Dealer.com Acquires Social Media Development Assets
BURLINGTON, Vt. - Dealer.com, a provider of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, acquired selected assets of Hurley and Frank Industries Inc., a firm that develops, executes and measures social media promotional campaigns. The acquisition closed August 17; terms were not disclosed.
"This strategic acquisition supports our commitment to helping our clients leverage social media to run their dealerships more profitably, while enhancing customer engagement at the same time," said Rick Gibbs, President and Chief Technology Officer, Dealer.com. "The hearforward team's experience developing highly successful and effective social media campaigns is demonstrated by their work with some of the world's most respected brands, and we are excited to bring this expertise in-house to help deliver similar value to our automotive customers."
As part of the transaction, Sean Hurley, Partner and CEO at hearforward, will join Dealer.com as Director, Social and Marketing Analytics.
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →