Microsoft CarPoint Opens Up Used-Car Market With Version 2.0 of Web Site
23 October 1997
Microsoft CarPoint Opens Up Used-Car Market With Version 2.0 of Web Site
REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 23 -- The Microsoft(R) CarPoint(TM)
online automotive service (http://www.carpoint.com/), the Internet's No. 1
online automotive service according to Hot100, today announced the launch of
its groundbreaking version 2.0 with a host of features and tools that places
it at the top of the online automotive information and buying market.
"With the launch of version 2.0, CarPoint is now the most comprehensive
end-to-end research and buying service anywhere online," said Alex Simons,
CarPoint product manager. "CarPoint version 2.0 allows consumers at any stage
of the car-buying process to use the site to make an informed decision about
buying a new or used car."
In addition to its already popular new and used car-buying services,
reviews, loan calculator and surround videos, CarPoint version 2.0 includes
many powerful new features. Visitors to the CarPoint site will now find
Kelley Blue Book pricing, dynamic side-by-side comparisons, used car
reliability ratings, extensive state and local interest rates, expanded
reviews and more detailed specifications.
"This is a paradigm shift in the way people shop for and buy automobiles,"
said Lindsay Sparks, general manager, automotive product unit at Microsoft.
"People want to research and choose the car that's best for them, they do not
want to spend a lot of time, and they expect to get the car at a fair price,
in a convenient, hassle-free way. With CarPoint version 2.0, there is finally
a place that provides both new and used car shoppers with exactly what they
want."
One of the notable differences between CarPoint version 2.0 and other
automotive Web sites is the way Microsoft has addressed every stage of the new
and used car shopping process, from initial research to actual purchase. By
bringing together a wide array of content, software and services, CarPoint is
the Internet's first "automotive super site." This all-in-one approach
greatly decreases the time users currently spend hopping from site to site
searching for the information they need.
Some of the new features of CarPoint include the following:
* Side-by-Side Compare. Users can construct their own comparisons between
any two cars (new or used) they choose and get a complete rundown of all the
details.
* Reliability ratings. Never-before-available in-depth reliability
ratings, including frequent problems and estimated repair costs for used cars
introduced since 1991. These ratings, based on over 250,000 yearly incident
reports from the Automotive Information Services Identifix program, are
available exclusively on the CarPoint Web site.
* CarPoint Auto-Pricer. An interactive sticker builder that guides users
through the maze of options and packages, building a detailed report with MSRP
and dealer invoice pricing information.
* Kelley Blue Book. Completely integrated retail pricing and trade-in
value information from the country's recognized leader in used car pricing
information.
*CarPoint Interactive Classifieds. Nationwide listings for over 100,000
used cars, all updated nightly, directly from dealer inventory systems.
Microsoft CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site, offering users
complete car-buying information. First available in August 1996, CarPoint
gives users access to detailed specifications, reviews from the leading
automotive journalists, detailed pricing information, interactive decision-
management tools, and a new and used car buying service.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full
power of personal computing every day.
NOTE: Microsoft and CarPoint are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.