Beverly Hills Ford Launches Virtual Dealership

Website Offers Complete Automotive Shopping/Purchasing Services

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 26 -- "Now, people from anywhere in the country will be able to say that they bought their vehicle in Beverly Hills," says Peter Blacksberg, founder and owner of Peter Blacksberg's Beverly Hills Ford, in announcing the January 26, 2004, launch of an innovative, full-service, virtual dealership that was established exclusively for internet shoppers at www.beverlyhillsford.com . Among the many advanced capabilities it offers, this new website provides the means to view and initiate the purchase and financing of any new Ford model available in the U.S. and of any hand-selected, pre-owned vehicle from Beverly Hills Ford dealership inventory, view and order parts and accessories from Ford and all leading 3rd party providers, review their car's service history and, in Southern California, set up service appointments at Beverly Hills Ford -- all in the comfort and convenience of their home or office. While many automotive manufacturers and dealers have created websites for internet commerce, what sets the Beverly Hills Ford site apart is the fact that it's coupled with a separate facility and professional staff that is totally dedicated to serving internet customers.

"The internet is already changing the way consumers shop for all kinds of products -- especially vehicles," adds Blacksberg. "Faced with so many choices from around the world, online shoppers have come to rely upon things like brand image and/or dealer reputation to give them confidence in their purchase decisions. With our full-service virtual dealership concept and our unique location in Beverly Hills, visitors to our site will expect the best. And, that's what they'll get because we're committed to providing the ultimate level of quality and customer service in automotive e-commerce."

Visitors to the easy-to-navigate site will be greeted with any number of exclusive special offers for deals on vehicles, various types of service and/or parts. Using the site's "Virtual Test Drive" function, they'll be able to research the full line of Ford models, along with their features, options and accessories in a unique "Quick Time" presentation that allows users to click on an item to learn more details about it. In addition, they'll be able to obtain pricing and submit requests for financing through the site's "Fresh Start Financing" option, and they'll even be able to get online quotes for insurance. There are options to research trade-ins and Kelley Blue Book values, as well as links to reviews, Carfax(R) Reports, and other useful information. Visitors can even use a convenient "Quick Forward" option to connect to a live web chat with dealership representatives and ask immediate, direct questions about products. And, because a dedicated staff handles it all, responses are quick, direct and focused on giving the appropriate choices for where the customer is in the buying process.

"With its ready access to information, the internet is actually changing the business culture of automotive retailing," adds Beverly Hills Ford Director of Internet Technology and Virtual Dealership Manager, Darren Hayes. "As a combined marketing, sales and customer service tool, this new concept is designed to fit the electronic retailing environment and to meet the evolving needs of the new e-generation consumer. They have a lot more knowledge and very different expectations when it comes to buying a car and this new website, along with the specialized equipment and training we give our virtual dealership staff, enables us to be even more connected to our customers so we can continue to meet and surpass their expectations."

Future plans for the site include offering the ability to purchase or extend warranties online. Plus it will have a complete online parts & accessories store with items from a wide range of reputable manufacturers, and other specialty automotive outlets, like "Beverly Hills Wheels," which will feature custom wheels. And, for those who want a personal piece of the Beverly Hills cache, the site's coming "Beverly Hills Ford Boutique" will offer a selection of clothing and other branded merchandise for sale.

"Shoppers at beverlyhillsford.com will have the best of both worlds ... " says Blacksberg, " ... a solid reputation, great product selection and guaranteed low prices, along with the convenience of 24/7 access from their own home or office, wherever that may be."

The Beverly Hills Ford website was developed by BZ Productions, Inc., a digital marketing and consulting firm that specializes in brand image development and customer satisfaction enhancement for automotive retailers. Founded in 1995, the company has headquarters in Rhode Island, and satellite locations in Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Oregon. It has created total solution marketing systems for many of the largest automotive retailing groups in the U.S., including Group One Automotive and the United Auto Group, as well as many of the country's most successful dealers.

Peter Blacksberg's Beverly Hills Ford is located at 9231 West Olympic Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Dharmata Public Relations at (310) 822-9645, or visit the Beverly Hills Ford website at www.beverlyhillsford.com .