Suzuki Auction Partners Join AutoTradeCenter for National PROline Launch

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--May 10, 2001--AutoTradeCenter (OTCBB: AUTC) Thursday announced the alliance of 30 Suzuki Auction partners in the national launch of PROline (Program Remarketing Online), its Internet remarketing program for American Suzuki Motor Corp.
    Participating auctions include ADESA, Auction Broadcasting Co., Servnet Auction Group and independent locations.
    The PROline, powered by ATCadvantage, features "nearly-new" Suzuki managed vehicle rental returns from AVIS, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty and Advantage daily rental fleets exclusively to Suzuki franchise dealers.

    Historic Dealer Exclusive

    For the first time ever, Suzuki franchise dealers have exclusive access to quality, "nearly-new" front-line vehicles, regardless of location, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With PROline, Suzuki vehicles are available for dealer purchase from day of turn-in to up to 72 hours prior to live auction sales.
    "Now's the time to be a Suzuki dealer," stated Tim Finley, national fleet and remarketing manager for Suzuki. "PROline is our reply to dealer demand for exclusive, unlimited access to factory warranted, quality inventory. With over 85 percent of our dealers pre-registered prior to launch, we fully expect the PROline to be among the most important dealer events in our history."

    Unique Challenge, Unique Solution

    "Rental vehicles are cyclical in nature, potentially flooding specific markets with massive volumes of like vehicles," commented Colette Marcilliat, vice president marketing and president of remarketing services at AutoTradeCenter.
    "PROline affords Suzuki the ability to execute their remarketing strategy by uniting all inbound inventory, providing access to all Suzuki dealers, while maintaining the flexibility to respond to dynamic market conditions."

    Auction Exposure -- Continuous Marketability

    "We'll operate 22 designated turn-in locations for Suzuki rental vehicles," stated Frank Stephens, EVP marketing and strategic planning, ADESA Corp. "With one simple log-in, PROline presents Suzuki franchise dealers a 'closed' opportunity to access all rental inventory, from all turn-in locations, right up to the live auction sale.
    "ADESA auctions upload condition reports, digital photos and prepare the vehicles for sale. Our scheduled Suzuki live auction sales determine when vehicles are rolled-off the PROline and roll down the auction lanes.
    "It's non-disruptive, continuous marketing for Suzuki and its dealers."
    "This marks our second major, joint project with AutoTradeCenter on behalf of a national client," commented Bob Rauschenberg, vice president, Auction Broadcasting Co., "and ABC has opened its auction doors on a national level for the Suzuki PROline.
    "We believe remarketing technology is here to stay, and ABC has dedicated tremendous resources toward the successful bridge between our own in-house technology and the upstream Internet capabilities of the ATCadvantage system. The successful joining of these industry premier technologies is exciting to see in action. We are proud to be a key player in Suzuki's remarketing strategy."

    Suzuki Remarketing Strategy

    The PROline program is an integral part of Suzuki's remarketing strategy. "It completes the circle of a comprehensive brand building process with the long-term development and support of a Suzuki franchise dealer base," continued Finley.
    "Through the manufacturer's sales to daily rental fleet partners, Suzuki vehicles are routinely exposed to 'test drives,' that build brand awareness in consumers who may not have otherwise entered a Suzuki dealership.
    "PROline provides Suzuki dealers the exclusive opportunity to purchase, sell, service and profit from these front-line ready vehicles, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, without ever leaving their dealership or traveling to auction."

    Another Company Milestone

    "The Suzuki PROline marks another historical first for AutoTradeCenter," stated Roger L. Butterwick, president of ATC. "This is a totally unique business model specifically designed for the remarketing of rental vehicles. The PROline is an industry benchmark and we are proud to play such a fundamental role in Suzuki's total remarketing strategy."

    About AutoTradeCenter

    AutoTradeCenter (ATC) is the leading Internet-based "business-to-business" automotive remarketing company. The company markets its services to automobile manufacturers, captive finance companies, lease and rental companies, and financial institutions across the United States.
    ATC powers the American Honda Finance Corp.'s Vehicle Inter-Dealer Purchase System "VIPS," and the American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s PROline, utilizing Internet technology and remarketing services. For more information on AutoTradeCenter.com Inc., please visit http://www.autotradecenter.com/ or contact Public Relations at lseegan@autotradecenter.com.

    Statements regarding financial matters in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
    The company intends that such statements about the company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.
    Since these statements (future operational results and sales) involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the company's actual results may differ materially from expected results.

    About Auction Broadcasting Co.

    Auction Broadcasting Co. currently operates auctions in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee and Minnesota. The company is committed to featuring cutting-edge technology in all its auction sites, including its Auto Auction Theatre Technology (A2T2) and its Recon Conveyor Ramp.
    ABC provides a complete range of advanced facilities that offer value-added services to dealer consignment, factory, financial institutions, fleet/lease and captive finance customers. ABC maintains its headquarters at 1919 S. Post Road in Indianapolis. For more information about ABC, call 317/862-7325 or visit the company's website at www.auctionbroadcasting.com.

    About ADESA

    Headquartered in Indianapolis, Auto Dealers Exchange Service of America Corp. (ADESA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE , a unique and diversified multi-services company. ADESA operates 55 wholesale vehicle auctions strategically located across the United States and Canada.
    In addition, the Automotive Services segment of ALLETE operates several other related businesses in the vehicle remarketing industry including total loss and recovery services, Automotive Finance Corp. (AFC) dealer financing, AutoVin Inspection Services, Great Rigs auto transporters, PAR remarketing services, and ADESA Importation Services (AIS).
    For more information about ADESA, call 800/923-3725 or visit the company's Web site at www.adesa.com.

    About Servnet

    Servnet Auction Group is comprised of 21 leading independently owned auto auctions located throughout the United States. Servnet was formed in 1988, and its member auctions work together to enhance the full range of remarketing services they offer, which include reconditioning, transportation, inventory financing, and Internet marketing tools.
    With years of experience in the industry and a shared commitment to surpass past levels of achievement, Servnet auctions are committed to offering superior auction services to all its customers: new and used auto dealers, manufacturers, lease and fleet companies, banks and financial institutions.