The Internet presence of U.S. franchised new car and truck dealers has reached an all-time high this year, according to new survey research from the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Industry Analysis Division.

NADA's annual survey of Internet utilization found that 92% of new car and truck dealerships have websites -- up from 91% last year and 74% in 1999. Of these sites, 99% are interactive, with most allowing car shoppers to view stock and MSRPs, complete finance applications, and schedule sales and service appointments. Many provide on-line order facilities and links to related financial, insurance and auto sites.

US dealer website functions by percentage of installation are: - View stock – 92% - View MSRP – 77% - Link to manufacturer website –72% - Schedule service appointments – 68% - Schedule sales appointments – 58%

NADA members report their most common website interactions with customers are: responding to requests for price quotes and booking service and sales appointments.

Of the 8% of all dealerships that currently do not have websites, the NADA survey found that nearly half, or 47.3%, plan to have an Internet presence within the next six months.