1-800-TOW-TRUCK And Pep Boys Announce Alliance.

Business Editors

NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

New Enhanced Technology-Equipped Roadside Assistance Service and Leading Automotive Repair and Parts Chain Team Up 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM), the nationwide network providing emergency auto roadside assistance, and Pep Boys (NYSE:PBY), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, today announced an alliance that will provide "1-800-TOW-TRUCK" callers with a direct connection to the nearest Pep Boys Supercenter. PEP BOYS customers requiring towing services will be referred to the nearest 1-800-TOW-TRUCK affiliate. A pilot program is underway in the Chicago area and, if successful, will be expanded to other markets across the United States.

The 1-800-TOW-TRUCK dispatch center will connect a stranded motorist to a Pep Boys service department to help diagnose the roadside problem. Should towing be necessary, the dispatch center will recommend bringing the vehicle to Pep Boys, which is open seven days and six nights a week and carries a full compliment of parts and tires, for repair. Pep Boys will use the 1-800-TOW-TRUCK network of towing facilities for all towing needs and requests in the Chicago area.

"We expect this service to increase awareness of the 1-800-TOW-TRUCK option for stranded motorists, as well as increase towing calls to our member companies," said David Muller, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for 1-800-TOW-TRUCK. "By partnering with Pep Boys, we are not only offering motorists the fastest response time in the industry, but also are providing them with access to a nationally recognized brand in automotive repair."

"In addition to benefiting both companies, the Pep Boys/1-800-TOW-TRUCK relationship will provide a wonderful service for the driving public," says Pep Boys' CEO, Mitchell G. Leibovitz. "Stranded motorists will have a direct connection to towing and top-quality service with one simple phone call."

1-800-TOW-TRUCK brings together advanced call center and wireless Internet technology with a national network of over 13,000 towing facilities to provide 24-hour national roadside assistance and concierge services to motorists and travelers 365 days a year. The company uses proprietary technology provided by IDT Corporation (NASDAQ:IDTC), 1-800-TOW-TRUCK's strategic partner. This puts 1-800-TOW-TRUCK above traditional dispatching systems.

Help will be on the way within 30 minutes of a call to resolve the problem and/or get the driver back on the road again. 1-800-TOW-TRUCK developed the TravelerSOS(TM) program for wireless devices to provide roadside assistance as well as hotel and restaurant information, taxi service, driving directions, and a messaging service to help motorists reach someone in an emergency. This unique wireless application has allowed the company to launch a partnership with PALM(TM)(NASDAQ:PALM). Through this alliance, motorists receive roadside assistance and a full suite of traveler needs by simply entering information on their wireless PALM hand held device. For more information on 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM) please visit www.1800towtruck.com.

Pep Boys has 665 stores and nearly 7,000 service bays in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.