CARFAX Vehicle History Reports Now Part of Audi Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Program

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 28, 2004–CARFAX, the pioneer of vehicle history reports, now plays a key role in Audi’s Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle program. Audi will incorporate CARFAX Vehicle History Reports in the certification process of each Audi Certified pre-owned vehicle.

“Including CARFAX Vehicle History Reports in the Audi Certified pre-owned program will help give consumers and dealers the confidence that their Audi Certified pre-owned has no hidden problems from its past,” said Scott Fredericks, Vice President, CARFAX.

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports can help uncover hidden problems such as salvage or junk titles, flood damage, odometer rollbacks, lemon histories and more.

“If CARFAX finds a problem with an Audi Certified pre-owned, we will exclude the car from Audi certification,” said Reinhard Fischer, Audi Certified pre-owned Leader, Audi of America, Inc. “CARFAX provides that ‘background check’ that reinforces to the buyer they are getting a safe and reliable car.”

“I find Audi’s Certified pre-owned program builds consumer confidence in the cars,” said Frank Gauci of Audi of Fairfield, CT, Audi’s third ranking CPO consultant in the U.S. “Knowing the vehicle history on these cars certainly adds to consumers’ comfort level with making a purchase. This is a sure-fire sales tool.”

In addition to having a clean history, Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles must pass a rigorous mechanical, safety, and appearance inspection. Each is factory backed with a comprehensive Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty – two years from the date of purchase or expiration of the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty, whichever occurs later, up to 100,000 total vehicle miles. In addition, Audi reconditions and details each vehicle to ensure they meet the highest of standards.

“CARFAX is the perfect partner for Audi in delivering peace of mind to its Certified pre-owned customers.” Fischer said. “We take the consumer’s doubt about the Audi’s past away through providing a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. We assure them about the present condition of the Audi with the 300+ point inspection. Then, we give them confidence about the future of the Audi through a factory backed limited warranty and roadside assistance.”

According to a study Maritz Research released, manufacturers’ certified pre-owned programs are gaining more respect and recognition than ever among American drivers. The majority of the respondents said they would consider a certified pre-owned vehicle because they believe purchasing one would reduce their risk and offer them an ability to purchase a vehicle that would otherwise be outside their means.

“Buying an Audi was an easy decision for me because I knew I’d be driving a dependable, quality vehicle,” said Deb Webb of Washington, DC. “Knowing a CARFAX report will be included with each Audi certification in the future gives me additional confidence in recommending Audi to my friends and family.”

About CARFAX

Since 1986, CARFAX has been helping people uncover the truth about used cars. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report – available through www.carfax.com and through car dealers – provides an instant background check on any used car. Vehicle history reports help consumers and dealers avoid used cars with costly hidden problems, including major accident and salvage history, odometer fraud, flood damage and more. CARFAX takes its job of providing the truth about used cars so seriously it backs every vehicle history report with a $5,000 CARFAX Certified History Guarantee. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, CARFAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Company.

About Audi

Audi’s history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Always an innovator, Audi offered a range of front-wheel drive sedans to a market that scarcely understood the advantages of this now well established concept. In 1980 Quattro was introduced to the U.S. market as Audi’s permanent all-wheel-drive system. With the celebration of 22 years of innovation, Audi recently introduced the fourth-generation of Quattro.