Karmart Selects Compaq Technology Solutions to Enhance Dealership Efficiency
New Technology Enhances Dealer's Ecommerce, E-mail Capabilities
BURLINGTON, Wash., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Karmart Chrysler Dodge
VW Mitsubishi, a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
and one of Washington's largest automobile dealers, selected Compaq
(NYSE: CPQ) as its preferred technology provider to enhance the dealership's
electronic commerce and e-mail capabilities.
This selection follows last month's announcement during the NADA annual
convention in New Orleans naming Compaq as one of the organization's preferred
technology providers for the NADA PC purchase program. The program allows the
NADA's 19,500 dealer-members and their employees to purchase discounted
technology products and services from Compaq.
Leasing Partner
Using Compaq Financial Services, Karmart -- which sells automobiles
manufactured by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen -- signed a three-year
agreement to lease Compaq Evo D300s desktop computer units using industry-
standard Microsoft software and related equipment. "Compaq has a strong
reputation in the technology industry," said Michelle Kristiansen, chief
financial officer for Karmart Chrysler Dodge, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi. "Compaq
offered competitive pricing, attractive leasing terms and best-in-class
products. About 30 percent of our sales occur over the Internet. We wanted
to enhance our IT infrastructure -- replacing dumb terminals -- and are using
the new systems to enhance our employee e-mail capability, increase our
ability to effectively and efficiently handle customer Internet sales
opportunities, and ensure we are in compliance with our manufacturers brand
standards that include Internet access capabilities."
Additionally, Kristiansen said she uses Seattle-based Corporate Computer
Inc., www.cci.net , a Compaq authorized value added reseller, to help
implement data services and Internet solutions. "The overall technology
refresh will make our dealership even more competitive," said Kristiansen.
"Karmart's decision reflects our vision for creating the PC purchase
program to offer best-in-breed technology partners, such as Compaq, to serve
our dealer-members," said Don Gentry, chief information officer, National
Automobile Dealers Association. "We hope all of our members will take
advantage of the program to enhance their dealerships' information technology
capabilities."
IT Systems Through NADA
The NADA PC Purchase Program is designed to provide dealers and their
staffs with the opportunity to obtain reliable, cost-effective computer
systems and technical support at the lowest possible prices from major PC
manufacturers. Using dedicated toll-free phone numbers and websites, such as
1-888-202-4256 and www.compaq.com/promos/nad1 , NADA members can reach
experienced representatives who can assist in the acquisition of new, built-
to-order computer systems designed specifically for dealerships.
The NADA PC Purchase program serves as an opportunity for Compaq to
promote its technology to automobile dealers throughout North America.
"Compaq is a leader in providing technology solutions to growing businesses,"
said Dan Busse, North America Small & Medium Business marketing director,
Compaq Computer Corporation. "Our participation in NADA's PC Purchase program
is a natural extension of our brand and capabilities in providing automobile
dealerships and their employees access to quality and affordable technology
solutions."
A leading global provider of IT products, services, and solutions, Compaq
designs, develops, manufactures and markets industry-leading storage and
computing solutions; fault-tolerant business-critical solutions; and desktop,
notebook, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices. Information
on Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.com .
For more information about the NADA PC Purchase Program, please visit
www.nada.org . To visit Karmart's, online showroom, go to
www.frontierchrysler.com .
About Karmart Chrysler Dodge VW Mitsubishi
Karmart Chrysler Dodge VW Mitsubishi is a member of the NADA and is a
leading provider of new and used automobiles. Based in Burlington, WA, Karmart
provides sales and service on Chrysler-Dodge, Volkswagen, and Mitsubishi
manufactured vehicles. Karmart also offers myCarTools.com where customers can
login and register to view and update personal service records, schedule a
service appointment, and check to see if any recalls apply to their vehicle.
Information on Karmart and its products and services is available at
www.frontierchrysler.com .
About NADA
The National Automobile Dealers Association represents America's
franchised new-car and -truck dealers. The organization provides services and
training programs to help dealer members improve their business operations and
bottom-line performance. NADA was founded by dealers in 1917. Today there
are more than 19,500 franchised new-car and -truck dealer members holding
nearly 40,000 separate new-car and light-, medium-, and heavy-duty truck
franchises, domestic and import.
Company Background
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider
of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise
customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information
technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-
leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-
critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook
computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are
sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized
Compaq marketing partners. Information on Compaq and its products and
services is available at www.compaq.com .
SOURCE Karmart Chrysler Dodge VW Mitsubishi and Compaq Computer Corporation
-0- 02/12/2002 P
/NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information and product photos, please
contact James Barnes at the phone number and email address below./
/CONTACT: Michelle Kristiansen of Karmart Chrysler Dodge VW Mitsubishi,
+1-360-757-2273, or mkristiansen@frontierchrysler.com ; or James Barnes of
Compaq Computer Corporation, +1-281-514-6990, or james.barnes2@compaq.com /
/Photo: newscom.com
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840/
/Web site: cci.net /
/Web site: compaq.com
nada.org
frontierchrysler.com
compaq.com /
(CPQ) |
