaser input Boolean operators or natural language sentences. The search criteria is advantageously used to quickly identify one or more specific new vehicles present in a one or more dealer inventories which satisfy the customer's desires. Once the inventory is searched according to the customer needs, a list of currently available new vehicles satisfying the search criteria can be routed to the purchaser's computer system 20 and displayed there. As will be described in additional detail below, once displayed, the purchaser may select a specific vehicle for purchase, and include an indication of the specific vehicle in a purchase request which is communicated from the purchaser to the server 22. As explained further below, this may advantageously be performed without initiating purchaser contact with a new vehicle dealer 24, 26.

This method of new automobile selection includes many advantages. Because a specific new vehicle is selected by the purchaser, delays associated with subsequently locating a vehicle having particular desired characteristics is avoided. In fact, this system of selecting available automobiles and initiating new automobile purchases includes advantageous characteristics of the conventional vehicle sales process without the drawbacks. Conventionally, a purchaser will often have a general idea of the automobile desired, and will look at dealer inventory in person to find a suitable match. With the above described computer implemented system, the user advantageously performs a general search for a given model, for example, and receives a display all vehicles fitting this general description on their computer display. The list is then scanned and a suitable vehicle selected from available actual new vehicles in dealer inventory. A purchase is then advantageously initiated without also initiating any customer contact with a new vehicle dealer. In some embodiments, the available inventory database may be updated in response to the selection of a vehicle and its inclusion in a purchase request. This update is forwarded to the relevant dealer 24, 26 so that they may also flag the selected vehicle as the subject of a pending purchase request.

A block diagram of one preferred embodiment of software resident on the server system 22 is illustrated in Figure 3. The software includes the inventory database 28 itself, which comprises a list of stored vehicles and associated information as described above. A search and selection module 34 receives search criteria from the user via a network 18 interface module 36. The search and selection module 34 interacts with the database 28 to find and select vehicles which fit the received criteria.

The vehicle inventory database 28 also interacts with a status update module 38. The status update module 38 is coupled to the network interface 36 to receive updated inventory information from the dealers. New inventory information is advantageously loaded periodically, such as daily, two or three times a day, hourly, every five minutes, or in an especially preferred embodiment the central database is updated substantially instantly as updates to any other vehicle database is updated throughout the network. Furthermore, the status update module 38 interfaces with a purchase request routing module 40 so that when a purchase request for a selected vehicle in the database 28 is received by the server system 22, the status update module 38 will add this information to the database 28 in association with the selected vehicle. The status update module 38 is also advantageously configured to provide a notification to the dealer that has the selected vehicle in inventory that the vehicle has been reserved by a purchaser using the automated search and purchase request system. The notification could be made via an automatic e-mail message, for example. As another alternative, each dealer could have access to the information in the database 28 via the network 18, and could periodically check the status of vehicles that are part of their inventory. As yet another alternative, real-time automated communication between the server system 22 and dealer inventory software could result in substantially instantaneous updates to dealer inventories with information about pending transactions made by purchasers over the network 18. Once a vehicle is tagged in the database as the subject of a pending purchase request, this information is advantageously also displayed to subsequent potential purchasers who retrieve the same vehicle during a search of the database 28. This display could be made in a variety of ways. The statement "SALE PENDING" could be displayed in association with the vehicle description when it is displayed to subsequent purchasers. Alternatively, the stronger statement "SOLD" could be used over the top of some or all of the vehicle descriptions for which a sale is pending. It is also contemplated that the system could alternatively simply refrain from displaying the vehicle at all to subsequent purchasers, or to display it as still available, and allow multiple parties to submit purchase requests for the same vehicle when a sale is pending. Once a sale is actually completed, the vehicle will no longer be displayed to subsequent potential purchasers.

Referring back now to Figure 2, the new vehicle manufacturers 30, 32 store data that includes a list of vehicles in transit to vehicle dealers and scheduled for production. This list of information (designated 30a and 32a in Figure 1) may also include VINs, makes and models, interior and exterior colors, upholstery types, information on installed accessories, price information, as well as other information relevant to specific vehicles in the manufacturing pipeline and the distribution channels. In one embodiment of the invention, this information is also routed to the database associated with the server 22, and is made a part of the available inventory list which is available for searching and display to potential purchasers via the network 18. In this embodiment as well, the selection of a vehicle in the manufacturing pipeline and distribution channels can be used to update the available vehicle inventory list in the database.

In this embodiment, the potential purchaser can search, display, and consider specific vehicles both currently in dealer inventory and currently scheduled to be placed in dealer inventory. This is advantageous both for the purchaser and for the dealer. Dealer overhead is minimized with regard to vehicles that are sold via network 18 communications as no sales staff time need be used at all. The dealer is simply notified that a specific vehicle has been reserved for purchase by a buyer. If the buyer selects a vehicle from the manufacturing and distribution pipeline, the efficiencies for the dealer are even more pronounced, as the new vehicle may be sold before even arriving at the lot, thus further minimizing inventory storage costs.

As mentioned above, in one advantageous embodiment of the invention, purchase requests for vehicles are made without initiating contact between the vehicle purchaser and the vehicle dealer. This is advantageous in that the unpleasant sales person/customer negotiation may be avoided. However, the purchaser may still desire some personal contact during the vehicle purchase process. Figure 4 illustrates one way of providing dealer independent customer contact during the purchase process. In this system, the network 18 provides a communication infrastructure connecting the buyer 20, the server for purchase request processing 22, and a purchase request handling system 42. The request handling system 42, which may also be referred to as the "call center", is staffed by automotive experts that communicate directly with the buyer 20 via email, standard telephone call, etc. and also with the dealer 43 that has received the new automobile the purchaser has selected from a new automobile manufacturer 44.

It will be appreciated that rather than being connected through the network 18, the request handling system 42 could be part of, or co-located with the system for purchase request processing 22. This would render communication between these systems over the network 18 unnecessary. In most system embodiments, however, a single request processing system 22 would service several remote request handling centers 42 which are located in several selected geographic locations to more effectively serve new vehicle purchasers. The operation of a particularly advantageous request handling system 42 is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6.

Referring now to Figure 5, a mode of operation of the systems of Figures 1 through 4 in one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The method begins at block 46 when a potential new vehicle purchaser performs a search of the database 28 containing information regarding new vehicles on dealer lots and in some embodiments also in the manufacturing pipeline and distribution channel. Next, at block 48, the available inventory list satisfying the search criteria is displayed to the potential purchaser. At block 50, the purchaser selects an automobile for purchase from the displayed list. Next, at block 52, the purchaser creates a purchase request for the selected vehicle. In some embodiments. The purchase request will include ail of the information necessary to complete the sale transaction for the vehicle. It will be directed to the selected vehicle, and will include purchaser information such as name and address. Also advantageously included in the purchase request is an indication of purchase method, i.e., cash, financing, down-payment amount, and the like. A description of a used car for trade in, if any, may be included. A wide variety of additional information may also be part of a purchase request, such as a request for an insurance quote, desired vehicle delivery address and time, or a request to test drive a vehicle of the same make and model as the selected vehicle. The processing and routing of the information in the purchase request will be described further below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

After the purchaser completes the purchase request, at block 54 it is forwarded to the server system 22 of Figure 2 over the network 18. At the server 22, the list of available inventory is updated at block 56, and the relevant dealer is informed that the selected vehicle has been reserved for purchase. At block 58, the information from the purchase request is forwarded to the request handling center 38 of Figure 4.

In one embodiment, the purchase request is automatically forwarded to a specific request handler based on the category of vehicle which has been selected by the purchaser. In this context, the term "category" is used to mean automobile style and functional characteristics rather than manufacturer or model. Car categories thus include "luxury" cars, "compact" cars, "sport-utility vehicles", and the like. Preferably, the specific request handler is an experienced expert in the car category selected by the purchaser. Thus, and referring now to Figure 6, purchase requests forward by the server 22 to the handling center 38 are routed in accordance with vehicle category. Truck purchase requests are routed to a truck expert 60, sport utility vehicle (SUV) requests are routed to an SUV expert 62, compact requests are routed to a compact expert 64, and so on. After routing and review by the request handler, the request handler can contact the purchaser directly by email, telephone, or other means to facilitate the purchase. The request handler can also contact the new vehicle dealer which has the selected vehicle to facilitate the transaction, arrange delivery, ensure prompt paperwork preparation, etc.

This provides a significant consumer benefit not present in a conventional automotive sales environment. Normally, dealers and their sales staff are familiar with one or two manufacturers, and are motivated to sell a pre- determined brand of vehicle to any consumer that contacts them. This colors their advice, and consumers are rightly suspicious of claims they may make regarding performance, features, or other aspects of the automobiles they sell. In contrast, when purchase requests are routed according to automobile category, the purchaser can receive unbiased information about automobiles in the requested category from any manufacturer.

In some embodiments, many functions of the expert request handler are automated. For instance, when a purchase request for a vehicle in a particular category is received, the purchaser could be automatically forwarded a variety of information regarding vehicles in that category which may be of interest to the purchaser. This information could include frequently asked questions concerning that vehicle category. Access could be provided to a natural language query system. In addition, the preparation and delivery status or schedule of the vehicle selected and the status of the purchase paperwork at the dealer could be automatically forwarded to the purchaser via e-mail for example. Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of an automotive sales system which illustrates several additional system components for efficiently fulfilling a purchase request from a potential purchaser. Communication links illustrated in Figure 7 are advantageously implemented via network 18 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, but other methods of communication could be used for some or all of the communication interfaces illustrated. As shown in this Figure, the server system 22 communicates with the buyer 20, the request handling center 38, new vehicle dealers 24, 26, and new vehicle manufacturers 30, 32. Figures 1-4 and the accompanying discussion above provides a detailed description of the relationships and information transfer which occurs between these parties in advantageous invention embodiments. Thus, these will not be described further with reference to Figure 7.

However, and as shown in Figure 7, in some invention embodiments the server system 22 also communicates with additional entities to efficiently complete the vehicle sales transaction and to provide services to purchasers which have not previously been provided in an automated and computer implemented sales environment. As mentioned above, the purchase request forwarded by the buyer to the server system may include information concerning a used vehicle for trade in. This information is advantagoeusly used to provide the purchaser with a price quote for the trade-in. The quote may, for example, come from a source such as the commercially available Kelly Blue Book service. In some embodiments, the relevant information from the purchase request is routed to one or more used car wholesalers 70. Based on the information provided in the purchase request such as make, model, year, mileage, accessories, etc., the wholesaler may send back a bid on the purchaser's used vehicle to the server system 22. This bid can be forwarded to the request handler (Figure 6) that is handling this particular purchase request for communication to the potential purchaser. Other system components may also be coupled to the server system 22 to assist in the disposition of a purchaser's used vehicle. For instance, the information regarding the used car could be automatically routed to a used car appraisal service 72 or a used car auction house 74. The VIN of the used car could be used to search an insurance and maintenance database 76. This database could store information about accidents the vehicle was involved in and the service history of the vehicle, both of which could impact the value of the used vehicle.

If the purchase request includes a request for vehicle financing or insurance, the relevant information from the purchase request could be sent to an insurance broker 78 and a finance company 80. Quotes for insurance and financing may be routed from these vendors back to the server system 22, on to the request handlers 38, and to the purchaser. In one embodiment, the request for financing could be also routed to the dealer 24, 26 which has the selected automobile in inventory. With some manufacturer programs, dealer financing may be most advantageous for the purchaser.

In addition, if the purchaser would like to test drive a vehicle similar to that selected, this information could be routed to a automobile rental provider 82. When in receipt of this information, the rental automobile provider could search its inventory for the correct vehicle make and model, and schedule times for a test drive which does not conflict with the rental schedule for that vehicle. The available time slots could be forwarded to the server system 22, and on to the request handlers and purchaser as described above. The rental vehicle may be delivered to the residence or business of the purchaser for the test drive, or alternatively, the purchaser may go to a vehicle lot operated by the rental auto provider.

In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the routing of purchase request information is automatic, and the information necessary to complete a sale transaction is collected by the request handler system 38 quickly, and advantageously before contact is made with the potential purchaser. In operation therefore, the system of Figure 7 may function as follows. Substantially immediately after the purchase request is received at the server system, the available inventory list is updated, and the appropriate dealer is informed that a vehicle has been selected for purchase. At substantially the same time, information for collecting insurance bids, finance bids, and used vehicle bids is routed to the appropriate system resources such as the finance and insurance companies, used vehicle brokers, etc. described above. A request for a test drive is also routed to the rental car provider at this time. The purchase request is then also forwarded to the request handling system 38, and routed to the appropriate category expert as described above.

Over time, advantageously within about 24 to 48 hours, used car bids, rental car schedules, and insurance and finance bids are received from the relevant system resources. These are forwarded to the request handling system 38 as they are received. Thus, within one or two days, the request handler has obtained all the relevant information to complete the sale, and they may then contact the potential purchaser with the information to close the sale and arrange for vehicle delivery. Thus, a system is created whereby essentially all aspects of a vehicle transaction are completed without initiating any purchaser contact with a new vehicle dealership or their sales staff. This improves the sales experience dramatically for many new vehicle buyers. As described above with reference to Figure 2, the vehicle sales system is advantageously implemented as a series of web-pages accessible via a web browser located on a purchaser's computing system 20 (Figure 2). Aspects of one specific implementation of this embodiment are illustrated by the web pages illustrated in Figures 8-17. Figure 8 illustrates an initial web-page received by the user. In this embodiment, the user may select a specific vehicle make by clicking on a listed make such as BMW 86. Alternatively, the user may search for a desired vehicle by clicking on one of the vehicle categories on this web-page such as luxury cars 88.

After clicking on luxury cars 88, for example, the web-page of Figure 9 is retrieved from the server system 22. One portion of this web-page comprises a set of pull-down menus 90 which allow a user to select a search criteria. A second portion 92 of the web-page is a display of vehicle makes and models which fit the selected criteria. As the search criteria selected with the pull down menus 90 is changed, the display 92 is also changed to show only those vehicle makes and models which fit the criteria. This is shown in Figure 10, where the search criteria include a price of §30,000 or less,

4 door, two wheel drive, and non-convertible top. The display 92 now includes only those makes and models fitting this criteria. To obtain additional information about one of these model vehicles, the purchaser can click on one of the models shown in the display 92. Clicking on BMW 323 in the display 92, for example, will retrieve additional information regarding this model vehicle such as is shown and described below with reference to Figure 12. Referring back to Figure 8, if the user selects BMW 86 as a make, a list of BMW models with associated information will be retrieved, as shown in Figure 11. The information presented in this page may comprise representative photos 94 and approximate price ranges 96. Clicking on a specific model 98 will retrieve additional information about that selected model. Clicking on BMW 323, for example, will retrieve the web-page of Figure 12. The same web-page may be retrieved by clicking on BMW 323 in the model search pages of Figures 9 or 10 as well. The information included in the web page of Figure 12 includes a list of specific BMW 323 model configurations 100. If one of the model configurations

100 is selected, more complete information concerning that particular configuration is then presented to the user, as shown in Figures 13A-13C. This information may include a list of standard features 110, a list of option packages 112, independent reviews and reports about the model 114, available rebates 116, and a list of other makes and models 118 that are comparable to the selected model which the purchaser may be interested in considering. If the purchaser decides to continue the purchase process with the selected vehicle make and model, two options are presented to the purchaser in this embodiment. The first is to notify a dealer nearby the purchaser that the purchaser is interested in the selected make and model vehicle. This may be accomplished in an automated manner by clicking on a "Talk to Dealer" text icon 120. If this option is selected, the purchase process proceeds in accordance with the methods described in co-pending applications 09/231,525 and 09/231,415 which are mentioned and incorporated by reference above.

If however, the purchaser wishes to avoid direct dealer contact, a second option is provided. By clicking instead on a "Find Vehicles" text icon 122, the search and selection module 34 (Figure 3) will search the database 28

(Figure 3) for matching vehicles located at dealers within a selected radius of the purchaser's postal zip code. One example of the results of this search process is illustrated in Figure 14. A list of actual new vehicles 126 is presented which are in dealer inventories within 50 miles of the purchaser's zip code. The search radius may be expanded by clicking on the existing radius 128 to produce a pull down menu which allows an adjustment to the search radius. For example, Figure 15 shows a web-page listing of vehicles 130 within 100 miles of the purchaser's postal zip code.

Referring now to Figure 16 as well as Figures 14 and 15, if the purchaser clicks on the text of one particular listed vehicle 132, a page with information about this specific vehicle is presented. An example web page with this information is presented in Figure 16. The information may include a photograph 134 of the specific vehicle, the price

136, and a list of features 138. By clicking on a "Buy This Car" button, a purchase request page is displayed which is illustrated in Figure 17. The purchaser then completes the purchase request form by filling in personal information 142, information about their used trade in vehicle 144, and also a payment method indication 146. If the purchaser plans to finance, the payment method section of the form can retrieve a more comprehensive finance application. When the purchase request is received by the server system 22, the information is advantageously routed as described above with reference to Figures 2 through 7.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of purchasing a new vehicle comprising: entering a set of new vehicle characteristics into a client computer system; routing said set of new vehicle characteristics to a network server computer system; retrieving a list of new vehicles described by said characteristics which are in the current available inventory of at least one new vehicle inventory zone; displaying said list of new vehicles on said client computer system; and selecting one of said new vehicles from said list; and routing a purchase request directed to the selected new vehicle to said network server without initiating purchaser interaction with any new vehicle dealer.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein said list includes substantially all new vehicles described by said characteristics which are in the current available inventory of a plurality of new vehicle dealers.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein said list includes substantially all new vehicles described by said characteristics which are currently in transit to one or more new vehicle dealers from a new vehicle manufacturer.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein said list includes substantially all new vehicles described by said characteristics which are currently being manufactured by or are scheduled to be manufactured by a new vehicle manufacturer.

5. The method of Claim 1, additionally comprising updating said list by removing said selected vehicle.

6. The method of Claim 1, additionally comprising completing a new vehicle purchase request which comprises information including an identification of said selected vehicle and routing said new vehicle purchase request to said network server computer system.

7. The method of Claim 6, additionally comprising updating said list by removing said selected vehicle.

8. The method of Claim 6, additionally comprising routing said new vehicle purchase request to a request handling system.

9. The method of Claim 8, wherein said new vehicle purchase request is routed to a pre-defined request handler based on membership of said selected new vehicle in a pre-defined new vehicle category.

10. A method of handling an electronic new car purchase request comprising: receiving said new car purchase request in a network server; and routing said new car purchase request to pre-defined request handler based on membership of said selected new vehicle in a pre-defined new vehicle category regardless of manufacturer, wherein said request handler is an unbiased expert in said pre-defined new vehicle category.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein said pre-defined new vehicle category is selected from the group consisting of compact, truck, sport-utility vehicle, sport, and luxury.

12. A method of purchasing a new vehicle, wherein said new vehicle purchase request includes an identification of a vehicle in the currently available inventory of a new vehicle dealer, and wherein said new vehicle purchase request includes a request for financing, said method comprising: receiving said vehicle purchase request in a network server; automatically routing information related to said request for financing from said vehicle purchase request to said vehicle dealer; and automatically routing information related to said request for financing from said vehicle purchase request to at least one vehicle finance resource different from said new vehicle dealer.

13. The method of Claim 12, additionally comprising receiving new vehicle financing quotes from said lender and said dealer in said network server.

14. The method of Claim 13, additionally comprising routing said new vehicle financing quotes to a client computer system and displaying said quotes on said client computer system.

15. A method of processing a purchase request for a new vehicle comprising: entering information regarding a new vehicle to be purchased into a client computer system; entering information regarding a used vehicle to be sold into said client computer system; and routing said information from said client computer system to a network server.

16. The method of Claim 15, additionally comprising automatically routing said information regarding said used vehicle from said network server to one or more potential purchasers of said used vehicle.

17. The method of Claim 15, additionally comprising receiving bids for said used vehicle from said one or more potential purchasers in said network server.

18. A method of processing a purchase request for a new vehicle comprising: entering information regarding a new vehicle to be purchased into a client computer system; entering information regarding a used vehicle to be sold into said client computer system; routing said information from said client computer system to a network server; automatically routing said information regarding said used vehicle from said network server to one or more used car appraisal resources.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein said used car appraisal resource comprises an insurance claim database.

20. The method of Claim 18, wherein said used car appraisal resource comprises a vehicle maintenance database.

21. A vehicle sales system comprising: at least one vehicle manufacturing facility; at least one vehicle inventory zone; and a database in communication with said at least one vehicle manufacturing facility and said at least one vehicle inventory zone so as to receive data indicative of vehicles being manufactured at said manufacturing facility and being stored at said vehicle inventory zone.