ChoiceParts Completes Acquisition of CarStation
Includes Commerce System License, Website and Trademarks/Domain Names
CHICAGO, April 18 ChoiceParts, LLC is pleased to report
the formal closing of the previously announced asset acquisition and exclusive
licensing agreement with OnStation Corporation for the CarStation
CommerceSystem(TM) (CCS). On February 20, 2001, ChoiceParts(TM) announced that
it would become the exclusive provider of CCS for the automotive collision
repair market.
ChoiceParts began transitioning the CarStation product, trademarks and
website to their Chicago headquarters at the end of February. As a result of
a tight integration plan, the company is prepared to take over product
operations such as customer support, training and hosting in early May. The
company expects to integrate the CCS into its already released dealer parts
trading solution by early fall.
The CarStation CommerceSystem(TM) is an Internet-based parts management
and communication system that enables automotive collision repair
professionals and their parts suppliers to transact and communicate online.
"With the combined power of CarStation and the current dealer product in
the marketplace now, there is finally a comprehensive product for the
automotive parts supply chain," stated Chan Galbato, chief executive officer,
ChoiceParts. "The exclusive licensing agreement with OnStation accelerates
the ability of ChoiceParts to provide technology solutions to collision shops.
We will leverage our supply-side integration to offer a more efficient parts
ordering solution."
Galbato further added: "ChoiceParts facilitates the buying and selling of
automotive parts by using the dealers' existing business processes and, in
most cases, their existing hardware without ever picking up the phone."
As part of the agreement, ChoiceParts acquired the CarStation.com e-
commerce hub and its customer base of automotive parts dealers and collision
repair shops, and the right to utilize the CarStation trademark in all
marketing activities.
"Currently there are more than 900 subscribers to CarStation," stated
Michael Badar, chief commercial officer, ChoiceParts. "The company is making
all efforts to ensure the seamless transition from OnStation to ChoiceParts
including welcome letters, visiting customers and using existing account
managers already familiar with the CarStation customers. The company also
intends to keep the CarStation.com site active for consumers and businesses."
CarStation.com is a destination Web site for businesses within the
automotive repair industry where they may access CCS features, including parts
procurement and Web site building applications.
Powered by ChoiceParts technology, CarStation will now offer a wide array
of features, including:
-- Parts Procurement and Purchasing: Buy parts and manage parts orders
online.
-- Dealer Management System Integration: ChoiceParts is the only advanced
parts procurement system that provides "deep" integration into existing
Dealership Management Systems, which ensures timely, accurate
processing and order fulfillment.
-- Order Management System: Organize incoming parts orders and simplify
communication with customers.
-- Order Acceptance Confirmation: Confirm orders online and instantly
inform customers that orders have been received.
-- Custom Web Site: Build Web sites and add custom text, graphics, and
driving directions, enabling new customers to find businesses easily.
-- Shop Locator: Allow new and existing customers to easily find
registered CarStation shops.
-- Email Account: Communicate with customers and business partners
more efficiently.
About ChoiceParts
ChoiceParts was founded via partnership among automotive and collision
industry leaders CCC Information Services Inc., The Reynolds and Reynolds
Company, and the Dealer Services and Claims Solutions Groups of Automatic Data
Processing, Inc. ChoiceParts is an IT solutions provider committed to
satisfying our customers' needs profitably. The company's initial focus
provides software and services to make efficient auto parts transactions by
integrating the ChoiceParts solution directly into our customers' existing
systems and environments.