Auto-By-Tel Corp. Changes Name to "autobytel.com inc." and Unveils New Web Site; This Serves to Enhance Autobytel.com's Position as the Premier Destination for All Things Automotive.

IRVINE, Calif.--(Automotive Wire)--Aug. 3, 1998--Auto-By-Tel Corp. Monday announced it has changed its name to "autobytel.com inc." The name change, coupled with the launch of a significantly enhanced Web site, are part of Autobytel.com's long term plans to offer consumers everything automotive related, including proprietary research tools, pricing information, links to third-party information providers and low-cost car buying.

"Until now, consumers have thought of Autobytel.com primarily as a purchasing program that enables them to get a great deal on a new or used car," said Mark Lorimer, Autobytel.com's president and chief executive officer. "The enhanced features on the new site let Autobytel.com play a more integral role in the car-buying process, while retaining our commitment to painless car buying."

Empowering Consumers With Autobytel.com's Tools

Autobytel.com realizes that every car buyer is unique and the ways in which they determine their car of choice can differ greatly. After considerable analysis and research, a site has been developed that gives consumers an entire library of tools to make better buying decisions. In addition to tons of searchable research information, including car reviews, factory brochures, specification lists, articles from The Weekly AutoMarket Report, and more.

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     Car Browser ("Just Browsing") -- Car shoppers who are just
     beginning their car search can browse through hundreds of vehicle
     photos for every make and model, ultimately leading them to
     specification and pricing information.

     Car Selector ("Ready to Select") -- Car shoppers who have certain
     needs or primary considerations (e.g., an SUV that costs between
     $30,000 - $40,000) can take a quick trip through Autobytel.com's
     Car Selector to pinpoint the vehicle that suits their needs.

     Car Builder ("Ready to Buy") -- When a car buyer is ready to put
     in a request to purchase, Autobytel.com lets them "build" their
     car. When they choose the make, model and exact series, the next
     screen automatically fills with the vehicle's standard features.
     Next, customers can add option packages and watch the dealer and
     MSRP prices change. This process enables car buyers to generate a
     customized "window sticker" complete with dealer invoice and MSRP
     pricing, which is then routed directly to the Autobytel.com
     manager at an accredited dealership. A purchase vs. lease
     calculator lets car buyers analyze the financial aspects
     acquiring their car, including the monthly payment.

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Expanded Used Car Selector 

The Autobytel.com Web site also gives used car buyers new and improved means to find that perfect used vehicle. Autobytel's Certified Used Car CyberStore now incorporates easy to use search tools for finding cars that help consumers meet their specific needs (e.g., an SUV within 50 miles that costs less than $20,000 and is newer than 1995).

In addition, Autobytel.com now gives consumers the ability to list and sell their used vehicles directly from the site. Powered by Classifieds 2000, the Web's largest classifieds listings, the new For-Sale-By-Owner section underscores Autobytel.com's dedication to giving consumers the widest range of choices when it comes to buying and selling a vehicle.

When ascertaining a used vehicle's trade-in value, Autobytel.com visitors are given easy access to Kelly Blue Book reports directly from its site.

The Automotive Destination on the Web

"Improved content, combined with Autobytel's tools, takes the notion of easy, painless car shopping a giant leap forward," said Lorimer. "However, Autobytel.com strives to be much more than a shopping area. Many of the new features encourage community involvement, while improved navigation and searching tools make using Autobytel.com easier than ever."

With today's launch, Autobytel.com includes the first in a series of user forums, the Consumer Test Drive area, where consumers can share their personal views on vehicles they've recently driven.

For improved navigation, Autobytel.com has adopted a tabbed interface, letting users easily find their way by clicking "folder-like" tabs at the top of the page (Home, New, Used, Research, Finance, Insure, Warranties, and Rewards). An easy-to-access search page gives visitors the ability to view the contents of the site and search specific areas from a slightly different vantage point.

Logo Change Reflects "Destination" Theme

"We wanted a logo that illustrated the strength of our brand while reminding consumers that they are in the driver's seat when buying cars through Autobytel.com," said Anne Benvenuto, Autobytel.com's senior vice president, marketing.

She further commented, "The key element of the logo is a mark symbolizing a road, which signifies a destination that leads to Autobytel.com." The logo uses a color combination of deep blue and bright red to reinforce the concept of leadership while offering comfort and a bit of fun and excitement.

About autobytel.com inc.

Irvine-based autobytel.com inc. (www.autobytel.com) is a nationally branded Internet-based purchasing program for new and certified used vehicles and related consumer services, including automotive financing, leasing and insurance. Autobytel.com's North American Accredited Dealer Network includes more than 2,600 dealerships, representing every major automotive manufacturer. Autobytel.com is a registered service mark of autobytel.com inc.

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