1:48 pm, January 30, 2014
NEWS UK has launched a new advertising portal called Sun Motors. The site – which is currently in beta testing – is live and can be viewed here.
The classified advertising website follows on from the launch of Driving.co.uk powered by The Sunday Times.
The fact News UK is launching a second advertising portal – to rival the likes of AutoTrader.co.uk and Motors.co.uk – is an interesting move and one which will shock many in the industry.
The site currently displays more than 31,000 cars, considerably less than more established rivals, but an impressive starting point.
What’s more, with daily newspaper publicity from The Sun – a title which reaches more than 6.7 million people a day and is read by 13.2 per cent of the adult population – it’s likely the site could gain traction quickly.
Sun Motors says: ‘Welcome to the new Sun Motors website, the UK’s No1 site for used car sales and the best motoring journalism.
‘We’re listing 1,000s of used cars from trusted dealers throughout the UK. And we’ve developed a new way of searching for your perfect car at a perfect price.’
The site goes on to say that in the next few weeks the inventory of cars will ‘increase considerably’ and explains that is currently in a ‘beta phase’ for testing.
With big names like Jeremy Clarkson and Ken Gibson writing for the site, content is likely to be key to attracting users.
The used car search function on the site promises ‘ease of use’
Sun Motors says dealers will be offered a range of advertising options to suit different budgets. The site looks impressively laid out and offers a number of different search options too.
David Dinsmore, Editor of The Sun, said: ‘Echoing The Sun’s brand and world-class motoring content, Sun Motors is completely in tune with our readers. Consumers want to know they can trust the information supplied about a used car and Sun Motors is a one-stop-shop where they can read informative reviews and seek expert advice before parting with their hard-earned cash.
‘Unlike other classified ad sites the fully-responsive new website means you can use it on your mobile, tablet or desktop.’
We’re sure a few rivals will have something to say about that last comment, but we’ll move on…
Like sister site Driving.co.uk, The Sun says it will offer a pay on performance model, where dealers will only pay for qualifying leads delivered via phone, email and Live Chat. There will also be a free introductory period until May 31.
Jim Murray-Jones, general manager of News UK Automotive, added: ‘We will be offering users an impressive range of vehicles and, at the same time, giving dealers a chance to boost sales with access to the 12 million people who read The Sun every week.
‘With an already established online platform, vast loyal readership and global motoring expertise, The Sun is perfectly placed to enter into the classified car market.’
READ MORE: The man behind Sun Motors talks exclusively to Car Dealer
What do you think of it? Is there room for another entry into this market? Let us know by tweeting @CarDealerEd or commenting in our forum below.
Editor’s blog: The arrival of Sun Motors is a good thing
