The Cobalt Group and The AAA Clubs of New Jersey Launch Automotive Buying Web Site
14 July 2000
Partnership Expands Choice and Resources for Car Shoppers and Online Leads to New Jersey Auto Dealers
SEATTLE - The Cobalt Group , a leading provider of Internet-based business-to-business services to the automotive industry, and The AAA Clubs of New Jersey today announced the launch of a consumer car shopping Web site featuring AAA-affiliated dealers in New Jersey.This is the first time The AAA Clubs of New Jersey has extended its automotive services to include online car buying and dealer locator capabilities for its members.
The AAA Clubs of New Jersey automotive Web site, when fully implemented, will give members direct online access to new and used car inventories of 120 AAA-affiliated dealers in New Jersey. Visitors to the site, www.aaacarsonline.com, can research vehicles, find vehicles in dealers' inventory, locate a dealer and request price quotes from dealers as well as find many AAA member benefits. This is a free service to AAA members.
"The key to successful car shopping sites is comprehensive, current listings from a reliable source," said John Holt, president and CEO of The Cobalt Group. "Cobalt is helping The AAA Clubs of New Jersey expand online automotive resources for its members by creating a feature-rich car buying Web site and access to extensive inventory from AAA-approved car dealers."
Holt noted the benefit to dealers as well. "AAA recognizes the power of the Internet for selling cars and is adding value to its dealer affiliates by driving highly qualified car buyers to their Web sites."
"The launch of our online car buying site signifies The AAA Clubs of New Jersey's commitment to the continuing expansion of the valuable automotive resources we provide to our 1.8 million members in New Jersey," said Brian St. Leger, director, Automotive Services for The AAA Clubs of New Jersey. "Since AAA's inception, it has been our focus to advocate for motorists and travelers, and we are committed to embracing innovation and technology to further benefit our members." St. Leger also commented that "The Internet provides great opportunities to extend the value we bring to our members. Teaming up with The Cobalt Group on this endeavor shows our commitment to developing a first-class, state-of-the-art car shopping Web site."
About AAA New Jersey Automobile Club
The AAA Clubs of New Jersey, four affiliates of AAA, is a membership organization providing valuable benefits to 1.8 million members residing in the State of New Jersey. Since its founding in 1902 the American Automobile Association (AAA) of independent clubs has been an advocate for the motorist and traveler. AAA fights for motorists' legislative battles, and assists in making sure our roadways are safe for all travelers.
A not-for-profit organization with more than 44 million members, AAA is well respected for its credibility and integrity. Known primarily for providing emergency road service, maps and travel publications, AAA also has a broad range of travel services, financial services, member-benefit programs and public service activities.
Just as AAA, its clubs and members helped to shape America in the 1900s, the Association will continue this role in the virtual realm as well as in the realities of new millennium.
About The Cobalt Group
The Cobalt Group(TM) , based in Seattle, is a leading provider of Internet-based products and services for the automotive industry. Through Internet-based application development and hosting, data management, and online referral services, Cobalt helps dealers, dealer groups and automobile manufacturers harness the power of the Internet to realize new efficiencies, win new prospects and better serve their customers.
With approximately 6,000 dealer Web site clients, over 10,000 dealers using its parts locating system, and relationships with 16 automotive manufacturers and more than 50 of the 100 largest dealer groups in the United States, Cobalt is one of the leading technology companies serving the automotive industry. Cobalt operates MotorPlace.com(TM), a business-to-business vertical portal for the automotive industry; DealerNet(R) (www.dealernet.com), one of the best-known automotive destination sites on the Web; and PartsVoice(R) (www.partsvoice.com), a leading OEM auto parts locating and data management service. The Cobalt Group also owns IntegraLink Corporation, the auto industry's premier provider of advanced data extraction and reporting services. Cobalt offers Web site services that are endorsed by the National Automobile Dealers Association.
