With consumer trends continuing to evolve, the team at TRADER is staying on top of the desires and needs of car buyers across the country. Based on recent research, one thing’s for certain – consumers are looking for online vehicle purchase options today. In fact, 41% of consumers are interested in fully buying a car online, and, the overall interest of online buying tools amongst car shoppers is anticipated to extend and grow well into the future.¹ We’re at the genesis of what’s predicted to be a big shift specific to several stages of the car buying journey.

To synergize the recent change in consumer shopping behavior with online retailing solutions for dealerships, TRADER launched Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca, with over 150 dealer partners. These dealers are the very first to offer this feature for prospective buyers on AutoTrader.ca. The new addition seamlessly integrates into the marketplace through the MotoCommerce digital retailing solution, providing consumers with the ability to build a deal online.

What’s Included?

Each dealer enabled on the AutoTrader.ca digital retail integration receives a ‘Buy Online’ badge displayed on their search results page (SRP) listings, to drive awareness with buyers that this store offers an online vehicle purchasing program. Additionally, the vehicle details page (VDP) displays a ‘Buy Online’ identifying badge, in addition to a ‘Buy This Vehicle’ widget. Consumers can enter the MotoCommerce platform directly from the dealer’s VDP via a ‘Build my deal’ button.

Within the platform consumers can go through the purchase workflow and decide to complete any steps they would like to do online. The steps available for consumers today include:

1. 1. 1. 1. Configure Pricing
         2. Review Accessories & Protection Plans
         3. Trade-In Appraisal
         4. Apply for Financing
         5. Deposit & Finalize the Agreement

Consumers can pick up where they left off, from anywhere and at any time, whether that be online, via the AutoTrader.ca marketplace, the dealership’s website, or in the showroom. The dealership’s sales representatives and product specialists can “meet” the consumer wherever they are in the process, using the MotoCommerce platform, providing a transparent, seamless, and personalized experience. These consumers are engaged in an omni-channel experience, with the added benefits of time saving and confidence resulting from completing the buying process at home.

Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca will be available soon for marketplace customers nationwide. For more information, or to get on the waitlist, click here.

Source: (1) DIG Insights Path to Purchase, March 2020. n=2552.