IRVINE, Calif. -

Online marketplace Autobytel revealed today it hit a benchmark milestone at the first quarter of this year came to an end.

The company celebrated surpassing more than one million views to its YouTube Channel, which was launched in mid-December of last year.

“The popularity of Autobytel’s YouTube channel demonstrates the quality of and demand for the company’s experienced editor’s video reviews of new cars,” company officials noted.

And the launch of the YouTube Channel wasn’t all the company changed last year.

“In a renewed effort to offer enhanced consumer content, Autobytel redesigned its website last year, and hired editor-in-chief Michelle Naranjo to include exclusive editorial content including new car reviews, vehicle sneak peeks and industry insights. Autobytel videos are part of the effort,” officials explained, highlighting the evolution of the company through 2011.

In a matter of three months, Autobytel’s YouTube channel has amassed 1,176,524 video views, 1,579 subscribers and 2,279 likes, the company reported.

Just what does the channel feature?

On top of new-car reviews, Autobytel’s YouTube channel also offers auto show coverage, industry interviews, concept car videos, test drives, road tests, track testing and in-depth technical videos.

“As Your Lifetime Automotive Advisor, Autobytel’s goal is to offer the consumer the most comprehensive automotive information available,” said Autobytel president and chief executive officer Jeffrey Coats.

“Our one million YouTube view milestone underscores our commitment to providing the consumer with the automotive content they want, the way they want it. Whether it is written reviews or video, we have a wide variety of exclusive automotive information developed specifically for consumers either in the market to purchase a car or if they are just browsing,” he continued.

Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief of Autobytel.com, chimed in, saying, “We believe people like our hands-on, personable editorial approach“The Autobytel video team has developed more than 200 videos, and will continue to test, drive, comment and share valuable automotive information with consumers."