Mitchell to Begin Taking Shop Registrations At NACE for Its Collision Repair Network; Industry's Premier Network Will Offer Shops the Opportunity for More Business From Insurers

    SAN DIEGO--Dec. 3, 2002--Mitchell International, Inc. announced today that it will begin taking shop registrations for its collision repair network at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), Dec. 6-8 in Dallas, Texas.
    "Mitchell's Open Repair Network offers collision repairers the opportunity and reach to receive significantly more business from insurers," said Nick Notte, Mitchell's Vice President of Network Business Development. "We hope many shop owners will stop by the Mitchell booth to take advantage of this opportunity to register for participation. We are developing the industry's premier collision repair network that will be a 'win-win' for all shops and insurers involved."
    Mitchell's network is based on an "open repair program" model, which, unlike many pre-existing Direct Repair Programs, enables any shop to apply for inclusion. To register, collision repairers may stop by the Mitchell booth (#2900) and fill out a short form that will seek basic information, such as shop name, address, number of employees, etc. The process is only expected to take a few minutes.
    Following NACE, shops will be contacted by a Mitchell representative for more detailed information.
    Mitchell's network will help insurers, who do not have Direct Repair Programs, improve efficiency by having immediate access to a quality shop network. It will also allow those insurers, currently participating in DRPs, to markedly expand their shop programs with minimal effort. For collision repairers, Mitchell's network will provide the opportunity to increase their business from insurers.
    "Mitchell is uniquely positioned to deliver the industry's premier network," said Jim Lindner, Mitchell's Chairman, President and CEO. "We have 55 years under our belt providing innovative solutions to insurance and collision repair customers. We understand their needs and already provide the expert business tools they need to be successful in managing auto physical damage claims."
    "We, at Mitchell, are very excited about building this network and view it as a real opportunity for shops and insurers to increase efficiencies, lower costs, reduce friction and enhance customer satisfaction," added Tony Aquila, Mitchell's Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Management.

    About Mitchell

    Mitchell International, Inc., founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is The Source for information software and eBusiness solutions for the insurance and collision repair industries. Providing services that enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction, Mitchell facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database, a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers, is trusted for its accuracy and respected as the industry standard. For more information on Mitchell, contact Bonnie Ward, Public Relations Manager, at 858/530-8990 or bonnie.ward@mitchell.com. Visit our web site at www.mitchell.com.