CarSmart.com, an Internet provider of objective automotive information and pricing, has announced the launch of its revised Web site, with enhanced information and tools available to help consumers in vehicle research, buying and ownership. The modular site boasts a new look and feel that makes it easier for automotive enthusiasts and new car buyers alike to navigate and access CarSmart.com's exhaustive automotive data, according to Mike Gorun, president of CarSmart.com. "With the addition of 30 new information modules, consumers need look no further than CarSmart.com to find some of the most comprehensive automotive information in the industry, information that was previously only available to our financial institution clients," Gorun said. CarSmart.com has been supplying its authoritative automotive information to clients including credit unions since 1990. Today, CarSmart.com runs the auto content areas on several major portals, including Looksmart, Go.com, Go2net, Alta Vista, NBCi, Dogpile and WomanMotorist. With CarSmart.com's new modular design, users can pick and choose from more than 50 rotating information/content modules, including invoice pricing and rebates, manufacturer recalls, resale values, complete vehicle performance and safety data, and more, according to Gorun. CarSmart.com's library of automotive reviews has been expanded to include coverage from industry experts dating back to 1994. The new site also provides continuous 360-degree views of new car interiors, as well as a digital photo gallery of makes and models from 2000-2002. Even future production and concept cars for the new millennium can be digitally previewed, according to Gorun. CarSmart.com's vehicle data is complemented by a suite of research and valuation tools, worksheets and resources, designed to help shoppers find the car that fits their specific tastes and budgets. For example, car shoppers can automatically generate a short list of vehicles that meet their criteria, such as year, body style, cost, monthly payment, etc. Using the pricing comparison tool, a car shopper can compare the prices of competing car models. For instance, the Chevrolet Suburban is compared against its closest competitors, including the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, and Toyota Land Cruiser. The safety comparison tool allows consumers to pick various makes/models to include in a grid-like chart, comparing general safety features, government crash injury ratings, and even insurance premium ratings. Financing shoppers, meanwhile, can pre-figure everything from monthly payment estimates to leasing capitalization, according to Gorun. With the launch of the revised site, CarSmart.com has also unveiled new consumer resources. My Garage, also available on Autobytel.com, is an area of the CarSmart.com site dedicated to helping consumers manage the ownership of their vehicles, providing information and advice on everything from oil changes and maintenance schedules to insurance and warranties. Subscribers are rapidly informed of all relevant manufacturer recalls, as well as scheduled service reminders, via e-mail. CarSmart.com's Women's Focus area, meanwhile, is an online community specifically dedicated to meeting the needs of women as they shop for and maintain their automobiles. CarSmart.com is also now home to an online marketplace where consumers can access free insurance, financing and warranty quotes, tips and information and even shop for parts and accessories online. Free "lemon checks" are also available on pre-owned vehicles through an agreement with CarFax. About CarSmart.com CarSmart.com's parent company, A.I.N. (Automotive Information Network) was founded in 1988 to provide financial institutions, automobile clubs and vehicle manufacturers with definitive and accurate auto pricing information, including rebates and resale value, as well as safety and cost of ownership ratings. In 1995, CarSmart.com was one of the first auto sites to hit the Web, providing Internet users with automotive information. Based in San Ramon, CA, CarSmart.com became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Autobytel.com (Nasdaq: ABTL) in 2000.
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