Autobytel Inc., an Internet new car buying service has rolled out its new vehicle "street" pricing guide, Estimated Market Price (or EMPTM), across all of its websites: Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and Autosite.com. The new EMP research data provides the average selling prices - what buyers have actually paid at dealerships - for hundreds of popular new makes, models and trim levels. Fair market pricing information, like that provided by EMP, has been identified by online car shoppers as among the most sought after, and currently least found, categories of automotive information. In fact, 96 percent of participants in a recent Autobytel online survey feel EMP will enhance their ability to get a fair price during their next vehicle purchase.

"MSRP and invoice pricing are useful benchmarks for consumers, but they don't necessarily reflect the real world," said Autobytel president and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "For example, a hot new model will almost certainly end up costing more than MSRP, while a less popular model can often be purchased for below invoice. EMP provides the elusive information that consumers really want to knowæwhich is, how much, on average, is this car really selling for at dealerships? What can I realistically expect to pay?"

EMP was developed by Autobytel Inc.'s vehicle data and content division, AIC (Auto Information Center). It is based on real-world sales data gathered directly through the financing and insurance software system used by thousands of dealers nationwide. This data is factored in with current market conditions and information about dealer incentives and profit margins to provide a market-sensitive average selling price for every trim/series level available on hundreds of popular new makes and models.

According to another Autobytel customer survey, a car buyer's perception that he or she is receiving a "fair price" is the single most significant factor in the decision to buy. According to Schwartz, EMP should have a significantæand positiveæindustry impact, not only because of the sheer size of Autobytel's online audience, but because of how far along these consumers are in the car-buying process. "Once again, Autobytel is changing the way cars are bought and sold. By bridging consumer and retailer price expectations, we're helping to create a more efficient, enjoyable experience for both car buyers and car sellers."

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc., 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.