eParts eXchange Partners with Dunn Systems to Create an Internet B2B Automotive Aftermarket Exchange, Auction and Aggregation e-Commerce Site

Business Wire, March 24, 2000

Business Editors, E-Commerce & Automotive Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2000

eParts eXchange (EPX), a subsidiary of Universal Automotive Industries (UVSL), announced a strategic partnership with Dunn Systems, Inc, one of the Chicago area's foremost information technology consulting firms. The companies will be creating a truly innovative B2B automotive aftermarket exchange, auction and aggregation e-Commerce site. EPX will combine UVSL's twenty years of automotive experience with Dunn's extensive integration expertise to create a dynamic trading, auction and exchange marketplace to service the $400 billion global automotive aftermarket.

EPX will focus its efforts on the Commodity and Surplus segments of this market. UVSL has successfully built up a Commodity business of over $5 million in annual sales with only a modest effort. EPX will significantly expand this Commodities business using the leverage of the Internet. In addition, EPX will set up an Internet-based solution to the growing problem of excess inventory, which significantly impacts the profitability of automotive aftermarket parts distributors at all levels. The EPX Internet solution will allow traditional aftermarket distributors, retailers and manufacturers to increase their profit margins and provide an outlet for underutilized asset.

EPX will bring in the traditional "brick and mortar" relationships that UVSL has cultivated for twenty years. EPX will also address the needs of the overseas and export markets. This is an area that has been widely ignored by US based distributors. The combination of established automotive expertise, e-Commerce technology and addressing the under-served market needs will be key to maximizing the growth and development of the EPX business.

Both EPX and Dunn Systems believe that this partnership will be successful due to the technical expertise and the positioning in the marketplace.

"We believe that our strategic partnership with Dunn Systems will allow us to come to market quickly and with high quality. Dunn's experience in both e-Commerce and back office development is the perfect combination we were looking for in a partner," said Eric Coles, COO of eParts eXchange.

"eParts eXchange's unique value proposition made this an exciting opportunity for us," said William Dunn, President of Dunn Systems. "Their forward thinking model places them in a unique competitive position in the B2B marketplace. Clearly their users will benefit."

About EPX

eParts eXchange is a B2B e-Commerce company that provides a dynamic online trading center for worldwide buyers and sellers of automotive aftermarket parts. The company's focus is on the Commodity, Surplus and International Trade segment of this market. eParts eXchange was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Des Plaines, IL. For more information on eParts eXchange, go to www.goeps.com. eParts eXchange can be reached at (877)464-5600.

About Dunn Systems

Dunn Systems, Inc. (Skokie) has been providing IT consulting services to Global 2000 and dot.com companies since 1988 and has practice areas in e-Business, Application Development, Business Intelligence, Quality Assurance and Technical Education. Dunn Systems also maintains offices in Raleigh, NC and Totowa, NJ. For more information on Dunn Systems, go to www.dunnsys.com. Dunn Systems can be reached at (847) 673-0900.