Microsoft CarPoint Opens Up Used-Car Market With Version 2.0 of Web Site

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 23, 1997 — The Microsoft® CarPoint
™
online automotive service (http://www.carpoint.com/) , the Internet’s No. 1 online automotive service according to Hot100, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking version 2.0 with a host of features and tools that places it at the top of the online automotive information and buying market.

“With the launch of version 2.0, CarPoint is now the most comprehensive end-to-end research and buying service anywhere online,” said Alex Simons, CarPoint product manager. “CarPoint version 2.0 allow consumers at any stage of the car-buying process to use the site to make an informed decision about buying a new or used car.”

In addition to its already popular new and used car-buying services, reviews, loan calculator and surround videos, CarPoint version 2.0 includes many powerful new features. Visitors to the CarPoint site will now find Kelley Blue Book pricing, dynamic side-by-side comparisons, used car reliability ratings, extensive state and local interest rates, expanded reviews and more detailed specifications.

“This is a paradigm shift in the way people shop for and buy automobiles,” said Lindsay Sparks, general manager, automotive product unit at Microsoft. “People want to research and choose the car that’s best for them, they do not want to spend a lot of time, and they expect to get the car at a fair price, in a convenient, hassle-free way. With CarPoint version 2.0, there is finally a place that provides both new and used car shoppers with exactly what they want.”

One of the notable differences between CarPoint version 2.0 and other automotive Web sites is the way Microsoft has addressed every stage of the new and used car shopping process, from initial research to actual purchase. By bringing together a wide array of content, software and services, CarPoint is the Internet’s first “automotive super site.” This all-in-one approach greatly decreases the time users currently spend hopping from site to site searching for the information they need.

Some of the new features of CarPoint include the following:

  • Side-by-Side Compare. Users can construct their own comparisons between any two cars (new or used) they choose and get a complete rundown of all the details.

  • Reliability ratings. Never-before-available in-depth reliability ratings, including frequent problems and estimated repair costs for used cars introduced since 1991. These ratings, based on over 250,000 yearly incident reports from the Automotive Information Services Identifix program, are available exclusively on the CarPoint Web site.

  • CarPoint Auto-Pricer. An interactive sticker builder that guides users through the maze of options and packages, building a detailed report with MSRP and dealer invoice pricing information.

  • Kelley Blue Book. Completely integrated retail pricing and trade-in value information from the country’s recognized leader in used car pricing information.

  • CarPoint Interactive Classifieds. Nationwide listings for over 100,000 used cars, all updated nightly, directly from dealer inventory systems.

Microsoft CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site, offering users complete car-buying information. First available in August 1996, CarPoint gives users access to detailed specifications, reviews from the leading automotive journalists, detailed pricing information, interactive decision-management tools, and a new and used car buying service.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft and CarPoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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