Internet automotive marketing services company Autobytel Inc. has been named a finalist in the "Best Automotive" category for the 1st Annual Webby Business Awards, produced and judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

The Webby Business Awards honor companies that excel at using the Web as a mature tool to achieve critical business goals.

Academy judges were particularly impressed by Autobytel's business integration and auto industry scope. "Not only is Autobytel.com filled with useful content, but also it has constructed an integrated business that can generate money on many fronts," reads a released judge's statement. "As a publicly traded company, it appears to have weathered the dotcom storm and will continue to be a major player in this space."

Autobytel's Web sites currently are among the most visited new-vehicle buying and research networks on the Web. In addition to its core dealership customer lead referral business, Autobytel provides automotive marketing and data services for the majority of the OEMs operating in North America. The company is also a provider of dealership CRM solutions.

"It's a genuine honor to be selected as a finalist by the Academy," said Autobytel Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Donchak. "This serves as a testament to our vision and to the hard work of our entire team."

The Academy, which also presents the annual Webby Awards, launched the Webby Business Awards last fall as a separate awards program aimed at recognizing the best business practices online. Spotlighting both powerful blue-chip companies like UPS (Best Cost-Cutting), Sprite Remix (Best Food & Beverage), and Cisco Systems (Best IT & Technical Services) as well as successful upstarts like POM Wonderful (Best Branding & Design) and Orange Exposure (Best Online/Offline Experience), the roster of finalists reveals how companies of all sizes and in all industries have built profits, increased market share, and reduced costs by making the Web a pillar of their business.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc., an Internet automotive marketing services company, says it helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising and CRM (customer relationship management) tools and programs.

The company owns and operates the automotive 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.

Autobytel specializes in dealership lead management and CRM solutions and owns and operates AVV, Inc., a provider of dealership CRM and data extraction services.

As an Internet new-car buying service, Autobytel generates more than a billion dollars a month in car sales for dealers through its services. Autobytel Inc. is also a syndicated car-buying content network, reaching customers as they are making their vehicle buying decisions.