Carfax Database Surpasses Three Billion Data Records

FAIRFAX, Va.--May 1, 20040, 2004--Carfax, the pioneer of the vehicle history report, today announced that it has surpassed the three billion mark in its online database of unique vehicle history records. This is the most recent milestone during a 20-year journey undertaken by Carfax and its partners to create the most comprehensive database of vehicle history information ever available. Each data record is associated with a specific vehicle, identified by a unique 17-character vehicle identification number. Buyers and sellers of used cars use these pieces of information to learn more about a car's past that may include routine maintenance and odometer readings or uncover department of motor vehicle reported incidents including prior salvage records, flood damage, or other branded titles.

"Never before has so much vehicle history information been gathered in one place and been made so readily available," said Gerry Bayer, Vice President of Data Acquisitions. "Over the past few years, a Carfax report has become a critical part of a very common sense approach to buying and selling used cars. We're working hard every day to expand the scope of the information we provide and making it easier to incorporate a vehicle history report into the process."

More than one thousand government and law enforcement organizations that fight vehicle theft and fraud rely on the information in a Carfax report.

"Carfax has been a great friend and associate to the law enforcement community for many years," says Bill Burton, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Odometer and Title Fraud Enforcement Association. "Countless investigations and thousands of vehicles have been tracked by Federal, Sate and Local enforcement agencies using Carfax records. The Carfax records are one of our most important tools. The valuable information contained in a Carfax report can help make or break your case."

About Carfax

Carfax Vehicle History Service, the most comprehensive collection of used vehicle information ever assembled, can confirm a clean title history or may help purchasers identify previous salvage history, odometer fraud, flood damage or other incidents in a car's past. Used car buyers can access more than three billion vehicle history records in the Carfax database at www.carfax.com or ask for a Carfax Vehicle History Report at participating dealers. Cars purchased with Carfax Vehicle History Reports that do not reveal DMV-reported incidents (salvage, fire, flood damage, odometer problems, lemon history) may be eligible for the Carfax Buyback Guarantee. Complete terms and conditions are available on the company's website. The company does not inspect vehicles and recommends a mechanic examine any car before purchase. Parents interested in obtaining tips to use while teaching their kids to drive can enroll in the Carfax Safe Teen Drivers Program. Carfax, Inc., based in Fairfax, Virginia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Co.