Autobytel Inc. , provider of auto-industry online consumer leads and marketing services, recently announced via its MyRide site that its vehicle price quote and dealer selector platform will power LendingTreeAutos.com, the recently-launched car-buying portal of online lending exchange LendingTree LLC.

“This is good news for car-buyers and dealers alike, said Autobytel COO Mark Garms, in the announcement. It provides new opportunities for both by connecting millions of in-market consumers with an expansive and highly qualified network of auto retailers. Through the power of Autobytel’s online automotive expertise and LendingTree’s proven, consumer-friendly financing tools, car buyers will have access to compelling financing offers and a convenient car purchasing process, while auto dealers will have the opportunity to serve a greater number of in-market consumers.”

The agreement is an extension of a long term marketing relationship between Autobytel’s Car.com Special Finance Program and LendingTree. Now, in addition to helping LendingTree customers with their car purchases, the new agreement includes opportunities for Autobytel’s dealer network to offer financing options to premium credit customers from LendingTreeAutos.com, as well as to credit-challenged car-buyers through the Car.com Special Finance Program.

Read this PDF to learn more about the Car.com Special Finance Program and what it offers auto dealers.

In addition to auto financing which has recently reached the 25 million mark for loan requests, LendingTreeAutos.com provides consumers with a dedicated channel to manage the entire car-buying process – from researching makes and models, to making a purchase from a local dealer. The Autobytel engine allows LendingTree customers to request a vehicle price quote and be instantly matched by zip code and vehicle type with a member of Autobytel’s nationwide network of automotive dealers.

We have questions, and calls in to all involved. In a struggling auto industry economy, why the move to yet another national auto search site? Is this focused primarily on finding borrowers? And with a partnership with Expedia, why not choose its AutoCheck product for vehicle history rather than CarFax? We’d also like to know how large a part of incremental dealer revenue are the credit-challenged buyers provided by Autobytel’s Car.com, other online resources, or as walk-ins. We’ll update you as we know more.