Automart improves online offering

The increased functionality has been very well received by dealerships and by buyers, as they can now see a wider range of vehicle options from any single dealership on one site. Consumers can also now liaise directly with dealers on-line.

"For buyers, the advantage of the new initiative is about choice," says Tanya de Bruyn, product manager at Junk Mail Publishing's Automart. "For dealers, it's about having all the benefits of a virtual showroom content-managed by the dealer but with all the traffic provided by a shared on-line platform like Automart. The increased functionality is easy-to-use and adds significant value."

Felix Erken, MD of Junk Mail Group, adds, "The majority of people wanting to buy a vehicle will go online as a first step to research what's out there, to discuss the 'look and feel' of cars with family and friends and of course, to narrow down their options. Many of our dealers tell us that by the time people come into their physical showrooms, they're already at least 50% sure of their purchase. So, certainly a strong, distinctive and accessible on-line presence has become indispensable. The site, which was started in 2004 has experienced growth in its online business of more than 300% per year, with an average of 127,823 unique visitors per month."