Image: AutoTrader.ca
AutoTrader said it is preparing to launch a redesigned marketplace platform aimed at improving how dealers connect with online vehicle shoppers.
The company announced March 5 that the new AutoTrader.ca platform will roll out nationally this spring following more than a year of testing with dealers and consumers. According to AutoTrader, the update introduces artificial intelligence tools designed to better align vehicle listings with shopper intent and improve lead quality for dealers.
The redesigned marketplace includes a new intelligence layer called DemandAI, which analyzes more than 50 vehicle attributes and over 30 shopper intent signals to determine how listings are ranked and matched with potential buyers.
“We recognize that car shopper behaviour is evolving quickly. Discovery today looks very different than it did even a few years ago, and Canadians expect the experience to be as intuitive and flexible as the technology they use every day,” said Jody Gill, Chief Sales Officer at AutoTrader, in a statement.
“The new AutoTrader marketplace reflects that shift by meeting consumers where they are and leveraging AI to power more relevant connections between buyers and sellers. For dealer partners, that means smarter demand allocation, improved inventory performance, and a clearer line of sight between marketplace investment and revenue outcomes,” he added.
The platform overhaul also introduces a new dealer dashboard designed to give retailers greater visibility into listing performance and marketplace activity.
“This represents a major step forward for our brand and platform,” said Justin Re, Chief Product Officer at AutoTrader, in a statement. “Developed through more than a year of consultation, testing, and refinement, and backed by the work of over 300 engineers, product leaders and designers, every enhancement is driven by a single goal — creating a more relevant and intuitive journey for car shoppers, enabling dealers to turn buyer demand into opportunity.”
AutoTrader has also simplified its dealer offerings into three packages: Go, Smart and Pro. The idea is to scale marketplace visibility and performance based on dealership needs.
