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Autobytel.Com Expects First Quarter Results to Exceed Analyst Estimates

6 April 2000

Autobytel.Com Expects First Quarter Results to Exceed Analyst Estimates

    IRVINE, Calif., April 6 Autobytel.com ,
today announced preliminary financial results for the three months ended March
31, 2000.
    The Company expects revenue for the quarter to be between $14.5 and
$15.0 million, and for the net loss to be in the range of $0.43 to $0.45 per
share.  The current median analyst estimates are revenue of $13.4 million and
net loss of $(0.48).  The results for the quarter are consolidated, including
revenue and expenses from CarSmart.com since the closing of the acquisition on
February 15, 2000.
    "This is the fifth consecutive quarter of financial performance that has
exceeded street estimates since our IPO in March 1999," said Mark Lorimer,
Autobytel.com's President and CEO.  "This quarter's results reflect continued
outstanding performance along several fronts.  With the addition of CarSmart
we have driven our dealer base to more than 5,000 strong, unique visitors to
our sites topped 5 million, and we have seen a dramatic increase in our
international business."
    "In addition to record revenues from our traditional car-buying program,
we launched AutobytelDirect and CarSmart's Personal Shopper, both of which
have been well-received by dealers and consumers.  We have already been
responsible for more than $8.5 million in vehicle sales representing 28 makes
in 32 states," Lorimer continued.
    According to Lorimer, the Company's marketing and sales expenses were less
than previously anticipated.  "In our last conference call, we indicated that
we would increase marketing and sales expenses by $5 to $7 million in each of
the first two quarters to support the launch of AutobytelDirect.  Our creative
marketing approach allowed us to spend less in the first quarter than
anticipated," he said.
    The Company stated that at the close of the quarter its cash and cash
equivalents stood at approximately $105 million, including $37 million raised
for the operation of Autobytel Europe, compared with $85 million in cash as of
December 31, 1999.  The Company used approximately $8 million in cash to fund
ongoing operations in the first quarter.  "We expect to maintain or even
decrease the rate of cash usage in the second half of this year," said
Lorimer.
    The Company disclosed that as of March 31, its shares outstanding had
increased to 20.2 million as a result of the CarSmart.com acquisition.
Excluding the holdings of officers and directors and those entities with more
than 5 percent of the outstanding shares, Autobytel.com's share float is
approximately 10.2 million.
    Autobytel.com's final first quarter results will be reported on Thursday,
April 27, 2000 at 1 pm PDT, following the close of the market.

    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.