ORLANDO, Fla.—January 23, 2000 ¾ Cars.com, a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, Inc., today announced an agreement to launch a private labeled version of the customer relationship management technology produced by Marketdrive Interactive, Inc. to be named ServiceCenter. Additionally, Classified Ventures, Inc. will acquire a minority investment in Marketdrive. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The investment underscores the commitment we are making to help dealers maximize the customer relationship-building capabilities of the Web," said David G. Israel, president and chief executive officer of Classified Ventures. "Our investment ensures we have access to one of the most innovative developers of customer relationship management solutions in the automotive industry."

Demos for ServiceCenter are available at the cars.com booth (#1001) at NADA in Orlando, January 23 to January 25.

Marketdrive develops personalized Web pages that enable car owners to obtain customized information about their vehicles from their automotive dealers. For example, car owners can be reminded of routine maintenance services such as oil changes, learn about related service specials, and schedule service appointments from one easily accessible site. Automotive retailers and manufacturers can use the personal Web pages to direct personalized communications that foster long-term relationships with their customers. Currently, more than 60 automotive retailers are offering Marketdrive’s technology on their Web sites.

"We are partnering with Marketdrive primarily to offer our dealers a tool to tap into the potential $30 billion market for service, parts and accessories facilitated by the Web. Unlike competing products, ServiceCenter promotes the dealer’s brand," said Mitch Golub, general manager of cars.com.

Automotive retailers will use ServiceCenter to host their customers’ personal vehicle Web pages. ServiceCenter will enable car owners to view their vehicle’s service records, which will be directly linked to the dealership management system. This allows consumers to receive service reminders and manufacturer recalls, schedule service appointments online, and be alerted to dealer specials and promotions. In addition, ServiceCenter will connect customers with automobile related clubs and communities. Customers’ records are updated and maintained electronically as a result of any service received at the dealership.

"Personalized Web pages act as one-stop shopping destinations for owners to turn to for any vehicle related matter. They make vehicle service and maintenance convenient for the owner and they help automobile dealers maintain a positive relationship with their customers," said Rob MacNaughton, president and chief financial officer of Marketdrive Interactive. "Our relationship with cars.com will allow us to provide this important benefit to car owners and automobile retailers, making the service process a satisfying experience for everyone involved."

About Marketdrive Interactive, Inc.

Marketdrive Interactive, Inc., based in Sausalito, CA, launched in July 1998. The company specializes in Internet-based Customer Relationship Management solutions for manufacturers and retailers of automobiles, motorcycles, boats and other big-ticket items. Marketdrive’s mission is to improve and extend the post-purchase relationship between manufacturers, retailers and end-consumers.

About cars.com

Cars.com simplifies local new and used car shopping on the Internet. With Inventory in 26 of the top 30 U.S. markets, cars.com is the only automotive Web site to provide daily updates of dealer inventories. Cars.com allows consumers to search vehicle listings by zip code, vehicle make, model and year and easily submit a quote request to a car dealer by e-mail, fax or telephone. In addition to vehicle pricing, cars.com provides consumers with trusted automotive information, including rich editorial content pertaining to real-life issues such as how to purchase a vehicle and tips for parents of young drivers. The site also provides consumers with tools such as an auto loan calculator, news and reports on new and used vehicles, more than 3,500 independent vehicle reviews (from 1983 to the present), vehicle performance data and vehicle recall information. Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, which is based in Chicago.

About Classified Ventures

Classified Ventures provides nationally branded online services for the developing e-commerce opportunities in the classified advertising marketplace that build upon the local capabilities and expertise of a national affiliate network. The company currently operates the Web sites Apartments.com™ , www.Apartments.com, cars.com™ , www.cars.com, MovingCenter™ , www.movingcenter.com, NewHomeNetwork.com™ , www.newhomenetwork.com. Classified Ventures also operates HomeHunter™ , a local resale real estate service on the Web sites of its newspaper affiliates.

Classified Ventures, Inc., based in Chicago, was formed by eight leading media companies - Central Newspapers, Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., Knight Ridder, The McClatchy Company, The New York Times Company, The Times Mirror Company, Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company.