IBM Revs Up Build-to-Order Car Delivery

    SOMERS, N.Y. and PORTLAND, Ore.--May 8, 2002-- IBM and Chrome Systems Corporation, a leading provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, today announced that they will develop and market business solutions that will make the job of ordering custom-built automobiles from the factory faster and easier for consumers, manufacturers and dealers.

    The collaboration will provide new paradigms in Locate-to-Order and Build-to-Order (LTO/BTO) e-business solutions designed to help automotive manufacturers and their dealer networks develop applications, manage production planning, better target advertising dollars and ultimately deliver the right vehicle to the right place at the right time. The process will also establish new benchmarks for consumers, ensuring them the most extensive choices of options and accessories available.
    Chrome already provides vehicle content, configuration technology, software and professional services for more than 12,000 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Incorporating IBM's industry-leading e-business infrastructure software, the LTO/BTO solutions will ensure that data is accurately and consistently communicated to all points in the auto sales value chain, from the consumer to the dealer and the dealer to the manufacturer.
    "IBM's alliance with Chrome will transform the way cars are sold making it easier for consumers to quickly take delivery of the car they want, while helping manufacturers and dealers reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction," said William Lang, IBM Global Automotive Solution Executive. "By pairing Chrome's innovative enterprise solutions with the technology, expertise and reach of IBM Global Services, we can help the auto industry take e-business to the next level for OEMs, consumers and car dealers worldwide."
    "By combining Chrome's business intelligence systems with IBM's best-of-breed e-commerce offerings, together we can offer all players in the auto industry the innovative solutions they need to further their LTO/BTO initiatives," said David Mingle, president of Chrome Systems.
    As part of this engagement, Chrome will become an Advanced member of IBM PartnerWorld for Developers, a comprehensive marketing and enablement program for commercial developer that specialize in solutions based on IBM hardware, software and/or services to include system integration, application and customization services.
    Chrome's LTO/BTO solutions incorporating IBM e-business technology are presently available in North America and will expand globally in coming months.

    About IBM

    IBM is the world's largest information technology (IT) company and provider of IT services, as well as a preeminent technology partner to the world's automotive industry. Working directly with its automotive manufacturing customers, IBM helps them become more competitive through the innovative deployment of high-impact solutions. These solutions encompass the full range of IBM capabilities, including consulting, software, hardware, research and services.

    About Chrome

    With more than 12,000 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides vehicle content, configuration technology, software and professional services to produce complete enterprise solutions for all segments of the retail automotive industry, including manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers and Internet sites. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for the past 16 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers. Chrome sets the standard in ordering systems for fleet management, serving 13of the 17 largest fleet leasing companies. Chrome's automotive dealer clients accounted for more than half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2000. The company is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, contact www.chrome.com, 1-800-936-8906.

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