Aol Car Sales Site Only For Members
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday June 2, 1999
Internet service company AOL Australia has become the latest online car sales site in Australia.
AOL Australia, a joint venture between America Online and Bertelsmann AG, has joined CarNet to bring a members-only Internet service which caters for those looking to buy cars, sell them or just talk about them.
It is the first online distribution arrangement for CarNet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Auto Group Ltd.
The AOL service, called CarNet on AOL, will compete against other online car sales sites including Ninemsn's CarPoint and Fairfax's drive.com.au. But it will only be available to AOL customers.
AOL Australia managing director Ms Carol Veriga said the site, to be launched today, would provide an "end-to-end" experience for consumers.
"Our site is not just about researching cars but also about financing, insurance and being able to compare prices," she said. "We are offering convenience. Usually, when you buy a car it is a very time intensive process. It involves a lot of shopping around and it can be very confusing."
Ms Veriga said the site would include car reviews, an in-depth finance and insurance guide, monthly data on car sales and market share, a new car price guide and local and international car news.
Additional support services would include loan calculators, a glossary of finance and insurance terms and chat rooms, she said. "We plan to cater for the tyre-kickers who simply want to come online and use the chat rooms and message boards," Ms Veriga said.
CarNet general manager Mr Mark Johnson said the site would be the first of its kind to cater for "everyone from first-time buyers to diehard enthusiasts".
"It is a service for the whole family, providing members with all the benefits of the Internet along with 16 channels, communications features and community traditions enjoyed by AOL members worldwide," he said.
© 1999 Sydney Morning Herald
