The Signature Group and Consumers Car Club Form Strategic Alliance
22 December 1998
The Signature Group and Consumers Car Club Form Strategic Alliance -- Will Lead To First Internet Membership Club For Auto ConsumersSCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 21 -- The Signature Group today announced a strategic alliance with San Francisco-headquartered Consumers Car Club ( http://www.carclub.com ), supporting the upcoming launch of Car Club's first-of-its-kind, full service Internet fee-based membership club for automobile owners. The new Internet car club is expected to launch in early 1999. The alliance also will enhance The Signature Group's auto club products and services provided to over 5 million members of such well-known clubs as Amoco, Mobil and Montgomery Ward Auto Clubs. Together, The Signature Group and Car Club will deliver the most comprehensive array of products, services and benefits available anywhere, saving consumers time and money on every need associated with new and used car acquisition and ownership, including financing of purchases and leases, discounted auto insurance, a national maintenance and repair network, and guaranteed savings on every auto-related purchase. The Signature Group, an $870 million direct marketing company serving many of the most recognized customer service companies in America, has acquired an equity interest in Consumers Car Club, a leading provider of vehicle buying and ownership products and services since 1987. Its web site, http://www.carclub.com, earlier this year was recognized by Yahoo! Internet Life and PC World as the top-ranked Internet automotive site. "In seeking a strategic alliance with a provider of car buying services, we found in Consumers Car Club a dynamic business partner that shares our vision for delivering consistently high value to consumers," said Worth Linen, The Signature Group Chairman and CEO. "We are looking forward to building a membership club of 20 million through our joint efforts and combined resources. "Car Club has dynamic leadership, a creative and valuable array of products and services, and a clear sense of direction," Linen added. "This company has set its sights on creating the first Internet car club offering truly comprehensive new and used vehicle buying services and meaningful savings on every auto-related purchase." Using state-of-the-art technologies, sophisticated marketing techniques and stringent service standards, The Signature Group has become a leading marketer of consumer clubs and insurance products to customers of many of the most recognized names in business. In 1998, J.D. Powers recognized The Signature Group as the number one auto service provider. "We are delighted to have the support of such a successful, technologically adept strategic partner," said Michael London, President and CEO of Consumers Car Club. "Together, The Signature Group and Car Club will deliver to millions of car consumers the most comprehensive, powerful package of products, services and money-saving benefits available anywhere to the car owner, both on and off the Internet. We truly are building the car club for the 21st century." Wholly-owned by Montgomery Ward, The Signature Group is a market leader providing value-driven consumer products and services to more than 16 million customers through direct response marketing. The company provides a complete array of growing consumer clubs and services, including Dining a la Card, Dental Plans, Legal Service Plans, Credit Card Protection, as well as supplemental insurance products. With over 8,000 associates in more than 30 locations across the United States, The Signature Group mails over 400 million solicitations annually and makes over 70 million scripted telemarketing presentations. The Signature Group's principal clients include banks, airlines, independent credit card companies, major retailers and oil companies. Consumers Car Club and its affiliate companies have helped consumers purchase cars, light trucks and private passenger vans worth over $2.5 billion since 1987, and have helped buyers save over $250 million off of Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP). In partnership with nationally-known providers of financial, insurance and related services, Car Club and its affiliates also deliver car buying and ownership services to over 15 million members of affinity organizations including the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Service Group.
