Chrome's vehicle configurator adds enhanced photos and vehicle reviews for websites

2004-05-27: Portland, Oregon, USA: Chrome Systems Corporation, a specialist provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, has announced the release of Chrome Carbook® 5.6, the latest version of Chrome's new vehicle configuration, comparison and pricing tool for Web sites. Chrome Carbook® 5.6 includes the addition of high quality images from eVox Productions, vehicle reviews from Consumer Guide® and a research-oriented workflow. These enhancements, combined with Chrome's market-leading vehicle data, enable Web sites to offer online shoppers a complete vehicle research tool.

Chrome Carbook® is a consumer-facing, Web-based tool for configuring, researching, pricing, comparing and requesting vehicles. Designed to fit seamlessly within a site's branded look and feel, features can be turned on or off, depending on the desired customer experience. Chrome Carbook® includes plain English descriptions of the advantages of one vehicle over another, as well as more traditional side-by-side comparisons on up to five vehicles at one time. When using the tool, consumers simply click a button to send their vehicle request to a dealer. Chrome Carbook® is currently accessible from more than 2,000 Web sites in the United States.

Vehicle images are provided by eVox Productions, LLC, the leading provider of interactive automotive imaging, and enable consumers to see virtually any detail on a vehicle, from dashboards to door handles. Rich media options include 360-degree vehicle spins, interior panoramic views, and dynamic color change.

"The clarity and detail of the images from eVox Productions and the reviews from Consumer Guide® round out our product," said David Mingle, Chrome's president. "Even before setting foot inside of a showroom consumers can learn just about everything they need to know about a desired vehicle, including what it looks like, what's on it and how much it costs. So when they enter that showroom, they are better prepared and more likely to buy."

Chrome Carbook® can be integrated with Chrome Inventory SearchTM, an online tool for searching a dealer's inventory and locating desired matches, giving businesses a seamless "build and find" solution for their Web sites. Together, these tools bridge the gap between customer preferences and inventory in stock, enabling consumers to find matches to what they've researched online.

"Our goal is to make it easier for consumers to buy and businesses to sell cars and trucks on the Web and on the lot," said Mingle. "Toward that end, we continue to partner with key content providers, such as eVox Productions and Consumer Guide®. Coupled with used values from NADAguides.com, Chrome Carbook® provides interesting and useful vehicle content, whether for a new or used vehicle, and helps streamline communication between buyers and sellers."