AT&T Provides Networking Services to New Jersey Automotive Retailers
TRENTON, N.J., Oct. 12, 2004 -- Automotive retailers across New Jersey now can purchase voice and data networking services more easily and less expensively, thanks to a $7.2 million contract the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) has negotiated with AT&T.
The agreement allows the 650 members of NJ CAR, a nonprofit organization serving automotive retailers statewide, to leverage the purchasing power of the entire group - giving smaller members access to the same volume-based price advantages for AT&T services as larger members. Additionally, volumes are "grossed up" across NJ CAR's membership, meaning individual dealerships don't have to commit to monthly minimum or term lengths to receive advantageous pricing.
The agreement covers an extensive portfolio of AT&T services, including local, long-distance, high-speed data and Internet access services. NJ CAR will provide provisioning and logistical support.
"We're pleased to be able to offer AT&T's high-quality services, bundled with the expertise of our staff to meet members' unique needs," said Jim Appleton, president of NJ CAR. "We're now able to provide a bridge between a first-tier telecommunications provider and our members to install and deliver top-notch service for our automotive dealer members."
About 250 NJ CAR members currently take advantage of the organization's telecommunications-purchasing program.
"By purchasing my dealership's telephone service and Internet access through NJ CAR, we've seen a reduction in our telecom bills, since we receive excellent prices based on members' combined volume," said Ed Barlow, president of Barlow Chevrolet in Delran, N.J. "And we get the same high-quality voice and data communications that a Fortune 500 company gets, coupled with the expertise and customer service of our NJ CAR representative. It's the perfect situation for my business."
AT&T will integrate services for NJ CAR members with its industry-leading AT&T Business Network (ABN) offer. ABN consolidates data, voice and Internet services communications needs into a single contract, with a single bill and discounts across all services. Through the secure AT&T BusinessDirect(R) portal, NJ CAR members gain online access to real-time reports on network performance and direct connection to electronic billing and trouble management systems.
About NJ CAR
The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, founded in 1918, is a non-profit organization serving franchised new car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR's purpose is to promote the principles of commercial honor and integrity in the sale and service of motor vehicles. The primary objectives of NJ CAR are to further any legitimate interests of its members, to keep its members informed on a variety of business matters, practices, trends and legislation, and to provide special products and services to its members.
About AT&T
For more than 125 years, AT&T has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.
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