The Cobalt Group Named One of Forbes `Best of the Web'; Cobalt Featured as a Top Pick by Forbes in Automotive Business-to-Business Industry

SEATTLE--Nov. 4, 2003--The Cobalt Group today announced that it has been featured as a top pick in Forbes' annual Best of The Web B2B (business-to-business) issue. Cobalt, the leading provider of e-business software and services to the automotive retail market, was selected by Forbes for the second consecutive year in the automotive B2B category. Forbes writers researched dozens of companies in each industry and selected their top picks based on the company's strategy, execution, potential, financial staying power and Web site.

Founded in Seattle in 1995, Cobalt has grown to become the leading e-business solutions provider to the automotive retail market. Cobalt has built one of the largest dealer networks in the industry, serving more than 12,000 franchised dealerships and more than 70 of the 100 largest dealer groups. Cobalt is the only e-business provider ever to be endorsed by 18 automotive manufacturers and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

"It is an honor for Cobalt to rank among Forbes' top picks for the second straight year," said Mike Martinez, vice president of sales and marketing for The Cobalt Group. "This award is yet another indication that our strategy of providing unparalleled products and services tailored to the automotive retail market is right on target. We're very pleased that our business model is proving itself time and again through the success of our customers."

To read more about Cobalt in Forbes' special B2B edition, and for a complete list of the companies chosen as Best of The Web, visit http://www.forbes.com/bow.

About The Cobalt Group

The Cobalt Group (www.cobaltgroup.com) works exclusively in the automotive retail market developing integrated e-business programs that help manufacturers and dealers increase their profits and operational efficiencies. Cobalt offers a broad range of products and services, including enterprise software; customer relationship management (CRM) applications; e-commerce applications; the industry's largest OEM parts locating and marketing service; and e-business best practices training and consultation. Cobalt's network includes 12,000 franchised dealers and more than 70 of the 100 largest dealer groups. Cobalt is the only software technology provider ever endorsed by 18 manufacturers and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).