What is Auto Trader Connect and why is it important for my business?

Last week (week commencing 1st November) we unveiled our all-new stock management solution that will be made available to all our retailer partners in the coming weeks. Read on to find out more about this solution and why it’s a game changer for retailers.

What is Auto Trader Connect?

Connect is an industry first stock management solution that enables you to share advanced vehicle data, between systems in real-time.

It allows you to create and manage stock from a single platform. So, if you add a new vehicle, or update an existing advert these changes will automatically be applied to your key sales channels, such as your website or Auto Trader. You’ll also have access to our advanced vehicle data in real-time, ensuring vehicle specifications are as accurate as possible, making the advert creation process quicker and easier.

Connect puts the power of real-time data in your hands. Your systems will sync automatically with Auto Trader’s data, providing you with accurate adverts and eliminating the frustrating wait for daily feeds to update.

What problems does Auto Trader Connect solve?

Auto Trader Connect was created to increase efficiency for our retailer partners, whilst improving the consumer experience when searching for vehicles online.  

Over the years, we’ve listened to retailer frustrations about having multiple systems to manage stock, caused by 2 major problems. Firstly, the time it takes to re-key data and keep stock feeds up to date. And secondly, the use of multiple systems increasing the risk of error and inconsistencies between systems. This happens more often than it should with inaccurate data causing almost half (45%) of retailers to have inaccurate vehicle specifications and descriptions.

These inaccuracies also impact how consumers view vehicles in comparison to similar vehicles in the market, leading to the possibility of missed sales and lost revenue. Outdated stock feeds also lead to vehicles being displayed as available for sale, when in fact they’re sold, causing a significant amount of frustration among consumers.  This not only dents the reputation of the retailer but also the reputation of the wider automotive industry.

Auto Trader Connect can remove these inaccuracies and eliminate the need for daily data feeds by integrating with your 3rd party system providers. Giving you access to advanced vehicle data in real-time.

How can I access it?

If you’re looking to get started with Auto Trader Connect, you can request access here. The date in which access will be available is dependent on your website and stock management provider. We’ve got over 40 partners and counting committed to deliver this service and you can find out which providers have agreed to integrate with us here.

The solution will be available in all Starter, Standard, Enhanced, Super and Ultra advertising packages from next year, with early access from the 1st December. However, you’ll need to request access and your 3rd party providers will need to be integrated in order to benefit.