Press Release

May 28, 2020

• 3 Minute Read

TRADER Corporation launches industry-first Digital Retailing solution on AutoTrader.ca marketplace

The digital automotive solutions provider is the first leading Canadian marketplace to bring a completely integrated digital retail experience to dealers and consumers

TORONTO, ON – May 28, 2020 – TRADER Corporation, Canada’s leading digital automotive solutions provider, announced the launch of Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca, the most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Working in conjunction with the Motoinsight MotoCommerce platform, the new digital retailing solution is the first of its kind to offer online transaction capabilities on a major Canadian automotive marketplace. Dealers can now provide customers with the ability to seamlessly build and complete transactions online within marketplace listings and, for the first time, Canadians will be able to purchase a car on AutoTrader.ca.

While there are a portion of consumers who still seek an in-person dealership experience, a recent survey of AutoTrader.ca marketplace users revealed 41 per cent are interested in purchasing a vehicle online, indicating a growth in desire to conduct more of the car buying process digitally. Additionally, 61 per cent of users said they would be interested in the ability to purchase vehicle accessories online. With the online automotive marketplace ranking the highest among resources used by consumers for research, Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca synergizes the car shopper experience to usher in a new wave for the automotive industry.

“In response to recent circumstances that have accelerated interest in completing more of the car buying journey online, TRADER has made it a top priority to focus on innovating and adapting our offering to help dealers respond quickly to evolving consumer needs,” says Jill Hadfield, Chief Product Officer at TRADER. “This first of its kind advancement in automotive digital retailing on a major Canadian automotive marketplace represents an exciting step forward in the future of car buying, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution in Canada.”

In the first phase of the launch, 150 Canadian dealers are currently utilizing the AutoTrader.ca digital retail integration features including:

• A “‘Build My Deal’ button allowing customers to enter the MotoCommerce platform directly from the dealer’s vehicle details page to configure pricing, review accessories and protection plans, complete trade-in appraisals, apply for financing, and lastly deposit and finalize agreements.
• A ‘Buy Online’ badge on search results page listings, to drive awareness with buyers that the dealership offers an online vehicle purchasing option.
• A ‘Buy Online’ identifying badge and a ‘Buy This Vehicle’ widget on vehicle details pages adds an additional layer of awareness for each retailer’s digital offering.

Dealership sales representatives and product specialists can meet customers at every stage of the purchase process, in order to provide a transparent, seamless, and personalized experience that mirrors the in-dealership experience. Customers needing to pause a transaction can resume exactly where they left off across multiple channels including the AutoTrader.ca marketplace, the dealership’s website, or in the showroom.

In the second phase of the launch, Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca will be made available to dealer partners nationwide. For more information, or to join the waitlist to activate digital retailing for your dealership when it becomes available, visit go.trader.ca/DigitalRetail.

The launch of the digital retail functionality on the AutoTrader.ca marketplace represents the company’s focus on innovation and excellence in digital transformation. In early April, the organization released the Remote Selling Suite, a toolkit filled with intuitive features making it easier for dealers to conduct business remotely and engage the millions of Canadians searching for cars on AutoTrader.ca during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital Retailing on AutoTrader.ca is the latest addition to a robust portfolio of digital offerings that underscore TRADER’s ongoing commitment to guiding dealers and consumers through this new era of car shopping.

About TRADER Corporation

TRADER Corporation is the leading digital marketing partner for Canadian automotive retailers and manufacturers. With over 19.2 million visits a month and more than 5 million mobile app downloads, TRADER’s largest automotive marketplaces – AutoTrader.ca and AutoHebdo.net – are the #1 source for all things automotive in Canada. The company offers retailers and manufacturers access to a robust audience of new and used car shoppers, best-in-class digital advertising, website and software solutions, and rich data insights. TRADER Corporation is the first to offer a completely integrated digital retail experience for consumers and dealers on a major Canadian automotive marketplace. For more information, visit: go.trader.ca. Follow TRADER on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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For further information:

Gage Knox

gage.knox@wearecoop.ca

647-537-7017

Jessica Huynh

jessica.huynh@wearecoop.ca

647-985-5378