Thomason Auto Group (TAG) of Portland, Ore., has launched Thomason.com, an Internet sales center that they say is designed to help make buying a new or used car a more customer driven experience.

Internet sales for each of eight new-car dealerships and 14 used-car locations have been integrated into, and are managed by, a dedicated Internet sales management department and finance and insurance (F & I) department, making the sales center the first of its kind, according to TAG.

Since its launch in July 2001, the new sales facility already averages more than 130 vehicle sales per month, according to Rae Selvey, director of TAG Internet Sales Operations.

Selvey joined Thomason Auto Group in February 2001, with more than 15 years in the auto industry. Prior to joining TAG, she pioneered online sales for CarPoint and AutoNation, and helped build EyeVelocity's customer service department. At TAG she leads the team of 20

Internet specialists, all of whom she says are educated and certified in meeting the specific needs of the Internet shopper. The team also includes two sales managers and one F&I manager dedicated exclusively to Internet sales.

"Thomason Auto Group has dedicated an entire facility to Internet sales because we realize it will play a significant role in the future of

automobile sales," said Scott Thomason, president and CEO of TAG. "Many customers, especially young consumers, are looking for information online and often prefer to complete an entire transaction online if possible. With her background in online auto sales, Rae has been able to create a Thomason Auto Group online experience and facility that are designed to service those customers very effectively."

"Customers direct their own purchasing process; we simply consult with them to facilitate it," Selvey said. "So far we have received extremely positive feedback from our customers - most say this has been the easiest and best car-buying experience they've ever had. We will continue to work hard to make our customers happy."

According to Selvey, each Internet specialist is versed in a variety of automobile makes and models, and can offer customers a wide array of information rather than information specific to only one brand. Customers can compare models across the families of new cars TAG offers as well as the hundreds of used cars available at all locations.

A simple online form allows customers to express interest in a specific vehicle seen online, or simply to make inquiries regarding a vehicle they may be searching for. Thomason.com Internet specialists are able to price a car, estimate trade-in value, and pre-arrange for financing for a customer online or over the phone. Customers schedule appointments with the Internet specialists to test drive the car (or cars) at the Thomason.com location and conduct all other aspects of the purchase at the location as well, including the finance and insurance (F&I) process. According to Selvey, this simplifies the process for those customers trying to compare two or more new cars that might normally be located at separate dealerships.

Even better, if they're unable to come to the Internet sales office for a test drive, TAG will bring the car to them. Because much of the groundwork can be done ahead of time, the delivery process can take less than an hour

at the Thomason.com Internet Sales Facility - and some may never enter the dealership at all, according to Selvey.

The Thomason.com Internet Sales Facility is located at 19775 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., in Gladstone, just outside of Portland, Ore. In addition, a smaller Internet Sales Department is located in Beaverton, at 720 S.W. Watson, to

serve Westside customers.

For more information, visit www.thomason.com.

About Thomason Auto Group

Beginning in 1983 when Scott Thomason purchased a single Ford dealership from his father, Thomason Auto Group (TAG) has grown into the largest auto dealership in the Northwest and one of the largest in the nation.

In 1998, TAG merged with Asbury Automotive Group, located in Connecticut. Asbury is

the nation's second-largest auto group with annualized revenues approaching $4 billion.

Over the past few years, TAG has donated more than $2 million toward youth and education programs, including Doernbecher Children's

Hospital; Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life; Make A Wish Foundation; Oregon Ballet Theatre; Self Enhancement, Inc.; the University of Oregon Lundquist College of Business; and a safe driving campaign directed

to teens.

TAG is one of a handful of Oregon companies to receive the Century Award from the United Way, which celebrates corporations that have strengthened the community through a tradition of philanthropy.