AutoTrader.com, an Internet destination for online automotive classifieds, on March 30 announced a partnership with Household Automotive Finance Corporation (HAFC), one of the largest nonprime auto finance companies in the U.S.

The partnership will provide a direct link between the two companies' Web sites so that customers can both search for a car and apply for auto finance loans online.

HAFC, a subsidiary of Household International, Inc., specializes in a wide variety of financing options for nonprime customers that have limited access to funding. The new partnership will expose the HouseholdAuto.com site to more than five million unique monthly customers through AutoTrader.com, and offer a faster, more convenient way for customers to finance automobiles, according to Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com.

"AutoTrader.com customers have come to recognize us for offering the most comprehensive inventory as well as a full line of value-added services to complement the vehicle transaction," Perry said. "Household Automotive Finance offers another way to enhance

the AutoTrader.com experience, by giving consumers the power to find a loan and calculate their loan payments in an efficient and easy-to-use manner."

"With AutoTrader.com's unrivaled inventory of more than 1.5 million vehicle listings, Household Automotive Finance has a huge opportunity to provide on-the-spot financing to those who need it," said John Vella, CEO, HAFC.

"This partnership will allow us to reach an even larger audience of buyers who are eager to drive off in a new vehicle and secure hassle-free car financing and refinancing at the same time."

Since the 1998 launch of HouseholdAuto.com, consumers had online access to a variety of resources ranging from fast approvals on new- and used-car purchases, lease buyouts and refinancing on existing auto loans, according to Vella. Through a proprietary credit decisioning model and operating system, the majority of the on-line credit applications receive a decision within minutes, Vella said.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com is an Internet destination and marketplace for buyers and sellers of used cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles and for consumers seeking information regarding automotive products and services, such as insurance, financing and warranties.

AutoTrader.com, through its strategic alliances, aggregates in a single location an extensive network of industry participants and a

comprehensive database of 1.5 million vehicle listings and automotive information to create an open marketplace that is local, regional and

national in nature.

AutoTrader.com was formed in 1997 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc., which has been in business since 1945 and is an operator of wholesale auto auctions.

Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., a media conglomerate, is AutoTrader.com's principal stockholder and one of AutoTrader.com's strategic partners. Other investors and strategic partners include Trader Publishing Company; ADP, Inc.; eBay, Inc.; and the venture capital firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

About Household Automotive Finance Corporation

Household Automotive Finance Corporation (HAFC) is a subsidiary of Household International, Inc., a Fortune 200 company.

Founded in 1878, Household's businesses are providers of consumer finance, credit cards, nonprime auto finance and credit insurance products in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

In the United States, Household's largest business operates under the two of the oldest recognized names in consumer finance -- HFC and Beneficial.

Household is also one of the nation's largest issuers of private-label and general-purpose credit cards, including the GM Card and the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege card.

For more information about HAFC, visit www.householdauto.com or call (800) 418-1888.