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CHICAGO, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital automotive marketplace and solutions provider Cars.com (NYSE: CARS) released new research today revealing that 42% of in-market car shoppers plan to visit a drive-in movie theater this summer¹. With in-home entertainment losing its luster as summer kicks into full gear and social distancing guidelines still in place, Americans are looking for new, or old, ways to safely get out of the house. And many have turned to their cars for a quick escape and safe entertainment.

"Drive-in theaters are making a comeback this summer as the destination of choice for movies, music and other forms of live entertainment that people can experience without ever leaving the safety of their vehicle," said Matt Schmitz, Cars.com's assistant managing editor, news. "Since the pandemic began, we've found that Americans are using their cars as an extension of their homes. They've resurrected the Sunday drive, are using their cars to socialize from a distance through birthday and graduation parades, and now they're using their cars as a new way to see live entertainment, too."

COVID-19 is also prompting consumers to upgrade or purchase a vehicle due to concerns around public transportation and ride-sharing services³. The return of the drive-in movie theater further reinforces the notion that owning a car provides safety and freedom.

For those interested in rolling in with a good seat, Cars.com recommends the following five best cars to take to a drive-in movie :

1. Volkswagen Atlas : The sensible-yet-sexy Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that earned Cars.com's Best of 2018 award and subsequently nabbed the 2020 Family Car of the Year award. The Atlas comfortably holds seven occupants and boasts a Fender 12-speaker audio system in the SEL Premium trim. Premium sound system upgrades are available for an extra $6,000.
2. Ram 1500 : Chill outside in the Ram 1500's spacious truck bed with blankets and plenty of fluffy pillows. This pickup truck also has the RamBox. The RamBox Cargo Management System is a massive locking, conveniently lit storage space inside the hull. It's drainable, perfect for filling with ice to keep snacks, sodas and other movie treats cool.
3. Chrysler Pacifica : Cars.com's Best of 2017 sports plenty of mini cubbies and storage nooks in the back for popcorn, soda and sweet snacks. The Stow 'n Go seats create a huge flat surface in the rear, ideal for settling in for a long night at the moving pictures. Park with the back facing the screen, pop the liftgate and spread out blankets and pillows while sheltered from rain or wind. If the movie isn't a hit for the entire party, parents can pop in a Blu-ray movie into Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system.
4. Dodge Challenger : Muscle-car fans love the Challenger's throwback body-style feel and charm. Upgrade to the 717-horsepower SRT Hellcat version for extra power; however, be polite and stay until after the credits roll to avoid drowning out the on-screen dialogue with the rumble under the hood.
5. Tesla Model X : Tesla's first all-electric SUV looks like a rocketship from the future with incredible acceleration, over-the-air updates, a roomy cabin and up to 328 miles of range. For movie watching, the Model X's visibility is spot on with tall side windows and a large windshield that stretches over the first and second rows combined to ensure passengers can see as much of the screen as possible.

¹ Cars.com survey May 26-28, 2020. 576 responses.
²  Cars.com survey April 9-10, 2020. 990 responses — 536 parents/caregivers, 454 non-parents
³ Cars.com survey March 13-16, 2020. 3,021 responses.

ABOUT CARS.COM
Cars.com Inc. is a leading digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry that connects car shoppers with sellers. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, the Company empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. In a rapidly changing market, Cars.com enables dealerships and OEMs with innovative technical solutions and data-driven intelligence to better reach and influence ready-to-buy shoppers, increase inventory turn and gain market share. In 2018, Cars.com acquired Dealer Inspire®, an innovative technology company building solutions that future-proof dealerships with more efficient operations, a faster and easier car buying process, and connected digital experiences that sell and service more vehicles.

Cars.com properties include DealerRater®, Dealer Inspire®, Auto.com ™, PickupTrucks.com ® and NewCars.com ®. For more information, visit www.Cars.com .

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SOURCE Cars.com Inc.