DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2000 — Want to wheel around the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in your pajamas? Those who do can check out the MSN TM CarPoint TM online car-buying Web site ( http://www.carpoint.MSN.com/ ) and link to its exclusive Internet coverage of the NAIAS beginning Jan. 9.
CarPoint is the virtual ticket to the show and the exclusive backstage pass to view unforgettable cars of the future before they are unveiled to the general public. In fact, show coverage on CarPoint starts a week before the doors officially open.
As the official Web site of NAIAS for the third consecutive year, CarPoint offers streaming video, surround videos and editorial reviews from the show floor, as well as a preview of the 60 hottest new cars as they are unveiled during the auto show’s exclusive media days. In addition, all the action can be viewed via the virtual show floor map on CarPoint, which streams live views of the show floor onto the Internet.
CarPoint will also include three special Digital Showcases (miniature Web sites) produced by premier sponsors of CarPoint to extend their brand and model messages to a global online audience. Digital Showcases feature surround videos of new cars launched at NAIAS, including 360-degree interior and exterior views and synchronized virtual vehicle unveilings and product announcements in real time. Participants this year include Chevrolet, a division of General Motors Corp.; Volvo Group North America Inc. for the second year; and Toyota and Lexus, divisions of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
“The Digital Showcases highlight the CarPoint commitment to the automotive industry by offering manufacturers a premium opportunity to reach and involve car shoppers in an interactive environment not found anywhere else,”
said Lindsay Sparks, CEO of MSN CarPoint.
“Since this is our third consecutive year as the show’s official and exclusive Web site, we’ve really been able to take advantage of our technology to best serve both the car manufacturer and the car buyer.”
New for 2000, the auto experts at CarPoint will announce their picks for the top 10
“most unforgettable cars”
of the 20th century, including famous cars from television and film. The top three
“unforgettable cars”
will be featured on the CarPoint Web site in 360-degree streaming video. Consumers will also have the opportunity to nominate their favorite cars by answering a series of fun questions in the MSN CarPoint
“Most Unforgettable Cars”
consumer poll and sweepstakes. Those who complete the poll may be entered to win a grand prize of a
“most unforgettable car”
from the past century.*
In addition to the extensive show coverage provided on MSN CarPoint, national talk radio host, syndicated newspaper columnist and best-selling author Kim Komando will be on the floor providing expert editorial commentary. A car enthusiast, Komando will report on what makes a car unforgettable and will highlight some of the best cars of the last century as well as cars at the show that may be unforgettable during the next century.
“Americans love cars. I’ve seen a lot of lists recently trying to name the ‘best’ car ever, but what we’re finding from our poll is that most Americans would rather talk about the old family station wagon they rode in as a kid, or the first car they bought for themselves. These are the cars that are truly unforgettable to them,”
Komando said.
“The experts at CarPoint came up with 10 ‘unforgettable’ categories to determine which cars hold a special place in our hearts, whether they are real cars from our past or ones we all remember from television or the movies.”
About CarPoint
One of the Internet’s most established sites, CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site offering users complete car-buying and car-care information. First available in July 1996, CarPoint gives users fast, convenient access to detailed specifications and pricing information, reviews and advice from leading automotive writers, interactive decision-management tools, and personalized maintenance and recall information. CarPoint is available free on the World Wide Web at http://www.carpoint.MSN.com/ (connect-time charges may apply).
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
*No purchase necessary. Game ends Jan. 9, 2000. Open to U.S. residents 18 years or older. See http://www.carpoint.MSN.com/ for full rules.
Microsoft, MSN and CarPoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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