Motors.co.uk, Gumtree and eBay have come together under one brand, the eBay Motors Group, and will enable motor retailers to access their broad range of vehicle advertising services from a single point from 2020.
Following eBay's acquisition of Motors.co.uk earlier this year, the new eBay Motors Group brand formally brings together the two teams and combines the expertise of Motors.co.uk staff in account management and automotive classifieds and eBay staff in telesales.
From January dealers will be able to book packages which display their stock across the group's three consumer-facing websites eBay Motors, Gumtree Motors and Motors.co.uk to maximise their online advertising exposure and reach in-market buyers across multiple digital touchpoints in the buying journey, and use a single stock management and response reporting tool.
"Designed to ensure dealers keep pace with customers, whose expectations and shopping behaviours have shifted significantly in the digital era, the eBay Motors Group will combine the best of eBay Motors, Gumtree Motors and Motors.co.uk and its network," said its statement.
Former Motors.co.uk managing director Phill Jones has been appointed head of eBay Motors Group, and Dermot Kelleher is head of marketing.
Marc Robinson, a former Inchcape, Pendragon and Vertu Motors executive who served as Motors' sales director since January 2018, becomes head of sales - field while Michelle Reid, who led eBay's and Gumtree's sales team, becomes head of sales - office.
"In today's digitally-first world of car buying the biggest challenge dealers face is being visible," said Jones.
"Our research shows the average car buying process is 41 days long and spans a number of websites. It is crucial for dealers to be able to reach these consumers at these varying stages.
"The more touchpoints a dealer has with a buyer, the greater the chance of a sale. Ebay Motors Group now represents a larger share of touchpoints across the buying and selling customer journey, with 92% of buyers willing to use at least once site across the group."
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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