WheelsTV Network Announces TOP 200; Consumers Can 'Test-Drive' 200 Different Models

ACTON, Mass.--Nov. 2, 20049, 2004--WheelsTV(TM) (www.WheelsTV.net), the first television network devoted exclusively to the world's fascination with cars, trucks and motorcycles, today announced TOP 200(TM), a program series that will air on the network and as a video-on-demand showcase. Top 200(TM) will provide viewers with an innovative way to shop for new motor vehicles.

Top 200(TM) will put consumers behind the wheel of the 200 most popular cars, light trucks and SUVs on the road today. Through a recently announced alliance with Edmunds.com, the world-leader in automotive data, WheelsTV, which will launch in 2005, is creating engaging video test drives that will aid consumers as they shop for their new vehicles.

With the click of a TV remote or a mouse, consumers will have access to a virtual test drive of the latest models. They'll enjoy detailed interior and exterior views, plus exciting performance and safety demonstrations. Top 200(TM) combines full-motion entertainment with important car shopping information in a seamless program that enhances cable, satellite and broadband business models.

Cable Operators will gain a new advertising showcase that can be sold to local automotive dealers and other advertisers. With the recent roll-out of interactive television capabilities, many cable operators will also be able to provide leads directly to their advertisers.

The VOD showcase will be complemented by a television series on WheelsTV Network that will profile and compare a specific class of new vehicles within each show. Whether interested in sports cars or light trucks, consumers will be able to watch selected shows on the schedule or save them to their DVRs and zip from model to model to compare features and benefits.

Top 200(TM) was developed in part to support WheelsTV's distribution partners' goals of increasing their share of both national and local automotive advertising. It does this by helping national and local advertisers to more effectively use cable, satellite and broadband capabilities to reach their target customers--people already thinking about motor vehicles.

"WheelsTV is focused on partnering with program distributors to grow their video and advertising businesses," says Greg Willis, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing. "Top 200 is just one example of how we will support revenue generation."

"Top 200(TM) is the next giant step in the car shopping experience," says Jim Barisano, chairman of WheelsTV. "We believe that WheelsTV's Top 200(TM) will become an essential consumer service. Whether through VOD, DVRs or broadband, consumers will be able to gather key vehicle information, and narrow their search for a new set of wheels. And, if they're just curious about the latest designs, they'll be able to watch exciting, action-filled vehicle profiles whenever they want."

Top 200(TM) is an innovative program service of WheelsTV that gives consumers the tools they need in a factual yet entertaining manner. Each vehicle will be presented with clear, unbiased commentary and no editorial opinions. Edmunds.com will provide its branded data, such as True Market Value Pricing(R), incentive and rebate reports and True Cost to Own(TM) analysis and WheelsTV will deliver the colorful, action filled video.

ABOUT WheelsTV

WheelsTV (www.WheelsTV.net) is the first television network in the U.S. devoted exclusively to consumers' interests in cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles--serving both the general audience and the enthusiast with a wide spectrum of vehicle-based entertainment, information and news. WheelsTV and WheelsTV on Demand have been developed by the producers of multi-awarding winning automotive programming for Discovery, PBS, Speedvision, Fox and Outdoor Life Networks including Wild About Wheels, Wheels and Motor Trend Television. WheelsTV is a program service of Automotive Networks LLC, headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts. The network is dedicated to celebrating the beauty, action, fun, and excitement of the world's love affair with the motor vehicle.