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Autobytel Inc. Offers Dealerships Same Consumer Research Tools and Data that Power the Majority of Manufacturer Sites
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| AutoSuite Transforms Individual and Group Dealer Websites Into Comprehensive Automotive Research and Shopping Destinations |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 21:50:58 |
| Rating |
 36 ( -6 -16.66% ) |
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Description:
Irvine, CA - October 10, 2001 - Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL) today announced it will offer dealers the same comprehensive data and tools that currently power 22 of the major manufacturer consumer websites, as well as major portals and leading independent car-buying websites. Developed by Automotive Information Center (AIC), Autobytel Inc.'s technology and data division, AutoSuiteTM is one of the industry's most comprehensive packages of online vehicle research tools ever offered to individual dealers.
"Our experience has shown that the more informed the consumer is, the more likely he or she is to buy in the near term," said Mark Lorimer, President and CEO of Autobytel Inc. "By providing a solution that showcases a dealership's franchise brand(s) in a consumer-friendly, information-rich environment, AutoSuite effectively balances the dealer's need to market the brands that he/she sells with the consumer need to back up big ticket purchases with accurate, objective vehicle information."
According to a recent survey by Opinion Research, research and price comparison shopping during the car shopping process has become a heightened concern as the economy has tightened1. AutoSuite gives dealers the ability to address this increased need by providing them with one of the industry's most intelligent packages of hosted automotive research tools. Website visitors will be able to search for, configure, view and compare vehicles during the critical research and shopping phase of the purchase process.
AutoSuite is powered by AIC's industry-leading price and specification data - which includes over 500 data points on every model and trim level sold in the U.S. - and gives dealers the ability to customize the various AutoSuite tools to showcase only the specific brands they sell, if they so choose. For example, dealers can configure AutoSuite to display only the advantages of the makes and models sold at their dealership.
Autobytel Inc.'s AutoSuite package offering to US dealers includes exclusive features and bonuses such as the Loan/Lease Calculator and a Quick Pick vehicle search function, which allows shoppers to view a list of vehicles that meet a quick, top-level set of needs. The tools can also provide shoppers with information on crash test results, available interior and exterior colors, and owner assistance information, such as warranty, roadside assistance, etc. "The reality is that today's car shoppers require accurate, comprehensive and objective automotive information. Our company's utilization of AutoSuite is another way The Herb Chambers Companies enable consumers to make informed, confident buying decisions. Incorporating AutoSuite into our website, herbchambers.com, makes it an extremely useful consumer resource, as well as a powerful marketing platform," said Jay Gabala, E-Commerce General Manager of The Herb Chambers Companies, the 15th largest dealer group in the country which has been using AutoSuite for nearly a year.
As distinguished from other individually-hosted solutions, the AutoSuite package is completely interconnected, providing consumers with a uniquely linear, flexible, easy - and even enjoyable - online shopping experience. The following is a quick run-down of AutoSuite tools and features offered to dealers by Autobytel: AutoResearcherTM Enables users to search and find comprehensive information (MSRP, photos, features, options, etc.) for any specified vehicle, or it can help them find the vehicle that's right for them according to a range of optional search criteria - not only by price, brand, and type, but also according to specific features and options, such as horsepower, audio systems, and air-conditioning. AutoBuilderTM Lets consumers configure a "buyable" vehicle based on real-world automaker options and packages. Pricing is automatically adjusted according to optional selections. AutoComparatorTM The consumer can use this tool to objectively compare prices and features among multiple comparable makes and models. AutoGalleryTM This photo gallery is in a class of its own as it provides a full 20 uniform interior and exterior shots of every featured model for vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons from every angle. AutoAdvantagesTM Literally spells out the advantages of featured vehicles over competitive models during comparisons. Customized options provide shoppers with a summary list of feature advantages, as well as a text format that describes these features in sentence form (i.e., "The Mazda has 1.3 more inches of front headroom;" "The Ford gets 5 more miles per gallon for city driving" etc.). Loan/Lease Calculator During any stage of the process, shoppers can utilize this tool to determine their estimated monthly payments for the specific vehicle configuration they've selected.
1 Opinion Research October 2001
About AIC
The Automotive Information Center (AIC) division of Autobytel Inc. is a leading provider of automotive content, data and intelligent tools used to power Internet services, portals and manufacturer web sites. AIC researchers rely on decades of industry experience to create one of the most accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date research platforms in the business. All AIC data and tools feature proprietary optimal price capabilities, which enable consumers to configure and compare vehicles on the basis of lowest possible price. Visitors to sites powered by the AIC technology are able to configure a vehicle by manufacturer, make, model, trim specifications and other option packages, as well as perform side-by-side competitive vehicle comparisons. This proprietary technology provides a competitive advantage for dealers and enhances the shopper's experience by offering realistic, actionable information. |
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