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Autobytel Unveils Online Premium Pre-Owned Program and Phone Referral Service at NADA 2004; Designed to Drive Used Vehicle Sales at Franchised Dealers
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| AutobytelConnect |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:39:38 |
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Description:
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Customers Can Phone Dealership Directly With
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Premium Website Placement With Increased Visibility and Richer Information
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Vehicle Photos Displayed Automatically - No Click-Through Required
Las Vegas, NV, January 31, 2004 -- Leading Internet automotive marketing services company Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL) today announced expanded offerings for its pre-owned vehicle sales program. The new enhanced program offerings, which greatly increase a dealership's inventory exposure and provide a dedicated toll-free number for buyers to contact dealers directly, are specifically designed to help dealers sell more effectively to the 47% of Internet customers who are now using the Internet to shop for a pre-owned vehicle.1 Autobytel's pre-owed program provides franchised dealers with potential exposure to the millions of unique visitors who shop or research on Autobytel's websites each month.
"We have seen a dramatic surge in our pre-owned inventory and sales on the Autobytel Inc. websites," said Autobytel Inc. CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "Millions of car buyers search Autobytel's pre-owned inventory each month. These new expanded offerings will make it even easier for consumers to find and view the car or truck they want to buy, and simpler for dealers to spotlight their vehicle listings and speak directly with customers."
Premium Pre-Owned Program
Autobytel's Premium Pre-Owned Program offers dealers preferred placement of their vehicle listings and greater advertising opportunities, giving dealers the ability to have more direct impact on customers. Consumers will also no longer have to click photo icons, download images or use email to see vehicles they are interested in purchasing. Thumbnail photos of each vehicle listing, with multiple photo view options, are available along with links to the dealership's website and online inventory.
AutobytelConnect
AutobytelConnect is designed to help generate new sales for dealers by listing a toll-free number next to each pre-owned vehicle. This allows consumers who prefer to speak with a representative of the dealership to call them directly. The "800" number can be routed to any land or mobile line, including a direct connection to the Internet department. All call activity is automatically recorded, enabling dealers to review every call, even if the call is busy, abandoned or after hours. Participating dealers can also access user-friendly reports online to measure follow-up and closing performance.
These new features continue Autobytel's tradition of innovation in online used vehicle marketing, and build on its mission to connect consumers looking for high-quality pre-owned inventory and the security of a dealership experience with a nationwide network of franchised dealers. Autobytel launched the very first used vehicle showroom on the Web and was the first online buying service to implement a dealer-certified used car program. Autobytel is currently branching out to spotlight manufacturer-certified vehicles (in addition to vehicles certified through its own program), recently launching a program with Lexus that will provide shoppers with information about Lexus' CPO program and let them search specifically for Lexus certified vehicles.
This strong focus on certification and other consumer safeguards have made Autobytel's pre-owned program an exceptionally productive marketing platform for dealers. According to J.D. Power and Associates, Autobytel currently provides 32% more used vehicle customers per month, per franchised dealer than the average independent online buying service, and 177% more than the average manufacturer service.2 Over half of the vehicles in Autobytel's pre-owned inventory are certified by member dealers, backed by a 3-day guarantee (return or exchange) and a 3-month/3,000 mile limited service warranty. Autobytel certified vehicles are also less than 7 model years old and have less than 75,000 miles on the odometer.
In addition to its leading new and used vehicle buying programs, Autobytel also provides automotive marketing and data services for the majority of manufacturers operating in North America and is also a leading provider of dealership CRM solutions, marketing services and training programs.
1 J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Used AutoShopper.com Study
2 J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Dealer Satisfaction with Online Buying Services Study |
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