Autobytel.com's 'Cash-for-Clunkers' Tool Reveals 10 Models Likely Headed for Automotive Graveyard

Launched nearly a month ago in anticipation of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), Autobytel's 'Cash-for-Clunkers' tool is experiencing significant early activity as consumers flock to see if their current vehicle qualifies. Analysis of the robust site activity reveals that the models most likely to be headed for trade-in are in the Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Jeep lines - with Detroit's Big Three models representing all of the top-ten models likely to be traded-in slots. The Ford F-Series tops the list with Ford Explorer, Chevrolet C/K/Silverado, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Ram rounding out the top five. Ten-year-old vehicles and older (model years 1997 through 1999) are showing the most early trade-in investigation, with heavy evaluation spread across all model years from 1996 through 2001. Predictably, SUVs are displaying the most intense amount of evaluation activity, followed by pickups, vans, and then passenger cars.

"Even before CARS launched on July 24th, consumers were busy evaluating their current vehicles and researching their next vehicle with our easy-to-use tool - and it's a clear indication of the powerful demand for this program," said Tim Nelson, Autobytel's Vice President, Website Operations. "All this activity is great news for the auto industry, our country's energy independence, and for cash-strapped consumers - because for every clunker headed to the graveyard, there's that big rebate towards a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle just waiting to be bought and driven off the lot."

How Autobytel's 'Cash-for-Clunkers' Tool Works:

Autobytel designed its 'Cash-for-Clunkers' tool to make the research process easy for consumers and dealers alike, allowing consumers to make sense of the legislation in terms most relevant to them, while also providing new opportunities for dealers and auto makers to access this pent up consumer demand.

-- Consumers visit autobytel.com, click Cash-for-Clunkers, then input their current vehicle's year, make, model and trim into the tool.

-- Using EPA-sourced data, the tool instantly evaluates whether the vehicle qualifies as a CARS trade-in.

-- If the vehicle qualifies, the consumer is presented with a list of all qualifying replacement vehicles, along with the amount of voucher money they can expect if the consumer purchases a qualifying new vehicle. User-friendly filters help consumers narrow their new-vehicle list.

Top Ten Models Seeing the Most 'Clunker Evaluation' Activity:

1. Ford F-Series

2. Ford Explorer

3. Chevrolet C/K/Silverado

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee

5. Dodge Ram

6. Chevrolet Blazer

7. Jeep Cherokee

8. Dodge Grand Caravan

9. Dodge Dakota

10. Ford Ranger

Methodology: Autobytel's automotive analysts reviewed all model years and compiled the list based on the models experiencing the most activity on Autobytel's 'Cash-for-Clunkers' evaluation tool.

CARS

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) legislation, which went into effect on July 24, 2009, is designed to remove inefficient vehicles from the road and spur slumping auto sales. It rewards consumers turning in older gas-guzzling vehicles with vouchers worth up to $4,500 to be applied towards a new, more efficient model. For more information on the legislation, a list of brands qualifying for a trade-in, or to access the 'Cash for Clunkers' tool, click here. As always, before making a purchase please see our disclaimer and check out the official rules at http://www.cars.gov.

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL) is an automotive marketing services company that assists automotive dealers and manufacturers sell cars and light trucks. By connecting consumers to automotive dealers and manufacturers through internet lead referral programs and on-line advertising, the Company provides automotive dealers and manufacturers with opportunities to efficiently market their vehicles to potential customers. The Company purchases from third party sites and generates from its owned websites consumer internet requests, or "leads," for pricing and availability for new and used vehicles as well as for vehicle financing. The Company sells leads primarily to its automotive dealer and manufacturer customers. Leads are purchased from a network of supplier websites, such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book and Yahoo!. The Company owns consumer-facing automotive websites, including Autobytel.com(R), Autoweb.com(R), AutoSite.com(R), Car.comsm, CarSmart.com(R), CarTV.com(R), and MyRide.com(R), that provide consumers with information and tools to aid them with their automotive purchase decisions. In addition to advertising opportunities on its owned websites, the Company provides advertising opportunities for automotive manufacturers and other automotive advertisers through the Company's marketing network, which includes the automotive sections of third party co-branded websites operated by the Company and the Company's AutoReach advertising network.

SOURCE: Autobytel Inc.

Media Relations Contact: 
Autobytel Inc. 
Crystal Hartwell, 949-437-4755 
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