AutoTrader.com Launches Dynamic Display Advertising; Puts Control in Dealers' Hands
AutoTrader.com, an Internet auto classifieds destination and marketplace, on July 2 launched
a brand new advertising service for auto dealers utilizing its popular online classifieds site. Dynamic Display Ad (DDA) provides participating dealers the chance to create their own Web-based, full-page multi-vehicle color display ad that links from their vehicle listings on AutoTrader.com, and in the near future, from other locations such as the dealer's Web site or a unique URL.
The new advertising service is a cost-effective
alternative to conventional print ads and a way to enhance online listings that benefits both dealers and consumers, according to Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com. DDA is designed to help dealers promote specific vehicles, generate more leads and move inventory quickly, while providing consumers a greater selection of vehicles, targeted specifically to their preferences, Perry said.
Now, when a visitor to AutoTrader.com locates a particular vehicle, they can click on the DDA "see our specials" link where they will be able to view up to eight other vehicles via a full-page online advertisement. The most
significant feature of DDA is its ability to react to consumer preferences by dynamically changing the featured vehicle specials based on the type of vehicle searched for on AutoTrader.com. For example, if a consumer looking for an SUV clicks the "see our specials" link, the DDA will also return eight other SUVs that the dealer wants to promote and that may also be of interest to the consumer.
"We have been tracking consumer activity for three years, both on AutoTrader.com, as well as within the more than 1,000 Web sites we host for
dealers and we've observed that most consumers go directly to the inventory and specials pages," Perry said. "The DDA moves our dealers to the next level of Web merchandising by making
these specials easily available for consumers."
In addition to reacting to consumer preference, the DDA also includes a series of color photos, a coupon section, detailed vehicle information and dealer contact information. Consumers can also choose to view the dealer's entire inventory or link to the dealer's own Web site.
According to Perry, DDA also provides dealers with the power and convenience of updating their online ads with new information, anytime and as often as they choose, through a recently released version of AutoTrader.com's AdManager software, which enables dealers to change and edit their listings on a near real-time basis. This allows dealers to reduce their dependency on costly, high-maintenance and static dealer Web pages for merchandising their inventory and provides them with more flexibility in tailoring the delivery of their messages themselves.
Over the next few months, the DDA will evolve from its current form by allowing dealers to have unique URLs for their DDA(s). Future plans also include adding additional services related to the car buying process, including a credit application and a loan calculator.
"In its current form and with the upcoming enhancements, DDA is an essential tool that helps dealers leverage the power of online classifieds to maximize their Web presence. In addition to promoting a dealer's entire inventory, it provides dealers with insight into what consumers are looking for. It's the
perfect way to target each shopper with a wider selection of vehicles that meet their need," Perry said.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, more than half of auto shoppers are researching cars online before buying. As a result, auto dealers are investing larger percentages of their advertising budget on the Internet. Recent research conducted by AutoTrader.com shows that 80 percent of auto dealers view online classifieds as a valuable tool for their business, as the Internet continues to have a significant impact on the auto industry. Among
these dealers, AutoTrader.com says it was viewed as the number one brand for delivering quality leads at a lower cost.
About AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com is the Internet's largest auto classifieds marketplace and a comprehensive main source for consumers interested in buying or selling a new or used vehicle, or seeking information on price comparisons, safety
tips, financing, insurance or warranty information.
Through its strategic alliances with Trader Publishing Company, ADP, Inc., America Online and eBay, AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location a database of 1.5 million vehicle listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000
private owners, which, according to AutoTrader.com, provides consumers the largest selection of used vehicles in their local market.
AutoTrader.com was created in 1997 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc., an operator of wholesale auto auctions since 1945. Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of media conglomerate Cox Enterprises, Inc., is AutoTrader.com's principal
stockholder and a key investor along with Landmark Communications, ADP, Inc., eBay, Inc, and the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
For more information, visit
www.autotrader.com or call (404) 269-7359.
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