Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmunds.com Advances Relationship
with AutoNation, Providing Auto Dealers Top Web Site Technology and Lead Referrals
San Francisco, CA - February
3, 2003 - Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com),
the Web's leading consumer resource for unbiased automotive information, today
announced the newest development in their relationship with AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE
AN), America's largest retailer of both new and used vehicles: AutoNation is licensing
Edmunds.com data, including the AutoCompareSM
tool, for use in customer correspondence, on dealer Web sites and in the information
portal that AutoNation provides to all its associates.
The AutoCompare tool, which
has provided over one million vehicle comparisons in its current applications
on Toyota.com and Lexus.com, allows consumers to easily select and evaluate the
vehicles they are cross-shopping. AutoCompare will launch on AutoNation dealer
Web sites in March.
Currently, through its AutoVantage
lead referral network, AutoNation distributes Edmunds.com True Market Value®
pricing system: the New Vehicle Pricing Calculator, the Used Vehicle Appraiser
and the Finance Rate Estimator. Additionally, Edmunds.com provides top quality
lead referrals and advertising opportunities for AutoNation dealerships. The companies'
business relationship began in November 2000.
"We recognize Edmunds.com
attracts the most serious car shoppers, and provides them with useful information
and tools they trust," stated Gary Marcotte, Vice President of New Vehicle
and eCommerce Operations for AutoNation. "Having Edmunds.com-branded information
as part of the AutoNation experience enhances our ability to build productive,
profitable relationships at the highest level of customer satisfaction."
"As the largest dealer
network, AutoNation wisely takes advantage of its unique position, leveraging
its scale to maximize the use of data and tools to support their best-in-class
business processes," said Jeremy Anwyl, President of Edmunds.com.
About Edmunds.com
Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Edmunds.com is the Internet's pioneer in providing
unbiased automotive information, tools and services for consumers covering all
aspects of buying, selling, and owning a vehicle. Edmunds.com is viewed by consumers
as the "most useful Web site," according to the J.D. Power and Associates
New Autoshopper.com StudySM* for 2001 and 2002.
*J.D. Power and Associates
is not affiliated with Edmunds.com, Inc. and does not endorse Edmunds.com or any
other Web sites.
About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is America's largest
retailer of both new and used vehicles. Ranked #101 on the 2002 Fortune 500 survey
of America's largest corporations, AutoNation employs approximately 30,000 people
and owns and operates 370 automotive retail franchises in 17 states. For additional
information, please visit the "About US" section of www.AutoNation.com,
where more than 100,000 vehicles are available for sale, or visit http://corp.AutoNation.com.
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