ASTN Series Shows Car Dealers How to Capitalize On the Internet

3 April 2000

New ASTN ``Net Gain'' Series Shows Car Dealers How to Capitalize On the Internet; Internet Experts Share Insight, Skills to Enhance Bottom Line

    DALLAS--April 3, 2000--PRIMEDIA Workplace Learning (PWPL), a PRIMEDIA company, launched its "Net Gain: Success on the Internet" series, Monday, April 3.
    The broadcast series shows car dealers how to leverage the Internet, build Web sites and respond to consumers buying cars through the Internet. Net Gain is produced by PWPL's Automotive Satellite Television Network (ASTN), a leader in dealership training.
    The auto industry, including both manufacturers and dealers, is undergoing a huge transformation as it adapts to the Internet. More than 80 percent of dealers now have Web sites, an increase of eight percent in the last six months. Net Gain responds by bringing together Internet and dealer experts to provide tips on building profitable Web sites, analyzing Web sites and providing prospecting ideas. Net Gain also provides the latest news on the Internet's impact on the car industry.
    Each broadcast is hosted by ASTN's Programming Director Steve Walker, along with either Publisher Jim Muntz or Editor Mike Bowers from "Auto Retailing on the Web." It includes critiques of Web sites from Peter Martin, Jr. CEO of MetroAutoMall.com, (www.metroautomall.com), the Internet's largest automotive dealership portal.
    The first show features Patti Schnecke, a leading auto salesperson who has sold a record 30 cars monthly via the Internet. Often quoted by "USA Today," she will share her Internet insights with ASTN viewers. The May 1 program will highlight Greg Mushro, a partner with The Net Lab, an award-winning designer of dealer sites.
    Jim Muntz said, "We are pleased to work with ASTN to provide real-time Internet information supplementing our Auto Retailing on the Web newsletter. Dealers want to use the Internet channel to generate more customers."
    PWPL President Peter A. Gudmundsson said, "Net Gain enables dealers to proactively address the Internet's immense opportunities. It reinforces ASTN's commitment to being the one-stop information resource for dealers wanting to improve their bottom line."
    Net Gain can be seen live by satellite on the first Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. EST. It is repeated 19 times a month through ASTN satellite programming or through streaming video at www.astn.com.
    PRIMEDIA Workplace Learning (PWPL) is the leading provider of distance learning for more than 225,000 viewers in the automotive, banking, fire, healthcare, industrial and law enforcement markets. PWPL leverages the latest satellite, Internet and computer technologies to deliver real-time news, education and information to targeted audiences. PWPL is a PRIMEDIA company, a targeted media company with print, video and Internet businesses focused on consumer and business-to-business audiences. The Company owns and operates more than 215 Web sites and other Internet properties. For more details on PWPL, visit www.pwpl.com/news.