Volkswagen to Utilize Dealix Corporation's Internet Marketing and Technology Services

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 11, 2003 -- Volkswagen of America and Dealix Corporation, the market expert and leader in automotive Internet marketing services, announced a partnership whereby Volkswagen will use Dealix technology and marketing services to connect online car buyers with its retailer network. The partnership marks a growing trend among auto manufacturers to align themselves with Internet sales lead aggregators to further their marketing initiatives.

"Manufacturers, although slow to the market relative to independent sites, have entered the online buying market in dramatic form to the delight of their dealers," says Dennis Galbraith, senior director of automotive website research at J.D. Power and Associates. "The Internet is impacting the purchasing decisions of vehicle buyers more than ever before, and the quality and quantity of leads generated by online buying services directly impacts which services dealers will continue to use."

"Since the Internet is a medium that allows consumers to gather information from a variety of sources, we want to ensure that Volkswagen is present to respond to that interest, no matter where that person happens to be on the Web," said Todd Riley, manager of e-business and marketing at Volkswagen of America. "Dealix's technology and wealth of online partnerships are a great fit with Volkswagen's Internet objectives. Our goal is to deliver a higher quality experience to our customers."

"It's fantastic to be working with VW on an enterprise-wide level," said Mark Boyd, executive vice president of strategic development for Dealix. "Many VW retailers already use Dealix leads," added Boyd, "but our data shows that when an OEM comes on board and launches a full-scale program, close rates across the board go up. VW is helping to ensure that every online customer who shows an interest in their cars will get a response from a qualified dealer."

In the recently released J.D. Power 2003 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study, both Volkswagen and Dealix had top rankings in their respective classes. Volkswagen was ranked the highest manufacturer in Overall Satisfaction to dealers, including Training and Amount of Contact with its dealerships. Dealers ranked Dealix the highest independent online buying service in the most important measure to dealer satisfaction: Business Generation, including Quality and Quantity of sales leads.

About Volkswagen of America

Volkswagen of America, Inc., the automaker known for passenger cars, is part of Volkswagen, A.G., a global industrial powerhouse. Volkswagen, A.G. is the third largest automaker, creating automobiles that are the driving choice for millions throughout the world. The VW Group includes some of the most important and exciting automobiles in the world, including Bentley, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Audi, and VW.