Driverside Announces New Problem Predictor Tool for Car Owners

J.D. Power Dependability Study Data to Help Drivers Anticipate Potential Future Issues with Their Cars Before They Happen

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 21, 2010

DriverSide (http://www.driverside.com]), provider of the ultimate website for car owners and the most comprehensive customer attraction and retention program for the auto industry, today announced a new initiative with J.D. Power and Associates that makes available highlights from previously unseen vehicle dependability data so that drivers can now understand the most frequently occurring issues with popular car makes and models, as well as common problems for various classes of vehicles.

The “Problem Predictor” is designed to help owners of various models anticipate potential future problems most commonly associated with those cars. The feature is also relevant to potential car buyers who will have insight into the issues they could face post purchase. Visitors to http://www.driverside.com] can now see the top five symptoms encountered by other drivers of mainstream vehicles and how they relate to common issues for the corresponding class of car. For example, consumers could learn that the number one problem encountered by other owners of a certain midsize car is “brake issues” and that the issue is not common for other midsize cars.

“The J.D. Power information is based on feedback from the most important critics—verified vehicle owners,” said Peter Marlow, vice president and general manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, J.D. Power. “This initiative with DriverSide derives highlights from our industry standard automotive research and provides it to consumers in ways that help them make more informed decisions.”

DriverSide.com visitors can use this new information as part of a strategy to anticipate and prevent future problems. All issues listed on the website are linked to extensive glossaries, helpful diagnostic tools and directly to DriverSide staff mechanics who offer consumers free advice.

“Car owners and car buyers will have more information than ever before to help them maintain their vehicles,” said Trevor Traina, chairman of DriverSide. “This new program is part of our strategy to offer drivers every possible tool to help them save time and money. DriverSide is excited to work with J.D. Power to make this valuable information available.”

About J. D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, Capital IQ, J.D. Power and Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction and Aviation Week. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

About DriverSide
Recognized by CNET as the best site to use to maintain your vehicle, Driverside.com is the first website specifically designed for automobile owners. DriverSide allows consumers to save money on servicing and maintenance costs, diagnose car problems as well as buy and sell automobiles. DriverSide’s in-house editorial staff offers useful advice on how to own and operate a vehicle and new and used auto reviews. The site’s community features allow consumers to participate in forums, meet other owners of a particular vehicle, share knowledge, and post reviews on mechanics and dealers. The company also works with businesses across the auto industry to provide comprehensive programs designed to attract and retain customers and increase profits.

DriverSide was founded in Fall, 2007 by Internet entrepreneurs Trevor Traina, Adam Jackson, and Jad Dunning. The company is funded by Catamount Ventures and Allegis Capital. For more information, go to http://www.driverside.com].

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