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We have had some experience recently with just this task. First I would make sure that our on site optimization is correct for local search therefore title tags should be appropriate eg Toyota Car Sales and Service. Also that there is relevant on page local content and also that your meta descriptions have local context. Second, I would follow Rand's direction to getlisted.org which will get you on 5 of the most important local directories, qype, yelp etc. Follow this with any other local directories you can find. These all help with local search rankings. Third build links with local businesses. These local backlinks will help Google localise you and determine  that your car dealership is the 'most popular' in anytown. Fourth Google Places Signup will hopefully mean you will appear google place search Apart from this general link acquisition will help boulster your position.