The Auto Channel
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The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
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STONEAGE.COM Partners With NetSearch

17 January 2000

STONEAGE.COM Partners With NetSearch to Introduce Auto Dealer Wireless Communication System 
    TROY, Mich., Jan. 17 -- Purchasing a new car Online just
became faster.  STONEAGE.COM, an Online auto buying/selling service is helping
its dealerships speed up the response time to incoming Internet leads.  The
company has partnered with NetSearch, LLC, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based firm
which developed a method of wireless messaging and lead tracking called the
NetSearch Merchant Notification System (MNS).
    The MNS is a suite of lead management tools that provide dealers with lead
tracking, accountability and a method of instant wireless response to Internet
leads through the use of a wireless intelligent terminal (WIT).  WIT is a
small pager-like device that an auto salesperson carries.  It has a full
keypad and can store templates for speedy replies to the inquiry.  The WIT can
be carried at all times and allows the salesperson to respond to inquiries
immediately from their home or wherever they may be at the time.
    "The old system used to have one person sifting through hundreds of e-
mails and faxes with the majority of them going unanswered or answered in a
day or two," explained Mark Campbell, CEO of STONEAGE.COM.  "MNS not only
allows for immediate response to customers, but it also notifies only the
dealerships which stock the requested vehicles."
    STONEAGE.COM's dealers will greatly benefit from the MNS.  In addition to
speeding the distribution of sales leads, the company's dealers will also have
daily or weekly reports regarding the sales lead fulfillment performance of
individual salespeople.
    "STONEAGE.COM has set the tone for the future of lead generation and
delivery," said Gus Esposito, founder and CEO of NetSearch, LLC.  "By offering
the NetSearch Merchant Notification System(TM), STONEAGE.COM is ensuring the
quality of their leads by delivering them in a timely manner.  The partnership
will provide STONEAGE.COM dealers with the means and the way to respond and
track every lead instantaneously."
    This new system is in direct response to the growing demand of
cybershopping.  Sales are expected to be $18 billion in 1999, up $10 billion
from the previous year.  It is estimated that 67% of all Online purchases are
never completed, mainly because e-commerce sites have not allowed for quick
response times from the increasingly hurried consumers.
    "We will place legitimate sales leads in the palm of a dealer's hand in 30
seconds or less," added Campbell.
    Established in 1996, STONEAGE.COM is one of the nation's leading top
automotive buying services.  STONEAGE.COM's mission is to find the best
vehicle for its consumers by providing direct access to more than 17,000 car
dealerships across the country, and to more than 500,000 used vehicles
nationwide.  Customers may access any STONEAGE.COM service Online at
http://www.stoneage.com or by calling 800-STONEAGE.

    About NetSearch, LLC
    Founded in 1998, NetSearch, LLC is a leader in increasing Internet sales
productivity through the use of wireless applications and advanced wireless
technologies.  NetSearch's Merchant Notification System(TM) (MNS) allows
merchants to receive and reply to their Online requests instantly, via a
pager-sized Wireless Intelligent Terminal.  In addition to instant wireless
response, the MNS offers merchants comprehensive, tracking and accountability
tools.  For more information, please contact NetSearch, LLC Online at
http://www.netsearchllc.com or by calling 480-607-1511.