Autotrader.co.uk set for major relaunch

Autotrader.co.uk, the UK's most used car site, will relaunch this month following an 18-month project.

Publishing director Jim Murray-Jones is working to a deadline of 28
September for the new site, which is currently used by 6.8 million
people a month and about 7,000 car dealers.

Plans are focused on making the new web site suitable for practised car

traders, but also for first-time visitors who don't have a clear idea of

the type of car they're interested in buying.

Other services such as parts and insurance, will be promoted more
strongly, as well as new services such as accessories.

Agency Graphico New Media was appointed earlier this year to develop the
web site after a six-way pitch. It follows usability research last year
with eDigital Research and a subsequent study to test initial designs
through Bunnyfoot Universality.

Trader Media Group, which owns Auto Trader and is part of Guardian Media
Group, is also on the acquisition trail to build its digital
portfolio.

It has purchased CRM business Contact Advantage and 2nd Byte, which
offers tools for car dealers and manufacturers. It has already bought
Ireland's biggest used-car site, Carzone.ie.

The moves aim to boost Auto Trader Digital's second line of business,
which is offering web site and stock management tools to car
dealerships.