Autobytel Taps Former AOL and iProspect Search Executive Jon Rosen as Senior VP, Web Business Operations

IRVINE, Calif.--June 27, 2006--

Former President of Highly Respected Search Marketing Firm to Lead Web Business Operations for Autobytel's Expanded Media Efforts, Including Advertising, Search, and Syndication

Autobytel Inc. today announced that Jonathan Rosen has been named to the newly created position of senior vice president, web business operations. Rosen, former head of strategy and business development for AOL's Search Group, was hired to help lead and execute new Autobytel CEO Jim Riesenbach's mission of transforming Autobytel into the industry's leading online automotive media company.

"In my opinion, Jon is among the best in the industry in terms of understanding where consumer trends and commercial opportunities are converging," said Autobytel Inc. President and CEO Jim Riesenbach. "I expect Jon to bring strong leadership and execution as we revitalize our Web offerings, our advertising and search capabilities, and as we develop new and innovative products that enable dealers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their media spending."

Riesenbach cited Rosen's expertise in content syndication and forging partnerships, as well as his extensive business development experience, as the qualities that make him the ideal candidate to leverage Autobytel's expansive online assets to enhance existing revenues and develop new revenue streams. "As the automotive industry continues the dramatic migration of its advertising spend online, Jon will be responsible for helping position Autobytel to drive superior value to advertisers, and to capture a greater percentage of online automotive advertising budgets," said Riesenbach.

Dealer online spend grew 50% to $767 million(1) in 2005 and it is estimated that automakers will spend $2.7 billion in total online advertising in 2007, compared with $1.4 billion in 2005 - an increase of roughly 93%(2).

At AOL, Rosen was responsible for launching the company's web audience Search Marketing initiative, building the team charged with driving search-based traffic when AOL made its content available on the open web through AOL.com. Rosen was also responsible for leading strategy, corporate development and new business initiatives for AOL's Search and Directional Media Group and developing and overseeing a number of key advertising, content, and technology partnerships. As President of iProspect, which is recognized as the leading provider of SEO and SEM consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, Jon led the company through its most significant growth phase.

"I am truly excited about Autobytel's online content and assets - particularly the power of its Search Marketing capabilities, as well as the multitude of exciting new advertising opportunities," said Rosen. "In addition to leveraging these resources to expand Autobytel's presence across the Web, I'm looking forward to exploring the many new opportunities I see to connect the automotive industry to the 90% of all Internet new-vehicle shoppers who use a search engine during the car-shopping process."

Prior to iProspect, Rosen was chief operating officer for SunGard Technology (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SunGard), where he produced the subsidiary's first profitable year, on the heels of several annual losses. Previously, he held senior positions at EMC, Data General and other enterprise software companies.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. is one of the largest online automotive marketplaces, empowering consumers to make smart vehicle choices using objective automotive data and insightful interactive editorial content. The result is a convenient car-buying process backed by a nationwide network of dealers who are committed to providing a positive consumer experience. Every day consumers choose Autobytel-owned and operated websites--Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com, Car.com, AutoSite.com, Autoahorros.com, and CarTV.com -- to facilitate their car-shopping decisions. Autobytel's ability to attract millions of highly qualified, in-market car buyers and connect them with retailers has made it a leader in facilitating the entire customer car-buying lifecycle.

The Company's innovative marketing, advertising, data and CRM products, including its Web Control(R) customer management system, Retention Performance Marketing (RPM(R)) service reminder program, Special Finance Leads(SM), and AIC(R) data center, are designed to enable dealers to offer a premium consumer experience. Since pioneering pro-consumer online automotive content and purchasing in 1995, Autobytel has helped more than twenty-seven million car buyers, generating billions of dollars in car sales for dealers.

    (1) NADA Data 2006
    (2) eMarketer 2006 'Automotive Online Report'