REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 8, 2001 — The MSN® Carpoint™
online automotive service, the most visited car-buying and ownership site on the Web, today announced its exclusive sponsorship as the official Web site of the North America International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Carpoint will provide a backstage pass to the show, including views of the hottest cars before the doors of the show are open to the general public. In addition to the 6 million consumers that visit Carpoint each month, the 230 million monthly users of MSN can access show coverage with only a single click. Show coverage begins Jan. 7, with a glimpse at more than 50 new production and concept cars, which will be unveiled during four preshow media days.
For the fourth consecutive year as the show’s official Web site, Carpoint will take consumers behind the scenes with streaming video highlights, extensive photography, 360-degree surround videos and editorial reportage from the show floor. The Carpoint Celebrity Fashion Editor, Todd Oldham, will be at the NAIAS media days offering his personal perspective, aesthetic and lifestyle commentary as well as conducting interviews on the hottest car trends – from new interiors and hybrid vehicles to the return of the station wagon. With photos, videos and content updated as vehicles are unveiled, the Carpoint Virtual Show Floor will offer an experience unlike any other. The Cobo Center in Detroit, complete with webcams in the ceilings, will let consumers tuning into the Carpoint Web site navigate the venue as if they were actually on the show floor during the show’s public days Saturday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 21.
“We are very proud of our sponsorship of NAIAS,”
said Jeff Dossett, CEO of Carpoint at Microsoft Corp.
“Carpoint is committed to providing consumers with the most in-depth automotive content to make car buying easier and more interesting than ever. With the help of the NAIAS team, we’ve been able to take advantage of new technologies to provide car enthusiasts with the first look at the new vehicles as they are unveiled in Detroit.”
Consumers can take a sneak peek at advance photos of new production and concept cars that are scheduled to be unveiled at this year’s show. Enthusiasts can preview the full schedule of unveilings, as well as take a ride back in time to learn more about the history of the nation’s premier international auto show.
Carpoint will also include three Digital Showcases produced by premier sponsors Toyota/Lexus, The GM Experience Live and Ford to present their newest vehicles to a global online audience. The Digital Showcases will feature 360-degree interior and exterior views, and synchronized virtual vehicle unveilings and product announcements in real time.
In addition to the extensive show coverage provided by Carpoint, consumers can register to win a new car or a mobile family entertainment center.* The auto theatre giveaway, sponsored by Crutchfield Corp., includes a Sony 6-inch LCD monitor, Infiniti Kappa 3-way speakers and a Panasonic DVD player, with a total value over $3,000.
About Carpoint
Launched in October 1995, Carpoint ( http://www.carpoint.com/ ) is the leading online automotive marketplace, visited by more than 6 million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new and used car pricing, Carpoint 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. With a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide, Carpoint generates more than $8 billion in auto sales each year 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.
* No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older. Games end Jan. 26, 2001. For full rules, see Web site at http://www.carpoint.com/ .
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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