New J2EE-based tools give dealers more control and flexibility to manage their e-business programs

New Orleans, LA (January 26, 2002) - The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has renewed its exclusive endorsement of The Cobalt Group's comprehensive e-business packages for the third straight year. Cobalt, the leading provider of e-business software and services to the automotive retail market, has developed two new J2EE-based NADA-endorsed Nitra packages to offer dealers increased control, flexibility, speed and handling for their dealership's e-business programs at a compelling value. Cobalt is one of only three companies and the only e-business provider ever to be endorsed by NADA. This announcement was made today at the 85th Annual NADA Convention in New Orleans.

"Although the Internet landscape has changed, e-business technology is here to stay, and it is helping dealers run more profitable businesses," said Don Gentry, chief information officer for the National Automobile Dealers Association. "The new Nitra packages from Cobalt will help NADA dealers address their key challenges in every dealership profit center and better serve car shoppers."

"We are pleased to earn NADA's continued support as we continue to deliver compelling new e-business packages for NADA member dealers," said John Holt, president and CEO of The Cobalt Group. "The new NADA-endorsed Nitra packages will help dealers build stronger relationships with their customers and offer enhanced flexibility and control for their e-business programs."

The two new NADA-endorsed e-business packages, Nitra Basic and Nitra Professional, include Cobalt's e-business and customer relationship management applications and Nitra Web site management tools that deliver unprecedented versatility, control and presentation options. New tools include Cobalt Website Manager for Nitra, the most comprehensive site management and publishing tool in the industry. It enables dealers to customize their Web sites' look and content in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week using hundreds of images, many of which are already compliant with OEM and dealer group guidelines. Cobalt Marketing Library Manager for Nitra provides a secure location to store and share custom images, and Nitra User Administration allows dealers to establish desired access levels for each staff member that interacts with their Web site and provides a secure single user log-in and interface for all dealership sites and applications.

The two new NADA-endorsed packages also include Web development and hosting, Cobalt e-business applications including AutoShow inventory manager, AdWizard Plus, and TrafficReporter, unlimited eCare support, and product training. Nitra Professional includes Nitra Basic features plus a customizable Web site, Cobalt Lead Manager, PartsVoice parts locator, Make & Match™ vehicle configurator, and best practices e-business training at Cobalt's eDealer Academy.

Another key feature of both Nitra Packages is N.A.D.A. Guides' Dealer WindowLink, the industry-leading guide for used car values providing access to N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide values dating back to 1946. WindowLink is a valuable tool that helps dealers provide accurate vehicle price information on their Web sites.
The Nitra packages are available to dealers on an ASP subscription basis from Cobalt.

ABOUT NADA - The National Automobile Dealers Association represents more than 19,500 franchised new-car and truck dealers holding nearly 40,000 separate franchises, domestic and import. NADA provides its members counsel on legal and regulatory matters, represents its dealers on Capitol Hill, develops data on the auto industry and operates training programs to improve dealership business operations.