Chrome Systems and Syncata Partner to Bring Auto Manufacturers Technology and Locate to Order Solutions.

Business Editors & Automotive Writers

PORTLAND, Ore.--(AutomotiveWire)--Dec. 5, 2001

The Partnership Will Bring Vehicle Supply in Line With Demand,

Allowing Manufacturers to Cut Costs and Increase Dealer and Consumer

Satisfaction

Syncata, a business consulting and systems integration firm, and Chrome Systems Corporation, leading provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, today announced a partnership to develop business solutions for the automotive industry.

Under the terms of the partnership, Syncata will integrate Chrome's products into its demand intelligence, smart vehicle allocation, and advanced Locate-to-Order (LTO) solutions to enable automotive manufacturers and their dealer networks to quickly realize the benefits promised by locate-to-order and build-to-order; delivering the right vehicle to the right place at the right time.

"Syncata's expertise in delivering innovative demand optimization solutions to the automotive industry along with Chrome's accurate data, configuration and logic rules will enable manufacturers to foresee changes in consumer buying cycles earlier and respond to them appropriately, " said David Mingle, President, Chrome Systems.

One aspect of this partnership will enable Syncata to develop decision-making tools based on Chrome's click stream data. Using this data and tools, manufacturers will be able to capture accessory and trim preferences, better match inventory to demand, and reduce the need to offer dealers costly incentives.

"Chrome has shown that it is one of the few companies that can be a conduit from the dealer world to the OEM world. Syncata, with its own experience in the Asian OEM market, has recognized the significance of the combination of Chrome's vast knowledge of automotive configuration and the Chrome configurator," said Kevin Prouty, Automotive Analyst, AMR Research. "Chrome will be a very useful tool in Syncata's build-to-order (BTO) toolbox," Prouty added.

Syncata is attacking the BTO challenge by enabling OEMs to optimize vehicle allocation through collaboration with their dealer networks. Chrome's products provide the valuable window into shifting consumer demand. In this model, marketing departments will be able to better plan their products and target their campaigns. Dealer relations departments and dealers will be able to allocate vehicles where the vehicles will sell faster. Brand managers will know what's selling best and where. Retailers would be able to respond more rapidly to consumer demand. And consumers would get exactly what they want and in less time. All of this could result from the real-time synchronization of demand and supply, made possible through the partnership between Chrome and Syncata.

"Chrome has set the standard for accurate vehicle configuration logic and data in the automotive industry. Their proven products allow us to provide OEMs and their dealers with huge benefits that can really be measured in dollars," said Ujj Nath, CEO, Syncata Corporation. "The results in terms of reduced inventory costs alone will be tremendous," Nath continued.

About Syncata Corporation

Syncata (http://www.syncata.com) provides business consulting and systems integration services that help companies plan and implement innovative demand and supply chain solutions. We help clients collaborate effectively, plan adaptively and respond rapidly to enhance business performance and realize measurable value. With over a decade of experience working across various industries including automotive, high-tech manufacturing, financial services and insurance, Syncata assists clients in assessing strategic options and guides them through the detailed process, change management and technology issues involved in delivering a practical solution.

About Chrome Systems Corporation

With more than 12,000 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome (http://www.chrome.com) provides configuration technology, software and professional services to produce complete enterprise solutions for all segments of the retail automotive industry, including manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers and Internet sites. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for more than 15 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers. Chrome sets the standard in ordering systems for fleet management, serving 13 of the 17 largest fleet leasing companies. The company is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, contact www.chrome.com, 800/936-8906.