• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, April 9, 2014

Hearst Magazines’ Jumpstart Automotive Group has partnered with the Rubicon Project to create a private exchange for online automotive advertising, allowing advertisers to purchase auto ads for placement on Jumpstart’s network of premium publishers through an automated, real-time platform.
 
The new Jumpstart exchange will offer advertisers contextual ad packages supporting a range of interactive ad units across channels and devices, all targeting Jumpstart’s audience of likely car buyers.

Overall, Jumpstart’s network of publishers reach over 25 million unique visitors per month, through publishing partners including Car & Driver, Carsoup.com, Everycarlisted.com, U.S. News and World Report Automotive, Autobytel, Overstock Cars, CarGurus, J.D. Power Autos, LeftLane and Nada Guides.
 
Jumpstart CEO Nick Matarazzo stated: “Our partnership with Rubicon Project gives Jumpstart the ability to improve speed, scale, and efficiency for our clients, and will enable Jumpstart to focus even more time and attention creating custom, high-performance marketing solutions.”
 
Previously in June 2012, Hearst Magazines launched its own private exchange, created with the help of Pubmatic, representing a portfolio of more than 25 digital brands, including Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Seventeen and Good Housekeeping.
 
Car sales appear to be picking up after a slow winter, according to industry analysts.

General Motors, shaking off some bad press about faulty ignition switches, saw total sales increase 4% in March 2014 compared to the same month last year, while Ford edged up 3%, Toyota increased 5%, Nissan was up 8%, Hyundai-Kia increased 4%, Mazda was up 9%, and Chrysler jumped 13%.

The sole exception was American Honda, which saw total sales slip 2% .