Peter Watts has left Auto Trader and joined its rival automotive classifieds company Motors.co.uk

Watts joins the Manheim-owned business as director of dealer insight.

He was recently brand director for franchise and supermarkets at Auto Trader, and his 30-year experience in motor retail included the role of group operations director at Randles Motor Group.

At Motors.co.uk, Watts will work alongside sales director Mark Hammond.

This news comes as the Motors.co.uk network celebrates record market share, with 4.1 million unique visitors in July 2015 according to Comscore, up 70% year on year, it said.

Phill Jones, recently appointed as managing director of Motors.co.uk, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Peter into the Motors.co.uk business at this exciting time.

"He brings a wealth of dealership and digital experience which will ensure that we continue to deliver great products and service that will help our dealers sell cars more efficiently.

“We’re investing in Peter, just as we’re investing in product innovation, network partnerships and above the line marketing to benefit our advertising dealers.”

Watts said: “I’ve been impressed by Motors.co.uk’s progress within the industry over the past two years and I believe the business has tremendous solutions for dealers.

“I’m looking forward to helping the business to develop and position tools and products that meet its core mission; to help dealers sell more cars by ensuring their customers have an engaging experience online and offline.”