Lagardere Active to Provide Interactive Forum for Automotive Consumers; CarandDriver.com to Launch User Road Tests

    NEW YORK--July 11, 2001--Lagardere Active's CarandDriver.com today announced the launch of User Road Tests.
    A new feature on the one-stop destination that empowers automotive consumers with independent and authoritative information to make intelligent purchasing decisions, User Road Tests allows automotive owners to share reviews on the cars they drive every day. Additionally, the professional reports of Car and Driver magazine's road tests will be available.
    The newly implemented User Road Tests allows visitors of CarandDriver.com to make more educated choices about the vehicles they are considering for purchase by tapping into one of the most knowledgeable automotive communities on the Internet. This serves as a useful tool for people who love their cars and want to share that information. Additionally, this valuable information will be useful for those who purchased 'lemons' or those looking for feedback while in the car buying process.
    "User Road Tests will enhance our substantial database, and allow consumers to share useful information based on their own experiences," said Zvia Herrmann, VP Automotive Network, Lagardere Active. "This forum, along with the exclusive reviews from Car and Driver magazine, will optimize the decision-making process for those who utilize CarandDriver.com."
    With an extensive database of over 17,000 user reviews, CarandDriver.com provides automotive consumers with reviews covering virtually every make and model in production from 1991 to 2001. Users rate the vehicles for 10 factors including Styling, Handling, Comfort, Fit & Finish, Braking, Fuel Economy and Overall Quality. Average ratings are provided for each make and model. The User Road Test format also provides an area for more extensive commentary and in-depth descriptions of a vehicle pros and cons.

About Lagardere Active North America

    Lagardere Active focuses on the digital exploitation of HFM's core brands encompassing the Internet, interactive television, broadband, wireless and cable television and will create new content categories. Based in New York, Lagardere Active North America is a subsidiary of French parent company Lagardere SCA that also owns Hachette Filipacchi Magazines (HFM) in the U.S. and is comprised of the former Hachette Filipacchi New Media properties including top online destinations such as caranddriver.com, and elle.com, and its television production arm, RTM Productions.

About CarandDriver.com

    CarandDriver.com provides the same unmatched coverage of the auto industry as Car and Driver Magazine, but offers expanded interactive features such as a comprehensive Buyers Guide with pricing and specifications, road tests and reviews, insurance center, daily industry news, driving tips, community center, downloadable desktop pictures, and more. CarandDriver.com is a one-stop destination site that empowers consumers with independent and authoritative information to make intelligent purchase decisions.