Auto Trader Bolsters Digital Portfolio with New iPad App

    LONDON, ENGLAND, July 13, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Auto Trader, the UK's most popular motoring website, released a dedicated app for iPad following a 133 per cent rise in traffic from iPad devices to Auto Trader's website and iPhone app over the last six months (November 2010-May 2011). Based on the media consumption habits of iPad users the app was designed as a completely new way to browse Auto Trader.

Revolving around an image-led interface, fully utilising the iPad's large touch screen, the app makes comparing and browsing for cars as intuitive and visually appealing as possible. Tapping to view specific vehicles will start a media-rich experience with images, descriptions, and calls-to-action, including maps, dealer website links and contact details.

A new 'Garage' function has also been implemented, enabling users to easily compare vital information on their shortlisted vehicles, such as performance and economy rating. This also makes full use of the touch screen, allowing users to simultaneously compare up to four different makes of new cars like a new BMW or drill down to a specific model like a new BMW Series 3 or used cars depending on users preferences in their garage - either showing the summary details in a grid format, or drilling down into the technical specifications. Other features include a 'Browse Bar' that allows users to navigate and jump to a point in the search results based on essential car-buying criteria, such as mileage, location or price.

The aesthetically driven iPad app occupies a unique space in Auto Trader's burgeoning digital portfolio, complementing the comprehensive Autotrader.co.uk and Auto Trader Mobile - encompassing Autotrader.mobi, iPhone, Android and Nokia apps - which are designed to be used on-the-go and are increasingly being used as a buying aid on car forecourts. With Autotrader.co.uk reaching 10.8m unique users in March 2011, and Auto Trader Mobile now receiving over 1.2 million monthly unique users, Auto Trader's digital strategy aims to understand emerging user needs in the exciting and growing touchscreen tablet space to drive similar growth on the iPad.

"Our iPad app provides a new way of experiencing Auto Trader to enhance the search for your next car," said Nick Gee, Director of Mobile at Auto Trader. "While our website and Auto Trader Mobile are both incredibly successful platforms, our main objective was to redefine the experience for the iPad, providing opportunity to consume the UK's largest collection of used cars in a totally new way. We recognise that iPad users can happily use either the website or the iPhone app, but simply repurposing those platforms wouldn't take advantage of the iPad's potential. We're delighted with the end result, have many more great ideas, and will continue to improve the experience based on the feedback we receive."

A full video guide of the app can also be found on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnK_OoBOM0E

About Auto Trader:

Visit the new website at www.autotrader.co.uk.

Autotrader.co.uk is the UK's no 1 motoring website, with over 10.3 million monthly unique users, who carry out over 106 million searches on new and used vehicles*. The brand is building a competitive position across all effective channels including online, mobile and magazine. (*Source: Auto Trader Audit, January 2009).

Autotrader.co.uk is owned by Trader Media Group, one of Europe's largest specialist multi-media groups and provider of market leading websites and their associated magazines, including Top Marques, Bike Trader, Truck & Plant Trader, Ad Trader, Motorhome and Caravan Trader, Farmers Trader - all with the largest reach in their sectors, through web visitors and magazine readership.

Trader Media Group operates in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa. The Group is looking to expand on its winning formula: giving trade customers the opportunity to choose all effective channels to market; building the service and relationship with dealers and manufacturers; and strengthening its portfolio of automotive and specialist classified titles.

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