Saab Cars Exhibits At Java Business Expo

30 November 1998
Saab Cars Exhibits At Java Business Expo
      Automobile Manufacturer Promotes Its Use of Java-based E-commerce;
 Concludes Fall 1998 Sweepstakes, Offers New Saab Convertible as Grand Prize

    NEW YORK, Nov. 30 -- Dec. 8-10, 1998 -- Saab Cars USA, Inc.,
exhibits its new 1999 line of cars at Java Business Expo and concludes its
Fall 1998 sweepstakes promotion, targeted to computer executives, to celebrate
the installation of its new Java-based e-commerce information system at its
U.S. retailer locations.  The grand prize is a 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible and
will be awarded on Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. -- prior to Java Business Expo's Thursday
morning keynote.
    Saab's new computerized retailer information system is called IRIS, an
acronym for Intranet Retail Information System.  It is currently being
installed at Saab dealerships and service points throughout 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, Netscape, 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, Saab 9-3 Coupe, Saab
9-3 five-door, Saab 9-5 premium performance sedan and Saab 9-5 Wagon. The five
new Saab cars are powered exclusively by turbocharged engines, and feature a
host of industry 'firsts' -- such as the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), a
safety system that reduces the risk of whiplash injuries and the
asymmetrically turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine.
    No purchase is necessary to enter the sweepstakes.  In addition to
accepting entries at Comdex and Java Business Expo, participants may register
on-line at Saab's Web site: http://www.saabusa.com/community/events/regional.html.
The sweepstakes 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 sweepstakes 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.