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Honda Launches Streamlined e-Commerce Web Site

13 December 2000

Honda Launches Streamlined e-Commerce Web Site

    TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 13 Honda has launched the second
phase of its e-Commerce Internet shopping initiative by providing customers
with more and faster information, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced
today.
    The site, http://www.ehonda.com, was first launched in May 2000.  Customer
feedback has led to a number of changes to streamline the process and provide
direct access to configure a vehicle and obtain a price quote.
    "Originally a customer might click through several screens to reach the
page where they can configure a car and ask for a price quote," said Steve
Center, senior manager for e-Business at American Honda.  "Now you can begin
configuring a vehicle after just one screen."
    Once a customer configures their new Honda vehicle, they can ask the site
for assistance in selecting a dealer.  Five dealers will be listed, with
priority given to those dealers with which the customer has a prior sales or
service relationship.  Other dealers will be listed based on proximity to the
customer.
    The site will indicate which dealers are a "Honda Certified Internet
Dealer."  The number of "Internet Certified" dealers has grown from about
260 in Phase One to more than 400 with the launch of Phase Two.  In addition,
more than 900 of Honda's 1,000 dealers are expected to achieve "Certified
Internet Dealer" status by spring 2001.
    To achieve "Certified Internet" status, a dealer must maintain a dedicated
Internet sales staff and agree to respond within one working hour and no
longer than 24 hours to consumer requests for price quotes or questions.  The
dealer must also be a member of the Honda Interactive Network and maintain a
Honda-approved dealership web site.

    Other features of http://www.ehonda.com include:

    -- Product and accessory configuration;
    -- Printable features, specs and price quote verification;
    -- Finance/lease payment calculator;
    -- On-line credit pre-approval through American Honda Finance Corporation;
    -- Kelley Blue Book trade-in information;
    -- Special "Internet Only" offers and printable Special Offer
       certificates;
    -- Electronic test drives appointments;
    -- Printable map to dealership; and,
    -- Customer survey form.

    The updated consumer shopping site also will indicate which dealers have
earned the Honda President's Award for superior customer satisfaction,
business management and new car sales.  Only about 20 percent of Honda's
1,000 dealerships earn the award annually.
    The Internet Certified dealers also are able to provide customers with
access to their inventories.  If the exact model requested is not available, a
list of similar vehicles will be provided.  Customers also are able to
schedule a test drive or hold a vehicle electronically at these dealerships.
    "These improvements will make it more convenient and easier for our
customers to navigate the Honda web site," Center said.  "As a result it will
improve their overall shopping and buying experience and that's our primary
objective."