Autobytel Number One in Dealer Business Generation, According to New J.D. Power and Associates' Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study

    IRVINE, Calif.--July 31, 2002--J.D. Power and Associates newly released Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services (DSOBS) study finds that Autobytel is the leader in business generation, providing the most Internet customers to its dealer network. In fact, the study showed that the number of new and used vehicle leads Autobytel sends its dealers increased significantly, and its dealers experienced higher closing ratios as compared to last year.
    "It's gratifying to note that, in general, the study shows an overall increase in satisfaction with all online buying services, while Autobytel, in particular, had a higher overall online satisfaction score this year, scoring higher than the independent averages in four out of the five categories measured," said Jeffrey Schwartz, President and CEO of Autobytel Inc. "We believe this study underscores the value of the online automotive channel and clearly shows that online buying services and online auto consumers are here to stay."
    The study shows a marked growth in the online used vehicle market and two of Autobytel's branded websites, Autobytel.com and Autoweb.com, each provided nearly 40% more used vehicles leads than the independent service average.
    "We are thrilled that dealers gave us a higher overall satisfaction score this year, but be assured we will not rest on these laurels and are working hard to further improve the car-buying process for dealers and consumers alike," continued Schwartz. "The online automotive industry is entering a new phase as the Internet becomes the accepted choice for research among the vast majority of car shoppers."
    Schwartz noted that in this environment it is more important than ever for Autobytel to continue focusing its efforts on connecting serious shoppers with its dealer network. Just this month, the Company initiated new, more stringent qualifications for determining qualified customers and eliminating unqualified leads.
    In its fifth year, the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study(SM) examined independent e-commerce businesses, like Autobytel, manufacturer websites and others in a side-by-side comparison to gauge dealer's attitudes towards the various online car-buying options. The study is based on more than 4,000 interviews with dealers throughout the United States.

    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 websites 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 websites. With approximately 9,400 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.(a)

    (a) 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 websites, MSN.com and Lycos.com. The unduplicated audience of these four sites accounts for over 90 percent of total traffic.)

    http://www.autobytel.com