Autobytel.com Leads Online Automotive Commerce in Japan
Autobytel Japan Reports Over 38,000 Purchase Requests in First Month
Updated
Jun 10, 2004 21:15:56
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307 ( -42 -13.68% )
Description: Irvine, CA, December 15, 1999-Autobytel.com (Nasdaq: ABTL), the leading international automotive e-commerce provider, today announced that Autobytel Japan () is reporting over 38,000 purchase requests during its first month of operation. Autobytel Japan, which launched November 1, 1999, is by far the leader in online automotive commerce in Japan. "Our mission is to serve customers, dealers and manufacturers," said Keishin Sasaki, CEO of autobytel Japan K.K. "In just one month, our site has received over 15 million page views. The phenomenal success of Autobytel Japan is a direct result of our strong dealer network, our website's high-quality content, and, of course, strong marketing initiatives." Currently, Autobytel Japan offers new-car purchasing, financing, insurance information and an online catalog of after-market parts. A recent investment of Y320 million from GE Capital in Autobytel Japan will enable the Company to expand its online offerings, including auto leasing. Autobytel Japan's successful launch follows a series of well-received international launches, including websites in the U.K. () and Sweden (), as well as planned launches in Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and initiatives in Australia and Holland. "Like U.K. and Swedish consumers before them, Japanese consumers are embracing Autobytel.com's car-buying model," said Mark Lorimer, President and CEO. "The success of our international ventures clearly illustrates that consumers worldwide demand the sort of quality in online car-buying that Autobytel.com delivers. We intend to continue to expand globally to meet that demand." Autobytel Japan is a joint venture between Autobytel.com and six industry-leading Japanese partners, including Intec, Inc., ITOCHU Corporation, Trans Cosmos, Inc., Recruit Co., Ltd., Orient Corporation, and e-solutions, inc., as well as an affiliate of GE Capital.
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307 ( -42 -13.68% )