Cars.com announced June 3, a new manufacturer certified pre-owned (MCPO) vehicle

program designed to spotlight dealers' used car inventories

and connect them with consumers looking to purchase certified

pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. According to the company, Audi of America, Inc. is the first

automobile manufacturer to partner with cars.com and promote the CPO

vehicle listings of Audi dealers in the cars.com network.

According to cars.com, CPO vehicles typically sell at higher prices than traditional used

vehicles. According to a 2001 Dohring Company study, dealers reported

that certified vehicles can earn as much as $1,200 more in gross

profit than non-certified vehicles. Cars.com says it is raising awareness of MCPO programs among used-car

shoppers and driving demand for certified listings through branding and content aimed at educating consumers about CPO vehicles.

CNW Marketing Research Inc. reports that in 2001 only 18 percent of

consumers were aware of MCPO vehicle programs. When educated about the

benefits of certified vehicles, however, 40 percent of these consumers

said they would buy a MCPO vehicle.

"Cars.com's new MCPO program is a priority for our business and

reinforces the value of our dealer CPO vehicle listings," said Mitch

Golub, general manager of cars.com. "Cars.com is putting significant

marketing and education efforts behind the concept of certified used

vehicles to raise awareness of MCPO programs in general and promote

the premium pre-owned listings of our dealers. Our focus remains on

driving educated, qualified consumers to local dealers to reduce their

inventory levels and increase their customer base."

Audi Assured CPO vehicle dealers in the cars.com network say they are the

first to benefit from the new MCPO program. In addition to the branding that cars.com dealers already receive, Audi Assured

dealers across the cars.com network will receive exposure for

their certified vehicles on cars.com. Audi Assured certified vehicles

will be tagged with a special logo that identifies them as a

manufacturer-certified vehicle in consumer search results, according to cars.com. Pop-up

windows will describe specific program benefits and offer additional

details, encouraging consumers to contact local dealers carrying the

CPO vehicles they want. Dealer contact information will be displayed in search results to drive shoppers who are

ready to buy to Audi Assured dealer showrooms.

About Audi of America, Inc.

The network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of

vehicles that include the A4 and S4 sedan and Avant

models; the A6 sedan and Avant; the S6 Avant; the Audi A8 and S8; the crossover allroad quattro and the TT

Coupe and Roadster.

Audi of America is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and

markets a line of luxury cars built in plants in Ingolstadt and

Neckarsulm, Germany and Gyor, Hungary. The parent company, Audi AG, is

headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany.

About cars.com

Cars.com claims to help dealers promote their dealerships and connect

with local consumers. Cars.com's Online

AdPackage offers dealers four different ways to connect with

consumers - telephone, e-mail, Web site referral and walk-in. Beyond

online advertising, cars.com's SalesCenter enables dealers to manage

prospects for sales success.

Cars.com also claims to offer integrated solutions to automotive

manufacturers and to advertising and e-commerce partners interested in

accessing consumers through cars.com's media platform. Offerings

include advertising and sponsorship opportunities, lead management,

and an eCRM platform currently used by a number of automotive

manufacturers.

To become a cars.com dealer or learn

more about cars.com products and services, visit www.dealers.cars.com.

or call 1-800-298-1460.