news release
Contacts:
Robb Clawson
Experian Automotive
847 944 3068 Telephone
robb.clawson@experian.com E-mail
Alissa Picciuca
Eisbrenner Public Relations
248 641 1446 Telephone
apicciuca@eisbrenner.com E-mail
Schaumburg, Ill., January 16, 2002 – Experian® Automotive and AutoCheck, LLC have united to create the largest and most comprehensive vehicle history report system currently available, providing OEMs, dealers, consumers and marketing agencies with enhanced major damage history information. The system, called AutoCheckSM by Experian Automotive, was formerly known as the Vehicle History Reports. Experian Automotive is a division of global information solutions provider Experian.
AutoCheckSM by Experian Automotive is the only vehicle history service receiving multiple sources of information to provide major damage history information on vehicles. This difference results in AutoCheck identifying a significant amount of damaged vehicles not detected by state reporting requirements.
"AutoCheck provides more than 900,000 vehicle history reports per month, making us the largest provider of vehicle history information," said Steve DeMedicis, vice-president for AutoCheck, LLC. "By combining AutoCheck's solid reputation within the auction marketplace with Experian's technological expertise, AutoCheck by Experian Automotive is set to become the preferred source for vehicle history."
Users have instant Internet access (http://www.autocheck.com) to investigate and assess a used car or light-truck's history and value. By entering a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), consumers can retrieve information including vehicle specifications, odometer problems and potential fraud.
"Our relationship with AutoCheck, Inc. combines the powers of two leading automotive information providers," said Ken Kauppila, executive vice president for Experian Automotive. "AutoCheck by Experian Automotive offers used-vehicle buyers peace of mind by supplying the most comprehensive history behind used-vehicle purchases."
AutoCheck currently serves 376 auto auctions in the United States and Canada, including Manheim Auctions, ADESA Auctions and 95 percent of independent auto auctions. Since 1992 AutoCheck has helped reduce customer dissatisfaction with used vehicles and build dealer loyalty. By putting used vehicles through an extensive and thorough evaluation, AutoCheck vehicle history reports increase consumer confidence and trust in used vehicle sales. Each week, more than 240,000 VINs are investigated with AutoCheck vehicle history reports.
Powered by Experian's National Vehicle Database, AutoCheck by Experian Automotive extracts information from 15 billion records on more than 384 million vehicles. The National Vehicle Database was recently recognized by the Winter Corporation as the world's 10th largest database and winner of the Data Warehouse Institute's 2001 Best Practices in Data Warehousing Award in the category of customer relationship management, and serves as the basic building block from which all of Experian's automotive solutions originate.
Vehicle history report usage continues to grow among consumers. According to J.D. Power and Associates, 43 percent of used-vehicle buyers use the Internet during the shopping process, with vehicle history reports being the third most sought after area of information.
Experian Automotive has provided AutoCheck, LLC with vehicle history information since 1999. AutoCheck by Experian Automotive will replace the current Experian Automotive Auto History vehicle history reports. The company is currently developing a new Web site for users, along with a new look for its vehicle history reports, which will be available in January, 2002.
About AutoCheck
AutoCheck is affiliated with the Auction Insurance Agency (AIA), a highly respected company providing insurance and other services to the Automobile Auction Industry in the United States and Canada for more than 50 years. Since 1998, AutoCheck vehicle history service has helped automotive dealers, auctions and consumers save money by protecting unsuspecting buyers from purchasing problem vehicles. AutoCheck is the leading vehicle history report provider to the auto auction industry, providing information to 95 percent of the auto auctions throughout the United States and Canada.
For more information or to purchase a vehicle history report, visit www.autocheck.com.
About Experian
Experian enables organizations to find the best prospects and make fast, informed decisions to improve and personalize relationships with their customers. It does this by combining sophisticated and intelligent decision-making software and systems with some of the world's most comprehensive databases of information on consumers, businesses, motor vehicles and property. Through multi-channel delivery of its Web-based products and services, Experian enables its clients to conduct secure and profitable e-business and develop state-of-the-art Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for communicating and building relationships with customers. Experian is a subsidiary of GUS plc and has headquarters in Nottingham, UK, and Orange, Calif. Our 12,000 people support clients in more than 50 countries. Annual sales are approximately $1.5 billion
Experian Automotive offers a complete range of automotive information solutions to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies and marketing agencies. Experian's state-of-the-art technology, consulting services, direct marketing and database tools assist companies serving the automotive industry to better understand existing customers, effectively target new prospects, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately reach its business objectives. The company's National Vehicle Database is an expansive database housing information on more than 384 million motor vehicles nationwide, serving as the basic building block from which all of Experian's automotive solutions originate.
For more information on Experian Automotive and its Auto Suite of Products, visit the company's Web site at www.experian.com.