Autoweb introduces "virtual showroom"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Jenny Connorton Dori Pasternak MWW Group MWW Group 212-827-3762 212-704-9727 jconnorton@mww.com dpasternak@mww.com

AUTOWEB'S AUTOMOTIVE INFORMATION CENTER (AIC) ENHANCES AUTOSUITE WITH AUTOGALLERY

Virtual showroom compares library of automotive photographs for online shoppers

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEB. 26, 2001 -- Autoweb.com, Inc.'s Automotive Information Center (AIC), the leading information services provider of automotive content and research software, today announced the launch of AIC AutoGalleryä, the most comprehensive library of automotive photos in the industry. AutoGallery photos create a 'virtual showroom' where online shoppers can simulate a trip to a dealer from the convenience of their home or office. AutoGallery technology allows shoppers to compare two vehicles side-by-side from any angle. The AutoGallery tool functions as both a stand-alone tool or as an integrated part of the AIC AutoSuiteä.

The AutoGallery supplies multi-dimensional visual information for automotive shoppers to make educated buying decisions. The gallery includes nineteen interior and exterior shots of each vehicle, from every angle, providing the most in-depth visual vehicle comparison capabilities in the industry. The gallery depicts the vehicles from the same camera perspectives and highlights the same features for a consistent side-by-side assessment. Significantly, the AutoGallery can be seamlessly integrated to match the appearance of any Web site.

“We're happy to offer this unique new tool to our OEM, portal, and dealer partners. AIC has long been known for its comparison capabilities and the AutoGallery is just the latest example of that heritage,” said Bill Barrett, President of AIC. “We've taken our high standards for consistency, normalization, and side-by-side comparison and applied them to photos, creating actionable visual information which is distinct from the usual 'head shots' that inundate the market."

AutoGallery rounds out AIC's unrivaled AutoSuite, a package of research tools that delivers compelling consumer-targeted features to automotive sites, including auto manufacturers, dealers and Web portals. AutoSuite is comprised of AutoResearcher™, AutoBuilder™, AutoComparator™ and now enhanced with AutoGallery.

About Automotive Information Center (AIC) The Automotive Information Center (AIC) division of Autoweb is the leading provider of automotive content, data and intelligent tools used to power Internet services, portals and manufacturer Web sites. AIC researchers rely on decades of industry experience to create the most accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date research platform in the business. All AIC data and tools feature our unique optimal price capabilities, which enable consumers to configure and compare vehicles on the basis of lowest possible price.

Through Autoweb's data, technology and tools, visitors to sites powered by the AIC technology are able to configure a vehicle by manufacturer, make, model, trim specifications and other option packages, as well as perform side-by-side competitive vehicle comparisons. This proprietary technology provides a competitive advantage for dealers and enhances the shopper's experience by offering realistic, actionable information.

About Autoweb Autoweb is the leading automotive Internet service, guiding users through every stage of vehicle ownership. Through its direct and referral commerce channels, Autoweb offers consumers a variety of ways to purchase new and used vehicles in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers, local Member Dealers, and other commerce partners. The Company's Web site also provides consumers with a wide range of automotive-related products to support the complete lifecycle of the vehicle, including finance, insurance and maintenance. Autoweb features comprehensive, unbiased research from its Automotive Information Center (AIC) division.

Autoweb also continues to set the standard in the business-to-business marketplace by providing Web sites with the most advanced technology to view automotive information, and the most accurate and reliable automotive data and content. Currently, major automobile manufacturers, including BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota, use Autoweb's automotive data to power their sites. The major consumer portals also use Autoweb's content and technology, including AOL, Lycos, MSN Carpoint and GO. AIC AutoSuite is highly configurable for any individual AIC customer, as the interface can match any look and feel, while vehicles (both target and competitor) and specific features can be limited to any selection desired. For more information, please visit http://www.autoweb.com and http://www.autosite.com. ###