AE Now an Approved CertifiedFirst™
Network Participant

AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES STATUS AS AN APPROVED PARTICIPANT IN THE CERTIFIEDFIRST™ NETWORK OF QUALITY-RATED AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTERS

Automotive Excellence, Inc. named one of a select national network.

North Royalton, OH, February 9, 2004 – Automotive Excellence, Inc. recently became an approved participant in the CertifiedFirst™ Network of quality-rated auto body repair centers. Although the name and ownership remain the same, Automotive Excellence is now authorized to display the designation of the CertifiedFirst™ Network and offer motorists the confidence that comes with independent, third party verification of quality standards.

About the CertifiedFirst Network
The CertifiedFirst™ Program was developed by the Automotive Refinish unit of PPG Industries to designate premier Automotive Excellences throughout North America. The criteria for eligibility were based upon an extensive consumer research study into what influences customer satisfaction with the auto body repair experience. According to the findings, consumers are most satisfied with those shops that provide a high degree of customer satisfaction, keep them informed, and are considerate of their time. The designation of the CertifiedFirst™ Network is one way for consumers to identify repair facilities capable of satisfying these needs.

Independent verification a cornerstone of program
The program, which was launched in 2000, is the first of its kind within the Industry to incorporate third-party verification of key quality indicators. To be eligible, Automotive Excellence, Inc. had to demonstrate high levels of customer satisfaction as measured by Customer Research, Inc., utilizing a methodology developed specifically for auto body repair. Automotive Excellence, Inc. must maintain or exceed this level for continued participation in the Network. In addition, auditors from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) have inspected Automotive Excellence, Inc. and determined that it meets or exceeds the Network’s standards for repair equipment, technician training and amenities.

Warranty and guarantee included
As an approved participant in the CertifiedFirst™ Network, Automotive Excellence, Inc. offers its own workmanship warranty and a Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee using products that have earned the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal. These factors and more give customers an extra measure of confidence when shopping for quality repair work.

New reasons to choose a familiar shop
Besides sporting a new logo alongside its own, Automotive Excellence, Inc. will have access to a variety of Network programs including a web site that lets customers track their vehicle repair status on-line.

Automotive Excellence, Inc. owner Rich Sacha remarks, “We are delighted to have passed the rigorous approval process to become an approved participant in the CertifiedFirst™ Network. This is further proof of our dedication to our North Royalton area customers.”

Automotive Excellence, Inc. has been providing collision repair services to the North Royalton community since 1985. The company has 16 employees, and is located at 12950 York Delta Dr.

PPG Industries is a Fortune 500 company, and a world leader in automotive finishes, including many supplied to original equipment manufacturers.

CertifiedFirst™Network

Source - PPG Industries, February 9, 2004.