Experian Announces Alliance With Versidata; Versidata Software Increases Access to Experian's Auto History Report

    ORANGE, Calif.--Feb. 6, 2001--Experian, a leading provider of global information solutions, today announced the formation of an alliance with Versidata, an industry-leading provider of automotive dealership software.
    Using Versidata's Internet-based eV4 software application, Versidata's network of more than 350 auto dealers nationwide can access Experian's Auto History report, providing them with fast, reliable access to an in-depth look at the history of previously owned vehicles.
    Powered by Experian's National Vehicle Database, Auto History detects evidence of hidden problems that may affect vehicle safety and value, such as past reported damage or insurance claims, odometer roll back, title transactions and brand status.
    "Versidata provides a cutting-edge platform for dealers across the country, and we are pleased to partner with them," said John Jira, president of Experian's automotive information services business unit. "Auto History gives dealers a value-added differentiation for their dealerships by assuring their customers that the previously-owned vehicles on their lots have been checked by the Auto History report."
    With more than 11 billion records containing information on 315 million vehicles in its National Vehicle Database, Experian's Auto History sources include U.S. and Canadian motor vehicle title, registration and mileage records; auto auction mileage readings; insurance total loss and major damage records; body shop mileage readings and supplemental salvage yard records. All data is acquired from sources that meet either the federally mandated Drivers Privacy Protection Act or industry guidelines.
    "Just as Versidata's new Internet-hosted eV4 software 'leapfrogs' the conventional DOS/Windows Dealer Management System as we know it, Experian's Auto History report far surpasses other vehicle history products on the market today," said Martyn Olliver, president of the Renton, Washington-based Versidata. "Both Experian and Versidata are committed to helping dealers improve their business -- that's why this alliance is so exciting."

    About Experian

    Experian is an information solutions company. It uses the power of information to help its clients target prospective customers, manage existing customer relationships and identify opportunities for profitable growth. Through multi-channel delivery of its Web-based products and services, Experian enables its clients to conduct secure and profitable e-business. Experian is a subsidiary of The Great Universal Stores PLC and has headquarters in Nottingham, U.K. and Orange. Its 12,000 people support clients in more than 50 countries. Annual sales are about $1.5 billion.
    For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.experian.com.