Auto Trader has announced a new strategic partnership with vehicle data provider Glass’s which it says will enable the development of new ways to search and present vehicles.
The 10-year contract comes after CAP, which has provided vehicle data until very recently for Auto Trader's valuations service and stock management product i-Control, "re-shaped" its partnership with Auto Trader.
Auto Trader said it continues to use CAP for a number of its products outside vehicle data services.
The classifed motor advertising firm said its aim is to enable consumers to get more relevant search results and to find the car they are looking for more quickly.
“Glass’s has a reputation for working closely with partners to innovate and add value beyond high quality vehicle data,” said Trevor Mather, Auto Trader managing director.
“Both CAP and Glass’s are excellent providers of vehicle data, but slightly different. After careful evaluation we believe that Glass’s is a better long term partner for Auto Trader providing a deeper level of data that will unlock new opportunities to the benefit of both consumers and automotive retailers.
"I believe that some of the most interesting opportunities lie within new search functionality and new valuation services to empower consumers and help retailers.”
A spokesperson at CAP said: "We have re-shaped our partnership with Auto Trader to best reflect a changing commercial relationship.
“CAP continues to work with Auto Trader but, at present, an adjustment of this kind is the best choice for each business in respect of both our ambitions.
“We expect, over time, to deepen our partnership with Auto Trader and expand the commercial relationship between the two businesses to the benefit of all our customers.”
At Glass's, managing director Ed Hummel said the firm was "thrilled" to assist Auto Trader.
Hummel added: “We see the 10 year contract with Auto Trader as a further endorsement of our quality and appeal in the United Kingdom. We are committed to supporting the 13,000 contract customers that currently use Auto Trader and the 4,500 dealers whose websites from now on will be powered by Glass’s.”
As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
Philip Nothard - 28/11/2014 11:59
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