Paul Johnson, a recognized automotive Internet visionary, brings strategic, operational and brand-building expertise to the recently launched LotLinx; joins Board line-up that includes former AOL, Google Automotive, Dealix and Autobytel executives

SAN FRANCISCO, November 4, 2013   -- LotLinx today announced the appointment of Paul Johnson to its board of directors. Johnson spent 13 years at Kelley Blue Book (KBB), leading the company’s transition from a traditional trade-publishing guide to a diversified technology-based information, media and market research company. Under Johnson’s leadership, KBB experienced nearly 700 percent growth in revenue and profits.

“No one in our industry understands what both consumers and dealers want in the automotive shopping process better than Paul – and delivering that experience is at the core of LotLinx’s mission,” said LotLinx Founder Len Short.  “Plus, Paul’s extensive background in building businesses and brands - including one of the best known and most trusted brands, anywhere online - across digital media, software and hardware services makes him an invaluable addition to our board.”

LotLinx launched this October with a mission to tear down the third-party wall between auto dealers and their customers by replacing lead forms on third-party sites with direct links that send consumers to a vehicle’s detail page (VDP) on the dealer’s website. LotLinx already powers 125+ automotive search sites, reaching over 85% of all auto shoppers.

“I’m thrilled to be working with a team that is dedicated to improving the online shopping experience for both dealers and consumers,” said Johnson. “I believe LotLinx’s goal of driving in-market shoppers directly to the dealer’s site, with no lead form in the middle, improves the user experience.  This results in greater conversion to sales, and it’s clear that LotLinx is already delivering increased ROI for dealers.” Johnson notes that dealerships using LotLinx have reported cost per unique shopper at $4 on average versus $25 or more for SEM.

The founder of Paul Conrad LLC, a private investment fund and advisory service for fast growth companies both on and offline, Johnson sits on the board or acts as an advisor for several companies, including Intellectual Technology, Inc., a developer of software and hardware solutions for state motor vehicle agencies, and Evox Images, supplier of digital imagery to auto manufacturers and dealers.

Johnson joins a prestigious Board of Directors for LotLinx, all of whom are automotive Internet visionaries in the search and lead space.  The board includes Len Short, Founder of LotLinx and former CMO of AOL; Mark Boyd, Co-founder of Chrome, who also played a key role in the acquisition of Dealix by Cobalt; Denise Chudy, former GM of the automotive group at Google; and Jim Riesenbach, former CEO of Autobytel Inc. and GM of AOL Search. 

About LotLinx

LotLinx is the auto industry's first direct-linking technology platform and connects over 6.5 million consumers searching vehicle inventory online every month directly to the dealership websites where that inventory resides. Founded by a team of veteran automotive and digital innovators, the company's mission is to tear down the third-party wall between dealers and their customers, and provide a more positive and efficient experience for dealerships and consumers alike. LotLinx's patent-pending technology replaces lead forms on third-party sites with direct links that transport consumers searching for inventory directly to the dealer's Vehicle Detail Page (VDP), all at a higher conversion rate and fraction of the cost of other online options. Powering 125+ automotive search sites, Lotlinx reaches over 85% of all auto shoppers. LotLinx is based in San Francisco, CA.

Media Contacts

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, 949-307-1723 / melanie@mwebbcom.com

Crystal Hartwell, mWEBB Communications, 714-987-1016 / crystal@mwebbcom.com