Chrome Data Propels Automotive e-Commerce; Chrome's List of e-Commerce Clients Grows 67%

19 September 2000

Chrome Data Propels Automotive e-Commerce; Chrome's List of e-Commerce Clients Grows 67%

    PORTLAND, Ore.--Sept. 19, 2000--Chrome Data Corporation, the automotive industry's most accurate independent business-to-business provider of data and configuration technology for selling cars on the lot and on the Web, today announced the signing of more than two dozen new clients, helping Chrome continue to advance toward its mission: To touch every automotive transaction.
    In the last quarter, Chrome has signed contracts with more than two dozen companies, providing vehicle data (such as New Vehicle Data, Used Vehicle Data or Historical Vehicle Data) and/or vehicle specification and pricing software. The new clients have contributed to a 67% growth in Chrome's list of e-Commerce clients, including more than half of the 20 most-visited car-buying Web site portals.
    Commenting on the company's recent client growth, CEO Bob Navarre said, "When buying or selling a car, access to accurate and timely information is crucial. Our growth this year alone is a testament to the value of Chrome's data in the automotive transaction -- for consumers, dealers or anyone whose business relies on automotive information accuracy."
    Some of Chrome's new clients include (in alphabetical order): Autoland, AMI Leasing, Conquest Marketing Corp., Consumer Guide, Earthcars.com, Inc., EyeVelocity, giggo.com, iDerive, LiquidPrice, MembersCarLink, and National Car Rental Lease Association, Inc.

    Chrome: The Most Accurate Source

    In a recent independent study CNW Marketing/Research compared the pricing data of the major online automotive data sources by configuring 86 different vehicles at eight different Web sites (see Chrome Data Named Most Accurate Data Provider for Automotive e-Commerce, June 27, 2000). Chrome ranked first in data accuracy at 99.64%.

    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, Chrome 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 vehicles 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 http://www.chrome.com/.

    Copyright(c)2000 Chrome Data Corporation. All rights reserved. PC Carbook(R), C/D3(R), Chrome Carbook(TM)and Chrome.com(R)are trademarks of Chrome Data Corporation.

    Addendum: Clients Rave about Chrome Data

    "We are pleased to expand upon our existing relationship with Chrome. We have taken steps to prepare for significant national expansion and feel using Chrome will enhance our success."

    Ron Frey, COO
    Autoland

    "We absolutely had to have the best, most accurate data. We did the research and we chose Chrome."

    Mike Spadafore, Principal
    Conquest Marketing Corp.

    "Chrome's vehicle content quality helps drive EyeVelocity's interactive visualization solutions to show consumers accurate information, which creates highly satisfied buyers."

    Stephanie Takai, Vice President, eCommerce
    EyeVelocity

    "Our partnership with Chrome will further giggo.com's goal of making shopping for a car easy and hassle-free."

    Brian Reed, CEO
    giggo.com

    "As one of the newest methods to purchase autos on the web, iDerive.com was looking to implement a comprehensive system to help our customers find the cars they want. With Chrome we are able to provide our users with a system that makes purchasing on the web an easy to use and enjoyable experience."

    Matthew Bibbo, Senior Vice President, Automotive
    iDerive

    "Chrome is helping LiquidPrice.com exploit the power of the Internet to provide a smarter way for people to buy cars online ... Chrome's accurate configuration technology removes the disconnects usually prevalent throughout the automotive marketplace. We selected Chrome because of their accuracy and reliability."

    Joe Fraser, Director of Automotive Unit
    LiquidPrice.com

    "In our search to get accurate, user-friendly and timely information for our site, all roads led to Chrome. Not only is the data itself incredibly useful to our visitors, Chrome's customer service is a cut above the rest. Chrome has proven to be a valuable component of our business model, and we are looking forward to many years of mutual success."

    Mike Conway, COO
    MembersCarLink