Auto Trader has secured an exclusive partnership with Oodle, the online classifieds marketplace and operator of Facebook Marketplace, to allow its dealer customers to integrate their stock to the social networking website.

The co-operation potentially opens up dealers to 26 million Facebook users in the UK.

The announcement is an integral part of a new social media offering that Auto Trader is making available to its 12,000 automotive trade customers.

Jonathan Williams, Auto Trader director of e-marketing, said: “Marketplace helps our customers to reach the vast Facebook user base. It’s a great platform for car dealers to reach a huge and engaged audience.”

Duncan Dunlop, Oodle general manager, said: “Marketplace, both on Facebook and Oodle, provides a social platform for car buyers and sellers to come together.

“Buyers not only see tons of great car listings, they see the people behind those listings – whether that’s a business with a Facebook Page or a person with a Facebook Profile – and can easily discuss and share listings with their friends.”

Under the terms of the agreement only Auto Trader advertised vehicles and Facebook user postings are included in the ‘vehicle’ section of Marketplace, offering Auto Trader’s trade and private advertisers exclusive access to these significant user volumes.