REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 4, 2002 — MSN® Autos service, formerly MSN Carpoint®
, the world’s largest network of automotive research, buying and ownership services, today announced an agreement with the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing Inc., the leading provider of computing solutions to more than 16,000 automotive and truck dealers worldwide.
Through this relationship, consumers are able to access the Service and Repair feature as part of MSN Autos’ free My Car service, which also offers customizable, real-time traffic reports; gas price information; driving directions; as well as warranty, recall and vehicle book value information from leading industry partners. The new Service and Repair feature includes content and services that will link users of MSN Autos with auto dealers in their area. Consumers can check local availability and schedule auto maintenance and repair visits online with auto repair service providers of their choice by selecting the Service and Repair link from the MSN Autos home page ( http://autos.msn.com/ ).
Through the Service and Repair feature, users can quickly and easily schedule online appointments for services such as oil changes, tire alignment, tune-ups or general car maintenance through a growing network of national retail automotive dealer locations. Consumers also can view dealer schedules and receive e-mail appointment reminders. In addition, users of MSN Autos can receive e-mail notifications of manufacturers’ recalls and regularly scheduled maintenance recommendations.
“Teaming with ADP’s Dealer Services Group enables MSN Autos to enhance our existing ownership services to meet the needs of car buyers and owners, saving them time and money,”
said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of MSN Autos at Microsoft Corp.
“This strategic relationship further demonstrates our commitment to working with industry leaders to provide the most-comprehensive online research, car-buying and ownership services available, and we will continue to introduce useful, everyday services to consumers as part of the MSN network.”
“Our alliance with MSN Autos allows us to provide new value and convenience to the 4 million car owners that use MSN Autos ownership services, and exposes our nationally affiliated automotive service centers to the millions of users that visit MSN each month,”
said Bob Karp, senior vice president of eCommerce at ADP.
“Through our innovative products, ADP makes it easier for auto dealers and manufacturers to connect with and provide enhanced service and value to their customers.”
The ownership features of MSN Autos are designed to help consumers maintain detailed information relevant to their car-care needs. More than 4 million consumers have signed up for MSN Autos’ personalized ownership features, including the more than 2.5 million subscribers to MSN Autos’ My Car service, enabling them to personalize and maintain information relevant to their vehicle, driving behavior or location. Automotive dealers interested in more information about becoming a part of this nationwide service network can visit http://www.dealersuite.com/adp/msn/ .
About MSN Autos
Launched in October 1995, MSN Autos is the world’s largest network of automotive buying and ownership services, visited by more than 10 million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, MSN Autos 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. MSN Autos has a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide and is exclusively endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association.
About ADP Dealer Services
ADP Dealer Services provides integrated computing solutions to more than 16,000 automotive and truck dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. ADP Dealer Services Group is the third largest business unit of ADP. ADP (NYSE “ADP”), with $7 billion in revenues and more than 500,000 clients, is one of the largest independent computing services firms in the world. More information on ADP Dealer Services is available on the Internet at http://www.dealersuite.com .
About MSN
MSN has 9 million subscriptions and attracts more than 300 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .
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.
Microsoft, MSN and Carpoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
ADP is a registered trademark of ADP of North America, Inc.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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