TRADER launched a digital retailing solution on autoTRADER.ca marketplace amid COVID-19 in May.
“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,” said Jill Hadfield, Chief Product Officer at TRADER.
The new solution was announced on May 27, and works in conjunction with the Motoinsight MotoCommerce platform. TRADER said its solution is the first of its kind to offer online transaction capabilities on a major Canadian automotive marketplace.
Specifically, it allows dealers to provide their customers with the ability to seamlessly build and complete transactions online within marketplace listings. It also provides Canadian consumers with the ability to purchase a vehicle on autoTRADER.ca — which is a first for the company.
“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,” said Hadfield.
The first phase of the launch includes 150 Canadian dealers using the new digital retail integration features, which include things like:
- A “Build My Deal” button: this allows 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 to deposit and finalize agreements.
- A “Buy Online” badge on search results page listings: the aim here is to drive awareness with consumers that the dealership offers an online car-buying option.
- A “Buy Online” identifying badge and a “Buy This Vehicle” widget on vehicle details pages: these are meant to add an extra layer of awareness for each dealership’s digital offering.
In phase two of the launch, the solution will be made available to the company’s dealer partners nationwide. More information can be found here.
