Autoweb Introduces Powerful New Research Tools to Search-by-Features and Compare When Auto Shopping
14 November 2000
Autoweb Introduces Powerful New Research Tools to Search-by-Features and Compare When Auto Shopping
New Tools Allow Consumers to Make More Informed Vehicle Buying Decisions
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 14 Autoweb.com, Inc. , the leading automotive internet service,
today introduced new Search-by-Features research tools, AutoResearcher(TM), to
help consumers make the most informed automotive purchasing decisions. With
these in-depth tools, consumers can search for vehicles based on features such
as safety, comfort and performance criteria and make side-by-side comparisons
of selected vehicles. This new functionality is available on
http://www.autoweb.com and http://www.autoweb.lycos.com .
"These new research features enable consumers to have a truly unique
automotive purchasing experience," said Bill Barrett, Autoweb's AIC President.
"By enhancing its search and comparison capabilities, Autoweb is giving
consumers more valuable information and the power to make more confident
purchasing decisions."
Consumers can customize their vehicle search by choosing from more than
100 search criteria including safety, comfort and performance. They may
choose from features such as airbags, cruise control and all-wheel drive.
Once the criteria are input by the automotive shopper, the Search-By-Features
function displays a list of matching vehicles, along with a photograph and
brief description. Automotive shoppers can refine their search by adding or
removing search criteria any time during the search process.
The automotive shopper can then select a desired vehicle to learn about
pricing and added options for the selected vehicle, as well as how it compares
to its competitive vehicles. Automotive shoppers can also view color swatches
available for each specified vehicle.
The enhanced comparison functionality offers automotive shoppers a more
robust comparison tool with many new options. Once a vehicle is selected from
the original search, the consumer can choose from a list of competitive brands
generated by an analysis of the vehicle's price, body style and other
characteristics. A side-by-side comparison of these multiple, different
vehicles is then created, showing a comprehensive comparison of all key
vehicle features and specifications, ranging from air conditioning options to
the entertainment system.
The new and enhanced research features are available on the Research
section of http://www.autoweb.com and http://www.autoweb.lycos.com by clicking
on "Research New Autos." The technology is based on Autoweb's Automotive
Information Center's (AIC) AutoResearcher(TM) and AutoComparator(TM), part of
the AIC AutoSuite(TM), a package of research tools and data that offers
consumers a complete vehicle-buying experience over the Internet.
About Automotive Information Center (AIC)
The Automotive Information Center (AIC) division of Autoweb is the leading
provider of automotive content, data and intelligent tools used to power
Internet services, portals and manufacturer Web sites. AIC researchers rely
on decades of industry experience to create the most accurate, comprehensive
and up-to-date research platform in the business. All AIC data and tools
feature our unique optimal price capabilities, which enable consumers to
configure and compare vehicles on the basis of lowest possible price.
Through Autoweb's data, technology and tools, visitors to sites powered by
the AIC technology are able to configure a vehicle by manufacturer, make,
model, trim specifications and other option packages, as well as perform
side-by-side competitive vehicle comparisons. This proprietary technology
provides a competitive advantage for dealers and enhances the shopper's
experience by offering realistic, actionable information.
About Autoweb
Autoweb is the leading automotive Internet service, guiding users through
every stage of vehicle ownership. Through it's direct and referral commerce
channels, Autoweb offers consumers a variety of ways to purchase new and used
vehicles in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers, local Member Dealers and
other commerce partners. The Company's Web site also provides consumers with
a wide range of automotive-related products to support the complete lifecycle
of the vehicle, including finance, insurance and maintenance. Autoweb
features comprehensive, unbiased research from its Automotive Information
Center (AIC) division.
Autoweb also continues to set the standard in the business-to-business
marketplace by providing Web sites with the most advanced technology to view
automotive information, and the most accurate and reliable automotive data and
content. Currently, major automobile manufacturers, including BMW,
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota, use Autoweb's
automotive data to power their sites. The major consumer portals also use
Autoweb's content and technology, including AOL, Lycos, MSN Carpoint and GO.
AIC AutoSuite is highly configurable for any individual AIC customer, as the
interface can match any look and feel, while vehicles (both target and
competitor) and specific features can be limited to any selection desired.
For more information, please visit http://www.autoweb.com and
http://www.autosite.com .