AAA Teams with CarsDirect.com So Members Can Click for a Car

    SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 10, 2001--AAA announced today that it has formed an alliance with CarsDirect.com so the auto club's 4 million members in Northern California and Nevada can research and buy new cars through aaa.com.
    "Buying a new car online is gaining in popularity because people want an easy and hassle-free way to get the best price without haggling over it," said Don Felts, AAA's Corporate Vice President of eBusiness and Automotive Services.
    "We want aaa.com to be the car buying destination for our members, providing access to the best information, the best research tools, best prices and best services on the Internet," Felts said.
    AAA's newly redesigned website offers help with virtually every aspect of owning a car, from buying and selling a vehicle to financing, insurance, gas prices, maps, trip planning and routing, tips on maintenance and how to find a good mechanic.
    With CarsDirect, aaa.com visitors get research tools that help narrow the search for the right car by manufacturer, price range, and vehicle type. They also get a side-by-side comparison option to evaluate up to four styles, and a "how much can I afford" calculator to help narrow the decision further.
    A price guarantee ensures that CarsDirect customers get the lowest possible price when purchasing a new car or truck: If a customer finds a lower purchase price for the same vehicle identically equipped, (within three days of purchase) CarsDirect.com will refund the difference between the price paid and the lower price advertised or offered in writing by another dealer.
    As an added membership benefit, AAA members who purchase a car through the program will receive a $50 prepaid Visa gift card.
    CarsDirect, a pioneer online car buying service based in Los Angeles, also announced today that it has signed with three other AAA clubs, gaining Net access to a combined total of 9.5 million members in Northern California, Nevada, New York, Michigan, Chicago, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Washington.