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Auto Trader(R) Online and Acura to Advertise Cooperatively

12 May 1998

Auto Trader(R) Online and Acura Enter Cooperative Advertising Agreement

    NORFOLK, Va., May 12 -- Auto Trader(R) Online
(http://www.traderonline.com), home of the world's largest used car database on the
Internet, has completed a unique and innovative co-operative advertising
agreement with the Acura Division of American Honda Motor Company.  The
agreement is designed to aid Acura dealers in marketing the Preferred Pre-
Owned Vehicles(TM) Program.  The Preferred Pre-Owned Vehicles(TM) are
available through a network of 235 Acura Preferred automobile dealerships
across the United States.
    "We feel the Internet and our unique website provide a great opportunity
for our participating dealers to get closer to potential clients.  Auto
Trader(R) Online has a foothold with clients looking for great quality pre-
owned cars, and it makes sense that we partner in promoting our products,"
says John Fulcher, Senior Manager, Marketing, Acura Division.
    The foundation of the agreement is a co-op advertising program.  Acura is
sharing in the Internet advertising costs for an Auto Trader(R) Online webpage
with dealers who display the Acura Preferred Pre-Owned Vehicles(TM) logo on
their webpage.  An Acura dealer is allowed up to 100 Pre-Owned and Preferred
Pre-Owned(TM) Vehicles per week in the Auto Trader(R) Online database.
    "Acura implemented an aggressive marketing strategy when it provided
websites across-the-board for its 235 dealers," explains Evan Owens, National
Sales Manager, Western Division, of Trader National Publications.  "This co-op
agreement makes their initial Internet investment even more cost-effective,
leveraging the one million monthly visitors of Auto Trader(R) Online, driving
traffic to those Acura websites."
    "Through this relationship with Auto Trader(R) Online we can provide
potential clients with the insight into and benefits of Acura Preferred Pre-
Owned(TM) vehicle ownership, and expand their awareness of this exciting
program," explains John Fulcher, Senior Manager, Marketing, Acura Division.
The Acura Preferred Pre-Owned(TM) Vehicles complete a 75-point inspection
process, and receive warranty coverage up to five years or 62,000 miles.
Acura Preferred Pre-Owned(TM) Vehicle owners receive Roadside Assistance
benefits, TLC ownership benefits, the Acura-backed quality program and
preferred new car lease/finance rates.
    Auto Trader(R) Online (http://www.traderonline.com) boasts the world's largest
used car database, with over 500,000 used cars for sale today.  The site,
begun in 1996, has grown exponentially due to the content and promotional base
afforded by the 330 print vehicles of Trader Publishing.  Trader Publishing is
headquartered in Norfolk, VA. with local sales offices in over 90 U.S. cities.
Trader's 330 print publications are distributed through approximately 150,000
distribution points in 32 states, with weekly circulation exceeding 3.5
million.

SOURCE  Auto Trader(R) Online