JoeAuto to Bring Information Technology, Modern Retailing to Auto Repair

                  Company Closes $13.5M Series a Investment

    HOUSTON, March 8 Auto service and repair -- an industry
that has changed little in 50 years -- is about to embrace the efficiencies of
information technology and modern retailing, according to JoeAuto Inc.
President and CEO, Lynn Graham, who addressed attendees at The Raymond James &
Associates 22nd Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 6 in
Orlando, FL.
    Graham highlighted JoeAuto's ambitious plans to launch a national chain of
information technology-enabled, "big box" auto service centers.  Graham also
announced that the company has raised $13.5 million in Series A financing from
a group of seasoned investors that include Ford Motor Company and CCG Venture
Partners, LLC

    JoeAuto (http://www.joeauto.com) will offer:
    -- Same day or overnight service, 24x7 (Vehicles in by 1:00 p.m. will be
       returned the same day; vehicles in after 1:00 p.m. will be returned
       that evening or next morning.)
    -- Automobile pick up and redelivery (With hourly-rate loaner vehicles
       available)
    -- 30 service bays (500% greater capacity than traditional auto repair
       centers)
    -- Streamlined approach to auto repair (JoeAuto is working with the Six
       Sigma Qualtec Institute to redesign 35 critical automotive service
       processes.)
    -- Information technology and Internet efficiencies (These include
       receiving a diagnosis, obtaining pricing information, making service
       appointments, choosing a loaner car, selecting a keep-in-touch pager or
       cell phone, viewing repairs and making payments - all online.)
    -- Fleet repair services (JoeAuto will service fleet vehicles at night so
       that they stay on the road during the day.)
    -- On-site parts (Each service center will have an on-site, completely
       stocked parts store managed by industry leader NAPA Auto Parts.)
    -- Workplace enhancements (Top pay, flexible scheduling, climate control,
       tools and training program and full benefits -- a package never before
       available to auto service technicians)

    JoeAuto currently has one prototype service center in Houston.  In its
first 180 days of existence, it has generated revenues that rank in the top
five percent of all auto shops nationwide.  Groundbreaking began for the
company's first 28-bay, big box center in Houston, with a second Houston
outlet opening before year-end.  In 2002, the company plans to move into
Dallas, Austin, Atlanta and Denver.  Within five years, Joe Auto expects to
serve the nation's top 50 metropolitan markets with 140 company-owned service
centers.