Networkcar™, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, announced Sept. 23 that it has been awarded a patent, titled “Internet-based Vehicle-Diagnostic System” by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. United States patent number 6,611,740 describes the company’s “Internet-based scan tool” technology for wirelessly communicating and extracting automotive data from an in-vehicle device and Internet-based system featuring Web sites for both car owners and automotive service providers. The patent also covers systems, such as a global positioning system (GPS), that obtain power from a host vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port and transmit information through a wireless network. This patent adds to Networkcar's growing patent portfolio, which currently features 19 pending and issued U.S patents. Networkcar’s system collects and organizes detailed automotive information directly from a vehicle's engine computer and location-based information from a GPS. Information is transmitted wirelessly to an information center where it is made available to car owners, automotive dealerships and fleet operators in the form of immediate e-mail alerts, summary e-mail reports or easy-to-read Web pages. Networkcar’s technology is compatible with virtually all light and medium-duty vehicles manufactured since 1996, according to Dave Dutch, president of Networkcar. “With our Internet-based scan tool technology, automotive service providers now have the ability to solve car problems online and in real-time, before their customers even arrive at the service drive,” Dutch said. “This means car owners with Networkcar’s system will spend significantly less time waiting and wondering about car repairs.” Networkcar affiliated auto dealerships can access a special Web site showing the detailed performance status of their customer’s vehicles. By accessing this data before the car arrives, technicians can plan their repair strategy, order parts ahead of time and save time associated with initially identifying the problem. Car owners can save money by troubleshooting problems earlier and preventing them from developing into larger more expensive repairs, according to Networkcar. About Networkcar Networkcar (www.networkcar.com) is a provider of around-the-clock services for monitoring the performance, location and security of consumer and fleet vehicles. The company features monitoring technology and satellite-location systems. Networkcar includes real-time car performance updates, Smart Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle recovery services and Car GuardianTM, a feature that allows a car owner to find their car by accessing a secure Web page. With Networkcar, car owners and fleets increase safety and security, save time and reduce costs with advanced preventive maintenance and early problem detection, according to the company. About Reynolds and Reynolds Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com) is a provider of integrated solutions designed to help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. With 75 years of experience serving automotive retailing, Reynolds says it enables car companies and retailers to work together to build the lifetime value of their customers. The company's product, service and training solutions include retail and enterprise management systems, networking and support, e-business applications, Web services, learning and consulting services, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, data management and integration, and leasing services. Reynolds says it serves more than 20,000 customers comprising 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all car companies doing business in North America. Its CRM consulting practices span approximately 15 countries around the world.