`Auto Makeover'' Wheel Wizard Lets Automotive Enthusiasts Sample Design Choices

    CHARLOTTE, N.C.--March 24, 2003--An online resource called Wheel Wizard(R)takes the guesswork out of aftermarket purchases by allowing automotive enthusiasts to see how their vehicles will look with new tires and custom wheels.
    Prior to purchase, they can see how different styles of tires and wheels will look with their make, model and color of car or truck.
    Wheel Wizard is available to select independent tire dealers through American Tire Distributors, the nation's leading supplier of custom wheels, tires and automotive accessories. The program allows customers to visually install a variety of wheels on their vehicles with the click of a mouse in one of the more than 1,200 dealerships throughout the United States equipped with Wheel Wizard. (Demonstration is available at http://demo.wheelwizard.net/.) Consumers can locate the nearest dealer equipped with Wheel Wizard by using the dealer locator feature on the demonstration site.
    American Tire Distributors introduced Wheel Wizard, which averages 6,000 visitors per month, in 1998. Recent upgrades to Wheel Wizard include a "paint booth" that offers users a wide choice of colors ranging from factory shades to the hottest custom colors. Other upgrades to Wheel Wizard include the ability to search for wheels by manufacturer and brand as well as product and fitment tips to assist dealers in the installation process. Altogether, Wheel Wizard offers more than 18,000 distinct vehicle combinations based on vehicle year, make, model and available options.
    "Whether they're driving a Mercedes SL, a Ford F-150, or a Honda Civic, Wheel Wizard can help users visualize the aftermarket upgrades they want," said Jason Shannon, director of marketing for American Tire Distributors.
    Wheel Wizard is the only online virtual makeover technology provided by a distributor to tire dealers. It is designed to help take the guesswork out of a substantial expenditure by people who want their vehicles to make the right statement about their personality.
    "Buying performance tires, custom wheels, and maybe a new paint job is a major step, even for an automotive enthusiast. Wheel Wizard helps a customer make a confident decision, by allowing them see what they'll be getting - before making a commitment," Shannon said.

    About American Tire Distributors

    American Tire Distributors is one of the nation's largest independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market. It operates 62 distribution centers servicing 35 states. The Company is focused on helping tire and wheel retail dealers compete with larger retailers by offering the most complete, coast-to-coast selection of tires, wheels and related products and value-added services. American Tire Distributors employs more than 200 people in its Charlotte-area headquarters, distribution center and regional hub and more than 1,900 employees across its nationwide distribution center network.