Gumtree and eBay will operate as one business after merging to offer car retailers exposure across two platforms when listing vehicles for sale.

Gumtree this week claimed to be the fastest-growing classifieds marketplace for motors in the UK, with six million users a month visiting the site’s Motors offering, while 3.7 million users a month visit eBay to look for a new car.

As well as gaining access to the joint marketing power of the two classified listing providers, car retailers are set to benefit from a host of add-on features, including vehicle history checks and all new showrooms for the eBay platform, following the partnership deal.

Matt Barham, general manager of Gumtree UK, said: “Our customers have been crying out for a value alternative to other players in the industry, and we have listened to their feedback to provide the perfect place to grow an automotive business.

“Our new-look motors proposition provides added value to dealers thanks to far-greater advertising efficiency.

“We are completely committed to the success of our all our dealers and are confident this will increase their chances of making a sale; whether they have 10 cars or 5,000.”

A statement announcing the Gumtree Motors partnership with eBay today said that the new joint platform would offer three packages with “add-ons for all budgets”.

Customers will be able to sign up to the new offering from today with a promotional price and a guaranteed price freeze for 12 months, while existing customers will have the option to sign up to the new offering from today, it said.

The statement added: “The merger with eBay is a natural progression for Gumtree following the success of the relaunch of its Motors category in late 2016, which brought greater choice and flexibility to dealers of all sizes with tailored listings and advertising solutions.

“Gumtree is now the fastest-growing classifieds marketplace for motors in the UK, and responses to adverts on the site has increased by 30%.

“Gumtree Motors has experienced a record numbers of visits and new listings each week, as well as a 50% growth each month in bigger dealers listing their stock on the site. 

“Gumtree Motors together with eBay is the latest embodiment of the new verticalisation strategy recently adopted by Gumtree’s parent company, eBay Classifieds Group.”