IRVINE, Calif. –- Car.com Inc., a subsidiary of Autobytel Inc., reported that its finance leads tripled in the first nine months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The company said this benefits dealers by providing access to customers who are ready to buy, but may have been prevented from securing loans through conventional lending sources.

"With a broader segment of the buying public hindered by poor credit scores, financing is becoming a bigger barrier to buying," said Jack Lintol of Car.com.

Car.com forwards online credit questionnaires completed by consumers directly to a local dealer. Online customers willing to submit a credit application tend to be serious buyers, according to Car.com.

"As sub-prime customers represent a bigger piece of the car-buying pie, Internet-based auto financing will become an increasingly crucial lifeline," said Lintol. "Generation of finance leads is another way that Autobytel is driving incremental, efficient business to dealers."

Brant Rogers, general manager of Mission Automotive in Cincinnati, said Internet finance leads are the most productive marketing source for his dealership. "Our dealership is currently bringing in approximately 200 finance lead customers a month through Car.com," said Rogers. "That is double the number from a year ago."