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Consumers Save in Gas Purchases With Carclub.com's Discounts

28 August 2000

Consumers Save Over Half Million Dollars in Gas Purchases With Carclub.com's Discounts; 10 Percent Discount Helps Ease Pain of High Gas Prices

    SAN FRANCISCO--Aug. 28, 2000--Tens of thousands of Carclub.com members seeking relief from high gas prices have together saved more than $570,000, J.D. Power Clubs announced today. Members of Carclub.com, a division of J.D. Power Clubs, can get 10 percent off of gas purchases from any of the more than 110,000 stations accepting MasterCard(R) regardless of the brand of gasoline. Carclub.com's Membership and Gas Mastercard(R) Card program launched in May.
    "No one likes to pay high prices for gasoline, so Carclub.com is giving consumers a straight-forward deal: 10 percent off on gas," said Michael London, chairman and CEO of J.D. Power Clubs. "With Carclub.com, consumers do not need to pre-bid on gas, or use only specific brands that may already have the highest prices in the neighborhood. This program is easy, quick and cost-effective."
    At today's gas prices, the average U.S. household spends more than $125 per month on gasoline, according to gas price and vehicle ownership statistics compiled by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the U.S. Census Bureau.
    Club membership has surpassed 50,000, with most activating their Carclub.com Membership and Gas MasterCard(R) Card during the last 60 days.
    Members are able to save up to $20 a month by using the 10 percent gasoline discount. Members also enjoy other benefits such as an insurance deductible reimbursement of up to $500 in the event of an accident (after 90 days of membership), the Mechanic Hotline for a second opinion or advice on repair estimates, and "Help, I'm Lost," a 24-hour telephone driving direction service.

    How Does the Card Work?

    The card is available by visiting www.carclub.com or by calling 1-800/CARCLUB. Carclub.com is making the 10 percent gas discount available for the rest of the year for consumers who join. Cards are mailed to members, who go online or call to activate the card. The gasoline discount card is a stored-value card that is prepaid and refilled by telephone or online, including the option for automatic refill once the account balance drops to a certain level. Members can carry up to a $200 balance on the card each month, enabling them to save as much as $20 each month.
    At the pump it works as easy as a credit card at any station that accepts Mastercard(R). Datamark Technologies, a leading provider of electronic gift certificate/stored value and loyalty programs, assisted Carclub.com in establishing the program.