CarClub.com Relaunched With New Focus on Dealer Relationships; Next Phase Media Expands Consumer, Dealer Options With Relaunch of Second Automobile Buying Service

    WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--Aug. 1, 2002--Automobile dealers and consumers now have a new option for buying and selling cars online. Nearly a year after being shuttered, CarClub.com is back online offering simple, one-stop shopping for any kind of new or used car. The new CarClub.com service joins iMotors.com as part of Next Phase Media's family of automobile properties.
    Through the CarClub service, consumers can research, price and configure their next new car, as well as compare vehicles side-by-side. To help simplify the automobile buying process for consumers, CarClub offers a free buying service through their exclusive national network of automotive dealerships.
    In addition to offering consumers a new venue to comparison shop for the vehicle and price they are seeking, the new CarClub.com is a membership service for automobile dealerships. These member dealerships are offered the premium benefit of exclusive territories.
    The overall result, according to Next Phase Media Vice President of Automotive Services, John Truchard, is an increase in dealer sales as well as a deeper level of customer service and loyalty.
    "Our research, like that of JD Power Associates, has shown that consumers will comparison shop on different sites prior to making buying decision," says Truchard. "By operating two sites and allowing consumers to comparison shop, they are more likely to purchase an automobile through our network. And because of the CarClub's exclusive territories, the dealers are more likely to offer consumers a more personalized level of service. The end result is customer loyalty."
    Consumer Car Club was originally established in 1987 as a consumer club for automobile owners and enthusiasts. The Web site, carclub.com, was launched about ten years later. JD Power Associates later merged jdpower.com with carclub.com, and CarClub became the first JD Power Club. Despite raising more than $150 million in funding and becoming one of the top online automotive destinations, the site was shuttered in May, 2001. Next Phase Media purchased the domain name and word mark in late 2001.
    In addition to its automobile buying and selling services, CarClub.com offers access to financing, warranties and insurance through its partner relationships.

    CarClub is a division of Next Phase Media, Inc., the premiere online referral source for qualified business services, leads and professionals. Founded in 2001, Next Phase Media develops and maintains a network of interactive online marketplaces connecting buyers and sellers in an efficient manner. The privately-held company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.