Ink readers already saw an initial post from Usher Lieberman earlier last month regarding a possible initiative coming from GM and eBay. As reported by the AP last night, and confirmed by the two companies this morning in a press release, a joint program between the two will allow eBay customers to “click and buy” new Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac cars, crossovers and trucks online from more than 225 GM California dealers. The promotion begins tomorrow at gm.ebay.com and will run through September 8.

From the press release:

Consumers will be able to browse hundreds of California dealer online showrooms, ask questions, negotiate prices, and arrange financing and payment to purchase a new 2008, 2009 or select 2010 car, crossover or truck online. With more than 225 GM dealers in California participating, at any given time shoppers can expect to see a wide selection of up to 20,000 new GM vehicles at very competitive prices. Vehicles will be offered through eBay Motors’ traditional formats such as “Buy It Now” (where shoppers agree to pay the advertised price) and eBay’s
innovative “Best Offer” option (where buyers indicate the price they are willing to pay and can negotiate online with the dealer for the vehicle).

The site also incorporates features that will allow consumers to compare pricing across models or participating dealerships, get tips and advice with a Buyer Checklist, and determine the value of their trade-in or whether their current vehicle may also qualify for government funded ‘Cash For Clunkers’ incentives.

Since the addition of our second child, Quincy, late last year, my wife and I have been starting to look at possibly replacing our current car with – dare I say it – a more practical one. I must admit for me, as the size of the purchase grows, so does the apparent need to be able to physically interact with the product I’m buying. I’ve always felt that test-driving a car before buying it is no different than walking through a home before one decides to commit to rent or purchase – essential. However, the advances made with online commerce have made it very easy for us to narrow down our choice. I purchased my last car in 2005 and I selected the model, paint, interior, and preferred features all before walking into the showroom. The Internet had made it possible for me to go into a car dealership knowing exactly what I wanted and how much I was willing to pay for it (with facts/figures to back it up).

This promotion seems to build even further upon this. So Allie and I are going to take a look at this promotion and see if it is feasible for us to take the plunge. Like I said, we have a relatively new car, in good condition, that we would be trading in. If it is something we’re able to do, I’ll be sure to chronicle our experience here on the blog.

UPDATED 8/10/09: 3:40pm PT
In the meantime, I took my flip-cam and tracked down Rob Chesney, vice president of eBay Motors today to ask him some more questions about this program. [Editor's note: I'm still getting used to using this camera so I promise to improve this segment moving forward - thanks to Rob for taking the time to sit down with me for the Ink audience].

Rob Chesney gives an overview of the “Click to Buy” promotion:

Rob explains why California was the first choice to test this promotion. I also ask him if we plan on rolling this out elsewhere if successful:

Given the recent hardships faced by the US automotive industry, why launch this program now?

Rob talks about how eBay Motors has addressed the “Cash for Clunkers” program:

Cheers,
RBH