Volvo Cars of North America, LLC Endorses ChannelNet as Its Preferred Retailer Web Site Vendor

MILL VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 31, 2004 -- ChannelNet announced today the launch of ChannelNet Retailer Web Sites, the next generation of retailer Web sites that help Volvo retailers more effectively market and sell their vehicles using the Internet. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC is endorsing ChannelNet as their preferred Web site provider working directly with its 344 Volvo retailers.

ChannelNet Retailer Web Sites are powered by the company's patent-pending software product, ChannelNet SiteBuilder(TM). The ChannelNet Retailer Web Site program offers professional single and multi-franchise retailer Web sites with critical selling and lead-generation features that meet Volvo-required Web standards. Easy-to-use, non-technical administration tools allow retailers to quickly update and manage content.

New functionality offered as part of the program includes multi-brand Web sites and real-time, aggregated inventory (the inventory offering is developed with AVV, a subsidiary of Autobytel Inc.) to support all brands that are sold by the retailer. As a result of a partnership with Omniture, ChannelNet will offer Volvo retailers robust Web analytics and reporting capabilities as well.

"With 89% of automotive shoppers going online to conduct research before visiting a showroom*, the Internet has become critical to a retailer's business," said Paula Tompkins, CEO and founder of ChannelNet. "ChannelNet provides Volvo retailers with a Web site that has the flexibility to support ongoing local business needs and the functionality to drive more traffic and more qualified customers into their store."

ChannelNet also provides retailer Web site and services to more than 5,000 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover and Jaguar dealers and retailers in 29 countries and 10 languages.

For more information, or to sign up for ChannelNet Retailer Web Sites, Volvo retailers may contact ChannelNet at 1-888-412-2276, visit http://www.volvo.channelnet.com/ or send an email to retailersites@channelnet.com.

About ChannelNet

Founded in 1985, ChannelNet(R) (formerly The SoftAd Group) is the premier builder of multichannel marketplaces designed to help global automotive manufacturers and their franchise retailers sell more cars, trucks, parts and service. The company has nearly 20 years' experience supporting automotive sales and marketing processes through the use of interactive technologies for many of the leading automotive brands, including Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW N.A., Nissan Europe, General Motors, Cadillac, and Buick. Since 1995, ChannelNet has acquired an install base using its technology and services of more than 5,000 automotive retailers worldwide. The privately-held company is based outside San Francisco in Mill Valley, California, with offices in Detroit, Michigan. For more information about ChannelNet and its solutions, visit www.channelnet.com.

* J.D. Powers and Associates