Autobytel.com Announces Strategic Alliance with Saturn
15 December 1999
Autobytel.com Announces Strategic Alliance with Saturn
E-commerce Network Designed to Supplement Queries
Received Through saturn.com
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 15 -- Autobytel.com , the
leading international automotive e-commerce provider, today announced an
agreement with Saturn to increase consumer inquiries the car company receives
through its website, saturn.com.
"Saturn has become almost synonymous with consumer-friendly car sales,"
said Mark W. Lorimer, President and CEO of Autobytel.com, "so working with
them is a natural fit for us." Autobytel.com is the planet's sixth biggest
car seller, generating over $1.2 billion worth of car sales per month.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, Autobytel.com sells more new vehicles
than its next two competitors combined* and is visited most frequently for the
purpose of locating used cars for sale.**
Autobytel.com pioneered the philosophy of no haggle car buying in 1995.
Customers research their vehicle of choice through the Autobytel.com website,
where they can access specifications, reviews, manufacturer incentives and
dealer invoice pricing information. They then submit a purchase or lease
request. There is no haggling or price negotiating, and the program costs
consumers absolutely nothing. Autobytel.com customers can choose to have the
vehicle delivered to their home or office or pick it up at a nearby Accredited
Dealer.
About Autobytel.com inc.
Internationally-branded Autobytel.com (http://www.autobytel.com) is the
acknowledged leader in online automotive commerce(1). The most comprehensive
automotive Internet site, Autobytel.com offers consumers a positive purchasing
and ownership experience, while providing its Accredited Dealer Network with
the most efficient way to reach online car buyers. As it assists consumers
through every aspect of the automotive lifecycle, Autobytel.com provides
continuity into the next vehicle purchase. Launched in March 1995,
Autobytel.com's low-cost, no-haggle car-buying program is available in the
U.S., Canada (http://www.autobytel.ca), the United Kingdom (http://www.autobytel.co.uk),
Sweden (http://www.autobytel.se) and Japan (http://www.autobytel-japan.com). In 1999,
Autobytel.com was ranked #1 in Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services
for the second year in a row(2).
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. These
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to
predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is
expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Autobytel.com
undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the
important factors that could cause Autobytel.com's actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking
statements are changes in general economic conditions, increased or unexpected
competition, the failure to close the acquisition of A.I.N. Corporation,
changes in A.I.N. Corporation's financial performance, and other matters
disclosed in Autobytel.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
* Automotive News, (4.14.99)
**As Reported by J.D. Power and Associates, Press Release (8.02.99)
(1) As reported by J.D. Power and Associates, Autobytel.com accounts for
45% of all new vehicles sold through an online service. (8.23.99).
(2) J.D. Power and Associates 1998-1999 Dealer Satisfaction With Online
Buying Services Studies(SM). 1999 study conducted among dealership Internet
specialists who completed 1,024 individual evaluations.