CARFAX joins Saab to Offer New Internet Element to Saab CPO Program

    FAIRFAX, Va.--March 19, 2002--CARFAX(R), industry leader and creator of the vehicle history report, and Saab Cars USA, Inc., announced today a partnership that enables Saab dealers to include an Instant CARFAX Report in their online storefronts.
    The Instant CARFAX Report program offers dealers who participate in CARFAX Certified Cars the ability to place a link on their websites allowing any potential customer to view the full CARFAX Vehicle History Report for free.
    A recent survey of CARFAX consumers revealed that vehicle history reports can be a great way for dealers to close the deal. The survey found 98% of consumers feel that a vehicle history report will be important in their purchase decision and that 72% ran a vehicle history report on every used car they considered for purchase.
    Scott Fredericks, Vice President of Marketing for CARFAX, is pleased to give Saab dealers a way to take advantage of the influence of vehicle history reports. "By adding an Instant CARFAX Report to their certified program, Saab is reinforcing their commitment to provide the consumer with the best possible car buying experience," says Fredericks. "The benefit is not only for the consumer - offering the free CARFAX Report is the definitive tool that will help the dealer close the sale."
    Saab vehicles offered through Saab's Certified Pre-owned program must pass a thorough 110-point inspection process, and the Instant CARFAX Report will be a value-added piece of that package, according to Dan Chasins, President & COO, Saab Cars USA, Inc. "The Saab certified program is designed to ensure that the customer has all the information that he or she needs to make an informed buying decision," Chasins explains. "The Instant CARFAX Report is the best choice for providing our customers the most extensive vehicle history." Potential Saab Certified Pre-owned customers are able to view a dealer's certified inventory and obtain a free CARFAX report by visiting www.saabcertified.com.

    ABOUT SAAB CARS USA, INC.

    Saab Cars USA, Inc., is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, near Atlanta. Saab Cars USA is the importer of Saab 9-5 and 9-3 automobiles for Sweden-based Saab Automobile AB. For more information, please visit www.saabusa.com.

    ABOUT CARFAX

    Founded in 1984, CARFAX pioneered the concept of the vehicle history report - the instant background check on any used car. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports can confirm a clean title history or identify serious problems with any used car, including salvage history, odometer fraud, flood damage and more. CARFAX helps millions of consumers and thousands of car dealers avoid buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Using the 17-character Vehicle ID Number (VIN), used car buyers can access nearly two billion vehicle history records from hundreds of different sources in the CARFAX nationwide database at www.carfax.com. Every CARFAX Report that confirms a clean title history is backed by the $5,000 Clean Title History Guarantee. CARFAX, Inc., based in Fairfax, Virginia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the R.L. Polk & Co.
    www.carfax.com
    www.carfaxonline.com