IRVINE, Calif. -

Autobytel recently promoted one of its staff members to managing editor of its primary website to head up the overall editorial direction and add exclusive articles, videos and reviews.

Chosen for this position was Michelle Naranjo, who already was involved with the Autobytel.com redesign, serving as a production editor.

Autobytel highlighted Naranjo has more than 10 years of editorial and managerial experience in the automotive industry. The company mentioned Naranjo’s knowledge and passion were established at a young age through her family’s love of cars and the racing industry.

Naranjo affectionately proclaims that “the front door of one of my childhood homes was painted to match one of our cars.”

Autobytel noted her personal interest and love of the automotive industry led her to work with numerous related companies, including eBay Motors and Mota.The company believes Naranjo established herself as a clear voice in the industry under the pen name, Miss Motormouth.

As Miss Motormouth, Naranjo covered many aspects of the industry, including consumer interests, OEM activity, dealer issues and service providers.

Naranjo also is a weekly panelist on the popular podcast, The RoundAbout Show, host of MingleMediaTV.com’s weekly Web show and founder and host of the Open Line Show for AutolineDetroit.TV.

Naranjo plans to continue to host these shows but now as managing editor of Autobytel.com.

“Michelle’s automotive expertise and editorial direction will be the foundation for all of our consumer content efforts and offerings for Autobytel.com,” stated Jim Helberg, executive vice president of Autobytel.

“Michelle, as the managing editor, strengthens Autobytel’s commitment to the consumer. I believe that she can and will deliver both a unique and comprehensive product to the consumer, unlike any other in our industry,” Helberg continued. “As the brand that created the first independent consumer-facing auto site, we take great pride in our heritage, but more importantly, we have aggressively set out to reset expectations for today’s Internet-savvy shoppers.”

Naranjo declared, “I am excited to expand my work with Autobytel. The company pioneered car buying on the Internet and will be leading the way again with the new website. I am thrilled to be part of the ‘new’ Autobytel and am as committed as the company is to being a consumer’s lifetime automotive advisor and ensuring that our content reflects that promise."