J.D. Power and Ass Ranks Autobytel.com Highest in Dealer Satisfaction
6 April 2000
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Autobytel.com Highest in Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services for Third Straight Year
Internet Sales Leader Continues to Dominate
Exploding Online Car-Buying Industry
IRVINE, Calif., April 6 For the third year in a row,
Autobytel.com , has been ranked highest in dealer satisfaction
with online buying services by J.D. Power and Associates, one of the most
respected marketing information firms. According to the J.D. Power and
Associates 2000 Dealer Satisfaction With Online Buying Services Study(SM)
released yesterday, Autobytel.com provides significantly more sales leads to
dealers than any of its competitors. In addition to its continued position as
sales leader, the global Internet company was commended for its dealer
services, including its training programs and online customer management
systems.
The automotive industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing
segments on the Internet. Compared to the 1999 dealer satisfaction study,
twice as many automotive dealers are now using independent online buying
services in their new-vehicle sales process. Autobytel.com's success in
satisfying dealers results primarily from its continued ability to drive the
most sales. Autobytel.com delivers its dealers an average of 84 new-vehicle
sales leads per month, significantly more than any other buying service. The
study does not include sales from the company's recently launched
AutobytelDirect program.
"It is especially gratifying to be ranked highest by J.D. Power and
Associates, a firm that has earned a well-deserved reputation as the world's
automotive authority, based on its more than 30 years of using the most
extensive and objective research methodology," said Mark Lorimer,
Autobytel.com President and CEO. "We believe this study shows the company's
impact on the $1 trillion dollar auto industry. We also believe that
Autobytel.com, without question, is the most significant new force in
automotive retailing."
The J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Dealer Satisfaction Study was based on
1,262 automotive retailer interviews. Each respondent evaluated up to three
different online services, resulting in a total of 2,144 evaluations.
Dealers also reported that consumers save an average of $490 on cars
purchased through an online buying service compared to traditional showroom
shoppers. Most dealers surveyed indicated that online buying service
customers are immediately given a discounted price without having to
negotiate.
Since its inception, Autobytel.com has provided its dealers with the
training and systems to meet the demands of empowered Internet customers.
"We believe that there is much more to online car buying than posting a
website and attempting to attract visitors who have no intention of buying a
car," noted Lorimer. "Autobytel.com continues to dominate Internet automotive
sales by bringing serious buyers to the more than 5,000 Autobytel.com dealers
who are changing this industry forever."
In recognition of its vision and leadership in the innovation and
implementation of information technology, Autobytel.com was also recently
placed in the 2000 Computerworld Smithsonian Collection. This week the
company, along with Amazon.com, AT&T and United Airlines, was named one of the
nation's top 50 customer service companies for both online and offline
services.(*)
About autobytel.com inc.
Internationally-branded 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 2000, Autobytel.com was ranked #1 in Dealer
Satisfaction with Online Buying Services for the third 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, changes in A.I.N. Corporation's financial performance, and other
matters disclosed in Autobytel.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
(1) As reported by J.D. Power and Associates, 4/5/00.
(2) J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Dealer Satisfaction With Online Buying
Services Studies(SM). Study is based on 1,262 automotive retailer
interviews. Each respondent evaluated up to three different services,
which resulted in 2,144 evaluations.
(*) Based on independent study on the effectiveness of customer service
operations, conducted by Feedback Direct, March, 2000.