AutoTrader To generate leads For Autobytel

    IRVINE, Calif.--May 1, 2002--Autobytel Inc. , the Internet's largest new car buying program, today announced an agreement making Autobytel's Autoweb.com the exclusive third-party online new car buying service offered by AutoTrader.com, the Internet's largest auto classifieds marketplace. Through this agreement, AutoTrader.com's new car shoppers have the option to request competitive, no-haggle prices through Autoweb.com's dealer network.
    "This relationship brings together two giants in the online automotive arena to better serve new car shoppers and dealers," said Jeffrey Schwartz, president and CEO of Autobytel Inc. "AutoTrader.com has proven its expertise in automotive commerce and its leadership in online automotive classifieds. The site has one of the largest audiences of Internet car shoppers, making it a natural fit with our nationwide network of trained, Internet new car dealers."
    In addition to serving as a fulfillment channel for AutoTrader.com's Buy Online marketplace, Autobytel's Autoweb.com will also be able to promote its new car buying program to AutoTrader.com's 7 million unique visitors monthly, driving traffic and delivering even more customers to its dealer network.

    About Autobytel Inc.

    Autobytel Inc. , a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing and CRM (customer relationship management) programs. Autobytel Inc. owns and operates the popular Web sites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a leading provider of automotive marketing data and technology.
    Autobytel Inc. generated an estimated four percent of all domestic new vehicle sales -- $17 billion in car sales in 2001 -- for dealers through its Web sites. With approximately 8,900 dealer relationships and 30 international automotive manufacturer customers, Autobytel Inc. is the largest syndicated car buying content network, reaching millions of unique visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions. Autobytel Inc. content and technology has potential exposure to over 90 percent of total Web traffic.(1)

    (1) Jupiter Media Metrix October 2001 Digital Media Audience Report (Autobytel Inc. sites is the unduplicated audience of the Autobytel and Autoweb properties and Carsmart.com. The car buying and ownership category as defined by Autobytel. Autobytel Inc. provides content to Yahoo! Inc., AOL Web sites, MSN.com and Lycos.com. The unduplicated audience of these four sites accounts for over 90 percent of total traffic.)

    Forward-Looking Statement:

    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 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 actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements are changes in general economic conditions, the economic impact of recent or future terrorist attacks, changes in laws and regulations, failure to realize the benefits of the relationship with AutoTrader.com, and other matters disclosed in Autobytel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are strongly encouraged to review our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could affect operating results and the market price of our stock.

    http://www.autobytel.com