JoeAuto, Inc. Closes $13.5M Series A Investment In High Tech Auto Repair Business

           Company to Launch 'Big Box' Retail Auto Service Centers
           Nationwide Featuring Information Technology Efficiencies

    HOUSTON, Feb. 13 JoeAuto, Inc. (http://www.joeauto.com), a
company that marries the benefits of "big box" retailing with the efficiencies
of information technology, announced that it 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.  The funds will help the Houston-based
company pursue its plans to open giant auto service centers nationwide.
    "This investment in JoeAuto demonstrates a tremendous commitment to our
efforts to deliver a superior auto service and repair experience to the
consumer and fleet owner by incorporating information technology and modern
retailing approaches," said Lynn Graham, JoeAuto's president and chief
executive officer.
    JoeAuto provides same day or overnight auto repairs and service, 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.  Customers never have to leave their homes because
the company picks up and delivers vehicles and provides low-cost loaners.
From the JoeAuto Web site, customers can receive a diagnosis, obtain pricing
information, make service appointments, choose their loaner car, view repairs
and make payments online.
    JoeAuto is working with the Six Sigma Qualtec Institute to redesign 35
critical automotive service processes.  The intent is to improve information
flow, eliminate non-value added activity, reduce defects and waste and improve
productivity and capacity.  Among the efficiencies JoeAuto service centers
will employ is an on-site, completely stocked parts store managed by industry
leader NAPA Auto Parts.
    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.  This summer, the company will
launch its first 30-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
have 140 big box service centers serving the nation's top 50 metropolitan
markets.

    JoeAuto, Inc. is an auto service and repair company serving the consumer
and fleet owner markets.  The company marries the benefits of "big box"
retailing with the efficiencies of information technology in delivering an
intensely customer-focused service experience.  Series A investors include the
Ford Motor Company and CCG Venture Partners.