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SAAB Cars Announces Contest For IT and Internet Enthusiasts

6 October 1998

SAAB Cars Announces Contest For IT and Internet Enthusiasts

     Automobile Manufacturer Challenges IT Industry's Computer Knowledge,
                  Offers New Saab Convertible as Grand Prize

    NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 5 -- Saab Cars USA, Inc., today announced
a Fall 1998 contest promotion, targeted to computer executives, to celebrate
the installation of its new e-commerce information system at its U.S. retailer
locations.  The three-month contest will officially kick-off on Oct. 5 and the
grand prize is a 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible.
    Saab's new computerized retailer information system is called IRIS, an
acronym for Intranet Retail Information System.  It is currently being
installed at 225 Saab dealerships and 20 service points in North America.  The
Web-to-host retailer information system will provide easy-to-use graphical
access to parts and repair orders as well as a variety of financial
information located on both mainframe and midrange systems.  Incorporating
technology from vendors such as CST, IBM, Lotus, Microsoft and Sun
Microsystems, Saab has developed a cutting-edge Java-based Web-to-host
technology solution that is both cost-effective and consumer convenience
focused.
    The retailer information system was developed to support the launch of
Saab's new 1999 model line  --  the Saab 9-3 Convertible, Coupe, and
five-door; and the Saab 9-5 premium performance sedan.  The new Saab cars are
powered exclusively by turbocharged engines, and feature a host of new safety
standards such as the world-first Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), an
innovative safety system that reduces the risk of whiplash injuries.
    No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. Entries will be accepted at
three leading computer trade shows: COMMON Fall '98 Expo, Anaheim, CA, Oct 4-
6; eBusiness World, Nov. 2-6, and Java Business Expo, Dec. 8-10 or on-line at
Saab's Web site: http://www.saabusa.com/community/events/.  The contest asks entrants
to answer a series of questions about IRIS and the technologies used to
develop the system.
    "With the implementation of IRIS, we thought it most appropriate to launch
this particular promotion," Jerry Rode, Director, Information Technology said,
"Computer executives  --  attracted to Saab's engineering quality and
innovation -- are one of the most loyal customer segments for Saab cars, and
we are pleased to have a contest designed especially around their interests."
    Saab Cars USA, Inc., the U.S. importer and distributor of Saab
automobiles, is headquartered in Norcross, Ga., just northeast of Atlanta.