ProQuest Automotive and DaimlerChrysler Sign Exclusive Worldwide Agreement

ProQuest Will Provide an Electronic Parts Catalog for use in 5,700 Mercedes-Benz Dealerships Worldwide

RICHFIELD, Ohio, Dec. 9 -- ProQuest Automotive announced today it has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with DaimlerChrysler AG (DCAG) to provide an electronic parts catalog (EPC) application for use in the 5,700 Mercedes-Benz dealerships worldwide, as well as within DCAG, its subsidiaries and MPCs (Market Performance Centers, which provide local sales/distribution in each country or market).

"We are very pleased to be providing the next generation in parts information solutions for Mercedes-Benz dealers worldwide. ProQuest has been the exclusive provider of DCAG's electronic parts catalog since 1989 and this agreement enables us to continue to build on a very long and successful association between our two companies," said Andy Wyszkowski, president, ProQuest Business Solutions Inc.

The next-generation ProQuest EPC for Mercedes-Benz, the EPC net, will contain parts information for all Mercedes-Benz cars, trucks and SUVs from 1978 to current. Several versions of the software application will be made available to Mercedes-Benz dealership parts and service departments, including client-server and internet-based versions.

Both the online and offline versions of EPC net will provide a number of user-friendly methods to access accurate parts information quickly, including VIN filtering and integration with the dealership's business systems. In addition, the product will offer an all-new, easy-to-navigate graphical user interface that adapts to the unique workflow and frequent interruptions found in automotive dealerships.

Plans for ProQuest to develop other special EPC applications for DCAG are already underway, such as an online application for U.S. fleet owners containing Sprinter van information and a similar CD-based application for U.S. Dodge dealerships servicing those vehicles. Additional applications are being developed that include parts information for buses from EvoBus and ultra-compact cars from smart(R).

ProQuest Automotive is the leading provider of collaborative business solutions for vehicle manufacturers and their dealer bases. Their proven success with industry-leading companies and their demonstrated ability to streamline processes, improve productivity and increase profits has made ProQuest the leader in electronic information systems within automotive parts and service departments across the globe. The ProQuest line of EPCs enables more than 100,000 parts technicians at 35,000 automotive dealerships around the world to quickly access accurate original equipment parts information needed to service their customers' vehicles. The company offers the broadest range of EPC systems available, serving 32 brands from 20 different automakers in 17 languages.

About ProQuest Automotive

ProQuest Automotive, a business unit of ProQuest Business Solutions Inc., serves the automotive market by developing and marketing software, services and systems that transform complex technical data, like parts catalogs and service manuals, into easily accessed electronic information. For more information on ProQuest Automotive, call 800-443-6910 or visit www.proquestautomotive.com .

About ProQuest Company

ProQuest Company is based in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is a leading publisher of value-added information and content for the library, classroom, automotive and powersports markets. We provide products and services to our customers through two business segments: Information & Learning and Business Solutions. Through our Information & Learning segment, which primarily serves the library and classroom markets, we aggregate and publish value-added content from a wide range of sources including newspapers, periodicals and books. Our Business Solutions segment is primarily engaged in the delivery in electronic form of comprehensive parts and service information to the automotive market. It also provides dealers in the powersports (motorcycle, marine, RV and outdoor power) markets with management systems that enable them to manage their inventory, customer service and other aspects of their businesses.