Auteo Media Launches ContactAuto
27 October 2000
Auteo Media Launches ContactAuto
SEATTLE--Oct. 27, 2000--Revolutionary Customer Relationship Management System interfaces with cell phones to enable instant receiving and replying to Internet
e-mail leads.
Auteo Media, Inc. (OTCBB:AUTM), a leading provider of point-of-purchase marketing and internet-based communication services to the automotive industry, announced today that it has officially launched ContactAuto(tm), its wireless capable, browser based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system designed specifically for the automotive dealer industry.
"The automotive dealership industry is evolving rapidly as new technologies affect the way that business gets conducted, and more and more customers are turning to the internet to inquire about specific vehicles and get fast price quotes," said, Mark Silverman, Business Manager, Wireless/Contact Management for Auteo Media, Inc. "ContactAuto is a CRM system that not only contains a host of features that busy automotive dealership internet managers and sales executives will immediately find value in, but it is a truly unique offering in that it is compatible with various cellular phones."
Auteo Media has partnered with AT&T Wireless (NYSE Symbol:AWE) in such a way that ContactAuto users will be able to receive and respond to e-mail leads and search their dealership inventory right over an AT&T PocketNet phone using AT&T's digital PocketNet service. This translates into mobility and accessibility, since users will be able leave the grounds of a dealership and have the ability to instantly get back to a customer on their Internet inquiry. The whole process takes seconds, rather than the hours or days it can normally take a dealership to send back a reply on an Internet lead. The overall benefit to the auto dealership executive is a greater closing rate on sales, since research in the industry has shown that a customer searching for vehicles over the internet will almost always initiate the sales process with the dealership that responds back to them first.
Besides the cellular compatibility aspect of ContactAuto, there are countless other features of the system that will greatly benefit users. Included are both a calendar and "To Do" function, enabling automotive sales executives to manage their current customers and growing number of incoming e-mail leads more effectively. There are a number of valuable reports that can be run at the touch of a button, as well as mail merge and e-mail broadcasting capabilities that will save a dealership a great amount of both time and money in its regular communications with customers.
"I have been using the Contact Auto system for several months, and I am very excited about the methodology and performance of this new system. Our customer follow-up and retention will be greatly enhanced using this system, said Dav'ahnn Cartas, Internet Director, Pierre Ford Group of Washington. "The innovation of the wireless internet phone that enhances the salesperson's ability to effectively communicate with the client and to schedule a prompt appointment is fantastic. We have committed our organization to using the Contact Auto system, and know that it will continue to help us save valued time and greatly increase our production profitability."
Security is a major issue with Internet e-mail leads, as dealerships want to insure that their leads will not be misused in any way. ContactAuto provides security by maintaining all leads and customer information on an in-house secure server. A dealership will own all of their leads in ContactAuto, as well as all of the current customer information residing in their account. Auteo Media guarantees that a dealership's leads and contacts will never be sold or distributed to anybody for any reason whatsoever.
"I can't tell you how proud I am to offer this wonderful package to our dealership customers. Over 150,000 dealerships and 300,000 salespeople nationwide will be able to benefit from ContactAuto," said, Steve Van Leeuwen, President, Wireless/Contact Management for Auteo Media, Inc. "By allowing users to handle e-mail leads over a cell phone, ContactAuto is truly contact management ... in the palm of your hands."
About Auteo Media, Inc.:
Auteo Media, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: AUTM - news) is a leading provider of online data and media solutions to buyers and sellers of autos and auto accessories. Auteo Media operates Autoloco.com and Bidthatcar.com, providing one-stop convenience for consumers and dealers to locate and buy new and used vehicles and is developing Partcart.com, a OEM auto parts warehouse, Pocketauto.com and Palmauto.com, will provide auto dealers the ability to conduct online transactions at any time and anywhere, and Contactauto.com, a proprietary contact management system to help auto dealers maximize e-commerce customer interactions. Auteo Media works with more than 5000 auto dealerships, auto parts suppliers, and other commerce partners and is becoming one of the leading technology companies serving the automotive industry. For more information visit www.auteo.com.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Van Leeuwen, President
NASD has neither approved nor reviewed the information contained herein. Some statements in the report are forward looking and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, changes in law or regulations, demand for products and services of the company and the effect of competition. These risks and uncertainties could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Auteo Media, Inc.