Auto Trader launches iPhone App

The leading site for Car Dealers and Motor Traders to sell vehicles in the UK - Auto Trader, has launched an iPhone App. The expansion of Auto Traders digital offering to the ubiquitous Apple device will expand the reach of Auto Trader across the UK and have a positive impact on Motor Traders who upload their stock.

Since it's release in 2007 the iPhone has become the 'must have' smartphone across all age groups. For Car Dealers the opportunities to harness the mobile platform to display and sell their vehicles directly to customers should not be missed. From a Motor Traders perspective the critical factors in attracting potential customers in this new arena, are common sense: Ensure the vehicle details are comprehensive and accurate and that there are several photos of the vehicle, taken in good light which display the vehicle inside and out. Within the iPhone App potential purchasers are offered a link to call the seller with one touch, or view the dealers website - which presents an excellent opportunity for Motor Traders to make the sale.

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Motor Traders switch to online marketing

In a recent survey of two hundred car dealers in the UK, the top 3 marketing methods are all internet generated (Promotion of vehicles on their own websites, being coming out top). There has been a pronounced shift away from traditional media to get customers buying cars.

Car dealers have also confirmed the success of the vehicle scrappage scheme. With 53% of dealers experiencing improved sales compared to the first half of 2008. The improvement of car sales is even more pronounced for used vehicles, with 75% of dealers seeing improvements in this sector.

This improvement is all the more remarkable, with the reduction in marketing spend; 77% of dealers have reduced their marketing budgets. The Traders that are doing well in the current market, are those who have switched their focus to small hatchbacks, superminis and family cars. Those who are struggling have a business model based on 4x4’s or luxury cars as many buyers are carefully considering their choice of vehicle.

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Used Vehicle values rise for 7th Month

The average prices of used vehicles continues rise, based on reported figures at UK vehicle auctions. The figures continue to rise despite the introduction of the government backed vehicle scrappage scheme for new cars.

Average values rose by over 2% in May, this was a 5.7% increase on the same period for 2008. Motor Traders welcomed the news and reflect the demand for used vehicles within the current ecomonmic climate.

The figures are particularly welcome news for the trade, as this is traditionally the quietest time of year for car sales. This suggests that the prices are resilient and the used car sector will continue to provide strong demand, both in car dealerships and auctions.

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Motor Traders resilient despite the recession

In a recent survey of Motor Traders in the UK, over half were confident of their businesses position despite the tough economic conditions. Less than one in four had immediate fears about their ability to continue to trade and only 8% were considering leaving the Motor Trade voluntarily.

A significant number of Car Dealers sited the issues with gaining finance for both their customers and the businesses themselves as an ongoing issue. Although 70% of the respondents saw an increase in their used car business, which has gone some way to alleviate the issues with new car sales.

However since the introduction of the vehicle scrapping scheme last month in the budget, the balance is set to return to a more equal balance within the industry. The incentive of £2,000 to trade in your older vehicles is expected to drive sales of new cars.

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Used car values are on the up

Good news for the hard pressed Motor Trader, used car prices are on the rise. Used car dealers are reporting strong used car prices, due to an increase in demand. This demand is a direct result of the weak demand for new cars. Dealers are reporting an increase of £500 for 3 year old vehicles so far this year.

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The CAP black book indicates that there is strong movement in used vehicle prices. Industry insiders said that for used vehicles the footfall in to dealer showrooms and sales were at their strongest for 2 years. However in a cautionary note - the economic downturn will continue in 2009 and dealers should make the best of strong sales whilst the opportunity lasts.

Areas of the market that performed very strongly, were 4x4's and the small executive car sector. Both these areas saw an increase of over 5%; very much against the current economic trend.