DriverSide.com and ASE Announce Cooperation to Help Consumers Find Certified Professionals

SAN FRANCISCO--DriverSide, the only Web site built specifically for the car owner, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) today announced a cooperative program to help drivers locate credible, ASE-certified technicians and Blue Seal of Excellence recognized repair shops. DriverSide’s incorporation of ASE shop locator listings further builds on DriverSide’s commitment to providing credible, honest and accurate information to help drivers make smart decisions about servicing and maintaining their current vehicles.

Additionally, DriverSide has entered into a distribution agreement with AT&T Interactive that gives DriverSide users access to AT&T Interactive’s comprehensive auto repair listings that appear on AT&T Interactive’s websites, including YELLOWPAGES.COM™. The agreement expands DriverSide’s catalogue of local repair shops, ensuring users have rich information on specialties and the latest incentives from professional shops and technicians around the country. At the same time, advertisers who appear on YELLOWPAGES.COM™ benefit from extended visibility among consumers looking for their type of business. A trusting relationship with a local repair shop is becoming increasingly important; a recent DriverSide.com/Kelton Research study showed that 82% of U.S. car owners are now planning to own their car longer than originally planned.

“A good mechanic is like a good doctor – he will establish a relationship with a vehicle and its owner and develop a maintenance program specific for their needs. We view these partnerships as an opportunity to help drivers find trusted, certified local technicians and begin that long-term relationship,” said Jad Dunning, CEO of DriverSide. “We’re focused on all aspects of car ownership, and providing our users with the information they need to make an informed decision, is always a priority.”

Through the ASE program, DriverSide will highlight the Blue Seal of Excellence recognized shops in its directory. The Blue Seal of Excellence recognition is only awarded to highly-qualified repair facilities that demonstrate a commitment to excellent service by having more than 75% of their technicians ASE-certified. The ASE certification is the industry standard measure of competency and a guide to quality auto repairs. At present, about 400,000 professionals hold current certifications. They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.

“DriverSide elevates our Blue Seal of Excellence Program to customers who are only looking for the best repair facilities that demonstrate a commitment to quality service by employing ASE-Certified professionals,” said Tony Molla, VP Communications, ASE. “Drivers are keeping their cars on the road longer, and ASE is working with DriverSide to help provide a unique online auto resource that gives consumers all the information they need to be better, smarter car owners.”

Furthering its goal of providing the right information at the right time, the display of rich information from YELLOWPAGES.COM™, a leading local search site, complements and enhances the user experience on DriverSide.com. Car owners who need work on their vehicles will be able to review enhanced information on local repair shops, including makes serviced, specialties, having ASE certified technicians, and other information important to making a good service and repair decision. These relationships are the latest in DriverSide’s continuing commitment to the needs of the car owner.