12 product developments we’ve introduced in the last 12 months to make buying and selling vehicles easier
New fuel types, new brands, new ways to buy, and new ways to sell – the UK automotive market is changing rapidly. With these changes come new opportunities for anyone buying and selling a vehicle. That’s why we’re always working to help you quickly adapt to and embrace these exciting opportunities. Here are 12 product developments we’ve introduced over the last 12 months to make buying and selling easier.
Better data, improved insights, more powerful advertising…
You now have access to the most accurate, insightful Auto Trader market data yet, plus even more powerful advertising tools. With all this at your fingertips, you can remove inefficient processes and avoid unnecessary costs.
1. AUTO TRADER CONNECT
Efficient retail is underpinned by efficient technology
Auto Trader Connect gives you live access to Auto Trader’s market-leading data and technology, enabling better-connected buying experiences and improved operational efficiency.
Auto Trader Connect - Retail Essentials
Advanced vehicle data, shared between systems in real-time
Last year we made Auto Trader Connect - Retail Essentials available to all retailers as part of core advertising packages. This enhanced service replaced outdated feed and export technology, offering richer data and faster connectivity to meet evolving consumer expectations. Today, over 130 technology partners have a live or in-progress integration supporting around 5,500 retailers.
2. ENHANCED VIN SPEC DATA
Super-powered vehicle data
We're enhancing the data we use to define and categorise vehicles. Working with an increasing number of leading manufacturers, we are able to provide automatically selected enhanced VIN Spec data for cars on our platform. With this powerful data, describing a car’s optional extras 100% accurately, to the exact specification it left the factory with, will take just a matter of seconds. This will provide retailers with huge time savings and ensure they’re maximising margin by pricing the correct vehicle based on optional specification.
3. AUTO TRADER VALUATIONS
Buy & price with a view of the live retail market
Auto Trader Valuations provide the most comprehensive view of live market pricing across retail, trade and part-exchange applications. And they’re now even more refined with the addition of enhanced VIN spec data and condition rating for cars, helping you to source and price with increasing confidence.
These latest enhancements, alongside the development of future valuations, is driving demand from insurers and finance lenders such as AVIVA and LV who see increasing value and accuracy in using live market data to underwrite risk and forecast future values.
And we're already accelerating into the future…
Bringing more of the buying journey online
Buying a vehicle has traditionally been an in-person process. With buyers now wanting to do two-thirds of their buying jobs online, we're building our digital retailing proposition enabling you to achieve all its benefits on a massive scale through our marketplace.
4. DEAL BUILDER
We're building the best omnichannel experience for both buyers and retailers to build deals anywhere, anytime.
Enabling buyers to purchase anywhere, anytime
We're building the ability for buyers to do as much of the process online as they want. They'll be able to part-exchange, apply for finance, reserve and arrange the handover, all with their chosen retailer in one simple, seamless experience. Our visual tips and tools will help guide them through the process. And the technology we build will enable you to effortlessly pick up the deal wherever they left off. A true omni-channel experience.
Enabling retailers to sell vehicles around the clock
With consumers wanting to complete more of the buying journey online, you’ll be able to sell vehicles, acquire part ex’s and get finance agreements even when you’re closed. We're building this new way to build deals into Portal for customers who manage stock there. Plus, we’ve got plans to make these services available through the Auto Trader Connect platform, bringing you better-connected buying experiences whether customers choose to buy on Auto Trader or your website. Creating huge opportunities to save money and drive operational efficiency for your business.
5. MARKET EXTENSION
Sell anywhere, nationwide
The exciting Market Extension product gives every retailer the power to sell anywhere nationwide. This creates even greater choice for buyers across the UK, whilst unlocking a new way for you to grow sales and market share.
6. SELLER PROMISE
Extra confidence to buy online from you
Our research shows that buyers need to be given extra confidence for them to do more online. That's why we're trialling Seller Promise, a commitment from the retailer that every vehicle comes with a warranty, full quality checks and a money-back guarantee. Giving buyers the trust and assurance they need to make their decision.
7. FINANCE SOFTWARE
Simpler, smarter finance tools
We'll enable buyers to apply for finance (with you) online to get approved from the comfort of their home, saving time and hassle at the forecourt. And by integrating directly with lenders, we're simplifying the process for you and eliminating re-keying across multiple systems.
8. DISPLAYING VAT
Clearer VAT status for commercial vehicles
It’s important for many LCV buyers to know the VAT status of the van in order to make a purchase decision, that’s why we’re improving the way the VAT status of commercial vehicles is displayed on site to make it more transparent for the buyer. We’ve already refined the way retailers add this information to their adverts, and it will soon begin benefitting van buyers in search to make the buying journey more seamless.
Accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles…
Whilst the government may have set a deadline of 2030 to ban all new ICE vehicle sales, consumer demand for EV’s is growing rapidly right now. And that demand means the impact will be felt by the whole industry much sooner than 2030. Our forecasts indicate that a significant portion of available stock will be EV’s as early as 2027. That’s why we’re introducing new ways to help buyers to better understand their EV options and working hard to help you navigate the opportunities.
9. EV RECOMMENDATIONS
Smart electric suggestions
We've added intelligent vehicle recommendations within search results to raise awareness of relevant electric alternatives. This way, people can discover suitable electric cars they might not have considered before.
10. EV RESEARCH HUBS
Better ways to research EV’s
Research hubs are a brand-new way for buyers to search and discover vehicles on Auto Trader. They can find new brands, explore electric vehicle models, and get all the important information they need to make the switch to electric with confidence.
11. EXPERT ELECTRIC REVIEWS
Electric cars, up close
In the past year, our experts reviewed a brand-new electric car every week, so consumers get a fair, detailed impression of their potential future car. Our reviews help consumers get to grips with how electric cars work, as well as how well-suited they are to their lifestyle.
12. CHARGING INFORMATION
Supercharged adverts
Improvements to range and charge time information on adverts make it easier for consumers to understand how electric vehicles work, allowing them to make informed decisions.
Change never stops, and neither does our product development work
Consumer buying behaviour never stops changing. That's why we’ll never stop testing new product developments and improving existing ones. This desire to continually adapt and evolve and not get complacent ensures we continue to deliver the market-leading consumer experience and deliver the highest quality sales opportunities for your business.
Improve your sales performance with the 15 minute Focus-Finder
With all of this change happening so quickly, we understand that it can be hard to find the time to take a step back and prioritise where to focus. But what if we told you that in as little as fifteen minutes, we can help you decide exactly where to focus your energy to drive real business results? To request your 15 minute Focus-Finder, call us on 0330 3039 022 or complete the short form to request a callback. Takes just 10 seconds to fill out.
Let’s keep evolving together
Our teams have launched new products, enhanced existing ones and adapted to the many changes happening across our industry. Change is our DNA. But one thing that will never change is our commitment to empowering you. Because together, we do more.