Autobytel, online consumer leads and marketing resource provider for auto dealers and manufacturers, just reported Q110 earnings.

Its $797,000 net income for the quarter compares favorably with the $357,000 net loss of Q409.  First quarter revenue of $11.8 million was a drop from the $13.9 million reported one year earlier. Revenue from leads referral revenue dropped 12 percent year over year, primarily impacted by fewer active auto dealers, the elimination of affiliates, and Toyota recalls. Advertising revenue dropped from $1.7 million Q109 to $1.1 million Q110.

Gross margin grew to 40 percent for the first quarter of 2010, a year over year improvement of 4 percent, and a quarter over quarter improvement of .9 percent.

“We made significant progress against several strategic initiatives this quarter, including stabilizing our dealer base, enhancing relationships with auto manufacturers, controlling expenses and driving positive cash flow,” said Jeffrey H. Coats, President and CEO of Autobytel, in the announcement. “Importantly, we are leveraging enhancements in the fundamentals of our business which are intended to generate further gross margin improvement. We are optimistic about our ability to begin driving top line growth, as the automotive industry continues to show signs of recovery and Autobytel continues to offer new and inventive products and services that help auto dealers and manufacturers sell more new and used cars.”

Autobytel Inc., provider of online consumer leads and marketing services to the auto industry, recently announced the re-launch of its Email Manager program. The Email Manager upgrade is specifically designed to help auto dealers easily, consistently and cost-effectively interact with today’s car-buyer across an ever-lengthening purchase cycle.

“Communicating with today’s less-decisive car-buyer first, faster and longer is critical to closing a sale, said Mark Garms, AutoBytel COO, in the announcement.  “This is why Email Manager’s enhancements are specifically customized to help our dealers communicate and stay-in-touch with prospective car-buyers from the moment they ‘raise their hand’ online and throughout today’s lengthier purchase cycle,” .

The new Email Manager includes completely redesigned and automated email campaigns to increase consumer open rates and responsiveness and to directly reach the inbox of the target consumer. In addition, earlier and more frequent communications over a full 90-Day period, starting at Day 5, have been incorporated into the product.

How Email Manager Works:

    * Campaigns are automatically deployed on a 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 day cycle, from the date the customer first submits a Purchase Request.

    * Each email is dealership-branded and customized by vehicle type and by the consumer’s position in the buying cycle.

    * Each email covers issues relevant to the car buyers (vehicle information, trade-ins, lease vs. buy, safety features, etc.).

    * Dealers are instantly alerted by email when a customer clicks on the email campaign.

    * Dealers are provided with detailed reports on consumer activity.

In addition to Autobytel.com, the company’s network of automotive sites including Autoweb.com, AutoSite.com, Car.comsm, CarSmart.com,, CarTV.com,, and MyRide.com.