CNET.com Launches "Car Tech" a Guide for Today's Auto and Technology Enthusiasts (Sounds Like TACH's "Cars and Computers" Section- Oh Well)

Technology features and add-ons for cars are increasingly becoming key differentiators in the automotive industry, as well as important decision points for auto buyers. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, today one in four families with children consider the ability to easily upgrade their vehicles with entertainment electronics of their choosing an important factor in car choice, and 80 percent of the same families would choose an upgradeable car versus one where choice is locked out.(1)

CNET Car Tech offers a technology lens through which consumers can evaluate devices made for navigation, audio and video, networking, security, and more. Additionally, the CNET editors will test and evaluate high-tech features that contribute to a car's comfort, convenience, and safety, such as adaptive cruise control, collision warning systems, driver alertness monitoring, night vision systems, and much more. Special attention will also be paid to hybrid technology through a Hybrid Buying Guide, which will include an interactive Fuel Cost Calculator to help consumers figure out exactly how much money they would save if they bought a Hybrid.

"There are many places to find information on the latest cars, but CNET Car Tech is the only one that addresses what is arguably the most exciting advancement in autos, as well as one of the biggest new drivers of purchase -- the technology inside of them," said Candice Meyers, senior vice president of CNET.com. "Car Tech is a natural extension of CNET's coverage, leveraging the interactive nature of the Internet to provide community features, product comparison tools, photo slide shows, and expert, unbiased content that will immerse our audience, helping them to understand what technology products to buy, as well as how to integrate them into their lives."

Car Tech features include:

-- Product Reviews -- CNET's expert editors provide in-depth text and video reviews of high-tech cars, hybrid cars, and the portable gear made for them, giving the good, bad and bottom line perspective

-- Feature Stories/Buying Guides -- Comprehensive articles about product categories and trends such as car-ready Bluetooth phones, as well as buying guides like the Hybrid Buying Guide and Ten Hot Cars for Techies

-- Car Chooser -- Consumer can find out which cars come standard and which ones offer optional technology like Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation devices

-- Video Glossary -- A collection of videos and definitions that walk the user through basic car technologies like Bluetooth and GPS

-- Weekend Project -- Step-by-step tutorials that use video and text to walk people through do-in-yourself projects, such as "How to iPod Your Car"

-- "Driving It" Column -- CNET's Editor-at-large and well-known technology expert Brian Cooley shares his thoughts from the road

-- Auto Show Coverage -- Visually rich coverage, including slide shows and video of the major auto shows and the technology innovations unveiled at each one

-- "Spin Your Wheels" Community forums -- A forum for the CNET community to share its knowledge of trends and solutions on car technology issues

-- Show Us Yours: Car Edition -- Photos of tricked-out cars from CNET's users that promise to entertain and inspire

At launch, CNET Car Tech sponsors include companies like Audi of America and Honda, showing its early appeal to top-tier car advertisers. The site offers a unique opportunity to promote the latest auto advancements, such as hybrid cars and in-dash technology, to CNET's audience of millions of technology enthusiasts each month who are eager to learn about the latest developments.

"In today's world of rising gas prices and environmental awareness, consumers are anxious to learn about the latest advancements in automotive technology," said Ann Palmer from Honda. "We look for contextually relevant marketing opportunities that will help us educate and provide value to their audience as well as enhance our brand. CNET Car Tech offers the right demographic, combined with cutting-edge interactive ad units for us to showcase our latest developments."

About CNET.com

CNET, a property of CNET Networks, Inc., is dedicated to helping people buy and use personal technology to enhance and enrich their lives. CNET's award-winning editorial staff reviews thousands of products each year, providing expert and unbiased advice on what products to buy. The site also offers help and how-to features enhanced with video content that visually shows consumers how to get the most out of technology once they own it. And, with an extensive directory of more than 400,000 products and price comparisons, CNET also gives consumers the most up-to-date and efficient shopping resource on the Web.

About CNET Networks, Inc.

CNET Networks, Inc. is a worldwide media company and creator of content environments for the interactive age. CNET Networks takes pride in being "a different kind of media company," creating richer, deeper interactive experiences by combining the wisdom and passion of users, marketers and its own expert editors. CNET Networks' leading brands -- such as CNET, GameSpot, MP3.com, Webshots, and ZDNet -- focus on the personal technology, entertainment, and business technology categories. The company has a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe.

(1) CEA Market Research, Defining the Consumer Friendly Automobile for Aftermarket Electronics