Saturn Believes ...Sacramento Company Will Upgrade Web Site

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--May 8, 2001--The car manufacturer best known for developing personal relationships with its customers is once again strengthening that reputation by updating the look, feel, and functionality of its Web site. Behind the scenes, the new Saturn Web site harnesses powerful technology that ideally poises it for the future.
    In a recently announced deal, Saturn Corporation has once again turned to Jel Productions to repeat its award-winning performance on the next generation of the car manufacturer's Web site. The new site will feature Saturn's new 2002 models, due to hit the showroom floor this summer.
    The technology of the new site also takes a giant leap forward by moving Saturn to an XML/Java platform that sets the stage for wireless Web and other applications. XML, the new standard for universal data exchange, describes data in a way that allows developers to present it in any format, including Web TV, wireless phone, and handheld computers. It also makes it possible to create e-commerce applications that tie into back-end systems and integrate with other GM sites.
    In keeping with Saturn's tradition of building relationships with customers, the new site is also launching on ATG's award-winning Dynamo platform. Dynamo is a Java-based platform that will enable Saturn to extend its unparalleled customer service to the online world. With the Dynamo foundation in place, the site will be able to evolve over time to add increasing levels of personalization.
    The current site, a joint effort between Jel Productions, Saturn, and Saturn's advertising agency, Publicis & Hal Riney features an engaging Flash presentation of the new Saturn VUE SUV to be introduced in Fall 2001. The VUE mini site was the only GM division site to win a prestigious gold award at the International Automotive Advertising Awards. The current Saturn site also earned a number-three ranking from Gomez.com when compared against all other car manufacturers' Web sites, and was one of the highest-ranked sites in a recent Consumer Reports review of car manufacturers' Web sites.
    As with the current site, the new site will compliment the print and broadcast advertising campaign being developed by Publicis & Hal Riney. According to account executive Hank Gastineau, "The first site was a complex project with a number of people and technologies involved. Beyond providing excellent Web skills, Jel acted as a technical advisor, helping us work through the maze of technology to make it all come together. We look forward to continuing the relationship on the new site."
    Jel began working with Saturn in 1999, and has continued to work closely with the car manufacturer. According to Valerie Marsh, e-commerce initiative coordinator for Saturn, "Jel is great about listening to what we want and giving us several options for solutions -- complete with their rationale behind each option and the cost impacts. And they have never missed a deadline. We couldn't ask for a better Web partner."
    Jon Lee, president of Jel Productions added, "We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Saturn. Saturn's e-commerce team understands the power of the Internet to strengthen its heritage as a customer-centered company. The new site uses technology strategically to help Saturn achieve its business goals."
    The site is targeted for completion in late summer to allow customers an online view of the latest models.

    About Saturn

    Saturn Corporation entered the automotive market in 1990, bringing a new level of customer service to automotive retailing. Saturn's first products - the compact SL sedan, SW wagon and SC coupe - featured innovations such as space-frame construction and dent-resistant polymer body panels. Saturn recently introduced the world's first and only three-door coupe, followed in 1999 by a new line of mid-sized cars, the larger L-Series. A third vehicle, the VUE sport utility vehicle, will begin production in Spring Hill in 2001. Saturn was created through a unique partnership between General Motors and the UAW. Saturn and its retailers share a strong focus on customer service, a focus that is an integral part of Saturn's e-commerce initiatives. For more information on Saturn and its products, please visit www.saturn.com.

    About Jel Productions

    Jel Productions is a multimillion-dollar Internet consulting and development firm providing planning, design, programming, and hosting services to a broad range of organizations and companies. Jel has a seven-year legacy in technical design and Internet technologies, and is proud of a diverse list of clients that includes Saturn/GM, UC Davis, Blue Diamond, Williams-Sonoma, Duraflame, CALFED Bay-Delta Program, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Michelin, California State Auditor, UC Davis Health System, and many others. For more information about Jel Productions, please visit www.jelproductions.com.