Press Releases

DriverSide.com and ASE Announce Cooperation to Help Consumers Find Certified Professionals

SAN FRANCISCO – (BUSINESS WIRE) DriverSide, the only Web site built specifically for the car owner, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) today announced a cooperative program to help drivers locate credible, ASE-certified technicians and Blue Seal of Excellence recognized repair shops. DriverSide's incorporation of ASE shop locator listings further builds on DriverSide's commitment to providing credible, honest and accurate information to help drivers make smart decisions about servicing and maintaining their current vehicles.

Additionally, DriverSide has entered into a distribution agreement with AT&T Interactive that gives DriverSide users access to AT&T Interactive's comprehensive auto repair listings that appear on AT&T Interactive's websites, including YELLOWPAGES.COM . The agreement expands DriverSide's catalogue of local repair shops, ensuring users have rich information on specialties and the latest incentives from professional shops and technicians around the country. At the same time, advertisers who appear on YELLOWPAGES.COM benefit from extended visibility among consumers looking for their type of business. A trusting relationship with a local repair shop is becoming increasingly important; a recent DriverSide.com/Kelton Research study showed that 82% of U.S. car owners are now planning to own their car longer than originally planned.

"A good mechanic is like a good doctor - he will establish a relationship with a vehicle and its owner and develop a maintenance program specific for their needs. We view these partnerships as an opportunity to help drivers find trusted, certified local technicians and begin that long-term relationship," said Jad Dunning, CEO of DriverSide. "We're focused on all aspects of car ownership, and providing our users with the information they need to make an informed decision, is always a priority."

Through the ASE program, DriverSide will highlight the Blue Seal of Excellence recognized shops in its directory. The Blue Seal of Excellence recognition is only awarded to highly-qualified repair facilities that demonstrate a commitment to excellent service by having more than 75% of their technicians ASE-certified. The ASE certification is the industry standard measure of competency and a guide to quality auto repairs. At present, about 400,000 professionals hold current certifications. They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.

"DriverSide elevates our Blue Seal of Excellence Program to customers who are only looking for the best repair facilities that demonstrate a commitment to quality service by employing ASE-Certified professionals," said Tony Molla, VP Communications, ASE. "Drivers are keeping their cars on the road longer, and ASE is working with DriverSide to help provide a unique online auto resource that gives consumers all the information they need to be better, smarter car owners."

Furthering its goal of providing the right information at the right time, the display of rich information from YELLOWPAGES.COM , a leading local search site, complements and enhances the user experience on DriverSide.com. Car owners who need work on their vehicles will be able to review enhanced information on local repair shops, including makes serviced, specialties, having ASE certified technicians, and other information important to making a good service and repair decision. These relationships are the latest in DriverSide's continuing commitment to the needs of the car owner.

About ASE

Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, there are approximately 400,000 ASE- certified professionals who work in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, machine shops, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit the Web site at www.ase.com.

About DriverSide

Founded in fall 2007 by Internet Entrepreneurs Trevor Traina, Adam Jackson, and Jad Dunning, DriverSide is the first Web site specifically designed for automobile owners. DriverSide allows consumers to save time and money on servicing and maintenance costs as well as buy and sell automobiles, parts and accessories. DriverSide offers free estimates of what repairs should cost for any given vehicle, as well as recall and service alerts for drivers. With an in-house editorial staff, DriverSide offers useful advice on how to own and operate a vehicle as well as reviews on new and used automobiles. DriverSide's community allow consumers to participate in forums, meet other owners of a particular vehicle, share knowledge, and post reviews on mechanics and dealers.
Whether for servicing, repairing, maintaining or accessorizing, DriverSide has brought together all the information and resources needed to make automobile ownership an easy and personalized experience. For more information, go to www.driverside.com

Sparkpr for DriverSide

Catherine Burke, 415-321-1882

catherine@sparkpr.com