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DaimlerChrysler Corporation Revolutionizes On-Line Training With DaimlerChrysler Academy's WebLink

5 September 2000

DaimlerChrysler Corporation Revolutionizes On-Line Training With DaimlerChrysler Academy's WebLink

               Consolidation of Programs and Resources Creates
           A New Way of Delivering Training to Dealership Employees

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 5 WebLink, a proprietary web-
based interactive training tool created by DaimlerChrysler Academy (DCA), is a
revolutionary on-line training management system for automotive dealerships
and their employees.  Currently, more than 86 percent of the 4,500
DaimlerChrysler dealerships and over 19,000 dealership employees are involved
in the program.  Since the launch of WebLink in February, training has become
more efficient and affordable, especially for smaller dealers.
    "We've re-engineered our entire approach and have established a more
focused, curriculum-based training program," said Mike Yatsko, DCA Director.
"With WebLink, dealerships can cut costs by reducing off-site training and can
proactively manage training for all their personnel."
    Unlike satellite feed or generalized CD-ROM training programs, which other
automobile manufacturers utilize, WebLink enables DaimlerChrysler to provide
employees access to information and participate in classes 24 hours a day.
Courses are specific to individual employee needs and are designed with input
from dedicated product trainers.
    Prior to WebLink, employees received most of their training at off-site
workshops.  These training sessions were often lengthy and lessened
productivity in the sales, service, and parts departments, causing a loss of
income.
    "WebLink keeps my sales force in the dealership selling cars and that's
where I need them to be," said Jon Twohig, Chrysler Sales Manager Greenbrier
Chrysler Plymouth Jeep in Chesapeake, Virginia.  "It also provides a great
employee benefit by enhancing their education and experience."
    With the creation of DCA's WebLink, employees can now develop a
personalized training schedule and enroll on-line.  Trainees can also
customize individual training plans around their desired certification goals,
access corporate and training news and complete interactive self-study
courses.  DaimlerChrysler dealerships benefit tremendously, saving time and
money, and creating a much more efficient and flexible work atmosphere.
    "WebLink is the key to better utilizing our employees' time," said Shawn
Griffith, Systems Coordinator of Zangara Dodge dealership in New Mexico.  "As
a result of this program, our whole training process has been streamlined."
    In addition to streamlined training, WebLink enables more dealers to
complete the training required to attain Five Star status.  Launched in 1997,
Five Star is DaimlerChrysler's trademarked process for ensuring dealership
customer satisfaction excellence.  Dealerships that meet Five Star
certification requirements demonstrate required and consistent customer-
focused processes.
    The training required for Five Star accreditation is now easier to obtain
through the use of WebLink, allowing smaller dealers who could not afford to
lose employees to traditional training sessions access to Five Star
certification courses on-line.
    "DCA training assists dealership personnel in providing superior sales,
service and parts experiences for customers," said Yatsko.  "This positively
affects the entire dealership, and DCA will ultimately help to secure customer
loyalty."