Saab Continues AIC Relationship

    IRVINE, Calif.--March 17, 2003--Autobytel Inc.'s Automotive Information Center (AIC) today announced that Saab Cars USA, Inc., the U.S. importer and distributor of Saab vehicles, has renewed its license to feature AIC's leading vehicle data and cross-comparison tools on its consumer website, www.saabusa.com. The customized AIC comparison tools (AutoComparator(TM) and AutoAdvantages(TM)) allow potential Saab buyers, perennially among the most prolific Internet users of any auto owner group, to objectively compare Saab vehicles to competitive vehicles, and easily review Saab's feature strengths.
    Backed by AIC's comprehensive automotive information, which includes over 500 data points on every model and trim level sold in the U.S., the Saab/AIC cross-comparison solution offers a unique "apples to apples" comparison capability, automatically equipping numerous competitive makes and models to match the configuration of the Saab model being evaluated. The tool also automatically spells out Saab's model advantages during these side-by-side comparisons, enabling the manufacturer to present its vehicles' superiority in terms of features, specifications, performance, safety, etc. -- clearly and objectively.
    "One-third of all new car shoppers are literally ruling vehicles in and out of consideration while conducting research at auto websites, making cross-comparison modules critical marketing tools for manufacturers," said Andrew Donchak, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Autobytel Inc. "By providing tools that demonstrate the strengths of the Saab model line, AIC is helping Saab turn more of its web shoppers into showroom buyers."
    "Saab owners have always been ahead of the Internet curve, and they've always demanded a cutting-edge online shopping experience," adds Robert Henry, manager of eCommerce and CRM solutions for Saab Cars USA. "We look forward to continuing to work alongside AIC to provide our sophisticated customers with sophisticated automotive research tools, data and technology."
    The Saab announcement continues AIC's recent momentum. In February, Terra.com, the U.S. Hispanic Internet portal of the Terra Lycos global network, launched AIC's Spanish-language content and suite of research tools on its auto research and buying channel. AIC has also recently expanded its relationships with Mazda USA and American Honda Motor Company. The company now provides data, content and/or technology to more than 75% of all U.S. automakers, and its content, data and intelligent tools power numerous top-tier Internet services and portals.

    About Autobytel Inc.

    Autobytel Inc. , a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising and CRM (customer relationship management) tools and programs. The company owns and operates the automotive websites Autobytel.com; Autoweb.com; Carsmart.com; and popular automotive research center, AutoSite.com; as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a leading provider of automotive marketing data and technology. Autobytel Inc. is the Internet's largest new-car buying service and, in 2002, generated over a billion dollars a month in car sales for dealers through its services. Autobytel Inc. is also among the largest syndicated car-buying content networks, reaching millions of unique visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions. Autobytel Inc. content and technology has potential exposure to over 94 percent of the active Digital Media Universe.