Big Mother Is Watching Teens In Real Time; New Technology Eases Parental Anxiety

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 1, 20039, 2003--It's the moment that all parents dread, the phrase that consistently sends a chill down their spines, but the one that can't be avoided: "Mom, can I borrow the car tonight?" Fortunately, Networkcar(TM), a product of Reynolds and Reynolds , features a global positioning system (GPS) and Smart Roadside Assistance, putting parents' minds more at ease when dropping the keys in their eager teenagers' hands.

Statistics show that although teenagers account for just seven percent of the driving population, they are involved in 14 percent of all accidents and deaths. One out of three teens are involved in a crash during their first year of driving, and in 1999 alone, there were over 2,000,000 teen driving crashes and 6,000 deaths (www.AmISafe.net, 2003). With numbers like these, it's no wonder parents are reluctant to see their children driving.

"Networkcar is committed to providing valuable services and solutions to vehicle owners," said Dave Dutch, Networkcar president. "We have focused on providing features such as the GPS and Smart Roadside Assistance that reduce parental anxiety and increase teen auto safety."

The Networkcar service features an onboard computer and a wireless unit that beams information about a vehicle's location and maintenance needs to a secure and personalized Web site, allowing parents to keep track of their kids' whereabouts. In the event of an emergency, parents know that their kids won't be left stranded thanks to Smart Roadside Assistance, which includes towing, flat repair and battery boost.

"I like Networkcar because it really gives me peace of mind about my daughter's safety. She works late and I worry sometimes," said Andrea Gutierrez, Networkcar user. "It's nice to know I can log in to Networkcar's website and see if she is on her way home. My daughter seems to get lost fairly often. Now if she gets lost, she calls me and I give her directions by looking at Networkcar's online map, which shows me exactly where she is."

In addition to these parent-friendly features, Networkcar has forged a relationship with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), becoming a MADD Technology Partner in Safety platinum sponsor. Through this program, MADD recognizes its sponsors that are companies in the law enforcement and highway safety related technology products sector.

"Technology that can be used in conjunction with parent and teen communication can serve an important role in protecting teens on the road," said Wendy Hamilton, president of MADD. "New teen drivers are inexperienced. Encouraging good teen driving habits takes a commitment from everyone -- teens, parents and the community -- to utilize all of the tools and resources available to help ensure safe and successful roadway experiences."

Networkcar will be a MADD platinum sponsor for one year. Through its sponsorship of MADD, the company's ultimate goal is to prevent drunk driving crashes. Networkcar's donation will fund the development of educational materials designed to provide resources for injured victims and survivors in addition to its sponsorship of MADD's mission to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

"We strongly believe in MADD's mission and believe it's an extremely effective organization for keeping the roads safe for kids and educating the public about dangerous driving," said Dutch. "By joining this program, we're happy not only to contribute to MADD's cause, but we feel that we're furthering one of our own goals of promoting teen auto safety."

While no price can be named for teen auto safety, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for a Networkcar unit is $995, which includes the first year's service. Networkcar is available for installation on most cars from 1996 and newer and is distributed through automobile dealers throughout the country. For more information on Networkcar and installation locations, please visit www.networkcar.com.

About Networkcar

Networkcar (www.networkcar.com) is the leading provider of around-the-clock services for monitoring the performance, location and security of consumer and fleet vehicles. The company features advanced performance monitoring technology and satellite-location systems that enable it to provide the most advanced solution for car maintenance and operation on the market today. Networkcar includes real-time car performance updates, Smart Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle recovery services and Car Guardian(TM), a feature that allows a car owner to find their car by accessing a secure Web page. With Networkcar, car owners and fleets increase safety and security, save time and reduce costs with advanced preventive maintenance and early problem detection. Networkcar was recently awarded "Research and Development Magazine's" Top 100 award for one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced in 2002.

About Reynolds and Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com) is the leading provider of integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. Serving the automotive retailing industry since 1927, Reynolds enables OEMs and retailers to work together to build the lifetime value of their customers. The company's award-winning product, service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems, Web and Customer Relationship Management solutions, learning and consulting services, documents, data management and integration, networking and support and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers. They comprise nearly 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all OEMs doing business in North America. The Reynolds International Division serves automotive retailers and OEMs through Incadea AG and its partner network as well as a worldwide consulting practice.

About MADD

MADD is a national grassroots non-profit organization with the mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD has approximately 600 chapters and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. For more information, visit www.madd.org or call 1-800-GET-MADD.