Autobytel Announces 2012 Car and Truck of the Year Awards

IRVINE, CA--January 2, 2011: Autobytel Inc. , announced its 2012 Car and Truck of the Year Awards. The editorial group of Autobytel, led by managing editor Michelle Naranjo, is a varied assemblage, ranging in age, driving habits and geography but the vehicle finalists chosen were almost unanimous. Over their 75 years of combined experience, Autobytel editors have driven hundreds of vehicles and have chosen this year's winners based on their game changing potential, advances in design and overall efficiency.

"The editors of Autobytel believe our 2012 Autobytel Car and Truck of the Year winners are true automotive game-changers," said Michelle Naranjo, managing editor, Autobytel.com. "Chosen for their new approach, each winner represents a forward-looking trend in their category. It is with delight we share this year's winners."

2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost

Jeffrey H. Coats, Autobytel Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer expressed his appreciation for all winners, "in this improving and dynamic automotive marketplace, we celebrate the best of the best with our 2012 Autobytel Car and Truck of the Year and category awards. We congratulate all the winners."

Commenting on the top Car award winner, Autobytel managing editor Naranjo said, "Bringing progressive style and substance to the sport compact category, the 3-door hatchback Hyundai Veloster coupe is a win, appealing to fans from the college-bound to the empty nester. The design is a masterfully aggressive representation of Hyundai's design language." As Autobytel's own Lyndon Conrad Bell puts it, "this is a car you'll sit out in your garage and just stare at." Naranjo continues, "on the inside, the Veloster brings category leading interior space, comfort and technology -- all standard equipment- including BlueLink for text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation, point of interest searches, music management and applications like Pandora and GraceNote. Starting at $17,300.00 Autobytel editors believe that the 2012 Hyundai Veloster will be leading the pack for the coming year."

Speaking about the top Truck award winner, Naranjo feels that, "when it comes to trucks, changing the game is about performance. By making more with less, the 2012 Ford F-150 takes a risk with its loyal F-150 buyers who expect V-8 power by giving them a twin-turbo charged V-6 engine in the form of EcoBoost, which combines fuel-efficiency and horsepower technologies , giving the 2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost the most towing capacity in its class of full-size non-hybrid pickups under 8,500 lbs." She continues, "When it comes to climbing in one of these high-performing trucks, the technology and comfort packages include MyFordTouch, SYNC and upgraded interiors, bringing refinement and the comfort of a car to those who like having a truck."