STATE-OF-THE-ART INTERNET SOLUTIONS
For the past ten years, Dega Technology, Inc. (OTCBB: DEGA) has been a leader and innovator in developing advanced computer technology services. At first, Dega focused on replacing microfiche and paper with efficient searchable parts catalogs on CD-ROM, and made its name by developing the first electronic parts catalogs. In 1990, it created the Honda/Acura Electronic Parts Catalog for Honda America, and followed this in 1991 with the Ford Electronic Parts Catalog for Ford Motor Company. In 1992, Dega created the General Motors Computerized Parts Display, currently used throughout the United States and Canada. These products help car dealers save time and money at their parts counters and repair shops.
Dega followed these catalog successes with expansion into two other industries, and in 1993 the Trane Company commissioned Dega to create the rapid parts identification system CATS, which is now used by Trane distributors and dealers worldwide.
Since the advent of the personal computer, the focus of the industry has changed drastically several times. When the first personal computers were made available to consumers at large, the focus was hardware. Actual usage was primitive and secondary. Then software became the new focus, to make better use of the machine. Fierce competition developed in operating systems, utility programs, office environments, and games. Like the hardware era, the software era also waned.
All these applications created a lot of data that needed to be recalled, reused, and organized for efficient searching. The focus became the database. Database engine companies proliferated. Computer users can now store huge quantities of information for instant recall. Now the focus is on communication and transmittal of the information. This is the era of the Internet and its variations, the Extranets and Intranets.<Picture>
Knowledge is power. Using its unique background in electronic organization of automotive information, Dega is bringing to market in 1999 the next generation of automotive merchandising, using the Internet and Dega's proprietary Internet portal, DegaSource. In partnership with several warehouse distributors and buying groups, DegaSource provides a comprehensive resource to combine identification, E-commerce buying of parts, and the knowledge base necessary to install those parts and service the vehicle.
The initial version of DegaSource is now up and running, with import cars and trucks. Aftermarket parts and domestic vehicles are rapidly being added. Development is also complete on DAS, an integrated system for the automotive repair shop that provides an integrated shop management system along with ordering capabilities through DegaSource.
The explosion of the Internet is also providing the next generation broadcast and advertising medium. DegaSource will provide Dega and its partners with a major source of profit through the sale and delivery of specialized automotive advertising to the 100,000 repair shops and millions of individual users who will use DegaSource.
With recent technological developments, the automotive parts jobber or user can now instantly access by satellite an electronic parts store built on-the-fly just for his car or truck, with parts delivered to his door in a few hours after ordering. This is truly the new era in merchandising.
With the majority of research and development completed, 1999 is the year of implementation. Dega has just announced a merger agreement with Grant Automotive Group, a newly-formed company which has acquired the automotive divisions of Grant Brothers Sales Ltd., one of the dominant representative organizations in Canada and the U.S. for the sale of automotive parts. The two partners in the merger will operate under the umbrella of Dega.com, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Together, they are introducing the new merchandising solution into North America, and a major marketing program is now underway, starting with several distributors and buying groups in Canada. Additional partnerships will be announced shortly.
Since 1992, Jean-Pierre Makeyev has served as president and CEO of Dega, and has fifteen years of management experience in the manufacturing and marketing of high technology automotive products. Makeyev, who served as vice president of a U.S. subsidiary of Renault, was one of the earliest users and promoters of computer technology in the business environment, and pioneered computer-to-computer communications. He operated his own firm and offered business development consulting for startups and turnarounds in Europe, North America, and Asia. Makeyev has a B.A. in mathematics and a Masters in literature.
Ian Grant is president of Dega.com and CEO of Grant Automotive Group. He remains vice president and director of Grant Brothers Sales Ltd. Prior to joining Grant Brothers, Grant's corporate career includes senior management positions with LaBatt Brewing Company and the marketing departments of Colgate-Palmolive and Foote, Cone & Belding.
With their international background and knowledge, Makeyev and Grant are expected to emphasize the worldwide introduction and application of Dega's technology. They also intend to apply the technology to other transportation applications after the initial introduction into the automotive marketplace.
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