As more people embrace mobile as a primary source of information while on the go, with 4.3B worldwide users, mobile presents a natural touch point for AutoTrader to meaningfully engage with customers. AutoTrader is addressing this expanding trend in mobile use by tapping mobilepeople to develop native search applications that will allow users to find vehicles and dealers that meet their specific search criteria. The applications will operate on the iPhone and BlackBerry suite of devices, as well as on standard mobile internet browsers (xHTML). Users of iPhone and BlackBerry will be able to view rich media content about specific dealerships, connect directly with these locations, and plot results on a specially-designed map thanks to mobilepeople’s mapping technology.
“Trader Corporation’s selection of mobilepeople further validates our industry-leading position and firm commitment to providing a highly specialized mobile local search solution to key industries seeking to better engage their customers,” underlines Nahid Giga, vice-president, mobilepeople U.S. “We are looking forward to building mobile applications that will help AutoTrader further extend their brand reach, drive auto dealer traffic, and directly connect with consumers at their natural everyday touch points.”
For dealers, the mobilepeople-built applications represent an opportunity to increase traffic and sales leads from an already active mobile audience. As consumers are drawn in a multitude of directions, AutoTrader’s new mobile local search applications will help connect and drive consumers directly to the AutoTrader dealer network.
“We chose mobilepeople for their innovative combination of mobile applications development skills, proven mobile framework and expertise in consumer experience for people on the go,” explains Normand Théberge, vice-president, business development, Trader Corporation. “Auto Trader customers will benefit from that extended reach that complements our current print and online marketplaces.”
This deal marks mobilepeople’s first venture into Canada and the company’s second major deal in the automotive vertical overall. The announced two-year deal between mobilepeople and Trader Corporation brings together one of the most dominant global players in mobile local search and a Canadian leader in online vertical media in Canada with 160 publications and 20 Web sites covering four product verticals: automotive, real estate, general merchandise and employment. The initial applications will launch in 2010. For more information on mobilepeople, please contact us