• This thread is just the tip of the iceberg.The people ahead of the curve aren't Googling for answers — they're already in here, having the conversations you haven't found yet. DealerRefresh is free.Get the full picture →

AutoTrader.ca looking to sell - Deal Pending?

Updated according to your's and others' comments, Craigh. I wrote this late the night of July 4. I know there are several smaller companies that provide digital marketing services to dealers in Canada -- but from what I understand, ATC is the largest (and yes, I know what it can be debated that what they provide is true digital marketing services) many companies I talk to admit they may say they're in Canada but it's merely lip service -- not enough money north of the border....

I communicated poorly what I intended to say in the article.

BTW, CarGurus is involved in a lawsuit with ATC...
 
Updated according to your's and others' comments, Craigh. I wrote this late the night of July 4. I know there are several smaller companies that provide digital marketing services to dealers in Canada -- but from what I understand, ATC is the largest (and yes, I know what it can be debated that what they provide is true digital marketing services) many companies I talk to admit they may say they're in Canada but it's merely lip service -- not enough money north of the border....
Won't disagree with you on these points, but I do work with 4 or 5 Digital Marketing companies that do automotive focus in Canada primarily.
The difference is that 100 clients in Canada is a big haul, but we're all taking business away from ATC on a daily basis :)

BTW, CarGurus is involved in a lawsuit with ATC...
Yeah, their "come to Canada" strategy was bold... haven't heard the whole story, but I've heard pieces.
 

✨ AI Highlights

DealerRefresh users discuss the sale of TRADER Corporation (AutoTrader.ca's parent company) for C$1.575 billion to private equity firm Thoma Bravo, speculating it was previously expected to be acquired by Cox Automotive. The conversation reveals significant frustration among Canadian dealers with AutoTrader.ca's outdated technology offerings, high pricing (over $1,000/week), and restrictive exclusivity contracts that limit competition and innovation in the Canadian automotive digital marketplace. Emerging competitors like CarGurus are gaining traction by undercutting prices by 90%, though dealers generally still view AutoTrader.ca as the dominant player despite its limitations.

Replies Views 11 5,163 Started Last Reply