Reynolds and Reynolds Announces Agreement With gedas AG

MS2 automotive retailing solution based on incadea solution platform

DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 28 -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company announced an agreement with gedas AG through which gedas is deploying a version of Reynolds incadea automotive retailing software platform in the United Kingdom for dealerships across the Volkswagen Group. gedas is licensed as the owners of the international Volkswagen Group make- layer and is rolling out the product across their United Kingdom locations in support of the Volkswagen Group strategy.

gedas AG is a leading systems integrator and subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group with over 50 locations worldwide and is the general contractor appointed for the implementation of the DMS strategy for the entire group. The first stage of this rollout has been initiated in the UK with the launch of the solution known as MS2 powered by incadea. In the words of Rob Tracey, CEO of gedas UK, the solution addresses "the three main challenges" faced by dealership management:

"First, MS2 powered by incadea links similar processes to avoid duplication and therefore reduce costs. Second, it helps dealerships retain customers through its strong information management capabilities. And third, staff retention and welfare is improved since training is straightforward. The Windows(R)-based system is easy to use. All of these directly benefit retailers' bottom line," Tracey said.

MS2 powered by incadea features modules for financial administration and general ledger, service management, parts and inventory management, vehicle management, contact management and data exchange.

Peter Wenger, vice president and general manager, Reynolds International, said, "The adoption of the incadea platform by gedas affirms the value of the technology; automotive retailing experience and global capability delivered by the combination of Reynolds and Reynolds and Microsoft. It also follows the successful incadea model -- that Reynolds has continued -- of working with the best partners in each country to tailor the incadea platform for the unique business needs of each country and individual OEMs. This is precisely what gedas is doing in the development of MS2 powered by incadea for the UK and in creating the international make-layer for the Volkswagen Group."

Reynolds acquired Incadea GmbH, a provider of global automotive retailing software solutions, in October 2003. Reynolds is marketing the incadea solution, which is based on Microsoft Windows(R) and Microsoft(R) Business Solutions Navision(R), one of the company's enterprise resource planning solutions, worldwide. It delivers the standardization and process-driven benefits of enterprise resource planning software, while providing a flexible, easy-to-use and implement platform.

The resulting flexibility in MS2 is well suited to the changing European automotive marketplace.

"The EU ruling on Block exemption opens up the franchised car retailer to even more competition, thus increasing the need for more customer focused service," said Robin Woolcock, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK. "As a result, the need for IT to support the automotive retailing industry has never been greater. As businesses get bigger, more complex, with more transactions and more demands on staff, they will still need to deliver great service at lower cost. IT is the only way to achieve this."

The MS2 system incorporates best practices within the automotive retail sector to address the problems of having disparate systems within a dealership. Its use of open Microsoft technology allows it to integrate more easily with present and future systems. This adaptability and flexibility will optimize internal processes and workflow by offering total integration within the dealership and with external contacts such as customers and manufacturers.

About gedas

Backed by a powerful network of international teams, the global information technology service provider gedas develops, implements and operates individual IT solutions that serve to create value-adding potential for its customers' companies.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and strategic IT partner of the Volkswagen Corporation (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, VW Commercial Vehicles, Financial Services and Europcar), gedas also works for other customers from the automotive and manufacturing industries, such as BMW, Porsche, MAN, Scania, Linde, ArvinMeritor and Moeller. Based in Berlin, the gedas Group employs 5,000 employees operating from over 50 different locations in Asia, South America, North America and Europe.

About Reynolds and Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds ( http://www.reyrey.com/ ) is the leading provider of integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. Serving the automotive retailing industry since 1927, Reynolds enables OEMs and retailers to work together to build the lifetime value of their customers. The company's award-winning product, service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems, Web and Customer Relationship Management solutions, learning and consulting services, documents, data management and integration, networking and support and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers. They comprise nearly 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all OEMs doing business in North America. Reynolds serves automotive retailers and OEMs worldwide through its incadea solution and a partner network, as well as through its global consulting practice.