Online automotive marketing company Autobytel Inc. announced Jan. 15 the formation of its Media Sales Division, stepping up efforts to connect marketers with the approximately 4 million car shoppers visiting Autobytel's websites (Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com) each month. The division will also work to deepen the relationships the company already has with over 80% of US automobile manufacturers currently advertising with the company.

"Autobytel Inc. is comprised of some of the most popular automotive sites on the web and generates the greatest number of online car sales - approximately four percent of all new domestic vehicle sales - making our network one of the most efficient advertising buys around," said Autobytel Inc. president and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "The investment in our Media Sales Division underscores our commitment to maintaining our position as one of the leading automotive marketing services company in the world."

According to Autobytel, the network represents a unique marketing opportunity for automakers to reach consumers who are actively in the consideration process of car shopping. "Consumers go to Autobytel sites to make decisions about which vehicle they want to purchase and we can literally watch them rule vehicles in and out of consideration," said Schwartz.

Brian Hafer, vice president of advertising sales & business development, and Tom Hernandez, director of advertising, are spearheading the new division which is staffed with a team of media sales professionals. Hafer comes to Autobytel Inc. through the company's merger with Autoweb.com, where he served in a similar capacity, playing a key role in developing accounts with Internet advertisers, including US automobile manufacturers.

"Autoweb.com's strength in advertising and marketing was clearly established prior to our merger with Autobytel.com," notes Hafer. "Now we can build on those successes on an even larger level, helping clients market to the majority of all online car shoppers through Autobytel's four demographically-distinct consumer brands."

Hernandez brings 15 years of advertising sales and management experience to Autobytel. Prior to joining Autobytel, he served as vice president, western media sales for EngageMedia, aa online advertising network with web properties such as MotorTrend, FastCompany, Zagat, FHMUS and USNews.

Autobytel Inc. has 30 automotive manufacturer accounts on its advertising client roster. In addition to further developing these relationships, Hafer and Hernandez will strive to capitalize on Autobytel's audiences to grow and diversify its advertising client base, both within and without the automotive vertical.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc., an Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing and CRM (customer relationship management) programs. Autobytel Inc. owns and operates the websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a provider of automotive marketing data and technology. Serving approximately 6,700 subscribing dealers and 29 international automotive manufacturer customers, Autobytel Inc. is a syndicated car-buying content network, reaching over 4.5 million monthly visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions.