Autobytel's CarTV Announces Programming Lineup

IRVINE, Calif.--July 13, 2006--Two years ago Autobytel's CarTV set out to transform online car shopping from a somber "reading and research" process into a compelling, sensory media experience - in short, to put shoppers "behind the wheel" and in a position to "kick the tires" as they compare brands and models online. Today, as CarTV celebrates its second anniversary, it's come a long way toward that goal, courtesy of a "third season" menu of auto-themed video and podcasts - much of it originally produced - that reads more like a cable TV automotive channel programming slate than traditional automotive web site content.

"The core mission of CarTV is to use online video to educate and empower consumers - to show them the strengths and weaknesses of a car's performance or design, for example, or how to properly inflate a tire," said Autobytel President and CEO Jim Riesenbach. "This pro-consumer use of video is something that's been under-developed on the Automotive Internet."

It's also something that's catching on fast with car shoppers: According to Riesenbach, viewing hours on CarTV increased more than 350% during the first quarter of 2006 versus a year ago.

Since launching with an ad hoc collection of a few dozen video test drives and some guerrilla auto show coverage, CarTV has quickly come of age, with a new 3,300 sq./ft. production studio and a dedicated staff of production/automotive experts. The result is a diverse menu of high-quality automotive programming that includes 300 video vehicle reviews and overviews, special features on new vehicle technology, a weekly auto consumer news desk, exclusive interviews (with celebrities, pro drivers, automaker executives, etc.), hands-on vehicle maintenance/ownership videos, and good old-fashioned auto enthusiast entertainment. ... Here's a quick look at CarTV's current programming lineup:

Test Drives, "First Drives," Crash Tests and Special Features

At CarTV, Autobytel's veteran auto analysts break down what shoppers need to know about the new cars they're considering, using video to show those issues in motion. This includes hundreds of vehicle overviews and reviews that put shoppers "behind the wheel," crash tests that brings static safety ratings to life, and special reports on new vehicle technology and relevant consumer issues.

This week, CarTV is showcasing its original new reviews of the 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser, Pontiac Solstice, and BMW 330xi, as well as the hot new 2007 Audi RS4. The site also offers sneak-peek "First Drives" of the 2007 Dodge Challenger and the Chrysler Imperial concept. New crash test videos include the Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Ford Crown Victoria and Five Hundred, and Chevy Impala. Also this week, on a special CarTV report, the senior VP of research at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety provides an expert overview of ESC (electronic stability control) - how it works, and how it can save drivers from crashes (particularly fatal ones).

CarTV News - News Car Shoppers Can Use

CarTV's original weekly news-desk-format show reports the news, trends and events that matter to in-market shoppers - from late-breaking vehicle recalls, debuts, drops and incentive plans, to special reports on car-buying issues and analysis of industry trends.

Auto Show Coverage - Straight from the Showroom Floor

Looking for objective, expert analysis of all the new debuts and concepts showcased at the Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Detroit and Geneva Auto Shows? Log onto CarTV today, and be among the first to get the inside scoop on the vehicles and vehicle trends of tomorrow. Coverage includes exclusive interviews with automaker representatives and other industry shakers.

The CarTV iPod/Podcast Center

This one-stop automotive iPod/Podcast resource includes free downloads of CarTV's original "CarSmart" content, including CarTV News, new vehicle reviews/overviews, and special features on auto consumer issues, hosted by Autobytel's veteran automotive analysts.

This week, CarTV features a video podcast interview with late night talk show host Jay Leno about the Chevrolet Camaro concept car. CarTV was on the scene as Jay made a guest appearance in the Camaro concept last week at the world famous Bob's Big Boy diner in Burbank, California.

The CarTV iPod Center also provides consumers with listings of iPod-compatible cars (by make and affordability); an expert guide to the best ways to 'iPod' your current car; and step-by-step video instructions detailing how to install one of the best iPod adaptors on the market.

Buying, Driving and Ownership Advice - "Shown" as Well as "Told"

There are some things that are easier to "show" than to "tell" - and car maintenance/ownership is one of them. With this in mind, CarTV has produced a hands-on video that provides car owners with basic vehicle maintenance advice, as well as a video showing drivers 10 things they can do to conserve fuel. Thanks to the CarTV iPod center, iPod users can even bring these handy resources right into the car - or under the hood - with them.

Torn between two or more similar vehicles? Log on to CarTV and watch Autobytel analysts' top picks for each vehicle category, as well as their winners in head-to-heard road tests between competing vehicles. Don't just read about it; see for yourself why the Chevy Cobalt SS handles better than the Volkswagen GTI, why the Honda Element has the smartest interior design in its class, and which hybrid models will best meet your cargo needs.

"Fireball Tim" ...

Whether it's movie cars, promotional videos or just plain insane tuners and rods, Fireball Tim has done it all, with a wild style like no other. And now he's doing it on CarTV. This month CarTV is featuring Fireball Tim's recent interview with automotive legend Gene Winfield. (If you've seen "Star Trek," "Get Smart," "RoboCop," or "Blade Runner," then you've seen Gene's work.) Other Fireball Tim segments on CarTV include his off-the-wall coverage of the RCX Show (for radio-controlled vehicle buffs), as well as the L.A. and Chicago Auto Shows.

... and Other Infotainment from the Wild World of Automotive

CarTV's current docket of "pure fun" videos includes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift" (with interviews with "drifting" stunt drivers). The site also features exclusive footage of the military-sponsored DARPA road race (where completely autonomous, self-guided vehicles try to navigate through the hazards of the Utah desert); pro and amateur race interviews and footage; as well as driving stunts (and wipeouts) that defy description. (Okay, here goes anyway: A Japanese daredevil takes a race car to nearly 200 mph - without a windshield ... which has the odd effect of reducing him to sobbing tears.)

Learn More

For complete CarTV programming information, log onto CarTV.com or contact Betsy Isroelit at 323-960-1360 ext. 17 or betsy@rbicom.com.

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