IRVINE, Calif.--Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL), a leader in providing online consumer leads and marketing services to the auto industry, today announced that Autobytel's vehicle price quote and dealer selector platform will power LendingTreeAutos.com, the recently launched car-buying portal of LendingTree LLC, the nation's number one online lending exchange.
"This is good news for car-buyers and dealers alike. It provides new opportunities for both by connecting millions of in-market consumers with an expansive and highly qualified network of auto retailers," said Autobytel Chief Operating Officer Mark Garms. "Through the power of Autobytel's online automotive expertise and LendingTree's proven, consumer-friendly financing tools, car buyers will have access to compelling financing offers and a convenient car purchasing process, while auto dealers will have the opportunity to serve a greater number of in-market consumers."
The agreement is an extension of a long term marketing relationship between Autobytel's Car.com Special Finance Program and LendingTree. Online pioneers Autobytel and LendingTree helped to revolutionize their respective industries by bringing choice and empowerment to consumers. Now, in addition to helping LendingTree customers with their car purchases, the new agreement includes opportunities for Autobytel's dealer network to offer financing options to premium credit customers from LendingTreeAutos.com, as well as to credit-challenged car-buyers through the Car.com Special Finance Program.
A leader in helping consumers make smart financial decisions, LendingTree has long provided auto loans as part of the more than 25 million loan requests the company has facilitated since its inception. In addition to auto financing, LendingTreeAutos.com provides consumers with a dedicated channel to manage the entire car-buying process - from researching makes and models, to making a purchase from a local dealer. The Autobytel engine allows LendingTree customers to request a vehicle price quote and be instantly matched by zip code and vehicle type with a member of Autobytel's nationwide network of automotive dealers.
"Given the economic pressures that many consumers are experiencing, we believe that it's more critical than ever before to provide access to the best car-purchasing experience and financing options available," said LendingTree Autos National Account Director Gary Pierce. "Since both companies share a long-standing emphasis on consumer advocacy, the partnership between Autobytel and LendingTree was a natural fit. With LendingTreeAutos.com, we can ensure that consumers remain empowered to make the best possible decisions when it comes to buying a car. So they can get the car they want, from the dealer they like, at the price they need - and with the financing they can afford."
About Autobytel
Autobytel Inc. (NASDAQ: ABTL), a leading automotive marketing services company, pioneered the automotive Internet when it launched autobytel.com in 1995. Since then, the company has 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. Today, through its flagship website Autobytel.com(R), its network of automotive sites including Autoweb.com(R), AutoSite.com(R), Car.comsm, CarSmart.com(R), CarTV.com(R), and MyRide.com,(R) and its respected online partners, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry's highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with one of the industry's most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs.
Autobytel's New and Used Car Programs connect dealers, dealer groups and OEMs with a steady flow of serious, in-market car shoppers from Autobytel's family of websites and other premium Internet brands, as well as providing a suite of value-added tools proven to help close those leads, including Rapid Response(SM), Custom Messaging(SM), Email Manager(SM), and LeadCall(SM).
About LendingTree, LLC
LendingTree, LLC is the nation's leading online lending exchange, providing a marketplace that connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 25 million requests for loans online and $185 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to lenders offering mortgage home loans, refinance mortgage loans, home equity loans & lines, auto loans, personal loans and credit cards via www.lendingtree.com and 800-555-TREE.
Launched in 1996 with headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., LendingTree also owns and operates LendingTree Loans (SM), GetSmart.com, RealEstate.com, Tree.com and HomeLoanCenter.com. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: TREE).