Our AI-powered ecosystem
Transitioning from a traditional listings
marketplace into an active, AI-native
platform powered by Autotrader Intelligence.
By combining our unique proprietary data with AI through Autotrader Intelligence, we're delivering workflow improvements and new tools for retailers, enhanced experiences for consumers, whilst further strengthening our competitive position.
Nathan Coe
Chief Executive Officer
Moving towards a smarter,
more automated future
Growing AI capabilities
We believe the shift in AI capability over the next few years will be as big if not a bigger technology transition than the internet, mobile, big data, cloud and machine-learning. The products we are building today provide a long runway for us to provide an even richer experience for car buyers, better tooling for retailers and better tooling for our colleagues, enabling us to improve our ways of working. We are well positioned to do this with a technology stack that already has examples of these types of products at scale today.
Changing consumer behaviour
Consumer behaviour is changing, with increased use of conversational chat interfaces powered by LLMs. We expect this trend to continue, with AI taking on more of the buying experience for many goods sold online. Whilst this change presents some risk, car buying is a high-value, multi-step and often regulated process, where each vehicle is unique and changes daily. We see opportunity to provide seamless pathways into real-time vehicle results through efficient and effective integrations with AI assistants and agents.
A significant opportunity to shift the dial
Built to deliver at scale
Our growing data science and analytics community is supported by longstanding research partnerships with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester, focused on Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models. Our platform incorporates proprietary Artificial Intelligence and machine learning models, trained on extensive consumer, vehicle and retailer data to deliver greater accuracy and consistency than general-purpose LLMs alone. This competitive advantage is underpinned by years of technical integrations, including vehicle checks, retailer finance offers and manufacturer production systems, alongside valuable UK-specific data that goes far beyond publicly available vehicle listings.
Powered by Autotrader Intelligence
We have built Autotrader Intelligence, transitioning us from a listings directory of 450,000 vehicles into an active, intelligent AI platform. Built on scalable cloud architecture, Autotrader Intelligence combines bespoke integrations, decades of proprietary data, with 57 specialised AI models and another 17 in training. Over time Autotrader Intelligence will be embedded across every stage of buying, selling and managing vehicles in the UK. By simplifying complex workflows for consumers, retailers and manufacturers, the platform will drive confidence, efficiency and ultimately, improved outcomes for all. We currently expect the required investment going forward will be self-funded, ensuring consistency in our long-term margins.
Key AI driven products delivering the change:
Co-Driver
Automating vehicle descriptions and vehicle highlights for retailers, as well as image tagging, ordering and optimisation.
Deal Builder
Connecting with customers who are ready to buy, while making the process easier, faster and more effective for car buyers and retailers.
Buying Signals
Identifying high-intent leads and buying preferences, allowing retailers to prioritise those buyers that are most ready to buy.
An active,
intelligent platform
13
AI driven “I’m looking for” categories added into search to help consumers find more vehicles
1.9m
Descriptions generated
using our AI-powered
Co-Driver tools
80m
Visits directly linked
to targeted advertising
An active,
intelligent platform
Delivering better AI-driven tools for car buyers, retailer customers and vehicle manufacturers.
Car buyers: embedding Autotrader Intelligence directly into the consumer experience
Our latest innovations are enhancing vehicle discovery and valuation through AI-powered search, ChatGPT integration, personalised recommendations and more relevant search results. AI-generated vehicle highlights, independent valuations and richer imagery and descriptions through Co-Driver help buyers make more informed decisions.
Retailers: transforming our Retailer Portal into
an AI-native retailer operating system
Our retailer solutions optimise inventory, power digital platforms through APIs, and improve buyer conversion through Deal Builder and Buying Signals. AI-powered Co-Driver tools boost productivity, with 86% of retailers using them since launch, generating 1.9 million descriptions and 700,000 smart image re-orders.
Vehicle manufacturers: providing a measurable, high-attribution sales channel
Autotrader Intelligence will simplify new car comparisons by bringing cash, PCP and PCH finance options together in one place. It will also enhance OEM advertising by helping brands target in-market buyers and measure campaign performance through resulting leads.
01
Car buyers
02
Retailers
03
Vehicle manufacturers
Market reports
Learn more about how our AI-powered products
are shaping the way vehicles are bought and sold,
and influencing the wider automotive ecosystem.
Generating value
Maintaining a robust value creation model for driving growth and succeeding in the strategic delivery of our purpose.
Read MoreOur strategy in action
Bringing together our three strategic priorities to deliver the best, data-driven digital retailing experience for our consumers and retailers.
Read More
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