Full-Time
Performance Manager
Posted on 11/3/2025
Cars Commerce
1,001-5,000 employees
Two-sided online marketplace for cars
Compensation Overview
$58.3k - $70k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
Remote in USA
Remote
 Growth & Marketing (3) |
|---|
| , , |
- Account management and performance management
- Digital marketing and media buying experience
- Excellent customer service skills
- Outstanding presentation & communication. MUST possess the ability to project over the phone
- Must be very organized, punctual, and detail oriented
- Fast learner & interested in new technologies
- The ability to remain cool under pressure
- The ability to succeed and work independently in a remote environment
- Strong knowledge of Google Analytics
- Strong knowledge of Paid Search and media (Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Video, Display)
- Strong knowledge of SEO Fundamentals and Principles
- Strong knowledge of Website Design Best Practices
- Provide expert guidance on digital media strategies, recommending tailored solutions to help clients achieve their marketing and business objectives through data-driven insights and best practices
- Meeting preparation & presentation
- Develop, present & discuss client strategy for Websites, Digital Advertising, Conversations Chat Platform, Online Shopper Digital Retailing, and more
- Create and execute unique marketing ideas/strategy for our dealer partners
- Staying on top of industry trends
- Educate clients on all Cars Commerce capabilities including website solutions, acquisition, marketplace, and media
- Work seamlessly with a wide range of different departments including but not limited to General Support, Inventory Support, Digital Advertising, SEO, Compliance, Marketing Design, Sales, and Analytics
- Responsible for maintaining and retaining a Dealer Inspire book of business
- Opportunity to build your book of business by generating sales referrals
- A successful Dealer Inspire Performance Manager requires excellent communication and analytics skills, marketing savvy and the ability to enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
Cars.com operates a two-sided online automotive marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers with dealerships and manufacturers, providing vehicle listings with details like price, location, and seller. Consumers use the platform to search, compare options, view vehicle details, pricing, and dealer information, and contact sellers to buy a car; automotive businesses post listings, access analytics, and pay for ads to reach buyers. Unlike some sites that only list cars, Cars.com also offers market data and analytics to help dealers understand trends and price their inventory. Its goal is to efficiently connect buyers and sellers in online car shopping while giving consumers clear information and helping automotive businesses grow sales and market share through data-driven insights.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1998
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Media Network targets 29 million in-market shoppers, 83% buying within 6 months.
- AccuTrade delivers instant appraisals in under 5 minutes for half of trade-in buyers.
- New CEO Tobias Hartmann starts January 15, 2026, with 25 years scaling marketplaces.
What critics are saying
- CarGurus undercuts listing fees, erodes revenue from 20,000 retailers in 6-12 months.
- Google SERPs drop Cars.com traffic, ranking third behind CarGurus and Autotrader in 6-12 months.
- New CEO Hartmann's non-auto background stalls Q1 2026 revenue, triggers sell-off in 3-6 months.
What makes Cars Commerce unique
- Cars.com serves 27 million monthly shoppers with integrated Dealer Inspire and AccuTrade.
- Largest platform with 13 million consumer reviews powers dealer reputation technology.
- Rebranded 2023 platform reduces dealer turn time by 20% connecting consumers and lenders.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Home Office Stipend
Company News
Is the 2026 Nissan Armada a good SUV? 5 pros, 2 cons. By Jim Travers March 27, 2026 Nissan redesigned the Armada full-size SUV for 2025, bringing a more fuel-efficient powertrain, added off-road capability, and lots of new tech while keeping its spacious interior and seating for up to eight. The result is a much improved flagship SUV - and one that is attractively priced for the category. Shop the 2026 Nissan Armada near you. $61,203 MSRP $65,110 $66,732 MSRP $70,690 Unlike its Toyota Land Cruiser rival that got a bit smaller and more utilitarian with its 2024 redesign, the new Armada is every bit as large and luxurious as the last one, with plenty of room inside and a beautifully finished and attractive interior. The new twin-turbo V-6 outguns the Armada's old V-8 and is less thirsty at the pump, and a new Pro-4X trim brings more off-road capability. For 2026, the Pro-4X can now be had with second-row captain's chairs and there's a new NISMO trim, but the remainder of the lineup remains mostly unchanged. Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman attended a Nashville, Tenn., media event to get familiar with the new Armada and found it ready to go head-to-head against competitors including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. (Per its ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own travel and lodging when attending manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read Aaron's expert review. Read on for a look at five things Cars.com like about the 2026 Nissan Armada and two things Cars.com do not. What do Cars.com like about the 2025 Nissan Armada? 1. Fewer cylinders, more turbos. The redesigned Armada is the latest model to ditch an aging V-8 for a more potent and fuel-efficient V-6 - in this case, one with twin turbos and good for 425 horsepower and an impressive 516 pounds-feet of torque. That works out to an increase of 25 hp and a notable 103 pounds-feet of torque compared to the old V-8. The NISMO further ups the ante for a total output of 460 hp. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Armada hustles smoothly and effortlessly up to speed with a lot more urgency than before. 2. Towing champ. The redesigned Armada is rated to tow an impressive 8,500 pounds, more than enough to meet the needs of most weekend warriors. Cars.com had the opportunity to haul a 6,500-pound Airstream camping trailer during testing, which it handled easily, even accelerating while tackling a large hill. Thanks to an integrated trailer brake controller (standard with upper trims) and a suspension that's up for the task, the Armada felt stable and drama-free while pulling the big trailer. 3. On- and off-road ready. While the NISMO adds some oomph when you're trailering your track car, fans of off-roading will be pleased to hear the redesign also brings a Pro-4X trim to the Armada lineup, which gets you additional hardware that includes skid plates for the radiator, transfer case and fuel tank, tow hooks, an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels, a height-adjustable air suspension and assorted electronic terrain programs for different conditions. What's perhaps most impressive is that the Armada rides and handles just as well on pavement as it does out in the boonies, with well-controlled body motions and a quiet cabin. 4. Improved interior. Like the outgoing model, the redesigned Armada rides on a 121.1-inch wheelbase and is about the same size all around. But engineers worked on more efficient interior packaging, resulting in a roomier cabin with added legroom. Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats in its top Platinum Reserve test vehicle were big and comfortable, with heating, cooling and massage functions. Fit and finish are top notch, with excellent materials quality and thoughtful use of color. 5. Dash and controls. A vivid 12.3-inch digital instrument display and matching adjacent 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen are standard, while upper trims like its Platinum Reserve tester get an even larger 14.3-inch touchscreen. Both screens are clear and easy to use, but what Cars.com really like is Nissan's decision to go with easy-to-use physical controls for frequently used functions like climate adjustment and off-road settings. More on the Nissan Armada From Cars.com: What do Cars.com dislike about the 2025 Nissan Armada? 1. Push-Button shifter. There's no beating a shift lever for easy use on the fly, which makes the Armada's push-button gear selector a bit of a disappointment. While not as egregious a misstep as some control choices from other manufacturers, the buttons take up dash real estate and are harder to use than a lever without taking your eyes off the road. 2. Rim shot. Nissan would be wise to join other manufacturers in adopting a more rectangular steering wheel to make it easier to see dashboard displays. With today's wide, horizontal dash designs, a more rectangular shape makes it easier to monitor instruments and controls than with the Armada's round wheel, which obscures some of the driver display. Related Video: Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
Cars.com 2026 Best Of Award winners. We recently shared the winners of MotorWeek's 2026 Drivers' Choice Awards. Now we bring you the winners of Cars.com's annual Best Of Awards. They recognize top-rated 2026 vehicles across six categories. Cars.com says its trusted experts chose winners that stand out for delivering real-world value, usability, and innovation. "Each year, Cars.com editors carefully evaluate all new and redesigned vehicles to see how they measure up - our Best Of winners are those that truly exceed expectations," said Mike Hanley, Cars.com senior road test editor. "Case in point, the Nissan Leaf is perhaps a surprising choice as the EV market recalibrates following the sunsetting of federal tax credits, but at a time when many shoppers assume affordable EVs are out of reach, the redesigned Leaf proves value, innovation and everyday usability can still coexist." The awards come as affordability remains top of mind for many car shoppers, while at the same time there are fewer budget-friendly models available. Across categories, Cars.com says this year's winner stand out for delivering long-term value without forcing major trade-offs in safety, space or usability. Cars.com's 2026 Best Of Award winners: * Best Car: 2026 Nissan Leaf. Starting at $31,485, the LEAF delivers up to an EPA-estimated 303 miles of range, strong efficiency and flexible charging, including access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Cars.com says the model's intuitive tech, composed driving dynamics and generous standard features reinforce its value-forward appeal. Car Pro 2026 Nissan LEAF review | * Best SUV: 2026 Nissan Armada. Cars.com experts say a versatile lineup, strong twin-turbo V-6 power, up to 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and genuine three-row comfort make the Armada a compelling choice for large-SUV shoppers. (It was also recently named SUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association.) Car Pro 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo review | * Best Family Car: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid. The Santa Fe offers three-row seating, easy access, flexible cargo space and an available hybrid drivetrain, all without the bulk or driving compromises of larger three-row vehicles. * Best Pickup Truck: 2026 Ram 1500. From work-ready trims to luxury models - plus the return of the Hemi V-8 - Cars.com says the Ram 1500 delivers confident capability alongside class-leading comfort. * Best EV: 2026 Kia EV9. With up to 305 miles of range, access to Tesla Superchargers and excellent family-friendly versatility, it addresses many of the common barriers to EV ownership. Read the Car Pro 2026 EV9 GT review | * Best Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Experts from Cars.com say this all-electric Cadillac redefines electric luxury with bold design; a technology-rich cabin; an estimated 465 miles of range; and refined, surprisingly agile driving dynamics. Read the Car Pro 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ review Photo: Nissan.
Is Cars.com Inc. (CARS) one of the best used car stocks to buy according to hedge funds? Published on february 4, 2026 at 5:44 am by abdul rahman in news. Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) is one of the best used-car stocks to buy, according to hedge funds. Analysts remain bullish on Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS). Over the past three months, five Wall Street firms set 12-month targets averaging $17.75, ranging from $13 to $25, implying a potential 56% upside from the current price of $11.36. On January 29, Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) launched a new powerful tech and advertising solution for its dealer customers. Built based on consumer demand and inventory data, the AI-powered inventory video solution is designed to create VIN-specific video advertisements for dealer inventory. On the other hand, the Market Area Expansion tool will allow dealers to display inventory beyond their local market and to offer vehicle shipping and delivery services to customers. The company is leveraging proprietary consumer demand and inventory data to power the new AI video solution. The ultimate goal is to unlock new shipping and delivery options and enable customers to enjoy new integrated wholesale options. "By putting AI-powered technology and market expansion tools in the hands of our customers, Cars.com is connecting highly-engaged shoppers with the right inventory, driving twice the lead conversion, and ensuring our partners grow faster and more profitably," said Lisa Gosselin, Chief Commercial Officer for Cars.com Inc. Cars.com has also integrated its wholesale tools through the AccuTrade and DealerClub platforms to accelerate wholesale transactions for aging units. Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) is a digital automotive marketplace connecting car shoppers with dealers and private sellers. It serves as an advertising and lead-generation platform, reaching about 26-27 million monthly visitors. While we acknowledge the potential of Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CARS and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Cars Commerce appoints Tobias Hartmann as next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Alex Vetter effective January 15, 2026. CHICAGO, Dec. 18, 2025 - Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (d/b/a "Cars Commerce Inc."), today announced that Tobias ("Tobi") Hartmann will assume the role of the company's next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and join the Board of Directors, effective January 15, 2026. Hartmann will succeed Alex Vetter, who will step down as CEO and a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective January 15, 2026. Vetter will serve as an advisor to the company from that date through March 31, 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Hartmann has over 25 years of experience driving growth and generating long-term shareholder value across B2C and B2B technology, e-commerce, and marketplace companies. Most recently, he served as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board for Scout24 SE Group, the parent company of ImmoScout24 - one of Europe's leading digital real estate marketplaces - where he transformed the company's strategy and accelerated revenue and margin growth to new record levels. Previously, Hartmann held the position of President U.S. and was a member of the Executive Management Board at HelloFresh SE, aiding the global food solutions company in becoming the U.S. market leader. Prior to that, he led the spin-off of eBay Enterprise from eBay Inc. to establish a new service provider for omnichannel and commerce technology solutions. "Tobi brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of growing businesses to deliver meaningful value for customers, consumers, and shareholders," said Scott Forbes, Chairman of the Board. "The Board has conducted a comprehensive CEO succession process, and we are confident that Tobi is the right leader to accelerate growth and guide the company into the future." "I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for the opportunity to build on this strong foundation and work to enhance the growth trajectory of Cars Commerce," said Hartmann. "This is an exciting time to leverage digital tools, data, and AI to help our customers better compete and grow in the automotive retail and wholesale sectors. I am eager to join this talented and dedicated team, and I look forward to co-creating the next chapter of growth and innovation together." Hartmann succeeds Vetter, who has been with Cars.com since its launch in 1998 and held various roles before being appointed CEO in 2014. He has maintained Cars.com's status as one of the most recognized American automotive marketplace brands. Vetter was pivotal in transforming the company from its original affiliate classifieds model into a vertical SaaS platform that powers the automotive industry. He has guided the company through strategic acquisitions to expand its platform capabilities, including Dealer Inspire websites, AccuTrade appraisal technology, and DealerClub wholesale dealer-to-dealer transactions. Vetter has also championed the local dealer retail system and franchise model, acting as an industry advocate in local and federal lobbying efforts, industry coalitions, and philanthropic activities. "It has been an honor to lead this organization through multiple transitions. I am excited to hand the leadership reins to Tobi to drive further growth for the company. Cars.com was among the early innovators that pioneered the online car shopping experience and introduced many firsts in the automotive retail industry - from the first mobile app to the largest dealer review platform, and enabling operations with digital tools and data," said Vetter. "I am deeply grateful to the team and proud of what we have built together. I am confident that Tobi will sustain our momentum for the next chapter of industry firsts. He will be an exceptional leader for this next phase of growth." Forbes added, "On behalf of the Board and the entire organization, I want to thank Alex for his visionary leadership. He is a deeply respected and beloved leader who has strengthened the company into a technology platform and solutions provider for the automotive industry while also building a world-class company and team. Alex has been an outstanding steward of the company and advocate for the industry. We are thankful for his leadership and the transformations he has driven, which will enable continued growth and scale." About Cars Commerce Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. The Company simplifies all aspects of car buying and selling through powerful products, solutions, and AI-driven technologies that span pre-sale, sale, and post-sale activities - enabling more efficient and profitable retail operations. The Cars Commerce platform is organized around industry-leading brands: the flagship automotive marketplace and review site, digital retail technology and marketing services from Dealer Inspire, essential trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, a reputation-based dealer-to-dealer wholesale auction from DealerClub, and exclusive in-market media solutions from the Cars Commerce Media Network. Learn more at.
Is the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS a good car? 4 pros, 2 cons. Key points. * Cars.com editors liked the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS for its torque and power delivery, improved handling and potential for being a daily driver, as well as the fact that it's simply available. * However, editors disliked how the BRZ's tS trim does not get a power boost and how it's not the most practical choice on the market. The Subaru BRZ is something of an anomaly in today's automotive market in that it is one of the very few simple and affordable sports cars still available. Like its Toyota GR86 sibling, the BRZ is a blast to drive, offering lively handling and a bit more room and practicality than the competing Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. Updates for the 2024 model year added to the BRZ's enthusiast appeal, bringing a new tS trim with various upgrades for sharper handling. Cars.com West Coast Editor Conner Golden was among the first to sample a 2024 BRZ tS on the twisty roads of Southern California, and he found that the new trim adds to the appeal of what remains one of the best performance bargains around. Tap the link above for his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on to learn four things Cars.com like about the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS and two things Cars.com don't. What do Cars.com like about the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS? 1. Just enough grunt. Some might be disappointed that Subaru has forgone going with a turbo for the tS or giving it any kind of additional motivation. Instead, the tS uses the same 228-hp, 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine found in every other BRZ. But with 184 pounds-feet of torque at just 3,700 rpm, the engine provides plenty of low-end grunt to hustle the lightweight coupe along, with a linear power delivery throughout the rev range all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline. 2. Hardware upgrades. Springing for the tS trim gets you added goodies for improved handling, including larger dark-gray 18-inch wheels shod with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires and special STI-tuned Hitachi shock absorbers. Stopping power is also improved thanks to larger rotors equipped with Brembo four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston calipers in the back. Special interior trim and tS badges on the grille and trunk lid round out the package. 3. Practical performer. While it may be a stretch to describe any sports car as practical, the BRZ's cozy cabin offers more storage room than a Miata's and has at least a vestigial backseat. Add to that its affordable price tag, decent gas mileage, the added practicality and cargo room, and the security of a steel roof, and the BRZ could serve as a daily driver in some climates. 4. It's still here. The fact that you can still buy a lightweight, front engine, RWD sports car with a six-speed manual transmission in the age of SUVs is cause for celebration in and of itself. The BRZ delivers a kind of grin-inducing, engaging driving experience you just don't find much anymore. A starting price just north of $30,000 (including destination) only adds to the appeal. What do Cars.com dislike about the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS? 1. No additional power. It could be argued that any new trim touted as a performance upgrade should come with an increase in power, especially when it adds several thousands of dollars to the bottom line, but the BRZ's output remains the same as the rest of the lineup's. However, it could be argued that there's a lot more to driving enjoyment than just horsepower, and an affordable, nicely balanced sports car still has a place in a world of 500-hp SUVs. 2. Limited use. At the risk of stating the obvious, any RWD sports car is never going to be the most practical choice, even ones that are affordable and get good gas mileage. It's important to weigh your needs carefully, especially if you live in an area where snow is likely. Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.