FREMONT, CA - February 21, 2000 The auto repair industry will never be the same with the introduction of MechanicNet, a web site where consumers can get all the information they need to make informed decisions about their car repair and maintenance. With MechanicNet, car owners can better understand the problems they are experiencing with their car, be referred to a shop in their area, and keep up with scheduled maintenance.

Understanding What's Going On Under the Hood

MechanicNet exists to bridge a gap between car owners and mechanics. With the Conversational Diagnostics tool, car owners can use MechanicNet to translate their problem into information that mechanics can use to ease some of the stress often found in this relationship.  For many car owners, especially women, gaining knowledge and estimating the extent of repairs ahead of time helps to reduce the anxiety associated with a visit to the repair shop.

"Consumers are often intimidated by car repair because of a communication gap and a knowledge disadvantage," said Steve Liao, MechanicNet's Founder and President.  "Our site enables car owners to ask questions in their own words about their car problems, obtain a diagnosis, understand potential repair costs, and find other relevant information to make informed car care decisions."

Finding A Trustworthy Mechanic

MechanicNet makes it easy to find a local, qualified mechanic. Instead of walking blindly into the nearest shop with an available appointment time, car owners can find the best local mechanic for their specific problem. Shops can use their branded web sites to show off their distinct personalities so that customers can get to know them.  Further, car owners are invited to review each garage as they receive repairs and voice their concerns when they are dissatisfied with the level of service they have received.

"We enable the customer and shop to communicate in advance of any appointment and help them to build a relationship in a non-threatening environment," commented Thomas Lieu, VP of Business Development  "The best mechanics participate in MechanicNet because they understand that their good service will be rewarded with glowing reviews."

To address the fact that customer complaints may have more immediate and visible consequences, MechanicNet has built relationship management tools to help shops identify and resolve customer issues.  "Both car owners and mechanics will benefit from the open forum at MechanicNet because mechanics can respond quickly and easily to customer complaints and ultimately protect or even improve upon their reputation," added Lieu.

Streamlining the Shop Experience