Autobytel.com, General Motors Sign Agreement to Test New Online Retail Business Model With GM and Its Dealers

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 21 Autobytel.com today
announced that it reached an agreement with General Motors Corp. to
conduct a 90-day test of a new GM online locate-to-order business model.  This
model involves special modification of the Autobytel.com website for consumers
from a particular geographic area who seek specific GM vehicles.
    The test program will combine the independent all makes, all models
capability of Autobytel.com with a dealer-set online e-price and locate-to-
order vehicle inventory model for specific GM products.  The evaluation is
anticipated to begin May 1.  It will involve a specific GM vehicle division
and will be conducted with dealers in a yet-to-be named metropolitan area.
    "We believe that it is important to be involved in multiple channels on
the Internet.  Research also tells us that there is opportunity in the
marketplace for manufacturer websites, dealer websites and a presence in
independent, all makes and models spaces.  The results of this test will help
us and our dealers refine our e-retailing business learnings," said William J.
Lovejoy, GM group vice president, North America Vehicle Sales, Service and
Marketing.  "As we continue to work with our dealers on an Internet strategy,
it is critical that we launch new initiatives and learn how we can combine the
strengths of our dealer network with a strategy to provide our customers with
the best possible online experience."
    "We are very pleased to be working with GM and its dealers and look
forward to providing them with the tools and support services they need to
make this a complete success," said Mark Lorimer, President and CEO of
Autobytel.com.  "We believe that this is an innovation that can change all
existing online automotive commerce business models-with online buying
services, manufacturers and dealers working together-improving on the benefits
of the referral model and providing the template for the future."
    The test on the Autobytel.com site will help GM and its dealers learn how
to ultimately create an effective online locate-to-order system that displays
a market area view of available inventory and enables consumers to purchase
selected vehicles at a dealer-set online e-price.  Car buyers will not only be
able to find the exact GM vehicle they wish to purchase, but also select a
preferred GM dealer to complete the sales transaction.
    "Working with Autobytel.com on this test helps us gain insight into the
independent e-commerce space where customers have a 3-to-1 preference for all
makes and model sites.  We need to be everywhere our customers are," said Mark
T. Hogan, GM group vice president and president, e-GM.
    In addition to hosting the test on its site and creating supporting
technologies, Autobytel.com will provide GM dealers with dealer training,
Internet-based customer relationship management applications and other
technologies for the 90-day test.
    The test will not affect any of the options available to online buyers of
non-GM products and all online car buyers will continue to experience
Autobytel.com's unbiased information resources and objective, haggle-free
buying process.

    About General Motors
    General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer,
designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2000, GM earned
$5 billion on sales of $183.3 billion. It employs about 386,000 people
globally.
    GM is investing aggressively in high technology and e-business within its
global automotive operations and through such initiatives as e-GM, GM
BuyPower, OnStar and its Hughes Electronics Corp. subsidiary.
    GM also operates one of the world's largest and most successful financial
institutions, GMAC.  More information on General Motors can be found at
http://www.gm.com.

    About autobytel.com inc.
    Autobytel.com inc. , the global leader in online automotive
commerce, brings car buyers, owners, and sellers together in a trusted
environment, empowered by the Internet.  Through its extensive automotive
content and multiple purchasing, financing, insurance and service options,
Autobytel.com offers consumers choice and peace of mind throughout the
automotive lifecycle, while providing its network of accredited dealers and
automotive services partners the most efficient way to reach online car buyers
and owners.  Autobytel.com and its wholly-owned subsidiary, A.I.N. Corporation
(CarSmart.com), have a network of over 5,000 dealers nationwide and are the
seventh largest generator of automotive sales in the United States, just
behind GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan.  Autobytel.com has
been ranked #1 in Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services for three
years in a row by J.D. Power and Associates.(1) Autobytel.com's low-cost, no-
haggle car-buying program is available in the U.S., Canada (http://www.autobytel.ca),
the United Kingdom (http://www.autobytel.co.uk), Sweden (http://www.autobytel.se), Japan
(http://www.autobytel-japan.com), the Netherlands (http://www.autobytel.nl) and Australia
(http://www.autobytel.com.au).  Headquartered in Irvine, California, Autobytel.com is
recognized as the company that transformed the $1 trillion new car industry
when it invented online car buying.

    (1)J.D. Power and Associates 1998 - 2000 Dealer Satisfaction With Online
Buying Services Studies(SM).  2000 study conducted among dealership Internet
specialists who completed 2,144 evaluations of individual services.
http://www.jdpower.com.

    The statements contained in this press release that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws.  These
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to
predict.  Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is
expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.  Autobytel.com
undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Among the
important factors that could cause Autobytel.com's actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking
statements are changes in general economic conditions, increased or unexpected
competition, changes in A.I.N.Corporation's financial performance, and other
matters disclosed in Autobytel.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Investors are strongly encouraged to review the Company's annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a
discussion of risks and uncertainties that could affect operating results and
the market price of the Company's stock.