National Press Release

Easy access to timely AutoCount Vehicles in Operation(SM) market data will help warehouses and parts stores make better inventory decisions

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian Automotive today announced it has been selected by Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (AAPA) to provide its AutoCount Vehicles in Operation(SM) data for the Alliance's inventory optimization tool, which will be made available to its 53 North American shareholders.

The inventory optimization tool will provide AAPA members with the most timely and accurate local vehicle information available today, allowing them to stock inventory that matches current market needs. Factors influencing the automotive aftermarket, such as regional vehicle sales information and fluctuations in fuel prices, are more volatile than ever. This has heightened the need for timely and accurate market intelligence for aftermarket parts organizations when deciding which parts they'll need to stock and where.

"The game has changed in the aftermarket, as timely and accurate market information is now an essential component for success," said AAPA President and CEO Richard H. Morgan. "The AutoCount Vehicles in Operation data provided by Experian Automotive brings the most up-to-date market information available to our inventory optimization tool. This gives our member organizations a significant, competitive advantage when it comes to how they stock their warehouses and, in turn, how they help their customers understand the parts that are right for their market."

Experian Automotive's AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database consists of nearly 250 million light vehicles. Information is updated within six weeks of the end of each quarter, ensuring that aftermarket organizations have the most timely and comprehensive information available to help better manage inventory levels, efficiently plan for new vehicle introductions, adjust for technology changes, and better assess locations for retail stores and service bays.

"The timely market information available through our AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database is a powerful asset for aftermarket organizations in helping them better understand what vehicles are on the road, identify the unique parts needs for local markets, and act on that knowledge to make profitable inventory decisions," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "Applying this information to AAPA's inventory optimization tool is a powerful step forward for all its members in remaining competitive in today's volatile industry."

For more information on Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, visit http://www.800autotalk.com. For more information on Experian Automotive's AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database and other products and services, visit http://www.experianautomotive.com.

About Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in the world. As the source for quality parts and service for more than 2,300 parts stores and almost 2,700 certified service centers throughout North America, the Alliance prides itself on responding to the individual automotive needs of each customer and providing proven, quality service.

About Experian Automotive Experian Automotive, a part of Experian, delivers information services to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Experian(R) helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing more than 500 million vehicles, along with Experian's credit, consumer and business information assets, meets the industry's growing demand for an integrated information source. Experian's advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results. Experian technology supports several top automotive Web sites, including eBay Motors, CarsDirect.com, CarMax.com and NADAguides.com. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Web site at http://www.experianautomotive.com.

    Contact:  Mike DeVilling
              The DeVilling Group for Experian Automotive
              1 248 875 4207
              mjdevilling@yahoo.com

SOURCE Experian Automotive