• by Karl Greenberg , September 30, 2010

Autotrader.com is launching a social-media sweepstakes program offering a trip to Los Angeles through the "Purse Powers the Pedal" Sweepstakes. The program, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 20, targets women who, per Autotrader, are the sole buyers of more than 50% of all cars sold in the U.S.

The program is meant to address womens' skittishness about the dealership experience, as the firm says 75% of women "Don't feel certain or sure of themselves when visiting car dealerships."

The sweeps are meant to raise awareness of Autrader's "Roadmap to Car Shopping Success," a shopping guide eveloped with Courtney Hansen, host of Spike TV's "Powerblock" and author of The Garage Girl's Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Your Car.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two, $1000 spending money, a designer purse and and tickets to the L.A. Auto Show. Throughout the contest, there will be two other drawings for a designer purse.