AutoConnect Data Show Detroit's Loyalty to Hometown Vehicles.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 1999--

Motown Residents Search for Fords, Especially the

1996 Ford Explorer, When Shopping Online At www.autoconnect.com,

the World's Largest Emporium of Pre-Owned Vehicles

Detroit car shoppers are a loyal bunch when shopping online for a used car or truck. Four of the five vehicles they search for most frequently online are made by Detroit's own Ford Motor Company. That's according to data released today by AutoConnect, the Web's largest used car shopping site.

Motown residents search most frequently for the Ford nameplate when shopping at AutoConnect (www.autoconnect.com), which has an inventory of more than 725,000 vehicles and a nationwide network of more than 35,000 dealers -- including 342 dealers in the greater Detroit area. Their most popular search is for any type of Ford car or truck. Their second most frequent search is for a 1996 Ford Explorer. The Ford Mustang and Ford Ranger hold fourth and fifth places, respectively.

When they're not shopping for locally manufactured cars or trucks, Detroit residents are likely to check out BMW automobiles, their third most frequent query on AutoConnect.

"Detroit car shoppers are an informed and value-conscious audience," said Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoConnect. "Like most Americans, they recognize the value to be found in a quality used car or truck. And they are using the fast, free resources of AutoConnect to identify and locate the right vehicle at the right price in their local area."

In terms of volume, used cars now outsell new ones by a margin of four to one. According to NADA, some 41 million used cars worth a collective $370 billion were sold in the US in 1998. This compares with 10.5 million new cars and $303 billion at the retail level, excluding fleet sales. Nearly new vehicles (1994 model year and later) make up the hottest segment of the used car market.

Several factors have contributed to the rising popularity of nearly new vehicles. Consumers today are much more value-conscious, looking to avoid the depreciation associated with new cars, and most manufacturers now offer certification and warranty programs for their used vehicles.

Now the largest automotive shopping site on the Web, AutoConnect has achieved its market leadership by focusing on what car buyers want most: the world's largest database of nearly new cars and trucks; comprehensive, relevant consumer information; and a complete set of tools that shoppers can use to find and purchase the best vehicle for their individual needs.

Along with an unmatched selection of cars and trucks, AutoConnect gives consumers the credible third-party reports and recommendations they need to feel confident in their choice of a vehicle. Among the resources available at AutoConnect are automotive reviews and other articles from Consumers' Digest, Car and Driver, and Road & Track. Kelley Blue Book values, information on auto financing, insurance and warranties are also included, along with news and views from experienced commentators like syndicated auto columnists Jack Gillis and Lesley Hazelton.

About AutoConnect

AutoConnect(R) is owned by Manheim Auctions, Inc.(R) of Manheim Auctions, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, and the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) (NYSE: AUD), offering Internet shopping information and services for pre-owned and new cars and trucks. Manheim and ADP(R) provide a variety of products and services, to a combined total of more than 90 percent of the U.S. automotive dealers, making AutoConnect the Internet's largest and most significant consolidation of automobile dealer relationships and used car listings. This site opened to dealers and consumers in May 1998.