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July 13, 2006 08:10 AM US Eastern Timezone
Autobytel's CarTV Announces Programming Lineup as It Celebrates 2nd Anniversary; Pioneering Automotive Video and Podcasting Site Comes of Age with Mix of High-Energy, Pro-Consumer Automotive Programming
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 2006--Two years ago Autobytel's CarTV (Nasdaq:ABTL) set out to transform online car shopping from a somber "reading and research" process into a compelling, sensory media experience - in short, to put shoppers "behind the wheel" and in a position to "kick the tires" as they compare brands and models online. Today, as CarTV celebrates its second anniversary, it's come a long way toward that goal, courtesy of a "third season" menu of auto-themed video and podcasts - much of it originally produced - that reads more like a cable TV automotive channel programming slate than traditional automotive web site content.

"The core mission of CarTV is to use online video to educate and empower consumers - to show them the strengths and weaknesses of a car's performance or design, for example, or how to properly inflate a tire," said Autobytel President and CEO Jim Riesenbach. "This pro-consumer use of video is something that's been under-developed on the Automotive Internet."

It's also something that's catching on fast with car shoppers: According to Riesenbach, viewing hours on CarTV increased more than 350% during the first quarter of 2006 versus a year ago.

Since launching with an ad hoc collection of a few dozen video test drives and some guerrilla auto show coverage, CarTV has quickly come of age, with a new 3,300 sq./ft. production studio and a dedicated staff of production/automotive experts. The result is a diverse menu of high-quality automotive programming that includes 300 video vehicle reviews and overviews, special features on new vehicle technology, a weekly auto consumer news desk, exclusive interviews (with celebrities, pro drivers, automaker executives, etc.), hands-on vehicle maintenance/ownership videos, and good old-fashioned auto enthusiast entertainment. ... Here's a quick look at CarTV's current programming lineup:

Test Drives, "First Drives," Crash Tests and Special Features

At CarTV, Autobytel's veteran auto analysts break down what shoppers need to know about the new cars they're considering, using video to show those issues in motion. This includes hundreds of vehicle overviews and reviews that put shoppers "behind the wheel," crash tests that brings static safety ratings to life, and special reports on new vehicle technology and relevant consumer issues.

This week, CarTV is showcasing its original new reviews of the 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser, Pontiac Solstice, and BMW 330xi, as well as the hot new 2007 Audi RS4. The site also offers sneak-peek "First Drives" of the 2007 Dodge Challenger and the Chrysler Imperial concept. New crash test videos include the Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Ford Crown Victoria and Five Hundred, and Chevy Impala. Also this week, on a special CarTV report, the senior VP of research at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety provides an expert overview of ESC (electronic stability control) - how it works, and how it can save drivers from crashes (particularly fatal ones).

CarTV News - News Car Shoppers Can Use

CarTV's original weekly news-desk-format show reports the news, trends and events that matter to in-market shoppers - from late-breaking vehicle recalls, debuts, drops and incentive plans, to special reports on car-buying issues and analysis of industry trends.

Auto Show Coverage - Straight from the Showroom Floor

Looking for objective, expert analysis of all the new debuts and concepts showcased at the Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Detroit and Geneva Auto Shows? Log onto CarTV today, and be among the first to get the inside scoop on the vehicles and vehicle trends of tomorrow. Coverage includes exclusive interviews with automaker re

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You know...they say 2007 Dodge Challenger in this article. You think it's a typo?