Motors has relaunched Cazoo as a used car marketplace and will be the lead brand as part of its network.
Motors, eBay, Gumtree and Parkers will all remain as part of the group’s marketplace network, but due to its level of brand recognition, Cazoo will be the flagship as the business looks to challenge the UK market leader Auto Trader.
Cazoo was acquired by Motors in June 2024 after the business fell into administration in May the same year.
While the brand is well known in the industry for failing as a used car retail disruptor before it went bust and was sold, the Cazoo brand does have huge recognition with consumers through television, digital and sponsorship advertising with high profile partnerships with Premier League football teams like Aston Villa and Everton, as well as the PDC World Darts Championship.
Cazoo’s reincarnation as an online marketplace follows on from the launch of the Cazoo mobile app, which went live in July last year and has now be downloaded by over 400,000 people.
The Cazoo branding has been refreshed “while retaining its instantly recognisable features”.
A real challenger brand
Barry Judge, Motors chief executive, said: “This is a new start for the Cazoo brand which is now a dedicated marketplace.
“For the first time, there is a real challenger brand in the sector giving dealers more choice and a credible alternative for their vehicle advertising.
“Cazoo is one of the most recognised automotive brands by consumers in the UK, which is why we wanted it in our portfolio.
“We are turning it into a car buying destination of choice and a powerful advertising platform for our dealer partners.”
Judge said the new Cazoo website has been created “from a clean sheet for dealers and buyers” and combines Motors’ 17 years of experience in the sector with the technology to drive consumer leads directly to automotive retailers.
Cazoo added to multisite packages for free during launch phase
Dealer customers with multisite advertising packages through the Motors network will be able to have their vehicles listed on the new Cazoo marketplace for no additional cost during the “launch phase”.
This will allow dealer customers to test out the new Cazoo markerplace, while also ensuring car buyers have immediate access to used car stock from over 5,000 retailers.
Motors will be updating the Cazoo site with “new web, app and tool enhancements over the coming months”.
The company has also said it will be committing to “sustainable investment in marketing to drive audience reach and dealer leads”.
Judge added: “The average person visits at least four websites on their car buying journey.
“With Cazoo as the flagship brand in the Motors network, we can leverage its strong consumer recognition and high awareness to supercharge our entire marketplace strategy.
“This is a significant step in Motors’ long-term vision to challenge the market leader and establish a true alternative for dealers, built on value and partnership.
“By accelerating lead generation and dealer growth, we will create a stronger, more competitive advertising platform for dealers.”