A Message from AutoTrader to Dealers

[Mike Keesee]

So i'm sitting here this morning, going through my daily emails and hoping to learn more about what is happening in todays automotive world and I give tons of credit to Jeff and Alex, their efforts in bringing to light the underlying issues. I just forced myself to watch that Auto Trader.com video, from Mr. Chip and Mr. Alan. Their line reading skills need work and the only thing I can remember from the video is that they are reducing staff and spending 3x the money in advertising.

ATC is on blast here a lot huh?

I have a great rep and her manager is great too. My numbers are very similar to what Alex said in his post. But, i'm going to take everything I can get right now, and to lay to rest the "ATC consumers walk in the door too!" My suggestion is to list your ad that gives a discount on the vehicle if they print something from ATC and bring that in with them. Perhaps that may help?

Ok back to work!

 

[Glen Garvin]

Another great DR conversation. I read this again and again before now finally commenting. A lot of good opinions are expressed here and I've been dealing closely with ATC since they became ATC. I can speak directly that they have recently relaxed some of their rigid standards to become more dealer focused on accepting video content without trying to strong-arm the third party providers... a welcome change! Hopefully, this is an example of a new face of ATC.

Lets assume the once-arrogant ATC organization is truly working on redefining itself. If so, I wish them well in that monumental task. It has taken a long time to sell a message at change at some of our Dominion companies, namely Dealer Specialties. In our case, that task has been very difficult to overcome the experience that a particular dealer had with one rep taking poor photos or perhaps a poor technological reputation. While we offer many DIY tools and some great technology, the reputation still hangs there with some people. So that task will not be an easy one.

I think the bigger, long-term concern for ATC is the consumer experience. As a consumer, my experience is lacking - having to scroll through all the premium placed ads, for instance. That is an issue that they really need to spend some time on!

 

[mikesayre]

Hey Glen, ur right on.
We should go do that one greek diner in monroe and talk some more
-Sayre

 

[JS]

Boring video. Now back to work. We canceled with AT.com, before they fired the fluff stuff staff.