Autobytel Announces 2015 Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Volkswagen Golf Sits at the Top of the New Car Segment; RAM^® 1500 EcoDiesel Dominates Trucks

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IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL), pioneer of the automotive Internet and the company dedicated to connecting automotive consumers with dealers, today announced the winners of the prestigious 2015 Autobytel Car and Truck of the Year Awards as the company officially celebrates its 20^th Anniversary this year.

Autobytel's editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Naranjo, say this year's winners represent the best-of-the-best in design, performance, features, and ultimately, the top overall value for consumers.

"We go to great lengths to select the vehicles that represent the best value for consumers in all segments, and this year's list of winners is a standout," said Naranjo. "These are the vehicles that epitomize what value truly means, from well-rounded creature comforts and tech gadgets, to first class styling and performance. If you're an in-market car buyer, Autobytel's top picks should definitely be on your short list."

Following are the Autobytel 2015 New Car and Truck winners, along with the complete list of vehicles by segment.

2015 Autobytel Car of the Year

2015 Volkswagen Golf

"One of the most versatile, practical, and affordable options on dealer lots today is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf," said Naranjo.  "It's fun to drive, lighter and larger, with a much improved base engine. The e‑Golf is a torque-y blast to drive, the TDI brings great diesel MPGs, the GTI is a hot hatch, and for the diehard VW fans out there, there's the Golf R."

2015 Autobytel Truck / SUV of the Year

2015 RAM^® 1500 EcoDiesel

"The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel was the clear winner for 2015 Autobytel Truck of the Year honors, as it swept voting by a handy margin," said Naranjo.  "Spend some time behind the wheel and it's easy to understand why this truck had us in its thrall. Its 240 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 is powerful, with 9,200 lbs of towing capacity, yet on the highway it returns a phenomenal 28-mpg.  With the availability of one of the best interiors in its class, plus striking styling and hulking road presence, you've got the formula for the 2015 Autobytel Truck of the Year."

"Since 1995, Autobytel has been the guiding force in helping consumers make the most educated car buying decisions possible, and this year is no exception," said Jeff Coats, President and CEO of Autobytel Inc.  "Tens of millions of consumers rely on Autobytel for unbiased, third-party information to help them shop for, research, buy, and own the perfect vehicle. This year's top picks represent segment-leading design, features, performance, and overall value, and we extend our sincere congratulations to all the winners."

For complete coverage, visit: 

http://www.autobytel.com/auto-news/awards/2015-autobytel-car-and-truck-of-the-year-awards-127243/

http://www.autobytel.com/volkswagen/golf/2015/news/10-reasons-why-the-volkswagen-golf-is-the-2015-autobytel-car-of-the-year-127403/

http://www.autobytel.com/ram/1500/2015/news/10-reasons-why-the-ram-1500-ecodiesel-is-the-2015-autobytel-truck-of-the-year-127400/

http://www.autobytel.com/auto-news/awards/2015-autobytel-car-and-truck-of-the-year-in-video-127412/

Check out Autobytel.com for leading automotive information; watch exclusive new car videos, test drives and car reviews at Autobytel's YouTube channel; or join the conversation at the Autobytel Facebook Fan Page.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. provides high quality consumer leads and associated marketing services to automotive dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States and offers consumers robust and original online automotive content to help them make informed car-buying decisions.  The company pioneered the automotive internet in 1995 with its flagship website http://www.autobytel.com/ and has since helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online.

Investors and other interested parties can receive Autobytel news releases and invitations to special events by accessing the online registration form at investor.autobytel.com/alerts.cfm.