DaimlerChrysler Selects Ask Jeeves to Put Customers First

23 January 2000

'Ask Chrysler' to Provide Enhanced Customer Experience Using Ask Jeeves Corporate Service

    EMERYVILLE, Calif.--Ask Jeeves(R), Inc. , a leading provider of real-time personal services for consumers and companies on the Web, today announced that DaimlerChrysler Corporation has deployed the Ask Jeeves' Corporate Service to build online customer loyalty.

    The Ask Jeeves-DaimlerChrysler agreement brings the world's second largest conglomerate to Ask Jeeves client roster, enhancing its reputation as an innovator in customer service. Ask Jeeves' natural language Question Answering Service appears as "Ask Chrysler" on the Chrysler.com Web site, providing customers with a wide range of information about Chrysler's products, services and history.

    DaimlerChrysler plans to expand the Ask Jeeves service to include Plymouth, Jeep and Dodge Web sites.

    "We believe the Ask Jeeves Corporate Service will humanize the online shopping and buying experience for our customers, providing them with friendly and helpful assistance," said Gary Dilts, vice president of retail strategies for the Chrysler group. "'Ask Chrylser' will provide our customers with easy access to the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions and help them find local dealers who can address their unique needs."

    The deal was facilitated by Organic, the Internet services professional firm that is partnering with Daimler Chrysler to develop their Internet presence. "We're helping DaimlerChrysler develop an environment that humanizes the Web by providing an intuitive customer experience," said Sara Gozmanian, client partner on the DaimlerChrysler business at of Organic.

    Featured on the Chrysler.com Web site to manage customer care, "Ask Chrysler" will answer questions about all Chrysler models such as "Where can I find a local dealer with a 300M?" and "What colors are available for a Sebring Convertible?" as well as questions dealing with other aspects of Chrysler's business including "Chrysler Financial," "Mopar Parts," "Five Star," and "Service Contracts and Incentives."

    "There are a lot of questions people need answers to when they are buying a car. We look forward to helping DaimlerChrysler deliver those answers quickly and easily," said Rob Wrubel, president and CEO of Ask Jeeves. "Our partnership with DaimlerChrysler marks a significant step for blue chip companies as they steer a new course for online customer interaction. Choosing Ask Jeeves' humanizing approach to online customer interaction illustrates DaimlerChrysler's vision and its commitment to superior customer service."

    As part of its services for DaimlerChrysler, Ask Jeeves will gather valuable customer information by analyzing frequently asked questions and providing detailed reports. DaimlerChrysler will be able to use that information to improve customer service, enhance Web content and to direct product development, distribution and marketing efforts.