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ABTL News Autobytel is Exploring Strategic Alternatives for Two Business Units

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL) today announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its RPM® and AIC® business units as part of the Company’s focus on its Internet and media-centric strategy. Strategic alternatives could include strategic alliances with complementary businesses and/or divestiture. The review process for the business units was initiated in recent months and is expected to take several months to complete.

“As we continue our mission to be the leading online automotive destination for consumers and the premier Internet marketing specialist for dealers, we are looking to optimize the potential of each of our business units while establishing a relentless focus on our core business goals,” said Autobytel President and CEO Jim Riesenbach. “Both RPM and AIC are strong businesses with talented, committed employees and growth potential, and we believe that these businesses may be best served through alignment with companies that will allow them to reach their fullest value.”

Autobytel’s AIC (Automotive Information Center) is a leading provider of automotive marketing data and technology. The majority of auto manufacturers use Automotive Information Center (AIC) data and research tools to power their websites and/or shape product planning and marketing strategies in both English and Spanish. Autobytel’s RPM (Retention Performance Marketing) is a dealership service reminder and retention program that combines three direct marketing media -- digitally printed mail, "live" phone calls, and email -- to help dealers target customers with timely, personalized service reminders based on each recipient's specific ownership profile and driving habits.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL) is one of the largest online automotive marketplaces, empowering consumers to make smart vehicle choices using objective automotive data and insightful interactive editorial content. The result is a convenient car-buying process backed by a nationwide network of dealers who are committed to providing a positive consumer experience. Every day consumers choose Autobytel-owned and operated websites — Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com, Car.com, AutoSite.com, Autoahorros.com, and CarTV.com – to facilitate their car-shopping decisions. Autobytel’s ability to attract millions of highly qualified, in-market car buyers and connect them with retailers has made it a leader in facilitating the entire customer car-buying lifecycle.

The Company’s innovative marketing, advertising, data and CRM products, including its Web Control® customer management system, Retention Performance Marketing (RPM®) service reminder program, Special Finance Leads^SM, and AIC® data center, are designed to enable dealers to offer a premium consumer experience. Since pioneering pro-consumer online automotive content and purchasing in 1995, Autobytel has helped more than twenty-seven million car buyers, generating billions of dollars in car sales for dealers.