Autobytel.com to Grow

Irvine-based Autobytel.com Inc., an online automobile information firm, will expand into auto services on Monday, the company said.

The expansion had been expected. Autobytel.com and its competitors have long promised to go beyond their initial mission of car-buying referrals and information and offer all manner of automobile services that a driver would want, from acquiring a vehicle to selling it and everything in between.

Autobytel.com’s service center includes automatic reminders of regular maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups, an area to get expert advice on car problems, and a feature which schedules service appointments online.

Currently, only the car dealers in Autobytel.com’s network participate in the service area, but Autobytel.com said it will probably expand its offerings to include other service centers as well. Autobytel.com will likely team up with another firm for its mechanical advice service.