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A quick history
of Cox Automotive

1898

ESTABLISHMENT

The Cox Enterprises story began nearly 120 years ago when founder James M. Cox purchased the Dayton Daily News for $26,000. This remarkable story continues today with the third and fourth generations of Governor Cox’s family at the helm of one of the country’s leading communications, media and automotive services companies.

1968

MANHEIM AUTO AUCTION ACQUIRED

Cox Enterprises enters the auto auction business with its purchase of Manheim Auto Auction in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

1999

AUTOTRADER.COM LAUNCHES

AutoTrader.com launches as online automotive classified website for car shoppers and sellers. The site aggregates millions of new and used cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers, and also provides reviews, advice and comparison tools.

2010

KELLEY BLUE BOOK, VAUTO & HOMENET ACQUIRED

AutoTrader.com acquires Kelley Blue Book, vAuto and HomeNet Automotive as the company begins expanding into providing software tools and solutions for car dealers and manufacturers.

2011

VINSOLUTIONS ACQUIRED; AUTOTRADER GROUP FORMED

AutoTrader.com acquires VinSolutions and forms AutoTrader Group as the company expands its service offerings to help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online.

2012

MANHEIM MAKES INVESTMENT & ACQUISITION

Manheim forms DealShield for wholesale assurance products and NextGear Capital for wholesale floor planning, acquires Ready Auto Transport.

2014

COX AUTOMOTIVE FORMS

Cox Automotive forms as a division of Cox Enterprises to house all automotive brands. Cox Automotive acquires Xtime, a service retention platform.

2015

REBRAND, LAUNCH & ACQUISITION

AutoTrader.com rebrands to Autotrader. Cox Automotive Canada launches. Cox Automotive acquires Dealertrack and its subsidiary, Dealer.com.

2016

COX AUTOMOTIVE AUSTRALIA FORMED

Cox Automotive announces plans to strategically combine Dealer Solutions, Sell My Car and Manheim businesses to form Cox Automotive Australia.