Chrome Systems

Corporation, provider of automotive data, configuration technology and

commerce solutions, announced Oct. 1 the release of Chrome Carbook 5.0,

Chrome's web-based vehicle configuration and pricing tool for auto

dealers, portals and financial institutions.

Chrome Carbook 5.0 enables the clients to

easily turn features on or off, depending on the customer experience

they want to create for Web site visitors. Dealers decide which

vehicle makes and years are displayed, as well as which prices and

vehicle features can be viewed. Other customizations include

comparisons, colors, fonts and search criteria.

Version 5.0 introduces both advantage-based and side-by-side

comparisons on up to five vehicles at one time. The side-by-side

feature shows the vehicle's standard and optional equipment alongside

each other in a chart. The advantage-based comparator

explains the advantages and disadvantages of two vehicles being

compared in easy-to-understand text advantages if needed. Dealerships

have the option of hiding the disadvantages of their own vehicles over

the competition, or excluding competitive vehicles from the

comparisons altogether.

Clean pages and easy navigation make Chrome Carbook an easier tool

for site visitors as well. Users have the option of comparing the

vehicle being configured or requesting a quote from a dealer on every

page during the configuration process. The new quick quote form is

less than a frame long, encouraging users to proceed with a request

for more information. A new "feature search" enhancement aids those

visitors who know they want features such as a CD changer and leather

seats, but don't know which vehicles offer those features.

"Chrome Carbook 5.0 is an example of our commitment to listen to

dealer needs and bring solutions to market. What we're hearing is

dealers need more control over the tools they use to run their

dealerships," said David Mingle, president of Chrome Systems.

Other enhancements in Chrome Carbook 5.0 include multiple vehicle

photos, additional research information and a professional looking

printout of the configured vehicle.

"This is a significant leap forward in on-line vehicle

configuration software and consumer relations. Dealers who use the

latest Chrome system are doing their customers and themselves an

enormous favor," said Art Spinella, CNW Marketing/Research.

Chrome Carbook 5.0 is available immediately.

About Chrome

With more than 13,500 clients, including half of all automotive

dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides vehicle content,

vehicle ordering and inventory management tools, configuration

technology and professional services to deliver complete enterprise

solutions to all segments of the retail automotive industry. These

segments include manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers, Internet

sites, supply chain providers, and financial institutions.