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Arbortext XML E-Content Software Helps Volkswagen

6 June 2000

Maximizes Web To Deliver Service Information to Dealerships
         
    ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Arbortext, Inc., a leading provider of Extensible Markup
Language (XML)-based e-content software for e-publishing, e-commerce, and B2B 
e-marketplaces, today announced that Volkswagen of America, Inc. has purchased 
Arbortext's XML-based e-content software to deliver automobile service and 
repair information to dealerships and consumers the same day it is created.  
Volkswagen of America can now utilize the Web to send the most accurate, current
information to service centers -- potentially helping Volkswagen of America 
speed up repair times.
    Volkswagen of America translates and localizes all the technical
information for their vehicles in the United States and Canada.  This
information totals over 70,000 pages of data, including service repair
manuals, owner's manuals, videos, technical bulletins and wiring diagrams. By
using Arbortext software, Volkswagen of America is able to use the same data
for both dealerships and the public.

    Same day information

    Volkswagen of America receives vehicle information from manufacturing
facilities in Germany and Mexico.  Previously, dealerships and service centers
waited to receive service and repair information that was delivered on CD ROM.
Through the capabilities that an XML-based e-content management system can
offer, Volkswagen of America is now able to receive, translate, verify and
release the information over the Web the same day.  This capability now
enables their dealerships and after market repair shops to respond much more
quickly to vehicle maintenance issues, ultimately better satisfying their
direct customers.
    "Publishing information to the Web allows us to make new service and
repair information available without significant delay," said Dirk Beth,
technical information resource, IT project specialist at Volkswagen of
America.  "Being able to deliver updated, accurate information this quickly
allows us to be much more responsive to our dealerships and, ultimately, the
public."
    "Consumers are much more demanding about how they wish to receive
information.  It needs to be current, comprehensive, accurate and relevant for
their specific purpose," said David White, director of product marketing at
Arbortext.  "Companies are now able to address these demands through the use
of our software, and because we are committed to delivering products that
support diverse devices such as vehicle computer systems, electronic books and
wireless devices, our customers are able to offer more choices to their
customers."

    About Arbortext

    Renowned as one of the original creators of XML, Arbortext is the leading
global provider of XML software for content critical to e-business. Shipping
since 1991, Arbortext's standards-based software enables enterprises to
provide more personalized, dynamic and easily searchable content for e-
publishing, e-commerce and B2B e-marketplaces. Arbortext's software is
currently deployed at over 300 of the Global 2000 companies, including AT&T,
Audi, Boeing, British Aerospace, Caterpillar, DaimlerChrysler, Ericsson
Telecom, Ford, GM, IBM, Lucent, Nokia, Qantas, Ricoh, Sun Microsystems,
International Thomson Publishing, United Airlines, Volkswagen, Volvo and West
Group. Arbortext is a founding member of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
and an active participant in XML activities.  Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
Arbortext has offices around the world.