FordDirect to Launch New Call Tracking Technology at NADA -

New Service Uses Internet Technology to Help Dealers Turn Phone Calls into Sales

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31 -- FordDirect has launched a new service that uses Internet technology to help dealers track their phone calls, measure results from their advertising campaigns and train their salespeople.

FordDirect Call Track-10 provides dealerships 10 national toll-free numbers that are assigned to advertising media. As calls are generated by dealers' advertisements, they are recorded and logged with available demographic information real-time into a website and a dealer's lead management system.

Real-time tracking is made possible by a new Internet technology, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). VOIP converts voice to digits and sends them in packets over the Internet. Since this technology uses the Internet and software running on a PC, VOIP permits users to do such things as view caller demographic information in real-time as a call is received, redirect calls to other numbers, and tie in other computer programs for greater flexibility and efficiency.

"FordDirect Call Track-10 is designed to generate additional phone referrals and assist dealers in managing inbound call data," said FordDirect President Steve St. Andre. "We are empowering our dealers to take control of their advertising campaigns and track each and every call they receive at the dealership. The result is a better process that enables dealers to close more sales."

Call Track-10 enables dealers to,

* Identify who is on the phone before answering, with demographic information when available.

* Maximize the effect of their advertising dollars by measuring where calls are coming from.

* Use recorded calls to coach their sales team and improve their phone selling and service skills.

* Feed customer data automatically into their CRM or lead manager, tracking every prospect from marketing source to sale without having to manually enter data.

VOIP offers dealers another advantage, reduced cost. FordDirect is offering the Call Track-10 service complete with VOIP technology to its dealers for just $499 per month, with no contract required.

FordDirect.com is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its Ford franchised dealers to provide information and online vehicle sales services directly to consumers. It is the only dealer-manufacturer partnership in the industry. FordDirect allows consumers to choose, customize and locate new and pre-owned vehicles using fast, secure and easy-to-use Internet technology. Through the company's services, FordDirect dealers sold more than 180,000 vehicles in 2003. Launched in August 2000, FordDirect has more than 3,900 member dealers located in all 50 states. FordDirect.com is headquartered in Dearborn, Mich.