Keyloop and Autotrader are stepping up the integration of their systems and data to publish, reserve and remove data from the online marketplace in real time through a deeper integration with Keyloop’s Vehicle Hub inventory system.
The two technology businesses are combining inventory data, vehicle specifications and valuations to reduce manual administration and improve the accuracy of new and used car adverts.
Keyloop said dealerships using Vehicle Hub report 33% faster conversion of sales enquiries and that the integration is intended to help both individual dealerships and larger multi-site groups manage higher volumes of online stock without relying on spreadsheet or file uploads.
Stock updates move in real time
A vehicle can be listed on Autotrader as soon as the required information, photographs and other visual assets have been confirmed within Vehicle Hub.
If its status changes to under negotiation, the advert will remain visible but new enquiries will be blocked. This is intended to prevent multiple customers attempting to buy the same vehicle while a deal is progressing.
Once a car is recorded as sold, the advert will be removed automatically, reducing the risk of stale listings and duplicate enquiries.
Sales teams will retain visibility of each vehicle’s status throughout the process, while dynamic search tools can be used to allocate premium Autotrader advertising positions to in-demand stock.
Harvey, chief revenue officer at Keyloop, said: “This collaboration is more than the exchange of data; it will help deliver more dynamic consumer journeys and ensure dealers are better able to meet customers’ expectations for speed and accuracy.
“Together with Autotrader, we’re helping retailers and OEMs drive faster turnover, create richer listings driving engagement, and improve campaign ROI; all with the goal of enabling smarter inventory turnover, meeting the pace of their growth ambitions.”
Richer data supports pricing
Vehicle Hub users will gain access to Autotrader’s Vehicle Data, including standard equipment and optional factory-fitted specifications, alongside its vehicle valuations.
The integration is intended to reduce the need for dealership staff to check and rekey vehicle details across several systems. More precise specification data could also help dealers price individual cars more accurately and better explain differences between apparently similar stock.
Ian Plummer, chief customer officer at Autotrader, said: “In such a fast-moving market, retailers need accurate vehicle data, trusted valuations and the ability to act quickly when stock or pricing changes. Delays, duplication and inconsistent data can cost retailers time, margin and customer confidence.
“Our Vehicle Data gives retailers a comprehensive view of each vehicle, from standard specification and optional factory-fit features to vehicle history, helping them create better quality adverts faster and price each vehicle more accurately to its exact specification.
“By making that data and our market-leading Valuations available through Vehicle Hub, this collaboration will give retailers easier access to the insight they need within the systems they already use. Combined with real-time synchronisation, it should help them reduce manual admin, improve advert accuracy and respond faster to changing market conditions.”
Vehicle Hub forms part of Keyloop Fusion, the company’s platform for managing customer enquiries, vehicle sales, aftersales and retention.
Keyloop said its software is used by more than 70% of the UK’s 200 largest dealer groups by turnover.
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