Auto Trader unveils Deal Builder

Auto Trader has made its omnichannel solution Deal Builder available to all FCA authorised used car retailers on a trial basis.

The solution enables buyers to set up and complete most of the purchasing journey online, including part-exchange and car finance, before visiting the dealership to inspect, test drive and complete the purchase.

It is now being made more widely available after an extensive an extensive testing phase with more than 1,000 retailers, during which time it was found that twice as many traditional enquiries were converted into full sales, with nearly half (45%) of all generated outside of normal trading hours.

Meanwhile, 74% of dealers said the solution helped to cut administrative tasks, while 57% reported a reduction in haggling over price.

Karolina Edwards-Smajda, Auto Trader’s chief product officer, said: “The automotive industry is going through a period of unprecedented change. But whilst automotive retail is fast evolving, there’s no doubt that omnichannel is the future, where the role of the retailer is more important than ever. For most people buying a car is the second biggest purchase they’ll make, and the support and the physical experience that only a retailer can provide remains essential.

“With so much change all retailers must evolve. We are here to help and Deal Builder highlights our unwavering commitment to help retailer partners deliver a new car buying experience.”