IntelliChoice partners with Microsoft on CarSource — the premier on-line shopping guide; Just-the-Facts auto reports now on Microsoft Network

Business Wire, Oct 23, 1995

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(AutomotiveWire)--Oct. 23, 1995--IntelliChoice, Inc. announced today its partnership with Microsoft in the release of CarSource, the premier automobile shopping guide for on-line users.

CarSource is an easy-to-use, comprehensive automotive resource that provides detailed, valuable information on nearly every new vehicle sold in the United States. A powerful Criteria Finder feature allows you to search the CarSource database for the new car criteria that are the most important to you.

Every vehicle is displayed in full-color detail along with information from IntelliChoice's proprietary database including: maintenance and repair costs, retail prices, specifications, safety features, fuel efficiency and more. Users also have access to a community of other car buyers via "chat" and bulletin-board groups on Microsoft Network. CarSource gives users the information they need to make smart, informed buying decisions, in an entertaining new structure.

Also, users can now download Just-the-Facts reports through CarSource. These comprehensive pricing reports allow users to determine and negotiate the best possible deal on nearly 900 new vehicles on the market. The Just-the-Facts reports, available for $7.95 each, will include detailed information such as dealer invoice and retail pricing for every package, option, and feature for every trim level of the chosen model. And for the very first time, the Just-the-Facts report will include IntelliChoice's proprietary cost of ownership data, the industry's only true indicator of what it really costs to actually own a car.

Until now, this data has been available in their two annual reference books, The Complete Car Cost Guide, and The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide. "Anyone with a Just-the-Facts report has a huge advantage when selecting and negotiating for his or her car," said Peter Levy, President of IntelliChoice. "CarSource adds 24-hour instant access to this information," he added.

The CarSource is the result of an agreement between Microsoft and IntelliChoice to develop and deliver a comprehensive on-line buying guide for automobile purchasing. By offering the program on-line, Microsoft and IntelliChoice can ensure that the information provided to users is continually updated to ensure accuracy and timeliness -- two critical elements in reviewing information about cars.

IntelliChoice has an international reputation as an evaluator of automobile economics. The company analyzes vehicles based on the cost of owning and operating them over a five-year period and rates cars using factors such as depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel efficiency, financing and other cost areas.

IntelliChoice is a privately held company incorporated in 1987. IntelliChoice publishes The Complete Car Cost Guide and The Complete Small Truck Guide, $45.00 each. For more information or to order call 1-800/CAR-BOOK, email info@intellichoice.com, or visit their web site at http://www.intellichoice.com. For an additional Fact Sheet on CarSource, please contact either Benton McMillan-Gordon or Sharon Mor at 408/866-1400 exts. 307 and 327 respectively. -0-

Note to Editors: IntelliChoice, Inc., Just-the-Facts, ArmChair Compare, The Complete Car Cost Guide, and The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide are either registered trademarks or trademarks of IntelliChoice, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, MSN, and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

CONTACT: IntelliChoice

Benton McMillan-Gordon, 408/866-1400