In San Francisco, wine distributors led protests earlier this year against Internet companies, such as Virtual Vineyards, that have muscled in on the wholesalers' turf by shipping directly to consumers. Almost anything consumers want, they can shop for or buy on the Web. Personalizing service on the Web Online courses get high marks Journey to success is far from home Net opens door to Asian market Brand names key to success Catering to Web savvy, older adults ACT helps companies catch savings Auto Web sites, for example, have grown from merely being a research tool to check dealer costs, vehicle specifications and magazine reviews to a finely honed consumer weapon to select, finance, insure and take delivery of a new vehicle without leaving the home or office.
Every automaker has a Web site.
Some, such as AutoConnect, offer photos of new and used vehicles. More than half of new car dealers also have Web sites. J.D. Power and Associates says 5 million consumers will use the Internet to buy a new car in the year 2000, up from 1.9 million in 1997. Mike Roscoe, editor of Automobile Dealer magazine, says it won't be long before automakers begin bypassing dealers and selling directly to the consumer. The Internet offers choices.