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Oldsmobile: First Automaker to Harness the Power of the Wireless Web

10 February 2000

Oldsmobile: First Automaker to Harness the Power of the Wireless Web

    DETROIT, Feb. 9 -- Reaching Oldsmobile on the internet is now
easier from anywhere in the U.S. for users of the Personal Digital Assistants
(PDA's) including Palm VII's with wireless web access.
    "With this new initiative, consumers will be able to comparison shop
online, locate the closest Oldsmobile dealer or send an e-mail to Oldsmobile
remotely from anywhere in the world," said Karen Francis, Oldsmobile general
manager. "This bold move positions Oldsmobile as the first auto maker to
harness the potential of the wireless Web for consumers."
    "Six years ago we started to move at Internet speed," said Francis.  "This
pioneering digital effort with the wireless Web is exactly what our younger,
tech savvy consumers have come to expect -- and we intend on delivering.  It
is another opportunity for Oldsmobile to be out there where our customers
are."
    Oldsmobile will leverage the wireless Web by maintaining a presence on
Palm.net, the current dominant company for remote wireless Web users.  Under
the new menu option of "Shopping", Oldsmobile is the first auto maker to
deliver consumers a tailor-made website to the palm of their hand.  The new
technology provides information in a customized, succinct format that is
easily accessible for those utilizing the Web from a remote location.
    Consumers selecting the "Shopping" menu option will discover a condensed
version of the Oldsmobile website.  The condensed site will provide consumers
with key shopping information in five different areas: vehicle specifications,
incentives, dealer locator, competitive comparisons including manufacturer's
suggested retail prices, and a direct e-mail connection back to Oldsmobile's
help center for added interaction.
    Nearly 13 million consumers have access to the wireless Web.  Projections
estimate that figure to increase to more than 100 million by the year 2003.
To help address the increasing demand, Palm Inc. also sells their operating
system to other technology makers such as Nokia and Motorola.  This provides
an even broader base of consumers access to the wireless Web.
    "We're initially working with Palm OS due to their leadership position in
the market," said Li-Yuen Yee, Oldsmobile interactive manager.  "As Palm OS
continues to grow, it will allow us to expand our wireless presence."
    "This initial step with the wireless Web initiative allows Oldsmobile to
enhance its online leadership role and steer the digital bandwagon rather than
jump on later," Francis said.  "For our target customers, the Internet is an
important part of their lives.  They are conducting banking and investing
online, shopping more and more on e-commerce sites and communicating via the
latest technology.  They are the early adopters so we'll be communicating with
our consumers in an environment that is comfortable with them."
    As part of the new initiative, Oldsmobile will launch a sweepstakes
beginning February 28 and award ten Palm VII's to consumers.
    For more information, be sure to check out http://www.Oldsmobile.com or
http://www.Oldsmobile.com/olds .