DATE:
NOV. 27, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
T0011-01

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
MONICA BUCHHOLZ
(877) 550-4286

http://www.iatn.net

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS' NETWORK REACHES MEMBERSHIP MILESTONE

Brea, CA -- The International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN), the world's largest internet-based global community of automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied automotive service professionals, recently accepted its 30,000th active member.

iATN Founder Brent Black said, "This is a real milestone, not only for iATN but the entire automotive service industry as well. With 30,000 active members in 110 countries, iATN is truly an international meeting place for automotive service professionals from all over the world. Collectively, our members share over a half-million years of automotive experience. That's a powerful resource for any repair facility."

iATN's close-knit community of professional automotive technicians exchange technical information, network and build lasting professional relationships through multiple Internet mailing lists and discussion groups. The growth in membership has surprised even Black, who began iATN in 1995 with a mere 50 members. As Internet access became more universal and as word spread among repair professionals about iATN, membership grew to more than 1,000 by 1996 and more than 15,000 just two years later.

"Even more service professionals will make the decision to join once they understand the value iATN provides them in their chosen field. In fact, the majority of members are referrals from our existing membership," Black said. "The site provides a real sense of community to a diverse group of professionals with a common goal - to provide the best repair service to their customers."

Through iATN, the site's 30,000 members discuss the entire spectrum of issues related to automotive service - from technical problems to customer service and equipment purchases - through customized email networks, chat rooms and live conferencing. As a testament to member dedication to the site, last quarter the iATN system handled more than 40 million messages among members.

As membership grows, so do iATN's technical resources and networking opportunities - and they're not always limited to cyberspace. Once a year, for example, iATN members get the chance to meet face-to-face at the annual iATN Convention. The next iATN Convention will take place Oct. 5-7, 2001 in Dearborn, MI.

"Besides offering top technical and management seminars, our annual convention affords members the opportunity to meet one another outside cyberspace," explained Black. "Members develop some strong relationships and the convention is yet another way iATN brings the automotive service industry together."

For additional information about iATN, visit iATN at http://www.iatn.net.

About iATN

iATN is supported by the automotive industry's top manufacturers, information providers, suppliers, associations and publications. These industry sponsors, along with sponsoring shop and technician members, make the iATN network possible.

The iATN Mission of Excellence: To promote the continued growth, success and image of the professional automotive technician by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of education, professionalism and integrity.