ABTLE Autobytel Inc. (MM)

ChannelNet Expands Relationship With Autobytel's AVV to Provide Lead Management Tools to Automotive Retailers MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ChannelNet (http://www.channelnet.com/), the premier builder of multichannel marketplace solutions, has expanded its relationship with Autobytel's AVV, Inc. subsidiary (http://www.avv.com/), a leader in dealership management tools and services, to provide lead management capabilities to automotive retailers. ChannelNet will integrate AVV's Web Control(R) Internet Sales Management (ISM) system as part of the company's suite of automotive retailer solutions, called eRetail Advantage. The addition of Web Control, the top choice of the nation's leading e-Dealers, can help more retailers effectively manage communications with prospects and customers who begin the shopping process on the Internet. Web Control is a complete customer management suite that tracks and enhances communication between the dealership and all customers or prospects -- whether they walk in, phone in, or surf in through the Internet. Web Control accepts sales inquiries from any Web site and automatically routes the email to a qualified dealership representative according to pre-defined criteria. Web Control also handles leads that originate by phone or through a visit to the dealership. Each customer contact point is automatically recorded in the Web Control database, creating a comprehensive, easy-to-track history for every prospect and customer. Based on this information, Web Control delivers scheduled activities through a daily planner and electronic calendar system. Management can also implement follow-up processes so that each sales person communicates with the customer according to a pre-defined contact schedule. ChannelNet will also integrate functionality from Web Control that allows retailers to track, analyze and manage gross profit per vehicle. "Offering Web Control's lead management capabilities naturally extends and complements our suite of offerings for automotive retailers," said ChannelNet CEO and Founder Paula Tompkins. "Retailers receive leads from several different sources. Using the appropriate tools for responding quickly and communicating effectively with these leads results in better customer service, the closing of more sales, and an increase in business." "We're pleased to extend our relationship with ChannelNet in order to reach more automotive retailers with the tools they need to succeed with a car-buying public that increasingly relies on the Internet for information," said AVV Vice President and General Manager Dan Vogel. "Web Control's lead management capabilities are recognized in the industry as some of the best tools available." This expanded relationship builds on an agreement ChannelNet and AVV entered in August to enable the posting of aggregated inventory on the Web sites of single and multi-franchise automotive retailers through AVV's Auto Download Service (ADS) product. ChannelNet's eRetail Advantage program for automotive retailers includes a complete suite of technology-based products and professional services to turn Internet leads into sales. The company's package of turnkey solutions gives retailers the flexibility to create an Internet presence that supports the individual business goals of the retailer while meeting the requirements of the manufacturer. Non-technical users can manage all of ChannelNet's tools from one central, easy-to-use administrative center. ChannelNet already provides comprehensive Internet programs and tools, as well as professional services to more than 5,300 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Volvo dealers and retailers in 29 countries and 10 languages. AVV, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Autobytel Inc. (NASDAQ:ABTLE) About ChannelNet Founded in 1985, ChannelNet(R) (formerly The SoftAd Group) is the premier builder of multichannel marketplaces designed to help global automotive manufacturers and their franchise retailers sell more cars, trucks, parts and service. The company has nearly 20 years' experience supporting automotive sales and marketing processes through the use of interactive technologies for many of the leading automotive brands, including Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW N.A., Nissan Europe, General Motors, Cadillac, and Buick. Since 1995, ChannelNet has acquired an install base using its technology and services of more than 5,300 automotive retailers worldwide. The privately-held company is based outside San Francisco in Mill Valley, California, with offices in Detroit, Michigan. For more information about ChannelNet and its solutions, visit http://www.channelnet.com/. DATASOURCE: ChannelNet CONTACT: Sharon Greenspan of ChannelNet, +1-415-289-5140, or ; or Rose Maciejewski, +1-310-479-9929, ext. 127, or , for Autobytel/AVV Web site: http://www.avv.com/ Web site: http://www.channelnet.com/

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