General Motors' Hummer division has announced that it has endorsed The Cobalt Group as its preferred

e-business technology partner to develop the first integrated Hummer

dealer Internet marketing program. As part of the launch of

the 2003 Hummer H2 in the United States this summer, Cobalt says it will provide e-business tools,

dealer Web sites, customer relationship management applications and

training and service to Hummer's 150 North American dealers.

The new program begins launching to active Hummer dealers May 1.

"Hummer understands the power of the Internet in driving sales and

deepening customer relationships and we are pleased to endorse

Cobalt's industry-leading technology solutions for all of our North

American dealers," said Lance Elson, Hummer interactive manager.

"Hummer is launching this new integrated program with our dealers at a

critical time when we are debuting the new H2. We are confident that

this program will help Hummer successfully launch the H2, reach more

customers, and profitably build the Hummer brand experience."

"We are very pleased to extend our industry-leading Nitra

technology, deep automotive industry knowledge and unmatched training

and support to help Hummer launch its integrated dealer Internet

marketing program," said David Potts, vice president of global client

services for The Cobalt Group. "Cobalt is committed to helping Hummer

and its dealers adopt e-business technology to not only launch the new

H2, but to provide Hummer dealers with a cost-effective Internet

marketing solution that enables them to exceed their customers'

expectations."

According to the companies, the Hummer dealer Web sites will be integrated with the Hummer

corporate Web site (www.hummer.com) providing customers with online access to Hummer dealers and up-to-date inventory

information, including detailed vehicle descriptions, photos and

pricing. Cobalt says it will provide ongoing metrics reporting to Hummer and

its dealers so they can analyze Web site traffic patterns,

performance, dealer participation and return on their investment.

Cobalt claims it is providing its J2EE-based Nitra technology to Hummer

dealers through four customized e-business packages.

• Hummer Entry Level Nitra Package provides dealers with the

essentials of automotive Internet marketing. This package

provides dealer Web site development and

hosting, new and used inventory management and display, and

OEM integrated brand management capabilities.

• Hummer Basic Nitra Package includes all of the capabilities of

the Hummer Entry Level Nitra package plus Cobalt Lead Manager,

AdWizard Plus, and more.

• Hummer Advanced Nitra Package includes all the capabilities of

the Hummer Basic Nitra package plus PartsVoice parts locator,

Make & Match vehicle configurator, and best practices

e-business training at Cobalt's eDealer Academy.

• Hummer Nitra Marketing Value Pack can be purchased as an

add-on to the Hummer Basic Nitra Package and the Hummer

Advanced Nitra Package. This solution provides dealers with

marketing and customer relationship management

applications such as Cobalt myCarTools vehicle owner

management system, an accessories marketing page, and new

model spotlight page.

As part of its approach to manufacturer-to-dealer

e-business program launches, Cobalt says it will provide Hummer and its

dealers with multiple training and support channels. With more than 80

total field personnel nationwide, Cobalt claims it

will visit every Hummer franchise during the initial launch period.

In addition, Cobalt will provide best practices training and eCare customer support.

ABOUT HUMMER

The Hummer Division of General Motors was created through GM's

purchase of the rights to the Hummer brand name and trademarks from AM

General Corp. in December 1999. The H2, arriving in dealerships this

July, is the first product of cooperation by GM and AM General. The H2

was designed and engineered by GM and is being built by AM General at

a new 630,000 square foot plant in Mishawaka, Ind.

ABOUT THE COBALT GROUP

The Cobalt Group says it works in the automotive retail market

to help manufacturers and dealers develop integrated e-business

programs by leveraging its technology, broad range of

services and domain knowledge. Cobalt offers products and services developed

specifically for the automotive marketplace including enterprise

software for manufacturers and dealers; customer relationship

management (CRM) software applications; online automotive commerce

applications; an OEM parts locating and marketing

service; dealership e-business best practices training, consulting,

and process compliance analysis; and wholesale used vehicle

remarketing services.

Cobalt operates a dealer network including 12,000 franchised

dealers and 70 dealer groups. Cobalt also says it is endorsed by 15 manufacturers and the

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

With headquarters in Seattle, Wash., Cobalt has offices in five

U.S. cities and a field sales and services force in 30 states,

including all major U.S. metropolitan sales areas (MSAs).

For more information, please visit www.cobaltgroup.com or call

800/909-8244.