Virtual Car Show Nears 1,500 Entrants; Public Voting Begins May 15

    PHILADELPHIA--May 1, 2001--Pep Boys , the nation's leading full-service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, today announced that its first nationwide "Virtual Car Show" is closing in on a grand total of 1,500 entrants from 47 states, possibly making it the largest and most diverse online car show ever.
    The Pep Boys Virtual Car Show, held via the Internet, allows automobile enthusiasts throughout the country to "stroll virtual rows" of cars, trucks and vans representing various makes and models from the past and present, all without leaving their home or office. The show has 12 categories of competition: American Motors, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Mopar, Ford/Mercury, Pre-1949 Cars & Trucks, 4x4s & SUVs, 2-Wheel Drive Trucks and Vans, Replica Cars and Trucks, and Imports.
    With a little more than one week remaining until the May 10 entry deadline, the folks at Pep Boys are hoping to have at least 2001 entries to match the contest's inaugural year. The Virtual Car Show began March 5 and moves into its final stages on May 15. From May 10 to May 15, Pep Boys and the editors of emap-usa publications Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Sport Truck and 4Wheel & Off-Road, will select three finalists in each category. Then, from May 15 to May 31, the public will vote and select a finalist in each category.
    Once public voting is complete, Pep Boys and the emap editorial team will select four overall winners, including Best of Show. "We're very pleased with the success of the Virtual Car Show so far," said Bill Furtkevic, director of marketing communications for Pep Boys. "By making this the first 100% online nationwide car show, Pep Boys has widened the appeal of this type of event to a broader audience. What was limited by geography and weather is now open to everyone."
    The Virtual Car Show - held in conjunction with emap-usa, one of the world's foremost media companies - represents a unique "clicks-to-bricks" marketing tool for Pep Boys. The one-of-a-kind promotion has the potential to not only unite customers and employees from Pep Boys' 628 stores, but also the readership of several emap-usa magazines, their corresponding websites and individuals surfing the web.
    Those interested in participating should stop by any Pep Boys store to pick up registration instructions or view them at pepboys.com; and upload the best photo of their car, truck or van to the Pep Boys Virtual Car Show site at pepboys.com or www.hotrod.com.
    Winners in the 12 classes will be posted on the Pep Boys Virtual Car Show site from June 2 through June 30, and will receive $2,000 worth of Pep Boys gift certificates. The four overall winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles, where the Best of Show vehicle will be displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum this summer.
    Pep Boys, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, operates 628 stores and nearly 6,500 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 800/PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.