OnStation Releases OnStation ShopConnect CRM Version 2.0

CRM Software Integrated with Top Shop Management Systems Increasing Revenues and Customer Satisfaction in Repair Shops Nationwide

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 23 -- OnStation Corporation, the leading provider of online customer relationship management (CRM) for the automotive service industry, today announced the release of Version 2.0 of OnStation ShopConnect CRM, which is now fully integrated with the automotive industry's top five shop management systems. OnStation ShopConnect CRM is available immediately, starting at $199 per month.

By integrating with all the leading shop management systems, OnStation ShopConnect CRM lets a repair facility immediately turn existing customer, vehicle and repair order information into a complete online customer relationship management experience.

"OnStation ShopConnect CRM would be difficult to match in terms of what it does for our business," said Brad and Dawn Petersen, of Petersen Automotive. "A shop would almost have to hire someone full time to stay on top of the customers' maintenance schedules, appointments and follow up thank you letters. OnStation does it in the background, and without employee expenses."

"Clearly, OnStation ShopConnect CRM 2.0 is the most usable online customer relationship management solution on the market," said Phillip Whalen, President and CEO of OnStation. "The shop owner can literally set it and forget it, because it is so easy to use and requires no upkeep. Even shop owners who don't consider themselves computer-savvy are finding that Version 2.0 is very easy for them to use."

Always Working Behind the Scenes

Working behind the scenes, OnStation ShopConnect CRM automatically uploads data from a facility's shop management system, including information such as customer data, vehicle data (which includes year, make, model and mileage information), and repair order details. Shop owners do not have to recreate or retype this information in a separate system, but instead can concentrate on running their businesses.

At the appropriate mileage, the vehicle owner automatically receives an email from the shop telling him or her that service is due, and specifying the manufacturer's recommended service. By clicking on a link in the email, the vehicle owner can conveniently schedule an appointment online, 24 hours per day, or call the shop to set up the appointment.

Once the service is completed, a "Thank You" email is automatically sent from the shop to the vehicle owner, with a link to a customer survey. With just a few mouse clicks the vehicle owner can express his or her satisfaction with the service. Since the OnStation ShopConnect CRM system is completely web-based, the shop owner sees those results almost immediately and can then follow up to ensure that customer satisfaction is at its highest level.

Working With The Top Shop Management Systems

OnStation ShopConnect CRM 2.0 features several enhancements beyond the capabilities of Version 1.0. First, Version 2.0 is fully-integrated with the automotive industry's top five shop management systems: NAPA TRACS(TM), Mitchell Manager(TM), ShopKey(TM), RO Writer(TM), and Winworks(TM). This means that any shop owner who uses one of these five management systems can start using OnStation ShopConnect CRM immediately.

Second, OnStation engineers have completely overhauled the layout and functionality of ShopConnect CRM to make Version 2.0 far more user-friendly. "We visited our customers and asked them what changes they wanted in Version 2.0," said Jim Ambras, OnStation's VP of Products and Services. "We are thrilled to offer them the enhancements they asked for."

Shop Owners See An Immediate ROI

Shops using the system are seeing tremendous results in revenue and in customer feedback. Shop managers are finding that OnStation ShopConnect CRM is generating approximately $60,000 in annual revenue. The average repair order in response to each maintenance service reminder is $280. Shop owners are getting a 15-20 percent actual service rate on the email reminders, and a nearly 25 percent response rate on Customer Satisfaction surveys.

OnStation ShopConnect CRM is currently being used by shop owners in 46 states across the country. More than 7,500 AAA shops and 12,500 NAPA shops across the country have access to OnStation ShopConnect CRM.

OnStation ShopConnect CRM 2.0 can be downloaded in a matter of minutes. Shop owners who are interested in installing it on a free trial basis can call 877-733-1201 or visit www.onstation.com for a quick tour.

About OnStation Corporation

OnStation is the leading provider of online customer relationship management solutions for the $250 billion automotive service industry. The company's Web-based service enables automotive dealerships and independent repair shops to increase profitability by providing increased customer loyalty, retention and satisfaction. OnStation launched its flagship OnStation ShopConnect(TM) CRM service under the NAPA brand WebConnect CRM in the summer of 2002 for the 12,500-shop NAPA AutoCare network. OnStation ShopConnect customers are generating, on average, $30 in new business for every dollar spent, and are attaining 20 percent response rates from consumers. OnStation technology also powers the AAA AutoManager and AMPS programs for the organization's 7500 AAA Approved Repair (AAR) facilities and 47 million members. For additional information, please visit www.onstation.com.

NOTE: OnStation acknowledges trademarks or registered trademarks of other organizations for their respective products and services.