CCITRIAD Announces Next Generation Electronic Catalog; First Phase of Release to Focus on AConneX(TM) Catalog Delivery

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 5, 2002; CCITRIAD, the industry leader of data services, management and information systems for the automotive aftermarket, today announced its development of a next generation electronic catalog. Based on significant input from customers and influencers in the industry, and progressive design practices, the catalog will deliver up-to- date data to customers faster and include new content and functionality. This effort is one of several strategic initiatives that the company is investing in the coming year.

The new catalog will be released in three phases, beginning in Spring 2003. The first phase will focus on CCITRIAD's Aftermarket ConneX (AConneX) delivery service via the Internet to stores and warehouses. This AConneX Catalog Download Service will substantially reduce the amount of time it takes for subscribers with high-speed Internet access to receive catalog updates. Subscribers to this new service will receive two updates each month, ensuring they have the latest part information.

The next two phases of the new catalog are planned for release late in 2003, followed by another release in 2004. They will include application enhancements, expanded content, more graphics and diagrams, more sales tools, enhanced navigation options and even faster data delivery.

CCITRIAD's relationships with key manufacturers and involvement in defining enhanced standards, specifically those with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) are factors contributing to faster data delivery. CCITRIAD has recently received, processed and released record amounts of electronic data -- a 24 percent increase over a year ago -- which will clearly contribute to the next generation catalog's faster data delivery from manufacturers to stores.

Hedahls Parts Plus headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota runs 16 stores on CCITRIAD's electronic catalog, using the paper catalogs as a backup.

"The market is ready to gain even more efficiency through more advanced tools, such as CCITRIAD's next generation catalog," said Dick Hedahl, president of Hedahls Parts Plus. "We have significantly benefited from the accuracy and reliability of the catalog in all of our stores and we are looking forward to accessing more pictures and graphics in the next generation version."

"We are committed to delivering the most complete and accurate parts catalog in the industry," said Jonathan Gear, vice president of marketing at CCITRIAD. "The investment we're making in this catalog release and the future enhancements that will follow, are a result of direct input we received from customers and other industry leaders about what they need to be successful. Our goal is to deliver a new catalog that will eliminate the need for paper catalogs and provide new sales opportunities."