Innovator in automotive service technologies team with solution delivery leader in strategic partnership.

FREMONT, Calif., June 11, 2001

MechanicNet Group, Inc. (MechanicNet) and Automotive Technical Resources, Inc. (ATRi) announced today a planned partnership to make leading edge diagnostic technologies available to aftermarket installers through the Internet. MechanicNet and ATRi will co-develop technologies to deliver the proprietary Table of Known Good Values to on a pay per look basis. This data, along with a revolutionary process for diagnosing complex drivability problems, will dramatically reduce diagnostic time.

"This is an revolutionary new tool for a technician’s toolbox," says Steven Liao, President of MechanicNet. "We help shops capitalize on Internet technologies by delivering low cost solutions that meet their immediate needs. Through our partnership with ATRi, we can arm technicians with the critical information, skills, and training to have an edge today and remain competitive in the future. We are quite proud to be working with the innovative team at ATRi to bring this great technology to market.

ATRi uses patent-pending technologies to collect Known Good Values of post-production vehicles. Because post-production circuitry readings are significantly different from published engineering specifications, ATRi’s Table is the only collection of reliable circuitry data. Technicians use the values, in conjunction with ATRi processes, to diagnose problems throughout all electronically controlled systems in a more timely and accurate manner.

"It's an exciting and accurate way of diagnosing cars and light duty trucks that parallels the advanced technology being used to manufacture today's cars," says Bill Wruble, President and COO of ATRi. "MechanicNet.com has deployed an Internet infrastructure in the aftermarket that will enable distribution of ATRi's cutting edge technologies to aftermarket repair facilities. Our partnership is designed to bring the most innovative tools available to technicians at a price point they can afford." Using ATRi's information and processes, technicians have reported a savings of 80% over the time required to go through a manufacture's published diagnostic processes. "Our goal is to improve the business of our customers, the professional installer," adds Wruble. By delivering tools that significantly reduces diagnostic time, the most often disputed charge on a work order, ATRi helps the technician eliminate potential conflict with vehicle owners. By equipping them with these advanced tools, we help shops increase their customer satisfaction, their business efficiency, and ultimately their bottom line.

About MechanicNet.com

Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., MechanicNet.com is a privately held company that deploys Internet based technologies to the automotive aftermarket community. MechanicNet applications improve communications between mechanics and car owners with tools that improve technician efficiency and effectiveness as well as information that enhances consumer understanding and confidence. Shops in MechanicNet’s “Click and Motor Network” are provided with branded commerce ready Web sites as well as consumer traffic driven by www.mechanicnet.com where car owners can perform preliminary evaluations of car problems, schedule an appointment online, and provide feedback on the automotive services received. For more information about the company go to www.mechanicnet.com or call 877-MECHNET.

About ATRi

Headquartered in Troy, MI, ATRi creates unique systems to troubleshoot problems with today’s automobiles and trucks. The company has a team of certified staff specializing in management process and technical process engineering. ATRi also offers CASE Certified educational and training programs designed to increase the proficiency of automotive management and technicians as well as evaluation of current skill level. Through its various programs and operational platforms, ATRi can significantly increase the profits of an automotive service facility by providing the facility’s employees with process, information and both the hard and soft skills needed to increase service department efficiency and effectiveness as well as deliver it in a manner that is customer friendly.

TRADEMARKS:

MechanicNet.com is a registered trademark of MechanicNet Group, Inc.

SOURCE MechanicNet.com

CONTACT:
Nina Groman of MechanicNet.com, 877-MECHNET, ext. 14; or
LInda Sumrack of Automotive Technical Resources, Inc, 248-585-4200
URL:
http://www.atritech.com
http://www.mechanicnet.com