DANA POINT, Calif., Dec. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Aftersoft Network N.A., Inc., a leading provider of business automation and eCommerce solutions for the automotive aftermarket, today announced that U.S. Tire & Exhaust, a division of U.S. Oil Co., Inc. and one of the nation's largest distributors of tires and automotive parts, has completed the next phase of its multi-phased installation of numerous Aftersoft eCommerce solutions.
Most recently, U.S. Tire and Exhaust (USTE) has successfully rolled out Aftersoft's OpenWebs B2C solution, making it available to its network of over 300 tire dealers. This business-to-consumer (B2C) wholesale version of OpenWebs allows USTE's dealers to have a consumer web presence that enables their customers to search for tires by vehicle or size within USTE's inventory -- as opposed to the dealer's -- and to get tire quotes and request appointments. With Aftersoft's B2C wholesale solution, dealers benefit from real-time access to USTE's extensive inventories, but are still able to control tire pricing. When combined with Aftersoft's 12,000-plus tire manufacturer specification sheets, and connectivity that allows the on-line quote and appointment request to flow right into the dealer's connected point-of-sale (POS) solution (such as Aftersoft's industry-leading VAST Enterprise Retail), it provides a completely integrated solution.
"We have developed a long-term partnership with Aftersoft Network because of their technology focus and building block approach, which has allowed us to continue to grow our business through various eCommerce initiatives for both our parts and tire channels," said Pat Hietpas, vice president and general manager for U.S. Tire & Exhaust. "Through Aftersoft's eCommerce solutions, we have seen a dramatic increase in our revenues and electronic transactions, with over 40% of our orders now coming electronically. With better real-time information, we are driving increased sales, accelerating inventory turnover, and creating greater efficiencies and closer relationships with our dealers."
Jim French, managing director of Aftersoft Network, commented, "We are pleased to have a strong relationship with U.S. Tire & Exhaust and to have helped the company build a virtual supply chain from the ground up. USTE has been a great partner in supporting many of our eCommerce initiatives as we have brought them to market. Our OpenWebs eCommerce technology helps to strengthen U.S. Tire & Exhaust's relationship with its dealers and the dealers' relationship with their customers, all through a seamlessly connected supply chain."
U.S. Tire & Exhaust first began to employ Aftersoft's B2B browser solution in 2003. It then endorsed Aftersoft's retail POS solution, VAST Enterprise Retail, to its dealers -- not only as a great tool to manage their business, but also to allow them to inquire and order USTE parts and tires electronically from within their POS systems.
Mr. French concluded, "The newest addition of our B2C solution has completed the circle for U.S. Tire & Exhaust, allowing consumers to search for tires on-line, obtain a tire quote, and request an appointment; the dealer then can fulfill the tire order electronically from within their own system, without any paper or phone calls. It is truly a connected supply chain benefiting all parties."
About U.S. Tire & Exhaust
Established in 1958, U.S. Tire & Exhaust(r) has served the automotive aftermarket for over 45 years. The Corporate offices are located in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. USTE distributes products to the automotive aftermarket from 26 warehouse locations in 13 states across the Midwest and Mountain states. USTE operates two customer call centers located in Combined Locks, WI and Sioux Falls, SD where approximately 40 highly-skilled associates serve over 14,000 customers.
About Aftersoft Network
Aftersoft Network N.A. is a leading provider of business automation and eCommerce solutions that are helping its customers create "virtual supply chains" linking every level of the automotive aftermarket, including both parts and tires through its numerous building block technologies. With products ranging from point-of-sale and inventory control to accounting solutions, the company enables customers to build seamless digital management systems, with real-time communications driving increased sales, productivity and customer satisfaction. The company serves over 450 customers with more than 3,000 locations across the North America, including auto parts distributors and retailers, auto service providers and tire dealers, and warehouse distributors. Based in Dana Point, California, Aftersoft Network N.A. is a subsidiary of Aftersoft Group, Inc. For more information, visit www.aftersoftna.com.
About Aftersoft Group Inc.
Aftersoft Group, Inc. (OTCBB:ASFG) is a supplier of ERP supply chain management solutions to automotive parts manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Aftersoft Group provides the automotive aftermarket with a combination of business management systems, information products, and online services that together deliver benefits for all parties involved in the timely repair of a vehicle. For further information, please visit www.aftersoftgroup.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties impacting the company's business including, increased competition; the ability of the company to expand its operations through either acquisitions or internal growth, to attract and retain qualified professionals, and to expand commercial relationships; technological obsolescence; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).