DriveOff.com Adopts Chrome Data Corporation's Vehicle Configuration Technology
30 May 2000
DriveOff.com Adopts Chrome Data Corporation's Vehicle Configuration Technology
PORTLAND, Ore.--May 30, 2000--Chrome Data Corporation, the automotive industry's most accurate independent business-to-business provider of data and software for selling cars online, today announced that DriveOff.com, a 100 percent online automotive e-commerce site, has adopted Chrome's Web-based vehicle configuration technology.Chrome's Web Carbook(TM) provides consumers with the most accurate and reliable vehicle data available on the Internet -- including year, make, model, style, standard and optional equipment and invoice and MSRP pricing. Web Carbook powers DriveOff.com's intelligent optioning and configuration tool.
"DriveOff.com selected Chrome's Web Carbook because it provides the industry's most accurate data and configuration information," said Michael Kranitz, president of DriveOff.com. "Chrome's accuracy increases consumers' confidence in the guaranteed price and monthly payment quotes we offer for every vehicle make, model and option."
With Web Carbook DriveOff.com's customers can choose from every vehicle make, model and option, then view a guaranteed price on their selection. After selecting financing terms to generate a binding monthly payment, consumers control the remainder of the transaction from a password-protected Personal Auto Center. With Chrome's technology, consumers use the Internet to review detailed option and pricing information on multiple VIN-specific vehicles in their area and approve their final choice.
After finalizing all details of their transaction online consumers receive a DriveOff Deal Kit containing completed originals of all documents necessary to finalize their deal. Consumers spend about 30 minutes inspecting the vehicle and signing the documents from their Deal Kit, then drive off in their new vehicle. This allows consumers and dealers to establish a beneficial and trusting relationship for service, maintenance and information.
"Chrome is committed to providing the most accurate data to streamline the buying process and instill confidence in all sides of the equation," said Bob Navarre, CEO of Chrome. "DriveOff.com recognizes that successful relationships between dealers and customers must begin with accurate information."
A recent independent study by CNW Marketing/Research compared the pricing data of the major online automotive data sources by configuring 86 vehicles at eight Web sites. Chrome's Web Carbook ranked first in data accuracy with an average price discrepancy of only one-third of one percent of the average MSRP -- less than the study's margin of error.
About Chrome Data
Chrome Data pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for the past 14 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome's flagship product, the desktop research, pricing and ordering tool PC Carbook(R), is widely accepted as the standard in automotive data. Chrome's Internet-based product, Web Carbook(TM), allows dealers, Internet portals, financial institutions, and insurance and warranty companies to provide visitors to their Web sites with a tool to configure cars online -- including specifications on all new vehicle makes and models, standard and optional equipment, vehicle pictures and accurate pricing. This information precisely matches manufacturers' invoice and MSRP pricing, enabling users to configure and order any vehicle sold in the U.S. with the confidence that the delivered product and price are exactly what was expected. The company is based in Portland, Oregon, and may be reached at 800/936-8906. Company information is available at www.chrome.com.
Copyright(c)2000 Chrome Data Corporation. All rights reserved. PC Carbook(R), C/D3(R), Web Carbook(TM), Chrome.com(TM) and Chrome Auto Bridge(TM) are trademarks of Chrome Data Corporation.
