ASA Tire Systems Launches ASP Initiative

Nashua, NH, May 2, 2000 —ASA Tire Systems announces its entry into the Application Service Provider (ASP) market, providing the first ASP service specifically designed for the Independent Tire Dealer.

ASA launched the service as a cost effective alternative to the Independent Tire Dealer purchasing and operating its business computer and applications in-house. Utilizing the ASA TireMax product, the dealer will be able to run the software via the Internet, with the data and software applications being hosted by ASA. Functionally, the dealer will be running the same industry specific Point-of-Sale and Accounting TireMax application that is being run in thousands of Independent Tire Dealer locations across North America.

According to Dave Duchesne, National Marketing Manager for ASA Tire Systems, “In evaluating the market, it became apparent that many dealers desired the functionality of a best of breed point-of-sale application but lacked the resources to implement and maintain it. This service will allow them to run the TireMax software with a basic Internet connection, while at the same time minimizing start-up costs by eliminating the need to purchase the application and server. In addition, the on-going costs of running the application make it extremely affordable in this market. In essence, a Dealer rents the software, requires no system administrator, and has full access to the leading software available to the Independent Tire Dealer.”

ASA Tire Systems is a division of ASA International Ltd. (NASDAQ: ASAA). Headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, ASA Tire Systems develops and builds enterprise-wide software solutions, delivers support and services, and enables leading Independent Tire Dealers to achieve a maximum return on their information technology investment. They can be found on the Internet at: http://www.asatire.com.

CONTACT:
David Duchesne
ASA Tire Systems
(603) 889-8700
dduchesne@asatire.com