Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader have announced a collaboration with Experian that aims to improve the car buying and selling experiences through enhanced vehicle history reports. The partnership will integrate Experian’s AutoCheck® vehicle history reports into Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader vehicle listings, further solidifying their role as trusted resources for automotive consumers and dealerships.
Experian’s AutoCheck reports will now be available on all eligible listings on both Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. The centerpiece of this initiative is Experian’s AutoCheck Score, a proprietary feature offering a quick snapshot of a vehicle’s predicted reliability. By simplifying complex vehicle history data into an easy-to-understand score, the AutoCheck system empowers shoppers to assess a car’s value and condition at a glance. For dealerships, this means providing a more compelling case for their inventory, driving higher engagement and ultimately increased sales conversions.
“With proprietary auction data and backed by Kelley Blue Book, the No. 1 trusted automotive brand for shoppers planning to buy in the next six months, dealerships can gain the edge they need to better buy and sell inventory,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president, consumer solutions, at Cox Automotive. “Our clients and consumers will have detailed information to make informed car-buying decisions which, given the current market, is more important than ever before. Increased transparency leads to more confident and informed shopper decisions, and ultimately, more leads for dealers.”
Driving Sales
Experian’s data showcases the effectiveness of vehicle history reports. Free reports on Autotrader listings can drive 44 percent more lead conversions compared to competitors, according to internal analysis. Research-intensive purchasing decisions are the new norm. Consumers already rely on a mix of price comparisons, evaluations, and history reports to ensure they’re making informed investments.
“Researching and comparing vehicle listings is a critical step in the used car buying experience. Nearly every in-market shopper scours every ounce of information available to help them choose the right vehicle,” said Robert Granados, president of Experian Automotive. “By joining forces with Kelley Blue Book, we’re able to put information about a vehicle’s history directly into the hands of more consumers. Now, in-market shoppers will have more transparency when buying a vehicle and feel more confident in their choice.”
Dealership Improvements
Beyond providing a boost for buyers, dealerships can also benefit from the improved reports. AutoCheck’s detailed records help vehicles stand out in a crowded marketplace, providing essential information that aids in appraisals and comparisons with similar models. This not only builds shopper trust but also streamlines the car-buying process, reducing hesitations and boosting sales confidence. Dealers are then able to efficiently engage and convert potential leads.
The introduction of AutoCheck reports aligns with growing demand for transparency and full disclosure in automotive sales. As the market continues to move towards a dependency on digital platforms, vehicle history reports are essential for building trust in online transactions. Cox Automotive and Experian continue to adapt to these shifts, ensuring they meet consumer needs in a digital-first world.
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