Autobytel Amps Up Mobile Marketing with Advanced Mobile Acquisition

Online auto dealer-consumer site Autobytel Inc. bought Advanced Mobile LLC, a provider of mobile communications services for the auto industry for $2.5 million.

The deal will allow Autobytel to offer direct text marketing services through a secure online platform. Dealers and manufacturers can now communicate via text message with consumers, without the consumer having to reveal their cell phone number. Autobytel says it will also offer a suite of products that include apps, websites, Send2Phone capabilities.

Consumers with cell phones on a car lot can also text a deal number and the platform will text back that car dealer’s offers.

Last year, more than 326 million U.S. wireless subscribers sent more than 2 trillion text messages, or more than 171 billion per month, according to Autobytel.

“We believe that the explosive growth in smart phone and tablet use represents significant mobile communications opportunities, especially for the automotive industry, which has been searching for ways to safely and legally utilize mobile technologies,” said Jeffrey Coats, president and chief executive of Autobytel Inc., in a company release.

Bret J. Dunlap, president and chief executive of Advanced Mobile, will join Autobytel with the title senior vice president, mobile. Dunlap was granted an option to acquire nearly 89,000 shares of Autobytel common stock for $7.17 per share, worth more than $635,000.

Autobytel is a major driver of vehicles sales through the online channel.