Cars.com buys into RepairPal

CHICAGO (Feb. 12, 2013) — Cars.com, an online automotive marketplace, has acquired a undisclosed share in RepairPal Inc., an online source of auto repair servicers.

Cars.com said the investment positions it to further its development in the service category with solutions for consumers seeking help and advice when it comes to maintaining their vehicles and for dealerships looking to boost their service business.

Financial details were not disclosed.

"Cars.com has always been a trusted and credible source of information in the shopping process. Consumers rely on us at all stages of buying for research, advice and reviews to guide their vehicle and dealership selection," said Cars.com President Mitch Golub.

"But when it comes to maintaining a vehicle, there is a lot of confusion among consumers. We see an opportunity to transform the repair category and provide vehicle owners the same credible advice they have come to depend on us for when it comes time to service or repair their car."

Cars.com, a division of Classified Ventures L.L.C., said it also intends to develop new offerings to help its local dealer partners reach vehicle owners in need of service and repair and to compete more effectively for their business.

"We already see a high level of interest in service and repair from our visitors. In fact, more than a quarter of dealership reviews on our site are about a service and repair experience," Mr. Golub said.

He said by providing the Cars.com audience access to even more credible information, the company can help drive additional value to its advertisers' business, which will in turn, help drive results for their fixed operations and new and used car sales.

"More than 86 percent of cars on the road today are past warranty," said RepairPal CEO Art Shaw. "At a time when vehicle owners are holding onto their cars longer than ever, it's critical that they have access to high quality independent information about repairs, maintenance advice and associated costs.

"We are excited to deepen our relationship with Cars.com and work together to bring their audience new solutions for managing vehicle ownership."

Cars.com said the investment in RepairPal builds on the site's co-branded content partnership that launched in 2009.

San Francisco-based RepairPal provides price estimates, advice from certified mechanics, and a comprehensive, verified auto shop directory online and via mobile app.