Mitchell Releases ABS 8.0

SAN DIEGO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 30, 2006 -- Mitchell International, a leading provider of information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced the latest release -- version 8.0 -- of its industry-leading shop management system, ABS™ (Advanced Business System). ABS 8.0 is a core component of Mitchell's comprehensive portfolio of collision shop solutions, and will be showcased at the upcoming International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), at the Mitchell Business Management Booth (#W3257).

Like its predecessors, ABS 8.0 automates routine operations like job-costing, parts-management, and scheduling, and generates more than 100 detailed productivity and profitability reports so owners and managers have the information they need to make smart business decisions. In addition, ABS 8.0 incorporates new and enhanced features designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of successful collision repairers operating in today's increasingly competitive market, where efficiency is key.

"ABS has always been the tangible evidence of Mitchell's commitment to the collision repair industry and to putting the tools repair professionals need into their hands," said Jesse Herrera, Vice President and General Manager-Specialty Business Systems at Mitchell. "ABS 8.0 takes that commitment to the next level, driving performance improvements in every aspect of a shop's business, so they can be truly productive and profitable."

According to Chuck Griffis of Pennsylvania-based CPR Auto Center, "The improvements in ABS are well worth the upgrade. ABS 8.0 is easy to use and we find more new and valuable features everyday."

Included amongst those new and valuable features, are:

--  ABS 8.0's newly redesigned, user-friendly interface -- enabling users
    to access its many features and functions more efficiently than ever, via a
    simple tab-structure, using single-click navigation;
    
--  Expanded event messaging that automatically notifies a shop's
    designated business associates, such as customers, insurers, agents, and
    rental car agencies, about events pertaining to the progress of repairs and
    any delivery date changes, saving time while strengthening  business
    communications;
    
--  Configurable list columns enable users to customize the layout of
    estimate and repair order lists based on whatever information is most
    relevant, for more efficient workflow;
    
--  Automated Flag Payroll and payroll history tools simplify paying
    technicians and payroll oversight. Shops have the option to automatically
    flag technicians as vehicles move through different departments; historical
    reporting features enable quick retrieval of payroll information -- on
    particular technicians, or for a specific payroll period;
    
--  Automatic part number updates, meaning changes made in ABS 8.0 won't
    be overwritten by imported supplements. A shop's estimating system will
    only provide part numbers on the initial import of a work order line; and,
    
--  System performance features -- delete unnecessary EMS files, using
    specified date-ranges, to optimize the performance of the management
    system.
    

Mitchell is committed to providing state-of-the-art software tools and world-class business solutions that meet the needs of professional collision repairers working in an increasingly competitive business environment -- and is confident ABS 8.0 delivers.

Mitchell invites repairers looking for better ways to outperform their competitors to visit the Mitchell Business Management Booth (#W3257) at NACE and see for themselves what ABS 8.0 (or its web-based counterpart for high-performing and multi-location shops -- ABS Enterprise) can do to help them be even more successful.

About Mitchell International

Mitchell International is a leading provider of information and workflow solutions to the automotive insurance claims industry, serving carriers, collision repair facilities, and other commercial participants in the physical damage and auto-related medical claims processes. Mitchell facilitates millions of electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month to enhance their productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction levels. For more information on Mitchell International, visit our website at www.mitchell.com.

Contact Information: Contacts: Jennifer Forman Marketing Manager 800-238-9111 x6585 Email Contact or Kam Hashim Boston Communications 617-619-9803 Email Contact