IRVINE, Calif. -

This week’s acquisition by Autobytel of a mobile communications provider will offer dealers and auto manufacturers a new way to connect with consumers.

Autobytel on Monday announced its purchase of Advanced Mobile LLC, a provider of mobile communications services designed specifically for the automotive industry.

As a result of the acquisition, Autobytel said it will offer OEMs and dealers the ability to connect with consumers using a preferred method of text communication, via a secure platform that protects consumers’ privacy.

Autobytel will also offer dealers a comprehensive suite of mobile products including apps, websites, Send2Phone capabilities and text message marketing.

Advanced Mobile, founded in 2006 and based in King of Prussia, Pa., markets a full range of advanced mobile technologies that facilitate communication between dealers and car buyers on smart phones and tablets when and where the customer prefers.

This platform will be the core of an array of mobile services Autobytel will offer to its dealer and manufacturer customers, and will also be available to consumers through Autobytel’s websites.

“Last year, more than 326 million U.S. wireless subscribers sent more than 2 trillion text messages, or more than 171 billion per month,” said Jeffrey Coats, president and chief executive officer of Autobytel. “We believe that the explosive growth in smartphone 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.

“This acquisition enables us to offer the industry the mobile resources it requires to successfully communicate with car buyers in a preferred manner,” Coats said.

“We expect the technology and team built by Advanced Mobile to be an important asset to Autobytel and to its dealer and manufacturer customers, allowing them to capitalize on the new frontier of mobile. Adding these new and innovative mobile technologies to the high-quality leads we deliver to customers — internally generated leads that convert to sales at roughly three times the estimated industry average — will help manufacturers and dealers sell more cars, more efficiently.”

Bret Dunlap, president and CEO of Advanced Mobile, added, “We created Advanced Mobile to help clients cultivate a mobile eco-system to drive their businesses forward. We believe that our extensive suite of products and industry experience is highly valuable to auto dealers and manufacturers who are seeking the greatest possible returns for their marketing investments.

“Our goal of helping clients sell more cars is completely aligned with Autobytel’s, and we look forward to continuing to help our customers realize the full benefits of mobile technology.”

The initial consideration for the acquisition was $2.5 million in cash, Autobytel reported. Advanced Mobile may earn up to an additional $1.5 million in contingent payments based on the revenue and gross profit performance of the acquired business over a three-year period commencing Jan. 1, 2014.

Dunlap will join Autobytel as senior vice president, Mobile, and was granted an option to acquire 88,641 shares of Autobytel common stock at an exercise price of $7.17 per share. The option will initially vest based on the revenue and gross profit performance of the acquired business over the next three years and then on Dunlap’s time of service with Autobytel.

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