DETROIT, Dec. 28, 1998 — People from around the world can beat the crowds to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit by checking out the MSN
™
CarPoint
™
online automotive service ( http://www.carpoint.MSN.com/ ) Dec. 18, 1998, through Jan. 18, 1999. As the official Web site of NAIAS, CarPoint provides extensive coverage of the auto show, including show previews beginning Dec. 18, live coverage of the exclusive press days Jan. 3-6, and ongoing video coverage throughout the show.
With streaming video, surround videos and editorial reviews from the show floor, CarPoint provides a backstage pass to the 60 hottest new cars as they are unveiled during the auto show’s exclusive media days. In addition, all of the action on the show floor can be viewed via the virtual show floor map on CarPoint, which streams live views of the show floor onto the Internet.
For the first time, coverage on CarPoint will include editorial commentary from resident pop psychotherapist Dr. Will Miller, who will report on the cultural significance of the new cars’ colors, shapes and designs and what these new trends say about American drivers. Understanding the intense personal relationship car owners have with their automobiles, Dr. Will has found that people’s cars say a lot about who they are and that the new cars unveiled in Detroit point to larger trends.
“Consumers have a strong psychological connection with their cars,”
Dr. Will said.
“Last year’s new Beetle demonstrated baby boomers’ yearning for the past. This year is most likely going to be about Americans seeking safety and security in cars like the new BMW SUV.”
Also featured on CarPoint through Jan. 18 is Dr. Will’s personal car analysis. On the analysis page, consumers can enter simple information about their car including color, make and model, and Dr. Will will provide an analysis of what their car says about them.
MSN CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site offering users complete car-buying and car-care information. First available in August 1996, CarPoint gives users fast, convenient access to detailed specifications and pricing information, reviews and advice from leading automotive writers, interactive decision-management tools, a new- and used-car buying service, and personalized maintenance and recall information. MSN CarPoint is available free on the World Wide Web at http://www.carpoint.MSN.com/ (connect-time charges may apply).
MSN is the network of Internet services from Microsoft Corp. that helps people better organize the Web around what’s important to them. The network of MSN services, located on the Web at MSN.com ( http://MSN.com/ ), helps people easily stay in touch with friends and colleagues, make smart and secure purchasing decisions, and get more done. MSN offers award-winning e-mail functionality; personal communications services; customizable access to news; popular sites for travel, investing, automotive services, shopping and more; an online community; a Web search engine and directories; and top-rated Internet access.
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, MSN 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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