1-800-TOW-TRUCK and Strauss Discount Auto Announce Alliance; IDT Corp Affiliated, Hi-Tech Roadside Assistance Company and Leading Auto Repair and Parts Chain Team Up

    NEWARK, N.J.--July 23, 2001--1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM), the nationwide network providing emergency auto roadside assistance, and Strauss Discount Auto today announced that they have signed agreements which will give 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) callers direct access to the nearest Strauss Service Center.
    1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) will urge callers to have the disabled car towed to the nearest Strauss service center and in turn, Strauss Discount Auto will exclusively use the 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) network of towing facilities for all its emergency roadside assistance needs. The new program will cover all Strauss outlets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
    "By partnering with Strauss Discount Auto, we not only offer the motorist the fastest response time in the industry but also access to a nationally recognized brand for repairing their cars," says Joshua Weiss, President & CEO of 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM).
    "We expect this agreement to increase awareness of 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) as an option for stranded motorists. Accordingly, we expect it to increase towing calls to our 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) facility partners," said David Muller, Senior Vice President of strategic planning & corporate development for 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM).
    "The combination of our over the counter auto parts and accessory business, complete auto service centers and our new Roadside Assistance Program makes Strauss truly a 'one stop' shopping experience for all area motorists," said Joe Catalano, President and COO of Strauss Discount Auto.
    1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM), an affiliate of IDT Corporation , uses IDT's propriety technology to stand above the traditional dispatching systems and motor clubs. This technology enables motorists to receive help in record response times. The agreement allows Strauss Discount Auto to tap into 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM)'s comprehensive national network of thousands of towing facilities that provide immediate roadside and travel assistance via 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM)'s unique system of instantly routing calls to the participating towing facility. 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM)'s proprietary TravelerSOS(TM) unique wireless application is also launching a new GPS (Global Positioning System) protocol that will locate motorists and tow truck operators via satellite, giving it the most comprehensive roadside emergency programs in the industry.

    ABOUT 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM):

    1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) brings together advanced call center and wireless Internet technology with a national network of towing facilities to provide 24-hour national roadside assistance and concierge services to motorists and travelers 365 days a year. Help will be on the way within 30 minutes of a call to resolve the problem and/or tow the driver to the closest 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) facility where necessary repairs are made to get the driver back on the road again. 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) developed the TravelerSOS(TM) program for wireless devices to provide roadside assistance as well as hotel and restaurant information, taxi service, driving directions, and a messaging service to help motorists reach someone in an emergency. For more information on 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) please visit www.1800towtruck.com.

    ABOUT STRAUSS DISCOUNT AUTO

    Founded in 1919, Strauss Discount Auto is a large provider of automotive products and services in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Open 7 days a week, Strauss operates over 90 convenient store locations and over 350 service bays. All Strauss service centers feature state of the art equipment as well as ASE certified technicians. For additional information on Strauss Discount Auto and store locations please visit www.straussauto.com.