Autobytel.com
, which connects car shoppers with dealers via the Internet, said on Monday it launched a nationwide program to sell cars directly over the Internet.
The new real-time program offers an online inventory of thousands of vehicles, instant pricing, trade-in options, financing, insurance, and home delivery.
It was announced at the annual convention of the National Automobile Dealers Association here.
"With AutobytelDIRECT, click-and-buy is a reality, making buying a car at Autobytel.com as easy as buying a book at Amazon.com," said Autobytel Chief Executive Mark Lorimer.
Consumers can search Autobytel "virtual" car lot, choosing make, model, series, engine, transmission and colour.
In most states, Autobytel`s dealers will pay fees ranging from $100-$300 on completion of a sale, depending on the gross selling price of the vehicle. "By placing actual inventory online, complete with up-front `street` pricing and detailed vehicle information, we put control of the purchasing process directly in the hands of consumers," Lorimer said.
Autobytel said it sells about 50,000 vehicles per month.
Shares of Autobytel.com closed down 1/2 at 12-1/16 on Nasdaq on Monday.
Share