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IRVINE, CA; June 21, 1999 -- A recent survey by Opinion Research Corporation shows that Internet users and car buyers recognize Autobytel.com (Nasdaq: ABTL) ahead of all other names among online car sites.
According to the poll, Autobytel.com was the most recognized online auto buying and service site among the following categories: 1) all U.S. adults, 2) all Internet users, 3) key demographics for new (25-54) and used (18-44) car purchasers, 4) Americans who have used the Internet to make a purchase of any type in the past 60 days, and 5) Americans who have purchased a vehicle aided by the Internet over the past year.
In addition, the survey shows that among the 12 percent of Americans who have visited an online car-buying service, Autobytel.com was the most visited car-related site by nearly a two to one margin.
"As consumers are offered more choices on the Internet, only the most recognized and respected brand names will stand out," said Mark Lorimer, Autobytel.com's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The advantage to having earned the leadership position in the early stages of this market is that we can leverage the Autobytel.com brand not only to attract the most consumers, but to expand our business by attracting the best partners and the premier auto dealers as well."
According to Evan Schwartz, author of Digital Darwinism and Webonomics, "The most valuable Web brands - including Amazon, Autobytel.com, Etoys, E*Trade and Yahoo - are not product brands. They are a brand for a complex set of services - solutions - that help people cut through the clutter and perform a series of tasks. These are brands that stand for solving problems."
The specific findings from the survey include:
- Autobytel.com is the seventh most recognized e-commerce brand in the U.S. Other ranked brands include Amazon.com, eBay, Priceline.com, E-Trade, E-Toys and CD Now.
- Autobytel.com leads online car-buying services in brand name awareness among all U.S. adults and among all Internet users.
- Of the 12 percent of Americans who have visited an online car-buying service, 44 percent have visited Autobytel.com, compared to 22 percent to the nearest competitor.
- Of Americans who have purchased a vehicle in the past year aided by the Internet, Autobytel.com has 43 percent awareness.
- Among key demographics for all new (25-44) and used (18-44) car purchasers, Autobytel.com leads online car-buying services with 17 percent brand awareness.
- Of Americans who have made a purchase on the Internet in the last 60 days, 31 percent are aware of Autobytel.com, compared to 16 percent for the nearest competitor.
- 17 percent of all Internet users have used an online service to aid in purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the past year.
- 45 percent of U.S. adults currently use the Internet at home or at work.
The telephone study of a nationally projectable sample of 1010 adults, 18 and over, was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation International, Princeton N.J., and sponsored by Autobytel.com.
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