Cars.com's New Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned Program Connects Dealers With Educated Car Shoppers; Audi of America, Inc. Signs On as First OEM Partner

    CHICAGO--June 3, 2002--Cars.com announced today a comprehensive new manufacturer certified pre-owned (MCPO) vehicle program designed to spotlight dealers' valuable used car inventories and connect them with educated consumers looking to purchase certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Audi of America, Inc. is the first automobile manufacturer to partner with cars.com and promote the CPO vehicle listings of Audi dealers in the cars.com network.
    CPO vehicles typically sell at higher prices than traditional used vehicles. According to a 2001 Dohring Company study, dealers reported that certified vehicles can earn as much as $1,200 more in gross profit than non-certified vehicles. CPO vehicle purchases also present dealers with additional opportunities to foster service relationships with consumers.
    Cars.com is raising awareness of MCPO programs among used-car shoppers and driving demand for certified listings through special branding and content aimed at educating consumers about CPO vehicles. CNW Marketing Research Inc. reports that in 2001 only 18 percent of consumers were aware of MCPO vehicle programs. When educated about the benefits of certified vehicles, however, 40 percent of these consumers said they would buy a MCPO vehicle.
    "Cars.com's new MCPO program is a priority for our business and reinforces the value of our dealer CPO vehicle listings," said Mitch Golub, general manager of cars.com. "Cars.com is putting significant marketing and education efforts behind the concept of certified used vehicles to raise awareness of MCPO programs in general and promote the premium pre-owned listings of our dealers. Our focus remains on driving educated, qualified consumers to local dealers to reduce their inventory levels and increase their customer base."
    Audi Assured CPO vehicle dealers in the cars.com network are the first to benefit from the new MCPO program. In addition to the extensive branding that cars.com dealers already receive, Audi Assured dealers across the cars.com network will receive enhanced exposure for their certified vehicles on cars.com. Audi Assured certified vehicles will be tagged with a special logo that identifies them as a manufacturer-certified vehicle in consumer search results. Pop-up windows will describe specific program benefits and offer additional details, encouraging consumers to contact local dealers carrying the CPO vehicles they want. Dealer contact information will be displayed prominently in search results to drive qualified shoppers who are ready to buy to Audi Assured dealer showrooms.

    About Audi of America, Inc.

    Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Always an innovator, Audi offered a range of front-wheel drive sedans to a market that scarcely understood the advantages of this now well established concept. In 1980 quattro was introduced to the U.S. market as Audi's permanent all-wheel-drive system. With the celebration of 21 years of innovation, Audi recently introduced the fourth-generation of quattro.
    In 2001, Audi of America broke its all-time U.S. sales record by selling a total of 83,283 cars. 2001 marked the seventh straight year that Audi recorded a sales increase.
    Another milestone in 2001 was Audi's motorsports victories. After finishing 1-2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi went on to win both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships in the American Le Mans Series. Additionally, Audi of America won the drivers' and manufacturers' championship in Speedvision World Challenge GT.
    The network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the sporty A4 and S4 sedan and Avant models; the stylish A6 sedan and Avant; the S6 Avant; the all-aluminum Audi A8 and S8; the crossover allroad quattro and the award winning TT Coupe and Roadster.
    Audi of America is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and markets a line of luxury cars built in plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany and Gyor, Hungary. The parent company, Audi AG, is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany.

    About cars.com

    Cars.com is the best partner to help dealers increase sales, manage prospects and drive repeat business. Partnered with more than 170 leading metro newspapers and television stations across the nation, cars.com helps dealers promote their dealerships and connect with informed, ready-to-buy local consumers. Cars.com's Online AdPackage offers dealers four different ways to connect with qualified consumers - telephone, e-mail, Web site referral and walk-in. Beyond online advertising, cars.com's SalesCenter enables dealers to manage prospects for maximum sales success. Additionally, cars.com's CustomerCenter helps dealers build lasting customer relationships to capture more revenue and promote loyalty after the close of the sale.
    Cars.com also offers integrated solutions to automotive manufacturers and to advertising and e-commerce partners interested in accessing consumers through cars.com's media platform. Offerings include advertising and sponsorship opportunities, lead management, and an eCRM platform currently used by a number of leading automotive manufacturers.
    Launched in June 1998, cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (http://classifiedventures.com), which is owned by seven leading media companies. To become a cars.com dealer or learn more about cars.com products and services, visit www.dealers.cars.com or call 1-800-298-1460.