Ford Speeds Delivery of Emergency Parts with OEConnection's D2D Express(SM)

RICHFIELD, Ohio, Aug. 26, 2003 -- Ford Motor Company continues to help their dealers get their customers back on the road faster than ever before. Ford is getting backordered auto parts to their dealerships in just one day using OEConnection's new supply chain management product, D2D Express. During July 2003, over 5,300 car parts were delivered overnight to Ford dealerships using the D2D Express fulfillment system. OEConnection's supply chain solution is another addition to Ford's broad assortment of technology and service-related products delivered to its dealers.

According to Don Johnson, Director, Ford Global Parts Supply and Logistics: "Ford is never satisfied with a customer waiting for parts. D2D Express has further reduced Ford's record low levels of emergency backorders by another 30% and is helping Ford to increase customer service satisfaction levels. We went to OEConnection because of their expertise. Jointly we created a highly automated solution that incorporates dealer inventories into the Ford supply chain. Order processing, billing and tracking for OEConnection shipments are integrated into Ford's systems to minimize administrative overhead for the dealer."

OEConnection CEO Chuck Rotuno said, "Our off-the-shelf solution is a cost- effective and automated answer to auto manufacturers' backordered parts problems. We've used our expertise in technology, the Internet and the auto industry to create a supply chain solution that can help improve inventory efficiency and build higher customer satisfaction because parts are getting to the right location quickly."

Over 4,500 Ford dealerships are enrolled in OEConnection's D2DLink parts locator. Approximately 500 of those dealerships are enrolled in the D2D Express program shipping parts to other Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealers. To begin using D2D Express, dealers need high-speed Internet access, a login to D2DLink, and overnight courier service. With no software to install and no learning curve, parts counter people can begin filling orders within hours of speaking with an OEConnection customer service representative. Ford piloted, ramped up, and then opened the program to their dealers in only 60 days.

With over 230,000 unique auto part numbers, it's virtually impossible for Ford warehouses or an individual dealer to stock every part. Using highly configurable, manufacturer-definable rules, D2D Express facilitates the electronic, automatic communication of parts orders from Ford distribution centers to D2D Express dealers. Dealership counter people can view part orders every few minutes, and then fill those orders with easy, on-screen workflows for picking, packing and shipping. Orders are shipped the same day as received.

OEConnection is a provider of technology solutions for automakers, their affiliated dealers, and others in the automotive parts marketplace. The Company provides more than 10,000 franchised auto dealerships nationwide with D2DLink(R), a web-based parts locating and fulfillment service. The company also provides CollisionLink(R), an on-line service that enables collision shops to transmit orders for original equipment parts to franchised automobile dealerships. A venture created by DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and ProQuest Company, OEConnection is headquartered at 4150 Highlander Parkway, Richfield, Ohio, 44286, just south of the city of Cleveland. For more information, call 1-888-776-5792, ext 1875, or visit http://www.oeconnection.com/ .