I think you missed my point.
When scanning thru SRPs (Search Return Pages) IF a thumbnail visually seperates itself from the others, then higher CTRs are expected (merchandising 101).
Speaking of stock shots, I can think of no manuf'er that sells its iron in a sterile & featureless white room. If your thinking of "evox shots" you won't find any on ebay and they have 1/2 the background in a dark grey.
My example was this:
Search returns 10 results
8 of them are "everyday" shots with varied angles but can tell it's an actual shot of the car.
1 of them is a very nicely done shot with all white background. -Customer skips it because it looks to similar to a stock photo, while it "sticks out" it looks too much like a stock photo to generate a click.
1 of them is a very nicely done shot in front of the dealership wihth minimal background distractions. -Customer clicks this one because the car isn't covered in snow or a dark shadow AND because it looks "real".
My point was simply that I feel like there is a fine line between presenting a vehicle to look it's best and making it look too good that people don't feel its an accurate representation or what have you...
This is just my opinion, and I don't work at a large dealer group selling new cars so it could be out of left field for most/some.