PRIMEDIA Consumer Automotive Sites To Generate Revenue Through New Car Buying Service Leads

NEW YORK & REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--Jan. 3, 20051, 2005--PRIMEDIA Inc., the country's leading targeted media company and Dealix Corporation, the market expert and leader in automotive Internet marketing services and a division of The Cobalt Group, Inc., today announced PRIMEDIA automotive Web sites will use Dealix's industry-leading network of local auto dealers to power expanded new car-buying services. In-market buyers on MotorTrend.com, AutomobileMag.com, IntelliChoice.com and TruckTrend.com now have a quick and convenient way to get vehicle price quotes and other localized information from thousands of qualified dealers across the country. The enhancement of new-vehicle lead delivery allows PRIMEDIA automotive sites to efficiently tap into the estimated $699 billion in U.S. new-vehicle sales.

"With a strong forecast of steady growth in the online automotive sector, it is important for us to continue to build out the critical resources in facilitating the buying process for our large audience of automotive enthusiasts and in-market buyers," said Lou Mohn, president of the PRIMEDIA Consumer Automotive Group. "Teaming with market leaders such as Dealix ideally positions our properties to capitalize on these growth trends in the online retail automotive business."

Last year, JupiterResearch, predicted 22% of all new car sales in the U.S. would be Internet-generated in 2004. Forrester reports dealers currently spend as much as $10,000 per month for third party Internet leads for every franchise in the dealership, and that consumer use of third party Web sites to request a dealer price quote will increase from 27% in 2003 to 40% or more in 2005 (Trends 2005: Automotive Retail Technology, Forrester Research, November 2004).

Recognizing the demand for online access to dealer information, the Dealix new car buyer service allows automotive consumers to research vehicles, get price quotes, and be connected with local, qualified dealerships to begin their purchase process. With more than 2.5 million unique visitors every month to PRIMEDIA's premier automotive Web sites, this added feature reflects the company's mission to provide consumers with comprehensive and easy-to-use destinations for every step of the car buying process.

"PRIMEDIA's automotive division has done an outstanding job of creating a strong online presence with their popular brands of automotive titles," said Tim Weaver, vice president of marketing and business development for Dealix Corporation. "By building this bridge, from offline to online, PRIMEDIA's broad audience of car buyers will gain exposure to the easiest, most hassle-free way to buy a new car. Dealix dealers will benefit by being connected with consumers who are serious about cars."

About PRIMEDIA

PRIMEDIA is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2003 revenues from continuing businesses of $1.3 billion, our properties deliver content via print as well as the Internet, live events, and video and offer highly effective advertising and marketing solutions in some of the most sought-after niche markets. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, their Web sites and About.com, and is the #1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S. with well-known brands such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile, and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Homes Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has leading positions in 20 market sectors such as Agribusiness, Communications, Entertainment, Marketing, and Transportation. PRIMEDIA Education and Training includes Channel One and other educational and training products.

About Dealix Corporation

Dealix Corporation, a division of The Cobalt Group Inc., is the expert and leader in automotive Internet marketing services. Dealix connects thousands of serious vehicle buyers with automobile dealerships, large dealer groups, and automotive manufacturers every day. Dealix owns and operates InvoiceDealers, one of the industry's leading auto buying portals and the largest source of Internet sales leads processed through the Dealix Lead Trading Platform(SM) (LTP), a suite of proprietary technology products and business services. The Dealix LTP processes over 1.9 million vehicle shoppers monthly from InvoiceDealers and the Dealix Lead Acquisition Network(SM), a collection of preeminent partner websites. Dealix Corporation also provides market intelligence via its data analysis division, Dealix Business Intelligence(SM) (DBI). DBI's concise reports, derived from broad scale market data, provide insight into what's working in the online automotive industry, giving Dealix partners a distinct competitive advantage.