Autobytel Announces CFO Transition and Retains Executive Search Firm

IRVINE, Calif.--May 1, 2006--Autobytel Inc. , a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, today announced that Mike Schmidt, the Company's chief financial officer, is expected to transition from that position upon the completion of the Company's search for a new CFO. The Company has retained Heidrick and Struggles to conduct the search.

"Mike's dedication and leadership over the past two and a half years has been instrumental in guiding Autobytel through the recent restatement and the Sarbanes-Oxley 404 processes," said Autobytel's President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Riesenbach. "In addition, Mike led the development and implementation of processes and controls critical to the Company's finance and reporting infrastructure."

Schmidt intends to leave the company to pursue other opportunities, particularly those closer to his home base in Northern California but has agreed to be available as an advisor in connection with the transition.

Schmidt joined Autobytel in April 2004 as Senior Vice President, Finance and was named CFO in May 20, 200605.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. , a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising, data and CRM products and programs. Autobytel owns and operates the automotive websites -- Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, Car.com, AutoSite.com, Autoahorros.com, and CarTV.com. This automotive research and buying network reaches millions of car shoppers each month as they make their vehicle buying decisions, generating billions of dollars in sales for dealers. A leader in dealership customer management and CRM solutions, Autobytel also owns and operates AVV, Inc., a top provider of dealership CRM and sales management products, and Retention Performance Marketing, Inc., (RPM(R)), which powers dealerships with cutting-edge customer loyalty and retention marketing programs. Autobytel's AIC (Automotive Information Center) has been a trusted industry source of automotive marketing data and technology for nearly 24 years.