The People who run AOL Lost $54 Billion last quarter, and now they Rip Us Off by calling their automotive section Autos Channel...how clever. you are.
Publishers Note: Here is the full AOL's Press release concerning their new service.
DULLES, Va.--April 30, 2002--
America Online, the world's leading interactive services company, today announced the launch of AOL Car Care, a new area featuring comprehensive resources on all aspects of car maintenance and repair, including online and local offline car care products.
Available on AOL's Autos Channel - ranked the #1 auto site in March by Media Metrix - and the autos areas of Netscape, CompuServe and AOL.COM., AOL Car Care (Keyword: CarCare) will make it easy to access content, features and commerce opportunities covering the complete range of car-related needs. Members will be given the tools to make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs, including what to look for when shopping for parts and services, how to find retail specials and access a directory of service providers in their area.
Neil Smit, Senior Vice President and General Manager, AOL Autos, said "The Internet is making it faster, easier and more cost-effective than ever for consumers to buy and maintain their cars -- and the AOL Autos Channel is setting the pace by bringing together the best car-related content, tools and local resources in one convenient online destination. AOL Car Care builds on the Autos Channel's proven success by providing expert information on everything about car maintenance and repair from engines to tires to taillights -- while offering partners another powerful opportunity to connect with this valuable audience."
A recent Digital Marketing Services survey found that 55% of respondents rated online as the top source for finding the best price on cars. The survey also found that 46% of respondents have used the Internet to find information on car maintenance.
AOL Car Care Offers Resources on Complete Range of Car Maintenance Needs
AOL Car Care will feature a complete range of resources and exclusive deals for AOL members. Specifically, the area's categories include:
- The Parts, offering one-click access to detailed editorial content from Consumers Reports, Edmunds.com, and others on topics ranging from the top ten spring car care tips to the myths and the realities of car care. Car owners can also learn maintenance tasks such as how to build roadside emergency kits, what to do in the event of tailpipe smoke and how to make simple engine repairs. Members will be able to buy parts online from leading national partners or find a local parts dealer in their neighborhoods.
- Tire & Wheels, featuring Michelin's "Tire Advisor" that helps members choose the right tire and locate the dealer with the best quote. The Tire Advisor also features a six-part lesson plan on tire types and how to extend tire life, along with help from an online tire expert. Car owners can also purchase tires from Tire Rack, find local tire dealers and take advantage of exclusive member deals on tires.
- Car Audio, with expert advice from Crutchfield and CarAudioExpert.com on all the top car stereo brands, the latest products on the market and editorial advice on the best sound system for each type of car.
Future enhancements include a "Services" section where members can access a variety of content related to servicing their car, including what to look for when they have their car serviced. Additionally, AOL Car Care will offer content dedicated to the woman motorist.
AOL Car Care joins a comprehensive, one-stop offering on the AOL Autos Channel, which also includes the following convenient features:
- The "Build-A-Car" feature, which allows AOL members to build, research, compare, save and retrieve information on individual cars. Specifically, they can match their needs and preferences with specific car makes, models, and options, and compare up to four autos for side-by-side comparison.
- A "Buying Basics" section which offers extensive content, including top picks, feature articles, warranty comparisons, advice on safety features and information on car electronics.
- A comprehensive car book value section that provides new and used vehicle buyers and sellers the current average transaction price for a vehicle in a particular market.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc. . Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.
