eParts eXchange Partners with Dunn Systems
23 March 2000
eParts eXchange Partners with Dunn Systems to Create an Internet B2B Automotive Aftermarket Exchange, Auction and Aggregation e-Commerce Site
ALSIP, Ill., March 23 eParts eXchange ( http://www.goepx.com ),
an emerging B2B global online marketplace for automotive aftermarket parts,
announced a strategic partnership with Dunn Systems, Inc, one of the Chicago
area's foremost information technology consulting firms. The companies will
be creating a truly innovative B2B automotive aftermarket exchange, auction
and aggregation e-Commerce site. eParts eXchange (EPX), a subsidiary of
Universal Automotive Industries, Inc. (UVSL), will combine UVSL's twenty years
of automotive experience with Dunn's extensive integration expertise to create
a dynamic trading, auction and exchange marketplace to service the $400
billion global automotive aftermarket.
EPX will focus its efforts on the Commodity and Surplus segments of this
market. UVSL has successfully built up a profitable Commodity business of
over $5 million in annual sales with only a modest effort. The Company will
significantly expand this Commodities business using the leverage of the
Internet. In addition, EPX will set up an Internet-based solution to the
growing problem of excess inventory, which significantly impacts the
profitability of automotive aftermarket parts distributors at all levels.
This unique Internet solution will allow traditional aftermarket distributors,
retailers and manufacturers to increase their profit margins and provide an
outlet for underutilized assets.
The Company will bring in the traditional "brick and mortar" relationships
that UVSL has cultivated for over twenty years. EPX will also address the
needs of the overseas and export markets. This is an area that has been
widely ignored by US based distributors. The combination of established
automotive expertise, e-Commerce technology and addressing the under-served
market needs will be key to maximizing the growth and development of the EPX
business.
Both EPX and Dunn Systems believe that this partnership will be successful
due to the technical expertise and the positioning in the marketplace.
"We believe that our strategic partnership with Dunn Systems will allow us
to come to market quickly and with high quality. Dunn's experience in both
e-Commerce and back office development is the perfect combination we were
looking for in a partner," said Eric Coles, CTO of eParts eXchange.
"eParts eXchange unique value proposition made this an exciting
opportunity for us," said William Dunn, President of Dunn Systems." Their
forward thinking model places them in a unique competitive position in the B2B
marketplace. Clearly their users will benefit."
About EPX ( http://www.goepx.com )
eParts Exchange, Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Automotive Industries,
Inc. is a B2B e-Commerce company that provides a dynamic online
trading center for worldwide buyers and sellers of automotive aftermarket
parts. The company's focus is on the Commodity, Surplus and International
Trade segment of this market. eParts eXchange was founded in 1999 and is
headquartered in Alsip, IL.
About Dunn Systems ( http://www.dunnsys.com )
Dunn Systems, Inc. (Skokie) has been providing IT consulting services to
Global 2000 and dot.com companies since 1988 and has practice areas in
e-Business, Application Development, Business Intelligence, Quality Assurance
and Technical Education. Dunn Systems also maintains offices in Raleigh, NC
and Totowa, NJ. Dunn Systems can be reached at (847) 673-0900.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to
be covered by safe harbors created hereby. Such forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties (including those risk factors
referenced in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission), and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
results, performance, or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements.