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DriverSide Acquires fairBenjamin, Giving Consumers Even More Negotiating Power With Mechanics

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- DriverSide, the first full service Web site dedicated to saving consumers time and money by making the ownership or lease of an automobile hassle-free, announced today its acquisition of fairBenjamin. As an early innovator in the online repair space and particularly in linking motorists to the right mechanic at the right price, fairBenjamin's diagnostic and cost estimation tools further enhance DriverSide's repair service data. In addition, Ben Picard founder of fairBenjamin joins DriverSide as Director of Services and Leads. He directs a group responsible for product innovation in linking consumers to mechanics.

By acquiring fairBenjamin, DriverSide continues improving on the estimates it gives to consumers for common repair costs. DriverSide now offers an easier format of more comprehensive data in its new and redesigned Pre-Service Reports, a printable resource with details on service costs and mechanic ratings specific to a consumer's local area. Visitors at Driverside.com first identify their vehicle, the city and the repair. DriverSide's Pre-Service Report then issues a cost estimate for both parts and labor, which guides consumers in servicing their automobile. Giving drivers a firm number allows them maximum leverage when negotiating with service centers.

"At DriverSide, we spend all our time trying to save motorists money and make auto ownership easier. Purchasing fairBenjamin allows us to do more of both," said Jad Dunning, chief executive officer at DriverSide. "This acquisition, along with the launch of our improved Pre-Service Reports is a clear indication of our commitment to bringing the best tools for free to our users. While we focus on all aspects of vehicle ownership, we recognize that servicing is an important area where we can help people and save them significant sums of money."

DriverSide gives consumers a place to get advice, store service records, find out the real value of their car, receive recall notices, get service reminders, communicate with car experts, seek guidance on how much to pay for servicing, buy parts and accessories, read reviews of mechanics from other drivers, and so much more. First-time visitors at DriverSide.com simply identify their specific car or truck. Once their vehicle is claimed, information is tailored to the automobile's make, model and year, forming a personalized vehicle profile in their publically available "My Garage."

"I wanted to create a blue book for auto repair, a trusted source where anyone can go and ask any repair question online and know the fair price to pay. DriverSide extends the concept, educating consumers on the entire car ownership lifecycle," said Benjamin Picard, founder of fairBenjamin and newly appointed director of services and leads at DriverSide. "DriverSide's vehicle resources, experts and Web 2.0 resources joined with fairBenjamin's nationwide registry of factory-approved parts, and local fair market labor rates brings consumers much needed transparency in owning and maintaining their vehicle."

The fairBenjamin website at http://www.fairbenjamin.com will be integrated into http://www.driverside.com.

About fairBenjamin

fairBenjamin is your trusted friend for car repair. fairBenjamin was founded in 2007 to give motorists peace of mind and access to great mechanics. The fairBenjamin service for linking drivers with mechanics is U.S. patent pending.

About DriverSide

Founded in fall 2007 by Internet Entrepreneurs Trevor Traina, Adam Jackson, and Jad Dunning, DriverSide is the first Web site specifically designed for automobile owners. Funded by Catamount Ventures, DriverSide allows consumers to save money on servicing and maintenance costs as well as buy and sell automobiles. With an in-house editorial staff, DriverSide offers useful advice on how to own and operate a vehicle as well as reviews on new and used automobiles. DriverSide's community allows consumers to participate in forums, meet other owners of a particular vehicle, share knowledge, and post reviews on mechanics and dealers.

Whether for buying, selling, servicing, maintaining or accessorizing, DriverSide has brought together all the information and resources needed to make automobile ownership an easy and personalized experience. (http://www.driverside.com)

SOURCE DriverSide

Tags: ,AUT,CPR,MLM,TNM,CA-DriverSide-acquire

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