Bob Burnett Celebrates 25 Years With Black Book

GAINESVILLE, Ga., Jan. 13, 2005 -- National Auto Research, publisher of the popular Black Book(R) family of vehicle appraisal guides, is pleased to announce that Bob Burnett, President of NAR, has recently arrived at a major career milestone -- 25 years with Black Book. Burnett, who joined Black Book in 1979 after a successful career as a franchised new car dealer, transformed Black Book from a regional provider of printed wholesale automobile values into a nationally recognized source for automotive pricing and specification data. Gene McDonald, former President and one of the founders of Black Book, remarked, "Bob has become an icon in the vehicle remarketing industry. His name is synonymous with integrity and we're thrilled that he has devoted 25 years to Black Book. Bob's a complete executive -- he's able to combine his people skills and strong automotive background with his complete understanding of accounting and business to keep his employees, customers, and shareholders happy. We look forward to a great future under Bob's leadership."

Burnett started in the retail automobile business in 1962. He quickly rose through the ranks and progressed from auction buyer to used car manager to part owner. He soon thereafter became the dealer principle of another franchised new car store. Burnett has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association, as an officer in the local Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Rotary Club.

Burnett joined Black Book in 1979 as Business Manager, and was quickly promoted to Vice President. In 1990 he was named Executive Vice President, and was elevated to his current position of President in 1994. Burnett has received many industry awards, most notably being elected to the National Auto Auction Association's Hall of Fame in 1999.

About National Auto Research:

National Auto Research (NAR), the publisher of the popular Black Book family of vehicle appraisal guides, is a Division of Hearst Business Media, an operating group of the Hearst Corporation. The Hearst Corporation (http://www.hearst.com/) is one of the nation's largest diversified communications companies. Its major interests include magazine, newspaper and business publishing, cable networks, television and radio.