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IntelliChoice Announces Sixth Annual Best Manufacturer Sponsored Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programs for 2005

CAMPBELL, Calif.--Oct. 4, 2004--PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced the winners of the sixth annual ranking of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle programs. For the fourth year in a row, Jaguar was selected as the best Luxury program and Volkswagen received its first recognition from IntelliChoice for best Non-Luxury program. The winners are featured in the fall issue of IntelliChoice Magazine, on newsstands October 5, 2004 and can be found online at www.IntelliChoice.com.

IntelliChoice initiated a certified pre-owned award program six years ago because of the steep growth of CPO programs nationwide. Recently sales have doubled, jumping from 506,322 in 2000 to 1,230,000 in 2003 according to CNW Marketing Research Inc. The first CPO programs began in the early 1990s and the increasing demand has essentially created a new category in automotive sales. Most major automakers now have a CPO program and IntelliChoice analyzes 24 of them, covering 29 brands.

"As certified pre-owned programs continue to be a growing trend in the United States marketplace, IntelliChoice strives to provide consumers with the most up-to-date data and the tools they need to find the greatest value for their money," said James Bell, Publisher of IntelliChoice. "We're proud to recognize this year's winners as leaders in their class for certified pre-owned vehicles."

The IntelliChoice CPO Awards are presented in the Luxury and Non-Luxury classes. Programs are rated on a set of criteria that consumers identify as having the most value such as manufacturer warranties, title verification, certification inspection process and roadside assistance in addition to special financing and return exchange policies.

The top five rated programs in each class for 2005 are: 

               Top Certified Pre-Owned Programs by Class

        Luxury                         Non-Luxury

       1. Jaguar                      1. Volkswagen
       2. Cadillac                    2. Honda
       3. Volvo                       3. Mazda
       4. Lexus                       4. Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep
       5. Audi                        5. Ford

"The third party validation of our program by IntelliChoice offers significant justification for the increased energy and investment we have made in the past 12 months," said Patrick McFall, Certified Pre-Owned Process Leader, Volkswagen of America. "We know many of our prospects and customers use IntelliChoice for objective information when evaluating used vehicles and CPO programs and obviously placing first is a big win."

In addition, some of the most important considerations for consumers shopping for certified pre-owned vehicles are the warranties and inspections offered by the manufacturers. In the Luxury class, Jaguar has the Best Warranty while Jaguar, Land Rover and Infiniti tied for the Best Inspection list. In the Non-Luxury class, Volkswagen has the Best Warranty and General Motors has the Best Inspection list.

"Our luxury customers look to IntelliChoice's annual rankings of certified pre-owned programs for objective information before making an informed decision," said Geoff Cousins, vice president of remarketing and distribution, Jaguar Land Rover North America. "We're proud to be recognized by IntelliChoice for the fourth year in a row as it validates our commitment to providing the best value and purchase experience in the industry."

In addition to Jaguar and Volkswagen, other notable performances include Cadillac breaking into the top five for the first time ever, coming in second for best overall program in the Luxury class. In Non-Luxury, Mazda moved up to nearly tie Honda for second place.

About IntelliChoice

Part of PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis and in automotive leasing cost analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is the most authoritative provider of independent automobile pricing, specifications, ownership cost and leasing data. Offering proprietary ownership cost and value information, IntelliChoice also publishes the IntelliChoice Buyer's Guide, a quarterly magazine for consumers featuring the nation's most trusted automotive cost and value data, as well as the award winning annuals, The Complete Car Cost Guide(TM) and The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide(TM).

About PRIMEDIA

PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2003 revenues from continuing businesses of $1.3 billion, our properties deliver content via print as well as the Internet, live events, and video and offer highly effective advertising and marketing solutions in some of the most sought-after niche markets. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, their Web sites and About.com, and is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S. with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile, and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Homes Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has leading positions in 20 market sectors such as Agribusiness, Communications, Entertainment, Marketing, and Transportation. PRIMEDIA Education and Training includes Channel One and other educational and training products. PRIMEDIA's stock symbol is NYSE: PRM.