Autobytel Appoints Chief Operating Officer

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2016 -- Autobytel Inc. (NASDAQ:ABTL), a pioneer and leading provider of digital automotive services connecting in-market car buyers with dealers and OEMs, has promoted Executive Vice President William Ferriolo to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer.

Autobytel CEO Jeff Coats commented: “As we approach the end of the quarter, we continue to realize strong demand from our dealer and OEM customers, and our commitment to providing high-quality leads and clicks remains. Further reflecting this commitment, we’ve promoted our Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer, Billy Ferriolo, to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Billy has proven himself as an exceptional leader and is a vital contributor to our executive team.”

Tax Benefit Preservation Plan
At December 31, 2015, the company had approximately $88.2 million in available net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The company's Tax Benefit Preservation Plan ("Plan") was adopted by the company's Board of Directors to preserve the company's NOLs and other tax attributes and thus reduce the risk of a possible change of ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Any such change of ownership under Section 382 would limit or eliminate the ability of the company to use its existing NOLs for federal income tax purposes. Rights issued under the Plan could be triggered upon the acquisition by any person or group of 4.9% or more of the company's outstanding common stock and could result in substantial dilution of the acquirer's percentage ownership in the company. As of October 31, 2016, there were 10,962,330 shares of the company’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding. There is no guarantee that the Plan will achieve the objective of preserving the value of the company's NOLs. For more information, please visit http://investor.autobytel.com/tax.cfm.

About Autobytel Inc.
Autobytel Inc. provides high quality consumer leads and associated marketing services to automotive dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States. The company also provides consumers with robust and original online automotive content to help them make informed car-buying decisions. The company pioneered the automotive Internet in 1995 with its flagship website www.autobytel.com and has since helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and has helped every major automaker market its brand online.

Investors and other interested parties can receive Autobytel news alerts and special event invitations by accessing the online registration form at investor.autobytel.com/alerts.cfm.

Company Contact
Kimberly Boren
Chief Financial Officer
949-862-1396
[email protected]

Investor Relations
Liolios
Cody Slach or Sean Mansouri
949-574-3860
[email protected]