TRADER Corporation launches new Remote Selling Suite to help Canadian dealers immediately mobilize online operations amidst COVID-19

Remote sales tools allow dealers to facilitate customer interactions digitally in response to unprecedented market conditions

TORONTO, April 2, 2020 /CNW/ - TRADER Corporation, Canada's leading digital automotive solutions provider, today launched the Remote Selling Suite, as part of its continued commitment to supporting Canadian dealers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to arm dealers with the tools they need to adapt to the rapidly evolving automotive retail landscape, the Remote Selling Suite enables dealers to carry out everyday sales operations online via the autoTRADER.ca marketplace, while complying with nationwide social distancing practices and provincial closures.

The new digital suite roll-out arrives on the heels of the company's recent plans to reduce prices on all autoTRADER.ca marketplace products by 50 per cent through April and May, in effort to provide dealers with greater financial flexibility during this uncertain time.

"Dealerships across the country are encountering a need to shift elements of their operations online," says Jill Hadfield, Chief Product Officer, TRADER Corporation. "We are dedicated to helping our partners successfully navigate this transition with access to best in class remote sales tools that will help dealers bridge the gap and create meaningful connections."  

TRADER's Remote Selling Suite includes a toolkit of intuitive features that allows dealers to bring the dealership experience to customers at home, with new offerings to be added in the coming months. The following are available today to dealer customers:

• Reserve It! – An inventory tool that allows dealers to offer customers the ability to reserve a vehicle by placing a credit card deposit, until they can arrange for a safe pick up or delivery. Reserve It! also provides insights on the engagement level of digital shoppers on dealership inventory.
  
  
• OTL Events – A dedicated area within the Vehicle Details Page where dealers can highlight their ability to help customers shop remotely, such as up-to-the-minute information about current dealership policies in light of COVID-19.
  
  
• Real Time Chat – A personalized chat platform that gives dealers a dedicated channel to connect with customers directly from their mobile and desktop inventory listings and share video walkthroughs showcasing the interior and exterior of the vehicle in real time.

Dealers who are interested in learning more about the Remote Selling Suite can visit go.trader.ca/RSS for more information or to sign up today.

About TRADER Corporation
TRADER Corporation is the leading digital marketing partner for Canadian automotive retailers and manufacturers. With over 19.2 million visits a month and more than 5 million mobile app downloads, TRADER's largest automotive marketplaces – autoTRADER.ca and autoHEBDO.net – are the #1 source for all things automotive in Canada. The company offers retailers and manufacturers access to a robust audience of new and used car shoppers, best-in-class digital advertising, website and software solutions, and rich data insights. For more information, visit: go.trader.ca. Follow TRADER on Twitter and YouTube.

SOURCE TRADER Corporation

Gage Knox, [e-mail], 647-537-7017; Jessica Huynh, [e-mail], 647-985-5378