REDMOND, Wash., July 25, 2000 — The MSN ÒCarPoint™
online automotive service, the most-visited car-buying site on the Web, today announced that it will give away two years’ worth of free gasoline* as part of its month-long Free Gas Giveaway consumer promotion.**
Eligible consumers who visit CarPoint now through Aug. 31 can register to win by simply clicking on the
“free gas for two years”
banner from the home page.
With the recent jump to higher fuel prices, consumers are spending more and more to fill up before getting to where they need to go. Currently, U.S. drivers are paying an average of $1.53 for every gallon they put in their tanks, up roughly 37 cents a gallon from last year at this time.
“Americans need to start maximizing every gallon of fuel,”
said Mark Hickling, editor and publisher of CarPoint.
“CarPoint provides consumers with the latest news and content including gas-saving tips to cut down on trips to the pump. Our simple tips, like not letting your car idle for too long or limiting air conditioning use in traffic, help save on fuel.”
In addition to tips and advice, CarPoint provides information about the most fuel-efficient and gas-guzzling cars. Atop the list of fuel-friendly cars are the Honda Insight, Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Jetta. The Dodge Ram Wagon, Ford Econoline and Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE are among the top gas guzzlers.
“Drivers are paying 30 percent more than they were a year ago to fill their tanks,”
said Betsy Frost, director of consumer services at CarPoint.
“We’re excited to provide consumers with the timely information they need and want every day to make it easier to buy and own a car. Tips on saving gas and a chance to win two years of free gas are easy ways to provide value for our consumers.”
About CarPoint
Launched in October 1995, MSN CarPoint (located at http://www.carpoint.com/ ) is the leading online automotive marketplace, receiving more than 6 million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new and used car pricing, the CarPoint site helps consumers find the car they love, at a price they can afford. With details on more than 10,000 car models and 100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance.
CarPoint generates more than $650 million in auto sales each month. With the planned acquisition of DriveOff.com, CarPoint will have a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide and is exclusively endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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.
*Two years’ worth of free gasoline awarded as one-time $2,600 cash payment, based upon an average weekly gas expense of $25 per week for 104 weeks.
** No purchase necessary. Game ends Aug. 31, 2000. Open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older who are licensed drivers in legal state of residence at time of entry. For full rules see promotional site.
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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