Chrome Systems Corp., provider of automotive data, configuration technology and software solutions, on June 19 announced that it has developed and delivered an electronic data standard to General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations for use by its fleet and commercial customers. The XML-based standard, AutoTransmission(TM), is built on Chrome's data and consists of all GM vehicle data and option order rules for management and distribution of GM vehicle ordering information. This standard eliminates the need for manual data entry and cumbersome printed specification books. "We understand the instrumental benefits that data standards and solutions bring to every automotive transaction in the retail channel as well as the fleet industry," said Bob Navarre, Chrome CEO. "We're pleased to work with GM again and partner with GM Fleet and Commercial Operations to provide such a beneficial initiative to the fleet industry." AutoTransmission streamlines the transmission of vehicle data and information among GM Fleet and Commercial Operations and its fleet and rental customers by providing an open standard for communicating, sharing and using the data. As a result, fleet managers automatically receive current, accurate and orderable GM vehicle option and pricing information, allowing them to quickly copy the data into their ordering systems. This new process speeds up purchasing and allows GM Fleet and Commercial Operations to fulfill orders faster. In addition, fleet and rental companies can reduce errors and costs incurred by manual entry of information from printed specification books into disparate ordering systems because the XML data format can facilitate seamless integration into proprietary legacy systems, which results in lower deployment costs and faster systems integration, according to Navarre. About Chrome With more than 12,000 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides configuration technology, software and professional services to produce enterprise solutions for all segments of the retail automotive industry, including manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers and Internet sites. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for the past 15 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers. Chrome serves 14 of the 17 largest fleet leasing companies. Chrome's automotive dealer clients accounted for more than half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2000. The company is based in Portland, Ore. For more information, call 1-800-936-8906 or visit www.chrome.com.