REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22, 1998 — The Microsoft® CarPoint
™
online automotive service ( http://www.carpoint.com/ ) was the most-visited auto-purchase Web site for three straight months ending Aug. 31, and ranked among the top 30 Internet shopping sites during the same period according to Media Metrix, a leading Internet rating service.
The Media Metrix ranking caps a yearlong period during which visitor traffic to the CarPoint Web site grew more than 200 percent, according to Microsoft Corp., which reported that nearly 1.5 million unique users visited CarPoint during the month of August.
“Consumers recognize that CarPoint is a fast, easy way to research a new- or used-car purchase, and to buy a new car online,” said Lindsay Sparks, business unit manager for CarPoint. “Microsoft CarPoint offers consumers a wealth of authoritative information about new and used cars. Our software makes it easy to sort through this data, choose the right car and then close a hassle-free, no-haggle deal.”
Rob Enderle, an analyst at Giga Information Group, said his successful experience buying an automobile through CarPoint gave him insight into why consumers are visiting the site in such great numbers.
“As a delighted customer, I believe the success of CarPoint is the result of Microsoft’s focus on providing ease of use, well-organized information and a positive customer experience,” Enderle said. “CarPoint is a high-quality implementation that reflects very well on Microsoft’s tools and the company’s ability to partner with other industries to create a compelling online-buying experience for consumers.”
Media Metrix tracks World Wide Web audience ratings, proprietary online services, computer software and hardware, and other new interactive technologies. Before August, Media Metrix reported home- and work-based Internet use separately. August was the first month in which Media Metrix combined its At Home and At Work World Wide Web audience samples.
Microsoft CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site that offers users complete car-buying information. Launched in August 1996, CarPoint gives users fast, convenient 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 “MFST”) 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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