Bird-Dog Says ``Bienvenidos'' to Hispanic Car Buyers
IRVINE, Calif.--Dec. 11, 2002--Autobytel Inc. , the Internet's largest new car buying service, has dramatically expanded its Spanish-language auto research web area, AutoEspanol(TM), with expert auto information and Spanish versions of leading vehicle research and comparison tools developed by AIC, Autobytel's auto data division. With the expansion of AutoEspanol, Autobytel continues its pioneering efforts to meet the car-buying needs of Hispanic shoppers -- and to help manufacturers do the same.
Spanish-speaking shoppers can now visit any of the Autobytel sites (Autobytel.com, AutoWeb.com, CarSmart.com or AutoSite.com) to access new model reviews, safety tips and information, and insider car-buying advice -- the pros and cons of buying new vs. used, 2002 models vs. 2003s, understanding rebates, and more. They can also take advantage of Spanish-language versions of the same flexible AIC vehicle search and cross-comparison tools currently used on numerous major manufacturer sites and portals to cross-compare brands and features, and find a perfect new vehicle based on their individual needs.
"Autobytel is empowering its Spanish-speaking visitors with proven AIC research tools and data to help them make informed, confident car-buying decisions," said Autobytel President and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "With AutoEspanol, our goal is to help build a bridge between the industry and the Hispanic consumer."
Powered by AIC's leading price and specification data, the new AutoEspanol research tools enable shoppers to search for vehicles according to make/model, price, vehicle type (SUV, sports car, etc.), and even according to subjective criteria like "roominess" or "fuel efficiency." Once they've found a car or truck they're interested in, shoppers can then automatically cross-compare that vehicle versus up to three competitive models to find the most suitable vehicle in terms of pricing, specifications, safety ratings, crash test results, fuel efficiency, standard equipment, and more. AutoEspanol's search and comparison tools are part of an integrated suite of AIC Spanish-language research modules currently available as a hosted solution for OEM sites and portals.
Seventy percent of U.S. Hispanic Internet users polled in a recent survey(a) indicated that they planned to use the Internet during the car purchasing process. A full 84%, moreover, indicated that they would be more likely to do their automotive shopping and research online if they could do so in Spanish.
According to Schwartz, the survey served as a call to action for Autobytel. "What became clear is that Hispanic shoppers are poised to research and buy online. We've since made it a top priority to become the point of connection for this under-served market -- to provide Hispanic shoppers with the tools they need to have a great research, buying and ownership experience."
A recent comScore study found that the U.S. Hispanic Internet population grew by 19% from Q1 2001 to Q1 2002 -- more than three times the rate of the non-Hispanic online population. In a separate analysis, comScore found that Hispanic online buyers spent 7% more on average than non-Hispanic buyers each month. Hispanics now comprise 11% of the total U.S. online population(b).
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. 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) Conducted by the Roswell Group. Results of the survey were based on telephone interviews conducted August 3-7, 2001 with a randomly selected sample of adults 18 years and older with Spanish-surnames who defined themselves as "Hispanic" according to the Census definition, and who speak Spanish at home as much or more than English.
(b) comScore release May 13, 2002