Chrome Releases Data Engine That Transforms Thousands of VINs to Full Vehicle Descriptions

PORTLAND, Ore. -- December 14, 2004 -- Chrome Systems Corporation, provider of data, configuration technology and commerce solutions for the automotive industry, today announced the broad availability of its Chrome Engine(TM) (Engine) inventory processing software. Engine is a stand-alone application that dramatically simplifies the process of creating complex, rich and accurate descriptions of vehicles -- thousands at a time -- from the smallest amounts of input data. With the use of a simple VIN, or the VIN plus additional data points such as known features or a manufacturer’s model code, Engine creates comprehensive descriptions of thousands of unique vehicles in one automated batch process.

Designed to run unattended in the background, Engine enables auto sellers, marketers and lending institutions to standardize and enhance large amounts of automotive inventory data from multiple lots, dealerships or locations, in an automated process that can be run on a client-defined schedule. Engine creates a normalized list of Years, Makes, Models and Styles, and identifies each vehicle’s original standard equipment and any optional equipment known to be on the vehicle. The information is then output as a single, normalized file that can be passed to, and used by, any number of vehicle commerce and marketing applications, from financing to remarketing.

Engine is an ideal application for any organization that needs to process and describe large amounts of vehicle data on a routine basis. Financial institutions can use the Engine’s output of accurately-equipped and fully described vehicles to better manage their portfolios and collateral risks. Auctions can enhance their product listings by including additional details. Online portals and affinity groups can use Engine to ensure that all vehicles, regardless of make or year, are consistently described and are more searchable and accessible by online shoppers and search engines.

“Millions of consumers visit NADAguides.com on a monthly basis and Chrome Engine(TM) is instrumental in helping us accurately and instantaneously present vehicle data to car shoppers across the U.S.,” said Len Sims, vice president, NADAguides.com. “Chrome, and the leading-edge product it provides, has helped NADAguides.com improve its business operations while creating the most comprehensive and easy-to-use online vehicle research environment for car shoppers today.”

“Running their inventory data through Chrome Engine(TM) enables our clients to more effectively manage and market vehicles,” said David Mingle, Chrome’s president. “By pioneering new technology that can thoroughly process thousands of VINs at a time we’re allowing our core benefits of reliable, timely and accurate vehicle data to benefit new levels of automotive customers.”

Chrome Engine(TM) is available immediately and will be featured at Booth 3221 during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) 88th Annual Convention and Exposition in New Orleans, January 29-February 1, 2005.

About Chrome

With more than 13,500 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides vehicle content, software, technology and services to deliver complete enterprise solutions to all segments of the retail automotive industry. These segments include manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers, Internet sites, and financial institutions. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration with the introduction of PC Carbook(R), and since 1986 has collected, analyzed and enhanced “raw” automotive data from all manufacturers.

Contact Information

Ali Livolsi

PR

Chrome Systems Corporation

Contact via E-mail