Car manufacturers speed ahead online

 

latest developments

Big automakers Ford, Toyota and General Motors are wheeling and dealing their way onto the Net, looking to reach more customers and streamline their businesses between suppliers and dealers. "The Internet is fueling the need for cost savings (and) it is providing the tools enabling businesses to cut costs." - Chris Denove, director of consulting operations, J.D. Power and Associates

Top automakers gear up online deals Carmakers such as Ford and Toyota are racing onto the Web, looking to lower costs and broaden their reach. Toyota revs up strategy with online marketplace update The Japanese automaker partners with i2 Technologies to build an online service for the automotive replacement parts industry. Ford, Trilogy form e-commerce venture The giant automaker forms a joint venture with the closely held business software firm to develop and operate all of Ford's Web sites. GM attempts to woo Toyota for Web alliance General Motors steps up its Internet courtship of Toyota Motor, saying it wants to use Toyota's Web site to market its vehicles in Japan.